A Single Spark

by Beth Portnoy

In a fully rhyming epic poem modern fantasy, an old curse comes back to haunt ancient gods, as modern descendants of mythic heroes' legacies are left to grapple with what it means to be the heirs of heroes when their ancestors' powers and responsibilities return into the world.



Once upon an ancient age,

Epics crescendoed off the page

So return these olden flairs

In a tale of intertwined affairs.

Of ancient stories revivified

And gloried heroes - fresh supplied!



Let your mind absorb - immerse

In this tale of ancient curse.

Mighty strong when it was cast,

With effects to truly last.



Hecate, Greek goddess of magic

May have met her ending tragic

In the era of Olympian prime.

But she is not gone, no. Not this time.



Athena has a destiny to meet.

The fates, empty-handed, she won't greet.



Zeus has made enemies galore

And among those clamoring at his door

Is his overlooked firstborn heir,

Who shall burden justice with due care.



Greek heroes have had their descendants,

Legendary bloodlines with modern defendants.

Things shall not be the same as they were before,

But some may yet grace Hades' door.



Affairs will change, nothing will stay.

Chaos and ruin spread until the day

That Olympus is set to right -

Led by a star, shining and bright.

286 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2025