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Hera: Kingdom of Lies
Rich with betrayal, desire, and divine intrigue, this origin story of Greek mythology told from the point of view of its chief villain weaves gods, nymphs, dragons, sex, lies, and strategy into a fierce new legend. Kingdom of Lies combines the social and political maneuvers of Scandal with the mythic, villain redemption of Circe. Here's what it's
Before the gods came to be.
Before humankind was imagined.
Before Olympus was more than mist on a desolate mountain — Hera reigned.
When the war hero, Zeus, takes power and moves Hera’s statues aside to make room for his own, the queen of heaven must find her place in a new order. At first, drawn in by Zeus’ charm, she quickly realizes she wants no part of life with this petty, egocentric dictator. When she refuses to marry him, what began as seduction becomes a snare. Trapped into marriage, Hera learns that power can still be forged through cunning, seduction, and unexpected alliances. But after she gives birth to the God of War, her influence begins to crumble — and his lust threatens to tear the kingdom apart.
Who is the Goddess of Marriage, if she’s bound to a husband who defiles every vow?
Who is the Goddess of Motherhood, if she’s raising a child, the world misunderstands?
What kind of goddess is she willing to become to protect her people and her child?
Here's what readers are
"Rooted in myth yet pulsing with modern fire, Kingdom of Lies is a reimagining of a classical tale, one that honors a woman’s rage, her love, and the power she claims for herself. A retelling made for contemporary women." — Bobbi Lerman, founder and editor, Scribblers Ink“A classical tale beautifully told, ringing out modern, universal, and feminist chimes.” — Jim DeFilippi, author of Duck Alley, Busting Stones, and host of the podcast Blue Ink and Black Smoke"Jealous, vengeful ....these are the characteristics traditionally assigned to Hera, wife of Zeus. In Kingdom of Lies, Betsy Ellor turns tradition on its head, revealing a woman who, facing heartache and betrayal, discovers the power she holds within." - Susanna Baird, editor Five Minutes
Before the gods came to be.
Before humankind was imagined.
Before Olympus was more than mist on a desolate mountain — Hera reigned.
When the war hero, Zeus, takes power and moves Hera’s statues aside to make room for his own, the queen of heaven must find her place in a new order. At first, drawn in by Zeus’ charm, she quickly realizes she wants no part of life with this petty, egocentric dictator. When she refuses to marry him, what began as seduction becomes a snare. Trapped into marriage, Hera learns that power can still be forged through cunning, seduction, and unexpected alliances. But after she gives birth to the God of War, her influence begins to crumble — and his lust threatens to tear the kingdom apart.
Who is the Goddess of Marriage, if she’s bound to a husband who defiles every vow?
Who is the Goddess of Motherhood, if she’s raising a child, the world misunderstands?
What kind of goddess is she willing to become to protect her people and her child?
Here's what readers are
"Rooted in myth yet pulsing with modern fire, Kingdom of Lies is a reimagining of a classical tale, one that honors a woman’s rage, her love, and the power she claims for herself. A retelling made for contemporary women." — Bobbi Lerman, founder and editor, Scribblers Ink“A classical tale beautifully told, ringing out modern, universal, and feminist chimes.” — Jim DeFilippi, author of Duck Alley, Busting Stones, and host of the podcast Blue Ink and Black Smoke"Jealous, vengeful ....these are the characteristics traditionally assigned to Hera, wife of Zeus. In Kingdom of Lies, Betsy Ellor turns tradition on its head, revealing a woman who, facing heartache and betrayal, discovers the power she holds within." - Susanna Baird, editor Five Minutes
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2026
About the author
Betsy Ellor
3 books15 followersBetsy Ellor lives in a house filled with color and chaos. When not at her desk, she’s usually either hiking, gardening, or annoying her teenage son. She’s the editor of the anthology Heroic Care, author of the picture book, My Dog is NOT A Scientist, from Yeehoo Press, and scribbler of articles for various outlets. Her latest novel, Hera: Kingdom of Lies, is available January 20, 2026, for all you goddess mothers out there.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 18, 2026
A powerful retelling of an unsung Goddess. Hera is a strong, powerful, woman who is forced to cower to her husband, Zeus. But every Goddess has their limits. I enjoyed the insights into Heras past and watching her power grow. Can hardly wait for book 2!
April 3, 2026
A riveting reimagining of Greek mythology's portrayal of Hera, the queen of all the cosmos.
HERA: Kingdom of Lies by Betsy Ellor is a vivid and riveting reimagining of the Greek goddess Hera's story, from before her marriage to Zeus to after. The goddess of marriage, motherhood, and family, Hera, is most often portrayed as jealous, quarrelsome, and vindictive, yet she is inevitably standing up to Zeus in support of the people and her dominions' responsibilities. Ellor's story brings together various tales involving the goddess and her relationship with Zeus and presents them in a lively, dramatic, and compelling fashion that had me reading this book from start to finish in one day.
Beginning with her life on the island of Samos, Hera is the queen of a growing population of refugees fleeing from Zeus's war against Kronos (her father) and the Titans. Hera is a gifted and capable leader who is not afraid to get her hands dirty and is revered by the people. She is a confident young woman (in immortal years) who pitches in to serve however she can. The author deftly works in Hera's unique and unbelievable origin story and her rescue from captivity by Zeus, establishing that she has long harbored tender affections for her liberator. When the war is won, she is delighted by his eager courtship, but his ego and man-baby antics quickly disillusion her. Her drastically changed feelings for him resulted in violent and tragic consequences as well as pregnancy. Readers sensitive to this type of story element should take note. The attack is brutal and gut-wrenching to read, but Hera doesn't let it destroy her; rather, she uses it to strengthen her resolve to do what she can to temper Zeus's frequently thoughtless actions and poor decisions that affect their people.While traditional versions of the same stories often feel dry and dusty, Ellor's fresh narrative really makes Hera's tales, warts and all, come to life. You could feel her emotions, understand her actions, and see how she strives to embody the best of marriage, motherhood, and family. The book closes with the promise of more story yet to come, and I can hardly wait.
I recommend HERA: KINGDOM OF LIES to readers of modern takes on ancient mythologies.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through WOW! Women On Writing Book Tours.
May 15, 2026
For fans of retellings and reinterpretations of myths, “Hera: Kingdom of Lies” is a must read! Hera's story being told from the first person point of view is the root of the innovation here. Common depictions focus on Hera in relation to Zeus, often being judged based on her reactions to his behavior while failing to interrogate his role in their relationship. But here we have a new perspective, a look through a modern lens. Now we can clearly see Zeus ruling with a combination of unearned confidence and outright violence. (Can we agree that this is not a historical anomaly?) Meanwhile, Hera has achieved and offered so much in caring for and protecting her dominion, yet all is overshadowed once Zeus asserts his power.
The contrast of public and private facing actions and presentations of Hera, Zeus, and several other characters speak volumes, and are so relatable. Zeus putting on a show at every opportunity, Hera strategically deferring to him and downplaying her own achievements in service to the greater good (and the bigger picture). Reading from her perspective is moving and refreshing for so many reasons.
Hera's relationships with Panoptes and Ladon are thoughtfully rendered and leave the reader with a fondness for both. Here their physical attributes are secondary to their actions, emotions, and loyalty.
Ultimately, it's easy to appreciate this as a story of perspective, beautifully and imaginatively written, and well worth the time.
* Trigger warnings: DV, SA
The contrast of public and private facing actions and presentations of Hera, Zeus, and several other characters speak volumes, and are so relatable. Zeus putting on a show at every opportunity, Hera strategically deferring to him and downplaying her own achievements in service to the greater good (and the bigger picture). Reading from her perspective is moving and refreshing for so many reasons.
Hera's relationships with Panoptes and Ladon are thoughtfully rendered and leave the reader with a fondness for both. Here their physical attributes are secondary to their actions, emotions, and loyalty.
Ultimately, it's easy to appreciate this as a story of perspective, beautifully and imaginatively written, and well worth the time.
* Trigger warnings: DV, SA
March 15, 2026
The story starts with Hera acting as the goddess and caring for refugees during Zeus’s war against Kronos.
She has kept the people alive, met their daily needs, and helped them thrive despite the ongoing war.
When the war comes to an end, and Zeus calls her to his side, Hera excitedly believes that she will finally get to be a wife and a mother to her own children.
That she will be able to continue to do as she has, and care for the people.
But the dream slowly dies as the rose colored glasses fade under Zeus’s narcissistic, misogynistic, philandering behavior.
A point comes when she can take it no more, and this is that story.
Sometimes you have to fight lightning with fire.
Wow!
I am a big, big fan of mythology with its multiple pantheons and belief systems.
So when I saw an author had blended a touch of modern-day issues with the tales of old
I was all in.
And I was not disappointed!
From the opening scene to the final moments, I was captivated.
The author crafted a beautifully detailed world with vivid characters
It was as though I was there, alongside Hera, experiencing each moment with her
The happiness
The anger
The betrayal
The hope
The final straw
Highly recommend
She has kept the people alive, met their daily needs, and helped them thrive despite the ongoing war.
When the war comes to an end, and Zeus calls her to his side, Hera excitedly believes that she will finally get to be a wife and a mother to her own children.
That she will be able to continue to do as she has, and care for the people.
But the dream slowly dies as the rose colored glasses fade under Zeus’s narcissistic, misogynistic, philandering behavior.
A point comes when she can take it no more, and this is that story.
Sometimes you have to fight lightning with fire.
Wow!
I am a big, big fan of mythology with its multiple pantheons and belief systems.
So when I saw an author had blended a touch of modern-day issues with the tales of old
I was all in.
And I was not disappointed!
From the opening scene to the final moments, I was captivated.
The author crafted a beautifully detailed world with vivid characters
It was as though I was there, alongside Hera, experiencing each moment with her
The happiness
The anger
The betrayal
The hope
The final straw
Highly recommend
January 31, 2026
Author Betsy Ellor's Hera; Kingdom of Lies drew me in from the first page and held me through the last. The storytelling is masterful with complex, compelling characters that kept me turning pages, never quite sure who was good, bad, or somewhere in between. Hera's journey, from innocent dreams of marriage, motherhood, and queenship to frustration, fury and fierce resole, is deeply relatable. Wha I loved the most is how Ellor's writing places me as a reader beside Hera experiencing her choices rather than watching from afar.
Rooted in myth yet pulsing with modern fire, this novel resonated strongly with contemporary struggles around love, loyalty, power and identity. The work of gods, Mount Olympus, monsters and magic feels vivid and immersive, while the emotional stakes remain ground and real. I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to see what Book Two brings.
Rooted in myth yet pulsing with modern fire, this novel resonated strongly with contemporary struggles around love, loyalty, power and identity. The work of gods, Mount Olympus, monsters and magic feels vivid and immersive, while the emotional stakes remain ground and real. I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to see what Book Two brings.
April 5, 2026
Hera: Kingdom of Lies is a captivating and thought-provoking retelling that breathes new life into Greek mythology. Betsy Ellor paints Hera not as a jealous antagonist, but as a strategic, resilient figure navigating a deeply unequal world.
The writing is immersive and vivid, pulling readers into a realm filled with tension, desire, and political intrigue. Fans of Circe will appreciate the layered storytelling and character depth, while those who enjoy the high-stakes drama of Scandal will find plenty to love in the shifting alliances and power struggles.
What makes this novel stand out is its perspective. By reframing Hera’s story, it invites readers to reconsider long-standing myths and question who truly holds the power—and at what cost.
The writing is immersive and vivid, pulling readers into a realm filled with tension, desire, and political intrigue. Fans of Circe will appreciate the layered storytelling and character depth, while those who enjoy the high-stakes drama of Scandal will find plenty to love in the shifting alliances and power struggles.
What makes this novel stand out is its perspective. By reframing Hera’s story, it invites readers to reconsider long-standing myths and question who truly holds the power—and at what cost.
Review of advance copy
OK - there was a glitch and I was actually able to order this book through Amazon prior to its scheduled release date... I thought I might get lost in the Greek Mythology, but it was the best introduction I could have had. I kept looking up characters and realized how much research went into this book and, yet, it read effortlessly. The modern-day adaptation of themes was spot on. Such an enjoyable read. I highly recommend.
February 18, 2026
This book was genuinely amazing! After centuries of Hera being portrayed as a villain I found this story insanely refreshing and empathetic. As a reader, I never understood why Hera was so demonized, I mean come on you would be big mad too if your husband was behaving like Zeus after you ALREADY didn’t want to marry him. This spin on her story shaped her as a caretaker, a mother, and a true picture of strength. Betsy Ellor has crafted a masterpiece with this one and i cannot recommend it enough. 🦚
March 23, 2026
It’s hard not to think of mythological gods and goddesses as real people in history, because so much has been taught and written about them for centuries - with them coming alive on the page with traits and faults and issues all like we have. Their stories have great parallels. To me, I think they were written with that in mind sometimes, especially in rewrites today, so that allegorically we can see our lives and worlds in them as well, even if they also might have gigantic, mythical powers we never could. They fail, they fall, and so do we. And to me, they are a part of history, too, because the ancient civilizations wrote the stories during their place and time so long ago to warn and mirror and discuss.
Being a busy, working mom for several decades, and a survivor of domestic violence, I really related to Hera and was totally on board with a rewrite of her life. Hera is someome to aspire to, to be motivated by, and she’s one of those goddesses that seem real, because as women, we all have a little of her in us whether that is her determination, her fire, her leadership, or her nurturing. I feel this about the character Ellor has written anyway, her Hera, and feel like she’s offered this Hera to us so that we can be inspired. I love how she’s rewritten Hera’s legacy!
Also, I wanted to mention, how about this beautiful cover? It completely draws me in. However, once opening the pages, I found the prose inside was just as beautiful. Ellor’s descriptions, her intricate character development, and her movement of the story all undulated smoothly into a captivating reading experience. Of course, the book colorfully features monsters and creatures and mayhem found so often in fantasy, but in a beautiful original and immersive way.
Beyond that, and what must have been extensive research and plot-building, Ellor finally creates Hera as she should be - not a villain, as so many women are cast, but as a resolute and fiery hero, a phoenix from the flames that protects and claims a better life for herself and those who need it. She extends beyond motherhood and marriage to be a force for good and for moral integrity. She rises up against the patriarchy and delivers freedom not only of person but of soul. That was beautiful. I’m not one to give too much of the plot away, so that’s all I will say.
I want potential readers to know that if they want a book that draws them in from the start and holds them engaged and enraptured until the end, that rewrites the female narrative pushed by the patriarchal system, Hera: Kingdom of Lies is for them. I hope there will be a book two. I’m looking forward to it.
*Thanks to Betsy and the Women on Writing group for sharing a digital copy of this book with me.
Being a busy, working mom for several decades, and a survivor of domestic violence, I really related to Hera and was totally on board with a rewrite of her life. Hera is someome to aspire to, to be motivated by, and she’s one of those goddesses that seem real, because as women, we all have a little of her in us whether that is her determination, her fire, her leadership, or her nurturing. I feel this about the character Ellor has written anyway, her Hera, and feel like she’s offered this Hera to us so that we can be inspired. I love how she’s rewritten Hera’s legacy!
Also, I wanted to mention, how about this beautiful cover? It completely draws me in. However, once opening the pages, I found the prose inside was just as beautiful. Ellor’s descriptions, her intricate character development, and her movement of the story all undulated smoothly into a captivating reading experience. Of course, the book colorfully features monsters and creatures and mayhem found so often in fantasy, but in a beautiful original and immersive way.
Beyond that, and what must have been extensive research and plot-building, Ellor finally creates Hera as she should be - not a villain, as so many women are cast, but as a resolute and fiery hero, a phoenix from the flames that protects and claims a better life for herself and those who need it. She extends beyond motherhood and marriage to be a force for good and for moral integrity. She rises up against the patriarchy and delivers freedom not only of person but of soul. That was beautiful. I’m not one to give too much of the plot away, so that’s all I will say.
I want potential readers to know that if they want a book that draws them in from the start and holds them engaged and enraptured until the end, that rewrites the female narrative pushed by the patriarchal system, Hera: Kingdom of Lies is for them. I hope there will be a book two. I’m looking forward to it.
*Thanks to Betsy and the Women on Writing group for sharing a digital copy of this book with me.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews