War of Helinthia

Epic of Helinthia #3

by M.J. Pankey

The bloodbath for Helinthia has begun, and not even the gods will emerge unchanged.

Anax Charixes' invasion of Golpathia looms. Refugees pouring into the city and Gadnor's rising influence rile Golpathia's elite, straining Kelric’s tenuous control over his councilmen. Gonivein suspects the Leirion are the masterminds responsible for sowing discord, but the real villain is someone she would never suspect, and must face alone.

Across the island, Dargos delivers vengeance to the occupiers of Shallinath. Village by village, a harrowing truth unfolds with devastating consequences that only the ruler of Ninenarn can put to rights.

Gadnor will be that ruler if he entwines his fate with Princess Lithaneva, but her heart still longs for the goddess she is oathbound to destroy, and she has her own score to settle.

War and bloodshed consume Helinthia. Gadnor can restore peace if he takes the throne. But nothing can protect him, or anyone, from what the Fates have in store.

War of Helinthia is the third in a series of four. An original Greek myth of warring gods and the mortals who must find a way to end the conflict before it destroys their world.

Paperback

Expected publication December 1, 2026

About the author

MJ Pankey (goodreads spells it wrong) is an author, freelance editor, and host of the Augusta Writer’s Critique Group. She has been writing fiction since she was 12 and has published several short stories and a novel, Epic of Helinthia. Her muse is most inspired by ancient mythology and the intricacies of human psychology and behavior.

She lives in Augusta, Georgia with her husband, Eric; three children, Dante, Athena, and Artemis; and furry writing companion, Petey.

Epic of Helinthia is the first in a series of three (possibly four) novels. The second book in the series, Oracle of Helinthia, will publish 7 May 2025. Join her newsletter for updates and sneak peeks via her website: www.mjpankey.com.

MJ is an avid reader and champion of Indie novels/lesser known books and authors. She posts her reviews on Instagram and is always open to new recommendations.

She also hosts the live Book Club for Save Ancient Studies Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to spotlight the importance of ancient studies in the modern world, and is always on the lookout for novels inspired by ancient history. Find out more at www.saveancientstudies.org.

Learn more about MJ on following social sites:

mjpankey.com
museandquill.com
Instagram: @authormjpankey
TikTok: @mjpankey
Twitter: @mjpankey1

Reviews

[Written By Grace White · Rating 5 out of 5]

War of Helinthia is yet another fantastic installment in MJ Pankey’s extraordinary series. Pankey pulls you right back into her war-ravaged world through a dynamic cast of multiple perspectives, writing with a cinematic vividness that makes every scene play out like a movie in your mind. Her ability to capture raw emotion is what keeps you glued to the page the constant twists, turns, heartbreak, and bittersweet moments are truly breathless. Just like books one and two, this story left me aching for the next chapter. If you’ve been looking for a sign to start this series, this is it! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book.

I'm not typically a reader of novels with multiple POVs because there is often one viewpoint that I like more than the others, but Pankey manages to keep every point of view in this novel interesting and engaging. That's no small feat. Watching the characters grow in their roles, destinies, and relationships throughout the series is particularly lovely.

Every page is a pleasure to read. I highly recommend!

[Mrs S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author and Booksirens for my advance copy. This is book 3 of the series and if anything, I loved it more than the first 2. The storytelling and character development are awesome. Picking up from book 2, we follow the threads to their breathless conclusion. Or did we? That ending is one heck of a cliffhanger! Bring on book 4…

[Kati Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I was lucky enough to Beta Read War of Helinthia**

This is another fantastic installment of the Epic of Helinthia series by MJ Pankey.

Once again, Pankey draws you in with multiple POVs and a gripping world ravaged with war. Her writing paints a picture in my mind, showing me exactly how things play out like a movie.

Her perfect capturing of emotion is what keeps me at the edge of my seat, turning pages as quickly as possible. The twists and turns, heartache, and bittersweet scenes keep me breathless. Like books 1 and 2, War of Helinthia has left me aching for the next part in the story!

Please, if you have not given this series a chance yet and you’re waiting for a sign, THIS IS IT!

[Silja Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honour of beta-reading this book, which is the third installation in the phenomenal series Epic of Helinthia.

War of Helinthia is an absolute roller coaster of plot twists and tension. When I couldn't be reading it, I was thinking about it. My heart was actually racing at times. Forget about Game of Thrones and the Battle of the Bastards, we have the Battle of Golpathia now. We also have a perfect slow burn romance and meddling gods that make you question who the real villain is. As in, everything you could possibly hope for in a Greek mythology inspired fantasy novel.

If you're not reading this, you're missing out. Pankey is a fantastic writer, and the series is true to its name: epic.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is all I can say. This book kept me hooked throughout. The various characters stories were so enticing. I was uncertain in who to trust and who to believe. I gasped, I cried and I got angry reading this 3rd installment of the Helinthia series. I am hoping there is a 4th book coming .
If you haven't read this series then please give it a go. You won't be disappointed. M J Pankey does it again!

I received a free advanced copy of this and I am leaving my review of my own accord.