Shadows of Sparta: A Greek Mythology Romantasy

The Spartan Flame Trilogy, Book 1

By: C.R. Jane

Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Samantha Brentmoor

Even as her heart is pulled in two directions, Helena fights to save Sparta in the face of a tyrannical king, in this romantasy retelling of Helen of Troy.

Sparta is dying.

Gods once ruled the land, until King Menelaus cast them out and crowned himself in their place. Now, drought scorches the earth and a mysterious affliction steals the breath from the living, while defiance is answered with death.

When the king resurrects the ancient trials meant to choose his queen, Helena becomes her dying village's only hope. Cursed with a terrible beauty, she steps forward, not for glory but survival.

But beauty alone cannot save her from a crown stolen from the gods.

Alone in a dangerous court, Helena must decide whom to trust: Achilles, a legendary warrior bound to the throne by blood and oath, or a mysterious prisoner bearing forbidden magic and long-buried truths.

One guards her cage. The other whispers how to escape it.

And one of them is lying.

The fate of her people rests on Helena's shoulders. If she chooses wrong, Sparta will not simply fall. It will kneel.

Helena must claim the throne—or be destroyed by it.

Shadows of Sparta is an MF dark romantasy featuring a strong heroine, morally gray heroes, forbidden magic, an enemies-to-lovers love triangle, and violence. It is intended for mature audiences. Narrated in duet style.

©2026 C.R. Jane (P)2026 Podium Audio

Critic reviews

“Richly atmospheric with a dark undertone . . . C.R. Jane took the myth of Helen of Troy and built a lavish and dire fantasy world around it. The love is tangled, the danger is mounting, and this fantasy romance will captivate you from the very first page.” —Raven Kennedy, New York Times–bestselling author of the Plated Prisoner series

“An epically written story of love, adventure, and the power of a woman’s inner strength. A must read!” —Stacey Marie Brown, USA Today–bestselling author of the Savage Lands series

“Fascinating . . . Moves at a deliberate pace, which allows for a meticulously developed potential romance between Helena and Achilles. The supporting cast members . . . continually reveal surprising layers. . . . The Spartan setting is vivid. . . . It all builds to a tense, memorable ending that will leave readers craving a sequel.” — Kirkus Reviews

smell the roses and burn them

C.R. Jane completely outdid herself with this incredible, fresh take on classical Greek mythology! 🏛️✨
​Getting a glimpse into Helen’s life before the legendary Trojan War and seeing the backstory of how she came to be with Menelaus added so much depth and intrigue to a story we all thought.... we... knew.... But the real highlight? Helen and Achilles. Their love story is captivating, intense, and had me entirely hooked from the start.

​Why You Should listen to It.....
​Rich World building: The universe felt vivid, immersive, and beautifully crafted without ever slowing down the pace.
​Seamless Pacing: The storyline flows so naturally. I devoured this book in no time.
​That Ending: It left me desperate to get my hands on Book 2 of this trilogy.

​If you love epic Greek mythology retellings, scorching romance, and compelling character dynamics, put this at the top of your TBR list immediately! 🗡️🔥

Amazing

I absolutely love this story!! So well written! I can't wait til the next one! the Narration is perfect!!

Ready for more immediately

Slow to start but once it picked up, I was hooked. I’m not really a fantasy book girlie, but this audiobook kept getting recommended to me and as soon as I was it was Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton, I was sold. So glad I did. The narration was impeccable (as always with these two), but the story itself was SO GOOD. The writing itself was so impactful and detailed—it actually felt like I was there. I’m actually mad at myself for finding this book before the rest of the series was completed!

Great World Building

I’m gonna need the second audiobook in the series released ASAP, please and thank you!

Oh. My. God.

So I love all of your books. But your romantasy skills are unmatched. More people need to read this, listen to it. ASAP. Omg I can’t wait for the next book !