by John Wiswell
First published 2025
Heracles has always honored Hera above all gods, following his mother's teachings. He dedicates every heroic deed to the goddess of family, never knowing she despises his very existence. When the Furies drive him to madness, Heracles kills his own children in a moment of horror. His wife Megara convinces him to hunt down whoever sent the Furies. Heracles turns to the only deity he trusts: Hera herself. Consumed by guilt, Hera sends him on quests meant to distract him from his revenge. But Heracles cannot bear more violence. Instead of slaying monsters, he tends to the Nemean lion's wounds and heals the sick Lernaean hydra. As Heracles finds peace through caring for these creatures, he unknowingly builds an army capable of storming Olympus. Hera watches in growing panic as the hero she wronged gathers strength, while she struggles with a secret that could destroy them both.
Genres: mythology, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Olympus
Period: Ancient Greece
376 pages · Hardcover · DAW
Content warnings: child-death, violence