Shadows of Sparta - C.R. Jane

Genre: Fantasy, romantasy

Pages: 448

Series: Book one in The Spartan Flame Trilogy

Blurb:
In Sparta, queens aren't born - they're forged in blood, magic, and betrayal. 

Gods once ruled the land, until King Menelaus cast them out and crowned himself in their place. When he resurrects the ancient trials meant to choose his queen, Helena becomes her dying village's only hope.

Marked by a terrible beauty, she steps forward not for glory - but for survival. 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. One guards her cage.

The other whispers how to escape it. And one of them is lying. Choosing wrong will cause Sparta not to simply fall, but to kneel.

And with the fate of her people resting on Helena's shoulders, she must claim the throne of Sparta - or be destroyed by it.