The House of Atreus is spiralling into self-destruction. Can the family curse be broken?
Clytemnestra's Bind
Book 1
THEY CALLED HER A MONSTER.
THIS IS HER SIDE OF THE STORY.
Clytemnestra's world shatters when Agamemnon, a rival to the throne of Mycenae, storms her palace, destroys her family, and claims not only the throne but Clytemnestra herself.
Tormented by her loss, she vows to do whatever it takes to protect the children born from her unhappy marriage to Agamemnon — and when her husband turns his ruthless gaze towards the wealthy citadel of Troy, his ambitions threaten to once more destroy the family Clytemnestra loves.
From one of Greek mythology's most reviled figures — a woman who challenged the absolute power of men — comes a fiery tale of power, vengeance, and a mother's uncompromising love.
Helen's Judgement
Book 2
SHE IS THE MOST SCAPEGOATED HEROINE IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY.
THERE IS NEVER JUST ONE SIDE TO ANY STORY.
Haunted by her decision to leave her child behind on fleeing her loveless marriage, Clytemnestra's sister, Helen, seeks to build a new life in Troy with Prince Paris. Helen yearns to recreate the childhood family she lost when she married Menelaus. But her outraged husband vows to regain her by force, at the head of a vast army.
Facing hostility from all sides, she must decide where her loyalty — and her safety — lies.
For millennia, Helen of Troy has been blamed for the Trojan war. This new framing uncovers the complexities of a woman tormented by the judgement of others and the blame she places upon herself.
Praise for Clytemnestra's Bind
"Clytemnestra's Bind is bold, brilliant and brutal. Rich with psychological insight, hypnotic characters and thrilling dialogue, Wilson's writing recalls the great Mary Renault."
Nikki Marmery, author of Lilith
"Susan C Wilson brings raw emotion to every page. She portrays Clytemnestra with all the compassion, determination and strength that she deserved. A truly heart-wrenching read."
Hannah Lynn, multi-award-winning author of Athena's Child
"Visceral and tense, Susan C Wilson's depiction of Agamemnon's Mycenae floods into colour with razor-sharp clarity. One of the most vivid retellings I've had the privilege to read: a brilliant achievement."
Mark Knowles, author of the Blades of Bronze series
"Clytemnestra's Bind is a bold and brave retelling that gives voice to Clytemnestra as she challenges the men that hold power. A compelling and evocative book that had me gripped from the first word."
Elizabeth Lee, author of Cunning Women
"Greek Mythology meets Game of Thrones."
Laura Shepperson, author of The Heroines and The Heir of Venus
"Clever and insightful storytelling ensures thoughts of an age-old tale are challenged in this beautifully eloquent novel ... This world is brought to vividly intense life, with the focus on motherhood, and the strength of women."
Love Reading (Book of the Month pick)
"This relentlessly savage novel is powerfully written ... The evocation of Mycenae and its surroundings is memorably well done, as are the domestic arrangements within the citadel itself, with vivid descriptions of banquets, rituals and ceremonial vestments, all dimly lit by hearth fires and flickering torches."
Historical Novel Society
"More than just retelling the events, this is a character driven narrative that gives the reader insight into the raw emotions of a vulnerable woman, not yet a vengeful queen. The first person narrative voice exposes flaws and internal conflicts that ground the character in a more sympathetic reality."
The Publishing Post
"A fascinating tale of a mother’s intense love for her children ... The author brings the book to life with colourful descriptions of daily life and rituals, the luxurious buildings and aspects of palace life, as well as the realities for the less fortunate members of society. A moving and fascinating story, which leaves you wanting more."
Trip Fiction
"We are taken with a jolt into the brutality of the royal house of Atreus, with its pervasive sense of watchfulness and mistrust. Wilson describes this with wonderful vividness ."
The Lady
"Susan C. Wilson’s captivating writing style and unique approach makes the reader feel as though they are learning of this tale for the first time ... With moving lyrical prose, and written in first person, this book allows the reader to finally get close to Clytemnestra as a grieving wife and mother, and witness the enduring psychological impact of her trauma."
Aspects of History, review by Ella Beales, Public Historian with the University of Bristol
Praise for Helen's Judgement
"What a story! Epic in scale as it focuses on the Trojan war, this is also as intimate as can be as it spears Helen’s life and lays it bare … Highly recommended, Helen’s Judgement is incredibly rewarding, and a definite for those who love their Greek mythology."
Love Reading (Book of the Month pick)
“Wilson grips, beguiles and surprises us all the way to her imaginative and moving ending."
Nikki Marmery, author of Lilith
“A searing indictment of war and hubris that is both literary and lyrical.”
Lauren J. A. Bear, author of Medusa's Sisters and Mother of Rome
“An absolutely gripping read from first page to last.”
Mark Knowles, author of the Blades of Bronze series
"A multifaceted portrayal of a woman who has been misunderstood for centuries."
A. D. Rhine, authors of Horses of Fire and Daughters of Bronze
"Dangerous, brutal and always fascinating.”
Laura Shepperson, author of The Heroines and The Heir of Venus
