The title was acquired from Kate Schafer Testerman at KT Literary, with it publishing on Tor’s new Wildthorn list in the US. Releasing in Autumn 2027, readers will discover an epic told in two timelines, the Trojan War and the Greek afterlife, where Helen of Troy wakes in Elysium to find the heroes who died in her war are doomed – whether by fate or old grudges – to repeat the same familiar story, until they can at last let go of the past. With The Odyssey (2026) bringing the classic Greek tale to the big screen in spectacular fashion, Li creates a stunning interpretation of Helen’s story that fans of Hadestown and She Who Became the Sun will adore.
Tonge says, “From the first page, I was immediately enraptured by Grace’s beautiful prose. The book’s premise is incredibly unique, and she breathes new life into Helen’s story – perfect for fans of Greek mythology and epic fantasies alike. I’m incredibly proud to be publishing such an extraordinary book from someone as talented and hardworking as Grace.”
Li adds, “By the time this book comes out, it will have been twelve years since I started writing it (as long as an odyssey, or a war...). I can imagine no better partner on the journey than Daphne Press, and can’t wait to share more come 2027. Like an epic in the great oral tradition of Homer, I've taken plenty of my own liberties, but hope to be true to the feeling of myth: the scope, the ambition, the drama!”
Kate Schafer Testerman, Li’s agent, says, “This book has truly had an epic road to publication, but I couldn’t be more excited to work with Daphne Press on the UK release of Grace's wonderful reimagining of the story of Helen of Troy.”