Read the Award-Winning Series Starter Today

The Story Behind the Myth

What if the Greek myths were inspired by real events and real people? Get ready for a series of emotionally intense dramas set in the ancient Mycenaean world.

Some assume Classical Greek Mythology to have been known as an allegorical history or even history itself.

These historical events evolved to become the awe-inspired tales of lore that the world knows today through oral tradition over the subsequent Dorian Age (Dark Age) of Greece’s history. Most of the events in Greek mythology took place during the Mycenaean age that corresponds to roughly 1700/1600 BC through 1100/1000 BC. The ancient historian Herodotus puts the birth of Herakles (Roman Hercules) around 1280 BC, and The Odyssey and its Battle of Troy most likely took place around 1200 BC, according to archaeological digs of the area.

Ancient Legends dives into the most famous myths and the stories that could have inspired them.

  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of ancient Greece in this gripping historical drama, where the origins of Greek mythology's most intriguing figures are explored and reimagined. 

    In a time of political turmoil and shifting power, Thais, daughter of the Tiryns chieftain, must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with danger, betrayal, and unexpected love and alliances.
     

    When King Oceanus arrives with his army, intent on seizing control of Tiryns, Thais finds herself torn between her father's desire for peace and the council's thirst for war. But even as the city faces a threat from without, the greatest danger may lie within, as long-held secrets and hidden agendas threaten to tear Tiryns apart.
     

    Desperate to find a way to end the conflict, Thais' mother strikes a deal with the Mother Goddess, setting in motion a chain of events that will change the course of history and test the limits of Thais' strength. As Thais struggles to uncover the truth behind her mother's bargain and the growing divisions in her city, she discovers the extraordinary power of courage, kindness, and perseverance.

Perfect for fans of epic historical sagas, slow-burn romance, and mythic retellings, this standalone installment of the Ancient Legends series offers a compelling and imaginative take on the historical roots of Greek mythology's most enduring myths. 

With its richly detailed world-building and complex characters, The Curse of Beauty is a must-read for anyone who loves tales of love, loss, and redemption.

Don't miss out on what readers are calling "incredible," "unstoppable," and "exceptional." Winner of the gold medal for the 2022 Readers' Favorite Awards in the Fiction-Mythology category, The Curse of Beauty is a masterful work of historical fiction that will leave you spellbound.

  • "Fans of Greek mythology will adore The Curse of Beauty, a tale that is infused with magical realism and set against the backdrop of a world that is reeling with conflict." - The Book Commentary (★★★★★)


    "When Merewether's up-close and empathetic narrative style is combined with the many sensations, family conflicts, and political struggles of this exciting plotline, it makes for an unstoppable read...The Curse of Beauty delivers everything you could possibly hope for in a historical drama. Unmissable." - K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite (★★★★★)


    “Merewether breathes actual real life into her wonderfully well-developed characters and gives us a gripping plot and its eventual outcome with each turn of the page…a creative storyline that stays with you long after the book ends.” -  

    Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite (★★★★★)


     "The Curse of Beauty is an incredible book of mythology and drama...a powerful book overflowing with drama, intrigue, love, hate, passion and violence...The plot was very well written and developed. It had perfect flow and continuity. The characters were expertly crafted...an exceptional story..." - Teresa Syms for Readers' Favorite (★★★★★)

  • Publisher: LLMBooks Publishing
    Published: February 15, 2022
    ISBN-13:  978-1-7379050-2-8
    ASIN: B09PYFFJ22
    Genre: Historical Fiction


    The author rated this book for ages 13+ for violence and adult themes.

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  • Uncover the origins of Thruna, the woman from Thrace, who captured the heart of Oceanus and became the Tethys of Greek legend.

    Get the Prequel Novella 
  • Support the Children of Ukraine

    A future torn apart by war…
    Adolescence lost to battle…
    What becomes of those who lose their childhood to armed conflict?

    In this multi-genre charity anthology, a group of authors explores the experiences of youth affected by war.

    All proceeds of this anthology will be donated in perpetuity to Voices of Children, Ukraine to help secure the future for the children of war.

Find an Ancient Legends prequel short story in this charity anthology.

The Curse of Blood

Subject to the brutality of his father's kingdom at war, Prince Inachus falls short in every way—escaping death only because of his birthright—but the kingdom's patience may soon run out.

  • What Amazon and Goodreads readers are saying:

    "The Curse of Blood by Lauren Lee Merewether - Based in ancient Greece, this story narrates the true horror of how children were made to undergo harsh and often merciless training to mould them into future warriors. Powerful, tragic and incredibly well-researched. Highly recommend."

    "This is a noble book that should be in everyone's library."

    "Five weeping stars for Children of War, an anthology to benefit the Children of Ukraine."

    "This anthology will touch your soul. Different genres, different authors, one message: let's not forget the children affected by war and do what we can to support them."

     "These stories do not have happy endings, they are not stories of triumph, but they are stories of survival and the possibility of something brighter even through the darkest times... These stories do not shy away from the darker aspects of war, but they do deal with it gently and respectfully." 

    "Emotional and insightful"

    "Powerful Reading to Benefit A Worthy Cause"

    "Not only is this anthology for a good cause, it's a great read."

    "Heart-wrenching but so important"

    "Wonderful book, for an excellent cause! Be an Earth-angel & buy this book!"

  • Publisher: New Wings Press

    Published: August 17, 2022

    ISBN-13: 978-91-987442-9-3

    Genre: Multi-Genre

    The Curse of Blood: Historical Fiction

    The author rated this book for ages 13+ for violence and adult themes.

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  • Do you want to read a tale that could have inspired the Greek myth of Io?

    Book Description Coming Soon

    Reviews

    Coming Soon!

    Publisher Information

    Publisher: LLMBooks Publishing
    Published: TBD
    ISBN-13:  TBD
    ASIN: TBD
    Genre: Historical Fiction


    The author rated this book for ages 13+ for violence and adult themes.

  • Reviews coming soon!