Hera: Kingdom of Lies

Before she was a villain, she was the one who kept the world running while the gods played at war. They tried to take her power, but she built a new order, raised a son, and refused to break.

Rich with betrayal, desire, and divine intrigue, this origin story of Greek mythology told from the point of view of its chief villain weaves gods, nymphs, dragons, sex, lies, and strategy into a fierce new legend. Hera: Kingdom of Lies combines the social and political maneuvers of Scandal with the mythic, villain-redemption of Circe.

Pre-Order the digital edition now. Paperback available to order on the release date. Contact me through the comments section if you want a signed edition or the Christmas package.

Release Date: January 20, 2026

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  • When the war hero, Zeus, takes power and moves Hera’s statues aside to make room for his own, the queen of heaven must find her place in a new order. At first, drawn in by Zeus’ charm, she quickly realizes she wants no part of life with this petty, egocentric dictator. When she refuses to marry him, what began as seduction becomes a snare.

  • Trapped into marriage, Hera learns that power can still be forged through cunning, seduction, and unexpected alliances. But after she gives birth to the God of War, her influence begins to crumble — and his lust threatens to tear the kingdom apart.


  • Who is the Goddess of Marriage, if she’s bound to a husband who defiles every vow?

    Who is the Goddess of Motherhood, if she’s raising a child, the world misunderstands?

    What kind of goddess is she willing to become to protect her people and her child?


  • Rich with betrayal, desire, and divine intrigue, this origin story of Greek mythology told from the point of view of its chief villain weaves gods, nymphs, dragons, sex, lies, and strategy into a fierce new legend.

Praise for Hera

"Rooted in myth yet pulsing with modern fire, Hera: Kingdom of Lies is a reimagining of a classical tale, one that honors a woman’s rage, her love, and the power she claims for herself. A retelling made for contemporary women."

— Bobbi Lerman, founder and editor, Scribblers Ink

“A classic tale beautifully told, ringing out modern, universal, and feminist chimes.”

— Jim DeFilippi, author of Duck Alley, Busting Stone, and host of Blue Ink and Black Smoke

​​​​​​​"Jealous, vengeful ....these are the characteristics traditionally assigned to Hera, wife of Zeus. In Hera: Kingdom of Lies, Betsy Ellor turns tradition on its head, revealing a woman who, facing heartache and betrayal, discovers the power she holds within."

- Susanna Baird, editor, Five Minutes

“Forged in the long shadow of thunder, Hera rises. In a realm where power is seized through force and deceit, she learns to wield subtler weapons: patience, memory, and an unbreakable will. In Hera: Kingdom of Lies, Betsy Ellor shows us the true mother of gods and mortals alike, a goddess shaped by betrayal reclaims her voice and redefines what it means to rule.”

- Elizabeth Sweetman, contributor Switchblade Magazine and Pulp Modern