Daughter of Chaos is an absolutely action-packed greek mythology retelling that was blurbed and recommended by Saara El-Arifi which was all I needed to know prior to reading this.

Daughter of Chaos takes place in a world where mortals suffer under the tyranny of the Greek gods. Danae, a fisherman's daughter with mysterious powers, embarks on a perilous journey to uncover her destiny and fulfill an ancient prophecy of liberation from those gods. Joined by mythical hero Heracles and his crew, she battles monsters and divine forces, uncovering a truth that could reshape the fate of humanity.

I must make a disclaimer here that I do not typically read mythology retellings ( greek or otherwise) so I can NOT speak to the integrity of the retelling so take that into consideration in my review. This book is true adventure fantasy that maintains a breakneck pace as Danae traverses the world to find the source of her power. The fast paced plot MAY have at times been at the detriment of the character development, but honestly, especially for a debut novel, I was impressed.

The beginning of the story is absolutely BRUTAL (please check your trigger warnings because they are significant) and these characters are just continually put through it and I was fascinated by how they overcame obstacles. There is minor queer rep (sapphic characters, mm yearning, and nonbinary rep), although not as significant as I was hoping. I do love me a good grumpy lesiban bow and arrow wielding warrior like the story’s Atalanta, however the potential for romance between her and the FMC was squandered.

Especially for a debut novel I found this to be a highly entertaining read and I will likely move forward in the series, but I do hope that if the gods play a more predominant role in book two that their characters are more fleshed out because in the little we did see them in the story, they almost seemed like caricatures rather than full formed characters (The last line with Zues was a bit cringe...)

Thank you to Harper Collins Publishing and The Hive Influencer program for the opportunity to read Daughter of Chaos as a digital arc.

This book hooked me right in from the beginning, and swept me away into the beauty that is Mythical retellings. I love Greek Mythology dearly, and this was really well executed and beautiful. I can hardly wait for book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley, and MIRA books for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

This is a gripping and action-packed epic fantasy that will captivate readers who are drawn to the rich and immersive world of Greek mythology, mythical creatures, and heroic quests, making it a perfect fit for fans of fantasy and mythology enthusiasts who crave a story of adventure, self-discovery, and rebellion against the gods.

This was one of the best books I’ve read! I didn’t know I was craving a fantasy that read like historical fiction until I was in it. The world was so realistic and visceral, there was no veiling the violence of the times but also avoided being gratuitous.

Danae’s character was rich and in constant change allowing for a full and satisfying arc. Any romance was a plot point rather than a plot line, which is always appreciated in a non-romance genre fantasy where so often it takes the reader out of the story rather than adding to it.

As a first book in the series, I can’t wait to learn more about this world and keep peeling back the layers.

Thank you NetGalley and MIRA Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 3.5/5

“Before the earth and the sea and the all-encompassing heaven came into being, the whole of nature displayed but a single face, which men have called Chaos.” - Ovid, Metamorphoses

This book had a lot of great things going for it! I absolutely love all things Greek mythology (and have since the late 90s when I first watched Disney’s Hercules in the drive-in and then discovered the best show on TV at the time - Xena Warrior Princess). It was great seeing so many familiar names pop up, in stories that rang some bells but still felt fresh and new. Heracles, in particular, has never felt more real and raw as he does in this version, nor has he ever been sexier (sorry not sorry, Kevin Sorbo).

The plot was action-packed and really put its own spin on Greek mythology - seriously, really unique twists that I never saw coming. So like I said, the book had a lot of great things going for it and overall I did enjoy reading it. But for some reason, it just didn’t totally suck me in. And while I’d like to see what happens next in Danae’s story, I’m also not sitting here absolutely desperate to read the next book. I’m sure I’ll get around to it eventually, but it just doesn’t feel terribly urgent to me.

At the end of the day, I do think fellow fans of Greek mythology, action-packed fantasy, and heroes vs monsters should definitely give this book a try!

(This review was posted on my bookstagram account @sgagensimplewords on January 18, 2025. It was also posted on Goodreads, StoryGraph, and Fable.)

I loved Danae and her persistence despite being a fisherman's daughter. Her struggles and success are such an important lesson to never give up.

look at me, already breaking my resolution to dnf books i don’t enjoy. i am nothing if not consistent 🫶

meet danae. she is Not Like Other Girls even before she develops mysterious powers and learns that she is the object of an ancient prophecy. forced to leave her island home on naxos, she travels first to the oracle at delphi and then joins the argonauts on a quest to the end of the world in search of answers.

i picked up daughter of chaos knowing i was either going to love it or hate it. “for mortals to be free, the gods must fall” sounded like either a fresh, intriguing take on greek mythology or a cheap fanfic with the author’s super special OC running about and generally wreaking havoc, and unfortunately it fell into the latter category for me. the beginning was okay, i guess, but everything went downhill as soon as webb started introducing familiar faces.

this book is action-packed, and yet most of the time it felt like nothing was happening. the characters rush from event to event until the big reveal at the end—a twist that i found more stupid than shocking. webb’s writing style was not for me, but my larger issue was how poorly informed her storytelling seemed to be. i’m no greek mythology scholar, but some of the changes she made were just baffling or outright annoying to the extent that they pulled me right out of the story. i’m not opposed to changes, but here they often felt more like sloppy plot conveniences than intentional changes made by someone who did their research.

i also found the bi rep underwhelming. danae’s attraction to women is only vaguely hinted at in a couple of scenes, while she has explicitly romantic subplots with two male characters.

…so no, i will not be picking up the sequel, thanks for asking! i’m sure this series has an audience, but it is not for me.

A.S. Webb’s *Daughter of Chaos* is a spellbinding fantasy that combines gripping action, vivid world-building, and deeply emotional storytelling into an unforgettable adventure. From the opening scene to the last page, Webb takes readers on a journey filled with danger, magic, and the unyielding strength of the human spirit.

The pacing is expertly crafted, with moments of heart-pounding intensity balanced by quieter, reflective scenes that give the characters room to grow and breathe. Each twist and revelation is perfectly timed, keeping readers hooked while building toward a breathtaking finale.

The protagonist is a force to be reckoned with—her resilience, complexity, and determination make her a character you can’t help but root for. Webb excels at creating characters who feel authentic and multidimensional, each with their own flaws, motivations, and arcs. The relationships, whether forged in loyalty, love, or rivalry, add emotional depth and make the stakes feel all the more real.

Webb’s world-building is nothing short of extraordinary. The richly detailed setting brims with dark magic, political intrigue, and ancient secrets, immersing readers in a universe that feels both fantastical and grounded. The intricate lore and mythology woven throughout the story add layers of depth, creating a world that feels fully alive.

*Daughter of Chaos* is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and tales of defiance and destiny. A.S. Webb delivers a powerful story that lingers long after the final page, solidifying her place as a rising star in the genre. Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories where chaos births greatness.

A stunning adventure, based in Greek mythology, that feels simultaneously familiar and entirely unexpected. We follow main character Danae in what starts as a small town coming of age story, and morphs into an epic heroes journey. We meet notorious heroes like Heracles, Jason & the Argonauts, and the gods themselves - but they have all been reimagined. Secrets & lies unfold as Danae sets out to fulfill her destiny.

This book was fast paced, immersive, and beautifully written. An excellent debut.

In Daughter of Chaos by A.S. Webb, the first book in The Pantheon series, Danae, a fisherman’s daughter, embarks on a high-stakes quest to uncover her destiny. Set against the backdrop of a Greek island where the Gods are feared, the story takes a dramatic turn when a ceremonial offering to a Goddess goes terribly wrong, forever altering Danae’s life and that of her family.

This debut blends Greek mythology with a fresh, unique narrative, evoking the adventurous spirit of Percy Jackson but with heightened stakes and more mature undertones. While Danae's story isn’t tied directly to any specific myth, readers familiar with Greek tales will recognize some familiar characters woven into the plot.

I loved the imaginative retelling and the compelling twists, though I did find the pacing inconsistent. The middle of the novel slows down, which disrupts the otherwise engaging flow. Despite this, I’m eager to continue following Danae’s journey as she forges her own path.

Thank you, Mira, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and The Hive for the opportunity to read this book.

Daughter of Chaos has elements of Greek mythology I liked, where you have gods wrecking havoc and inflicting woes on mere mortals coupled with more fantastical aspects, such as dreams of trees with golden apples sprouting from dead bodies, and with a side of human sacrifice for offerings. However what prevented me from getting into the story was the bland characterizations--you have the FMC's family at the core, people going missing and dying, however I don't actually care about any of these characters related to Danae, because they never really did anything useful or endearing and really felt like props serving to move the plot forward for the FMC.

A.S. Webb does indeed have some expressions or turns of phrases that I can appreciate (for example, some personification of a tree, drinking the blood from the fist of someone punching it), however these writing frills only add a limited bit of pizzazz, when the plot foundationally is rather boring, propelled forward by characters I don't care about.

All I will say is that this was my most disappointing read of the year and it's not even the end of January and I know this already. I'm so disappointed in how the plot was executed and the mythology wrangled in a way that would fit into what was perceived to "fantasy" here.

Daughter of Chaos by A.S. Webb starts strong, drawing readers in with its intriguing premise of a mortal rebellion against the gods in ancient Greece and a heroine with mysterious powers tied to golden fruit. The early chapters brim with tension, as Danae is driven from her home and sets out on a journey of self-discovery and prophecy. However, the story quickly unravels, losing its focus amidst a whirlwind of underdeveloped characters, rushed events, and an overly complicated plot. While the mythology-inspired world has potential, it often feels underexplored, leaving readers craving more depth and cohesion. Despite its flaws, the book offers moments of excitement and creativity, making it an ambitious, if uneven, debut.

A.S. Webb weaves a grounded tale of family and love in a fantastical world of Greek Gods and magic! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to a sequel!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for a review copy.

First of all, you had me at mythology. Second of all, BECAUSE you had me at mythology, my standards were already pretty high. And WOW does this book deliver. Such a unique beginning and tie-in to the titans and the myths of the Greeks. I'm glad this is the first in the series because I need MORE.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

First and foremost I am always a sucker for Greek Mythology, and add to it some less than kind thoughts towards some of my least favourite heroes (I’m looking at you Jason) and you have a happy reader.

While there have been hundreds of stories of people planning to fight the gods for one reason or another, I cannot think of another that ties in the titans the way this one does, or that has a history of the gods (however briefly hinted at) as this. From the very first page I was hooked, and that didn’t change throughout. I loved all the characters, even the ones who I didn’t agree with. It was a brilliant first book and one that really excited me to read.

I will admit that quite a few plot points were obvious for me, certain things I knew without a doubt were going to happen long before they did (Alea and Arius’s plot for one example) but that didn’t discourage me in my enjoyment. I do wish that the book had been longer and more time was spent with each of the moments to settle, or perhaps that Danae took more time to come to terms with who she was, but those were only minor things I would have changed.

I really enjoyed this book, and absolutely will be recommending it and waiting eagerly for the sequel!!

Thank you, MIRA and NetGalley, for my free book for review.

"Daughter of Chaos" emerges as a refreshing tempest, challenging the very fabric of fate itself. This first installment in what promises to be an epic series starts as a gentle tide before swelling into a relentless maelstrom of adventure.

At the heart of this Grecian-inspired odyssey stands Danae, a fisherman's daughter whose unyielding spirit rivals that of the mythological heroes she encounters. Webb has crafted a protagonist who dares to rewrite her destiny. Her defiance of prophecy is an unapologetic attitude that transforms Danae from a simple coastal girl into a heroine worthy of legend.

While the novel's opening may lull readers into a false sense of calm, it soon unfurls its sails, catching winds of action and intrigue that propel the narrative forward with breathtaking velocity. Webb's deft interweaving of Greek mythology into the tapestry of the story adds layers of depth and familiarity, yet manages to surprise at every turn.

The revelation of the prophecy at the core of Danae's journey leaves readers teetering on the edge of anticipation. As the final pages turn, Webb tantalizes us with the promise of realms unknown, crafting an ending that ignites an insatiable hunger for the adventures yet to come.

"Daughter of Chaos" is more than just a strong beginning; it's a siren's call to readers, luring them into a world where fate is fluid and destiny is determined by the strength of one's will. A.S. Webb has set the stage for an epic saga that promises to captivate and enthrall, leaving us eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this mesmerizing tale of defiance and discovery.

Thank you to htpbooks and netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

Daughter of Chaos by A.S Webb is the first book in a fantasy series set in ancient Greece. We follow our main character Danae who has to leave her island of Naxos to find out why she’s been cursed, but she gets more than she bargained for on her quest. She encounters various characters from Greek mythology like Herakles, Jason, and the Amazons. I absolutely loved Danae as a character. While I do appreciate a female character who initially solves problems with her fists, her growth was realistic throughout the story as she goes on her journey to discover who she is and what her role is in the world. The stakes and tension were high, the tea was piping hot, and it was a gripping story that uses Greek mythology in a new and interesting way. The conversation regarding the gods and religion is a fascinating one and the story takes a refreshing turn in talking about how religion, divinity, and the Greek pantheon, are approached in the ancient world while also applying a fantasy twist. There are many mythological easter eggs to pick up on, so if you’re a Greek mythology enthusiast you’ll probably love noticing all those little details like I did.

This was the most locked in I have been while reading in MONTHS. I’m always on the hunt for fantasy books set in the ancient world and this did not disappoint! The final twist had me gagged since it’s not the direction I thought the book was going, but I ate it up. I can’t wait for book 2!!

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
I loved this book and the main female character. This book has magic, and gods. Danae is the main female character and she is the daughter of a fisherman. She lives with her parents and sister in a small home. Her sister becomes pregnant and the town banished the family and does not want to trade with her father and his fish or sell items to the family. (will not spoil how or the father of the baby is is)
After a death in the family Danae has to go on an independent journey that is very difficult. Along the way she finds out she is the key to a prophecy. The problem is the gods want her dead.

Daughter of Chaos, the first book in The Dark Pantheon series by A.S. Webb, is an engaging blend of Greek mythology and contemporary fantasy that left me intrigued and eager to see where the series goes next.

The story weaves elements of ancient mythology into a vibrant and modern setting, which I found to be one of its standout features. Webb’s use of Greek mythology added depth and a sense of familiarity while still offering a fresh and imaginative take on the gods, their conflicts, and the mortals caught in their schemes.

The characters were well-drawn, with compelling dynamics that kept me invested in their journeys. While some moments felt a bit predictable, the overall pacing and twists kept the story engaging. Webb’s writing style is vivid and descriptive, making it easy to lose yourself in the world she’s created.

That said, there were a few points where the plot felt a bit rushed, and I would have liked more time spent fleshing out certain relationships and backstories. Even so, the world-building and mythology kept me engaged, and I appreciated the unique perspective Webb brought to this genre.

Overall, Daughter of Chaos is a solid start to a promising series. Fans of Greek mythology and character-driven fantasy will find much to enjoy here, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the story evolves in future installments.