Member Reviews

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!!

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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.

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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!!

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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.

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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.

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This book is so gorgeously written. I love a good mythology connected story, and this was far and beyond what I expected! This has action-packed twists and turns that create a unique world within settings and with characters that are familiar to many.

The characters in this book are sometimes hard to love, but their story lines, challenges, and the journey they go on make it exciting to read and find out how they'll develop and grow. I didn't need another series to love, but I will be hanging on to see where Danae goes in the future books!

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Daughter of Chaos is book one in The Dark Pantheon series by A.S. Webb.
A fun and exciting Greek mythology story full of interesting characters.
I was captivated by this authors writing. She pulled me in and held me captive.
The world building is lush and vibrant and so uniquely crafted to perfection in my opinion.
Webb's vivid storytelling will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this enthralling series.

Thanks to NetGalley and MIRA for an Advanced Reader Copy

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I really enjoyed the first 30-35% of Daughter of Chaos, and then it plateaued and stayed there. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't my favorite, and I found most of my issues with the pacing and how much time is spent on things that absolutely do not move the plot forward. And if they do, it's not nearly worth the amount of time, conflict, resolution, and effort it took to get there.

In many ways, this is similar to the Percy Jackson series, while maintaining things that make it feel fresh and original. The gods are diabolical here lol—selfish, cruel, and borderline villains in many ways. However, I was rooting for Danae's ability to outsmart everyone and persevere, and while she gave me a few scares, she made it out okay for the most part.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and NetGalley for providing an ARC!

3 ⭐️s

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This book was pretty good.
I really enjoyed the first 20% of this book, then I felt it fell a teensy bit flat for me.
The pacing feels a bit random and inconsistent. There were some pretty intense moments that I wished were slowed down, so we could feel the full impact.
I also think a lot of the characters have potential of being great, but I didn't feel a connection to them as much as I would've liked.

That being said, I think this is an impressive debut novell. I really like the writting style of this book, and I think that this series has potential. I would definitely try the next book.

Thank you publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my review.

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Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy for an honest review.

My first thoughts were blegh, I was worried that I wasn’t going to like it but then I got sucked in.
If you want a more adult version of Percy Jackson, check this book out.

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This book had all the pieces of a great fantasy novel and delivered. I was instantly captivated by the plot and characters and found myself unable to put it down! As someone who loves the stories and ideas behind Greek mythology but is not an avid reader or expert of Greek mythology, this story felt very attainable to the reader, fresh, and full of action. I received this as an eARC and cannot wait for the book’s release to buy my own copy and share with my fellow fantasy lovers.

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Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and A.S. Webb for the eARC of Daughter of Chaos. All opinions are my own.

4.25 stars ⭐️

Daughter of Chaos surprised me at every twist and turn. (And there were many!) I genuinely couldn’t put it down. If you’re a fan of Danielle L. Jensen, I would highly recommend this one!

I’m excited to read the next installment of the series and find out where Danae’s journey will take her next. An excellent debut!

Spice Level - Very little (One open door scene)

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I'm not sure what I first expected this book to be. There is a prologue that leads to a pretty big time jump, which leads me to wanting more from the story as soon as it ended. These versions of the Greek myths and Gods are, without a better term, evil. The mortals put a lot of faith in the Gods, but the Gods don't put a lot of hope in the mortals. I really liked this take on the Greek mythology, as well as having this character who is there to mess with it all. In the first part of this story, there is a lot of build up, that leaves you still wanting some questions answered. I still have a lot of questions after reading the book in general, but it is the start of a new series and I'm excited to see what happens. Danae is a character who didn't really fit in where she was from, and obviously has some history that has yet to be explored. I am excited to see where her journey goes, especially with all the moments in this book so far. There are some scenes/moments that feel like they are drawing things out, but I imagine a lot of these events will lead to other things in the rest of the series. Overall, a really fun take on Greek Mythology and Gods.

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I haven't read a large amount of Greek mythology related books, but from what I gather this one is a unique take on the popular gods and goddesses. It was fast-paced and mostly interesting. The main character was a bit difficult for me at times to understand or want to support, but that adds some "realness" to her and allows rooms for growth and development further on.

Fans of fantasy and Greek mythology would certainly enjoy this book!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

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I give this an overall 3 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️!

First, I do feel this story definitely has some potential and I do always appreciate a Greek story so that was a major appeal to me about this book. However, I did feel the pacing was a bit too slow at times and too rushed at others. I would have loved if the author had somehow been able to hit a medium pace throughout the book.

I did enjoy the dialogue between each character. I felt the writing was natural and flowed well. I definitely liked the energy of the main character, Danae, and felt her character at the end was well developed and set up for the sequel.

I did enjoy the ending most of all in how things ended up and I do think it makes for an intriguing set up for the sequel!

Overall, I did enjoy this book and I would read the sequel!

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