Wraith is a science-fantasy adventure, with a tinge of horror. It is a decently fast-paced story that neither overstays its welcome, nor ends too abruptly. Overall, I quite liked this book, but mainly for the science-fantasy and horror elements. It did a fine job of establishing the world in which the story takes place early on, and firmly situating our protagonist within it. While it starts inconspicuous, the somewhat uncanny ambiance is established from the beginning, as things seem to be going too well for Zoe. The uncanniness only increases as Zoe's bond with Gemma deepens.
This relationship between Zoe and Gemma (her boss) is very well executed in my opinion, although it does feel like Zoe trusting Gemma happens way too quickly, especially considering Zoe's history of domestic violence.
The portrayal of Britt, Zoe's abusive ex, on the other hand, felt far less refined. Her behaviour, especially towards the end, felt almost comically overblown. I'm sure there are abusers out there who act like this, but that didn't stop the character from feeling out-of-place. Britt's past behaviours, as described by Zoe, are far more realistic and did contribute a lot to the eerie feeling of the story, but by the time Britt actually appears, she's already moved beyond that into unbelievability.
I've read far too many books recently that had lackluster or straight up infuriating endings, but this one was thankfully not one of them. It was a bit on the shorter side, but overall made for a nice conclusion that was actually kind of heart-warming. I do wish it had been explained why Cedric called her Wraith, and what happened to the adult Amaryn after Zoe unfroze her, but those are pretty minor gripes, all considered.

Unfortunately I didn’t love this book, don’t get me wrong the writing was fabulous and I liked the characters however I found it difficult to follow and found the storyline forgettable, i pushed through hoping to enjoy the book as I loved the writing style and the concept was really interesting to me, the storyline however just fell flat for me.

Not like anything I’ve read before! Moves super quickly. Struggled a little with the writing style but I enjoyed it once I adapted to it!

I haven’t read any of the authors previous works but this was for the most part easy to follow despite this!

I found this one was a little too weird for my liking. I don't know if its the writing style, the form of the novel or just then vibes were off but unfortunately, I didnt enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Might try it again later but for now its not for me

I received this book as an ARC through NetGallery and the published book may have been altered to what I received.

I enjoyed this book! It’s action packed with so much going on and strong FMC with a tortured past. Saying it’s fast paced is an understatement and I felt I was going too fast but it was still overall a good read.

- SciFi meets Mythology
- Standalone x Part of a trilogy

Well first off, wow… just absolutely amazing. From someone who has not read the entire series, I love that I was able to read this book as a stand alone and still completely understand what was happening and know each character. Second, Zoe is a badass and I love the representation of growing from previously abusive relationships.
This book was not what I expected it to be and gave me everything and more when combining sci-fi & mythology. Wraith was the perfect blend of the two genres while also delivering a truly strong fmc!

Thank you so much to BDA Publishing and NetGalley for the early release of this book! I am very grateful,

This book follows Zoe Daniel as she tries to move on from her abusive ex. She has clearly gone through a lot in her previous relationship and so moves to a new city and takes a new job to get away from her past.

At this new company, Valhalla, she works on uncovering the secrets of the mysterious “chaos.” From here, the plot picks up at a breakneck speed with lots going on. I enjoyed that the book was full of action and once it gets going it never stops, with something new happening every page. Sometimes however, it felt like some bits came out of nowhere although with the shorter page count a lot is packed in. Definitely a fast paced read and easy to binge.

Overall, knowing that this is book three of a standalone series (I had not read the others in the series before this) I would now like to check out the others after this one.

**Book Review: *Wraith* by Matt King**

Matt King's *Wraith* delivers a thrilling and high-octane ride, combining science fiction, action, and dark mythology into a gripping standalone novel that is sure to captivate fans of intense, character-driven stories with a supernatural twist.

At the heart of the story is Zoe Daniel, a woman seeking to escape her past and reclaim her life after leaving an abusive relationship. A fresh start brings her to Valhalla, a cutting-edge scientific institute that promises to unlock the secrets of human potential. While the promise of free coffee and a new beginning might seem like the perfect way to rebuild, Zoe quickly learns that Valhalla's experiments with a mysterious and volatile element called Chaos will change everything.

Chaos, a substance capable of granting dangerous, unpredictable powers to those who survive contact with it, is the center of Valhalla’s secretive research. Zoe, after an accidental exposure, becomes embroiled in a world she never asked for, gaining powers that defy logic and threaten to unravel her life even further. Her newfound abilities bring her not only into the crosshairs of those seeking to exploit her powers but also thrust her into a battle for survival against forces within Valhalla and the return of her abusive ex.

King masterfully blends elements of science fiction with deep emotional stakes and dark mythology. As Zoe struggles to control the chaotic powers within her, she also grapples with the need for answers—both about her own abilities and the truth behind Valhalla’s experiments. The personal conflict between reclaiming her autonomy and the external chaos that threatens to consume her is what propels the narrative forward, creating an emotionally charged experience for readers.

The novel’s pace is relentless, as Zoe is thrust into one high-stakes situation after another. The action sequences are thrilling, with King masterfully portraying Zoe's growing powers and the challenges she faces in harnessing them. At the same time, *Wraith* doesn’t shy away from the darker, more emotional aspects of Zoe’s journey. Her complicated past with her ex, combined with the pressure to uncover the truth behind Valhalla’s experiments, keeps her in constant turmoil, making her a relatable and deeply human character despite the larger-than-life circumstances she’s thrown into.

The mythological aspects of the story add an intriguing layer, with Zoe and the other characters uncovering the ancient, almost otherworldly origins of the Chaos element. As the narrative weaves through betrayals, mysteries, and shifting alliances, it becomes clear that the battle isn’t just for Zoe’s survival—it’s for the future of humanity itself.

Gemma Weeks, the enigmatic head of Valhalla, serves as an intriguing foil to Zoe’s character. Driven by the desperate need to save her daughter’s life, Gemma’s willingness to push the boundaries of ethics and science in pursuit of the miraculous highlights the high stakes of the story. As both a source of potential aid and a possible antagonist, Gemma's actions challenge Zoe’s moral compass and add an additional layer of tension to the plot.

One of the book's strengths is how King seamlessly blends the world of science and myth. Valhalla may be rooted in scientific ambition, but the deeper they delve into Chaos, the more they uncover about the ancient, supernatural forces at play. It’s a world where science and the supernatural coexist, and the monsters that threaten to destroy everything may not always be what they seem. The psychological tension between the scientific and mythical aspects of the narrative gives *Wraith* its unique flavor and keeps the reader engaged.

While *Wraith* can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, its connections to a broader world of complex characters and a shifting reality make it feel part of something much larger. King does an excellent job of creating a world where nothing is as it seems, and where every character has hidden motives that blur the line between right and wrong.

Overall, *Wraith* is a dynamic and fast-paced novel that expertly blends genres and themes. Zoe’s journey of survival, self-discovery, and control over her powers is compelling, emotional, and filled with twists that keep the reader hooked until the very last page. If you’re looking for a thrilling tale that combines the best of science fiction, dark mythology, and emotional stakes, then *Wraith* is a must-read.

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for this eARC.

First off, WOAH?? No way I gobbled this up in just one day??

I think I haven't read a sci-fi fantasy + mythology in awhile and the idea of this book was interesting. The pace was great, it manage to gripped you chapters by chapters as there is no rest for Zoe Daniel. The villain was no shocked tbh but nevertheless, I love how it turns out in the end.

Also, if there is a sequel to this, I will read it.

Fast paced and very fun read! I love the blend of mythology with Sci-fi. This is the first book that I've read in the series and will definitely pick up more now!

This book was so good! The writing was amazing: somehow serious and funny at the same time. The represenation with Zoe was so refreshing, and she was just so strong. The storyline was fast paced, but in overwhelming! I really enjoyed Wraith and can't wait to read more from Matt King, especially since I've read that all how the stories are in the same verse!

First of all - thanks NetGalley and BDA Publishing for the arc!

Zoe is a brilliant scientist with a less-than-stellar relationship history. The only way to get away from her abusive ex was completely disappearing overnight, meaning that she now has to set up a new life for herself whilst never completely being certain that she truly escaped.
Now, she at least has an exciting job opportunity waiting for her, a research job with the cutting-edge science company that promises to change the world. Zoe is in charge of running tests on a new element called Chaos that has the potential to grant extraordinary powers whilst also being able to cure diseases like cancer. When Zoe is exposed to this element in a lab accident, she realizes that everything has a price and she might be a mere chess piece on a larger playing field with Chaos being ready to play as well.
Zoe now has to find a way to not only save herself, but those whose lives were touched by Chaos as well, all while trying to understand her new powers and running away from the demons of her past.

Before receiving this arc I haven't heard of Matt Kings New Mythology series, but I was instantly intrigued. Characters with a dark past, surviving abuse, science, new elements and Greek mythology? Sign me up!
I read this one as a standalone, but I am pretty sure that reading the whole series would make the experience even more fun.

I really liked Zoe as a main character. She is a brilliant scientist but we get to know her on a more personal level, seeing her struggle with the past of an abusive ex and feeling overwhelmed and uncertain a lot of the time. I love seeing these super intelligent main characters being humanized because nobody is just a genius and it happens more often than not that this type of character turns into a caricature of their field. I was not able to relate to every decision she made, but overall she followed a strong moral compass and was a fun protagonist to follow.
Gemma was a character that really suffered from the short length of this book. I wished we got to see more of her backstory and her building a relationship with Zoe before being as trusting and emotional in Zoe as she was. Whilst I enjoyed her character, I just feel that she had more potential.
Same goes for Britt - her characterization was good, but could have been great.

I really do not want to spoil you, so I'll try to keep this vague: the abilities that Chaos is able to give were super interesting. I love that we got to experience quite a few of them, I loved every new one that was introduced. I also enjoyed Zoe getting to know the boundaries of her powers, it was done in an extremely believable way without being repetitive.

The story was, again without trying to spoil anything, delightful and kept me hooked. There were a few twists I really did not see coming and were handled beautifully, my favorite being the fishing room one ( if you know you know). I think in certain aspects the story would have benefited from being longer, but I also respect the authors ability to know when their story is told (looking at some 700p books that should have been 350).

So why not give 5 stars? Well, honestly, I am the problem. And maybe the marketing of this book. From the cover, the description and the series name I expected this book to have a lot of ties to Greek mythology. I am by no means an expert in this topic, but I read my fair share of books in this realm and I was not able to make basically any connections to Greek mythology. To me, this really felt like a superhero novel that had nothing to do with Greek mythology. Again, probably my fault, but if you really want that loose Greek re-imagining you should look somewhere else. If you are interested in a super fun but also deep, short superhero novel with sci fi touches, this is for you!
Also, I absolutely love love love the cover of this book but after reading it, it does not feel cohesive to the story. But yeah, I would love to have a poster of it, the artwork is stunning!

this is a weird DNF for me. on one hand, i want to read more, the premise is exciting, and the plot was starting to get good.

on the other hand, we have some pretty uncomfortable things going on, like a weird manager-subordinate borderline romantic thing going on that I don’t enjoy at all. i thought it was going to be something where later on she would be turned into the villain, but even if that is so, the grooming and weird power dynamics are a little too much for me.

we also had a random appearance by the abusive ex of our mc, and this is what made me dnf. this came after a string of occurrences that seemed lucky at BEST, and so I was kind of running low on belief suspension. sure, we were told that this ex is crazy and WILL track our mc down, but honestly how she managed to track the mc to a hotel that was just bought and she had the exact room number… unbelievable if you ask me.

i had hope for this one and it was just starting to pick up before killing all the vibes for me.

I was so excited to get the approval for to read this book early and even more excited to know that I could dive in without reading the first two books in this series. (Prism and Atalanta). Now I'm even more MORE excited because I loved this one so much that I cannot wait to read the first two!

Fast-paced and fun! I really enjoyed the immersive world—how science fiction blended so effortlessly with mythology. I wish among all the action there was a little more time to get to know some of the other characters. Overall, a fun read!

Fast paced urban mythology/fantasy blend with a hint of sci-fi vibes. The writing style really popped and the snappiness really added to the overall vibrancy of the story & world. I read this standalone, and it was an enjoyable read with likeable characters - I wish more standalones had this much energy and depth to the world building.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I hadn't read any of Matt King's books before, but I devoured this one in two sittings because I was very invested in the story. I liked the magic/powers the most because I thought it very original. The descriptions of how the main character experienced their power was also very interesting! The only thing that threw me off a bit was the amount of times the setting of some scenes changed. The characters jumped from one place to another very fast, and sometimes it was disorienting, but other than that, this book was neat. I will definitely pick up his other books, especially seeing how there's some mentioning to other characters and their importance in this universe the author has created. I wonder what their special abilities might be. Very cool and short book!

4.5 stars!!

read for work (shoutout BDA) and I absolutely loved. 10/10 I'm so excited to be a part of publishing this in the new year hehe.

Wow wow wow, Matt King knows how to write a book. Had me hooked from the start on Zoe and her adventures in Valhalla. I mean, I too would totally fall for the free coffee in a new job. Can’t wait to read more!!

This is my introduction to Matt King and wow, just wow! I am an instant fan.

Zoe is running from an abusive past when she is hired by an enigmatic woman to work at a leading institute of science. Here Zoe is tasked with deciphering the secrets of an unknown material, but not everything is as it seems. After being "infected" by the material, dubbed Chaos, Zoe develops special abilities. Having spent so long running from danger, Zoe must now muster the courage to run towards it, to save not only herself but all of humanity.

This is labeled as book 3 in the series. There are parts, organizations and I suspect people as well, that are a part of the bigger universe that are probably explained more in depth in the other books, but there is plenty in this book to be satisfy.

Science-Fiction can be notoriously hard to get into because of the science part. I've found that too much scientific lingo detracts and is discouraging to people who are not well versed in all the sciences. This one, although has some science speak, there is enough context and description to get the point across without over explanation.

I was particularly fond of the pacing. It's fast paced for sure, but its evenly placed. This would be a great story for fans of superheroes. I am not mythologically knowledgeable, but Matt King is and does write from a mythology standpoint and brings those stories into more modern settings, but honestly the only thing I could think of while reading this was the X-Men. Which I'm sure are based off some sort of mythology themselves.

I really enjoyed the fantasy elements in this story as well. Such a short time to build a world and yet, it felt complete. A world steeped in science fiction and parallel universes there was always some new surprise around the corner that pulled me in further and left me wanting more, but in a good way.