This is an exciting debut novel! Engrossing, beautiful and full of all mythology's love and power plays! Danae is a normal girl in town, a fisherman's daughter. Her sister's abduction before her marriage into a wealthy family, followed by Danae's rape, brought misfortune on her family. Later, she discovers she is pregnant, and the city shuns her family for her pregnancy outside of marriage. When the baby boy is born, Danae and her family do what they can to provide for her sister and the child. Then her sister passes away and Danae finds her but she has a vision of a golden apple tree and taking a bite of an apple and wakes up tied up with her mother fearful of her and calling the religious elders because she believes some negative entity possesses her, but her father distraught doesn't want to lose another daughter saves her and sends her as a stowaway in a boat to search for someone!
Danae starts on an epic journey, even teaming up with Hercules on the way to save the people and take down the gods on Mount Olympus. But like everything, it is not what it seems!
I've been on a mythology-based book binge lately, and this is one of the better ones I've read. It was an absolute adventure, and I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out!
I received the audiobook for review, and the narrator brought the story, places, and even the different monsters to life! Great tone and a overall influential voice to tell a mythology book! I definitely recommend this book to you if you enjoy Greek Mythology as this will be an adventure you do not want to miss out on! Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity.It was a grand adventure!

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the chance to listen to this book, all opinions are my own.

Okay, I’ve been struggling to write this review because I have very mixed feelings about the book. There were some parts I loved which made this feel like a 5 star read and other parts that I was just rolling my eyes at and made it feel like a 3 or 2. But I’m settling on a 4 because overall I enjoyed reading it and I think the next book will probably be really interesting.

Beware, some spoilers about character deaths and certain plot points follow.

I don’t read a lot of Greek mythology reimaginings so I’m not sure how actual fans of the genre will enjoy this one. The author definitely takes a lot of liberties with the traditional mythology (which I actually loved) and it kind of reminded me a bit of Madeline Miller. Though the writing style and plotting is super different so don’t go in expecting to read Song of Achilles. I do think general fantasy fans like me are the target audience for this one but you also have to enjoy the traditional episodic storytelling of ancient mythology. While there is an overarching journey for the main character, Danae, there are a lot of individual storylines that don’t necessarily feel relevant to the main plot. I actually really enjoyed all of these and once I realized that this story was going to meander a bit and I should just go along for the ride, I enjoyed the tour through Greek mythology retold.

There are a lot of familiar names here, Helen, Ariadne, Heracles, Jason, ALL the gods and goddesses, and while I don’t think you need to know everything surrounding their mythologies, I do see little nods to the original stories. But again, I like the way the author twisted these and showed new stories and perspectives in this alternate world.

I enjoyed all of the highs and lows of Danae’s journey and how she came into her powers and the choices she made to get there.

Things I didn’t love: I’ll be honest, the one trans person in the entire story sacrificing themselves so the main character could live, not cool. And I do think the MC is queer (probably bisexual as she spends a lot of time enjoying the way naked women look) but I wanted that to be a bit more definitive. But these are my own interpretations of the story and maybe the author intended something different.

I also kinda hated Heracles and definitely did not ship him with Danae. It’s fine that they slept together but if he becomes an actual love interest in the second book I’m probably going to DNF. I would actually love if the series stayed romance free while Danae is figuring her shit out. Especially after that ending, she has got stuff to do!

Audiobook review: The narrator has a British accent (which is fine, I didn’t expect the narrator to have a Greek accent despite where the book took place) but the narrator’s choice to give different characters in this world different types of UK accents (Irish, Scottish, etc) definitely took me out of the story sometimes. I get it, they had to differentiate between characters somehow but it was definitely a little distracting at times.

So yeah, did I like this book? Yes. Did it also kind of bug me? Also yes. So a 3.5/4* it is!

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the e-audiobook!
While the premise of this story seemed really interesting, it ended up not being for me. I struggled to get into the story as there were times I felt the story wasn't flowing as smoothly as it could. Overall the idea was cool and I liked the Greek mythology elements but it didn't stand out to me as I think we could have used more development on the magic/mythology.

I am picky about my audiobook voices but this one was wonderful. I enjoyed listening to this Greek mythology inspired tale that questioned power and the stories we are told. I am a sucker for anything that includes mythology with a twist or the validity of those stories so this hit the spot. I think this is great for people who loved Percy Jackson when they were younger or have found themselves feeling sorry for Medusa in recent years.

"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.

The audiobook narration by Lucy Walker-Evans perfectly complements the story's epic atmosphere. Her voice brings the characters to life, adding depth and vibrancy to the listener's imagination. Walker-Evans particularly shines in portraying Danae's perspective, skillfully conveying her challenges and the pivotal moments when she takes control of her destiny. The narration enhances the overall experience, making the audiobook a captivating journey through the characters' world.

More than just a strong beginning, "Daughter of Chaos" is 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, Harlequin Audio and NetGalley, for my free audiobook.

3.5 Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to The Daughter Of Chaos in advance! The beginning of this book was a little slow but the pace eventually sped up when she meets Hercules and his warrior friends. I really enjoyed the adventures they went on and at times the main character. I didn’t like reckless choices she kept making but I could see her maturing more and more as the book went on! The ending has me very excited for book 2 and seeing what happens with her relationship with Hercules and seeing what the Gods will do next!
If you love Greek mythology and retellings then I think this book is for you!💕📚

This wasn't a bad book but I was not attached to it. I feel like it needed a bit more of something and I am not really sure what it was. Maybe a connection to the characters. Conceptually a really solid read but not sure I'll continue the series as of right now.

Thank you for the audiobook book, Netgalley and the publisher.

This book was very slow paced. Very slow. I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters or much of the storyline. Being based off Greek mythology, that helped keep my interest a little.

A fun romp through Greek mythology! I really enjoyed the writing style and the plot. It feels like an homage to Percy Jackson in a lot of places but I wasn't mad about it. Definitely recommend to fans of Greek myths and Greek culture.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and the author for an advanced reader copy of this book.

I found this book to be enjoyable while reading but pretty forgettable afterward. I found myself going back a few times to try to piece together some of the storyline because I don't feel like it flowed very well.

That being said, I am hoping that since this is the first book, more will be explained in the next books. Would recommend to those who enjoy greek mythology.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
3.25 stars

I really thought this would be a 4 star. The first, like, 40% is honestly pretty slow, but there were a lot of things sprinkled in that had me super excited. Who was the nephew's real father, what was going on with the Shades, all the set up with the lost daughter, the dark portrayal of the gods we received given what we see one of them do to a city.

But in the end, that slow build up felt like it didn't lead into anything. It was more like "this is what all happened, and now Danae is here, starting the story at about 40% in". I can't say the first stretch is pointless, but it didn't lead organically into the stuff that happens once Danae meets Heracles. The part I was most excited to see pop up felt like it turned Danae into a tag along. She was extremely passive and experiencing the story. Sure, she put in her input and stuff, but rather than a whole original adventure with Heracles and his crew, we tagged along for another tale that is well known and loves featuring another well-known Greek hero.

I think that's a huge part of my issue. It stopped feeling like Danae's story and more like an OC insert in a fanfic where you closely follow the plot, but also, your character is there and adds some awesome moments, but oh, we can't take from the canon characters, so she can't really do much in the actual big canon events.

I personally think this would have been a lot better without following along with this established journey and just gone on its own original thing. Would have opened up so many more interesting avenues and probably given Danae a larger role.

I will say, though, that what Webb does with the gods REALLY had me in its hold. This is probably because I do something very similar in a story of my own, but I just... I loved it, okay? XD I do think it left a few things that needed explained, but this is a series, so that's understandable.

Also, an important point. This is much more inspired by Greek mythology. There are so many changes from the actually mythology and history, so please do not go into this expecting it to be accurate. It isn't, and I don't think it was wanting to be. Makes me wonder if the book would have honestly thrived more without the direct Greek connection but instead making its own mythos inspired by it and such.

So, overall, a decently good book, but so much of the potential it set up just fell flat for me v_v

Daughter of Chaos by A.S. Webb offers a fresh and immersive take on Greek mythology, weaving a story that brings the gods' influence and the mortal experience into sharp focus. What I loved about the book was how it captured the raw emotions and complex relationships that come with worshiping and fearing the gods. Webb's exploration of the power dynamics between mortals and deities provides a unique, tragic perspective, one where the characters are not only caught in the web of fate but are deeply intertwined with divine will.

Through the lens of the protagonist, we get a personal, almost visceral sense of what it means to live under the constant threat and awe of these omnipotent beings. The fear of angering the gods and the tension between devotion and resentment is palpable, giving the narrative a sense of inevitability and tragedy reminiscent of the best Greek tales. The tragedy comes alive through Webb’s vivid prose, where every choice feels like it could tip the balance between survival and destruction. It’s a fascinating and thought-provoking read for anyone who loves Greek mythology and enjoys a deep dive into the psychology of those who must live in its shadow.

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.

I love Greek Mythology, so I thought this would be a slam dunk read for me. At first, I was excited that the author said Heracles instead of Hercules, and I knew it would be an accurate fantasy tale. However, I didn't expect it to be so slow paced. I couldn't find myself invested in the storyline or the characters. The author's accuracy gets them 3 stars, but I wasn't in love with this story.

3 Stars! 🌟 Huge thanks to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ALC! 💖

Okay, so Daughter of Chaos is definitely an interesting ride, but I’m not sure if I’ll be continuing the series. The premise? 100% up my alley—Greek mythology, gods, and prophecies? YES PLEASE! But, the execution didn’t quite live up to the hype for me.

First off, let’s talk about the plot. Danae’s journey of overthrowing the gods (and saving humanity, no biggie) has all the potential to be EPIC. But… there’s just too much telling and not enough showing. I wanted to feel the tension, the action, the chaos (heh, get it?). Instead, I felt like I was reading about it rather than experiencing it. Some parts dragged on, and others felt way too rushed. It was like the pacing couldn’t decide if it wanted to be fast or slow. It left me kind of confused? 🤔

Now, Danae. Hm. I wanted to love her, but girl just felt kinda flat. She has this huge, world-changing mission, but I didn’t really feel invested in her as a character. Her inner monologues? They felt repetitive, and honestly, I wasn’t worried for her even when things were supposed to be life-or-death. I think I was waiting for some major character growth, but it didn’t quite land for me.

BUT, I have to give credit where credit is due—the secondary characters, like Heracles, Jason, and Atalanta, were chef’s kiss. 😍 Every time they showed up, I was like, “YES, THESE ARE THE STARS!” The gods and heroes were reimagined in such a cool way, and I was totally hooked on that part of the story. I would read more just for them. 💥

I really do think this series has potential. It has the foundation for something great, but it needs some work—especially with pacing and character development. I’m intrigued enough by the world and the twist on mythology to keep an eye out for the next book, so... who knows? 🤷‍♀️

Overall, this debut was a mixed bag for me, but I’ll be rooting for the next installment. Fingers crossed for improvement! 🤞

And one last thing—Lucy Walker-Evans absolutely nailed the narration! 👏 She really brought the story to life and gave the characters a bit more depth, especially when things got intense. Her voice was the highlight of the audiobook for me, and I can totally see myself enjoying her narration in future books. 🙌

Happy reading, y’all! 📚🖤

I loved this Greek mythology retelling! It was such a different concept and I was expecting something completely different but was pleasantly surprised. I loved Danae. The struggles that she overcame while also being a strong female character was so powerful especially in the mythology realm. The way the gods and goddesses were portrayed in this to me were the best representation of what they would’ve been like. I loved the viciousness of the gods and goddesses while also sometimes the sweetness. Such a great mix.
I highly recommend the audiobook of this. I loved the narrator, they really brought out the emotion with Danae and I could feel everything she would’ve felt. Wonderful job!

The audio narrator did a wonderful job. The story on the other had fell a bit flat to me. I adore anything based on myth so always jump to read them but this one just wasnt it. I got bored. Which is weird because it does have exciting moments which are what let me finish it but not quite to a 3 star. I can for sure see others loving this and there is an interesting plot developed for the remainder of the series. I will have to check out the sequel and see if this is one of those authors I just need to give a bit more time to develop a series.

Okay I am a HUGE greek mythology fan, like an insufferable nerd who doesnt stop talking about it and correcting people. And I love how this was done! When the FMC hitched a ride with the Argonauts I started panicking about how the author would handle the original story line and she did an amazing job, kept it true to the myths (with some slight acceptable variations) but did so in a way that made it so I didnt know what was going to happen to the main story line of the FMC. It was super enjoyable and I ate it up in one sitting. Will definitely be looking forward to book 2!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this audiobook ARC in exchange for my review.

I came into this story with rudimentary knowledge of Greek Mythology, so that aspect of this story doesn't add or take away from my experience reading Daughter of Chaos. I loved the characters, especially the FMC, and the overall plot was easy to follow and keep up with. The pacing was a little off, with some moments that fell a bit flat within the action and story. Overall though, the plot was interesting enough to keep me glued to the pages. I will definitely be picking up the sequel, and would recommend this to anyone interested in fantasy!

Daughter of Chaos by A.S. Webb is a fun, fast-paced fantasy read that really grabs your attention. The story follows a girl who discovers she’s not exactly ordinary—she’s got powers tied to chaos, which leads to all kinds of trouble and adventure. Webb does a great job with world-building and making the characters feel real, especially the main character, who is strong and relatable.