I devour any book that relates to Greek mythology, so when I got my hands on this beauty - I couldn't wait to read it!

I can't say it was exactly what I expected, but I was not disappointed! Storyline unfolded quite nicely, kept me engrossed all the way through without loosing my interest at all.

I do have to say, that it might have lacked depth just a tiny little bit. It wasn't a massive problem, I still enjoyed the story and do feel curious to read more from these authors, as it was my first introduction to their work ♡

Daughter of Darkness by Katherine & Elizabeth Corr plunges readers into a richly imagined world of Greek mythology, where gods, monsters, and mortals clash in a high-stakes adventure. The story follows Deina, a tough and ambitious protagonist, on her quest to the underworld to retrieve Eurydice’s soul in exchange for her freedom. As she navigates perilous rivers, sinister gods, and treacherous companions, Deina’s journey becomes a captivating exploration of freedom, ambition, and the complexities of the human condition. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of this engaging YA fantasy, highlighting what makes it a standout read for fans of mythological retellings.

Deina, the protagonist, is introduced as a tough and reckless character bound by her indenture as a Sole Server, a role filled with intrigue and challenges. Her ambition and drive to achieve her goals made her journey compelling. I appreciated her growth and complexity, which unfolded gradually throughout the quest, making her even more appealing. Her relationship with the other soul severers, though initially fraught with rivalries, evolved as they faced numerous challenges together.

The supporting characters, while initially taking time to grow on me, eventually became memorable and endearing. Each character was given a distinct personality and backstory, which added depth to the story. However, I found some inconsistencies and weaknesses in their characterisation, which slightly detracted from my overall enjoyment. Despite this, the main characters, especially Deina and her companions, managed to hold my interest and make the story engaging.

The villain, Orpheus, was a standout character. His role as a tyrant king and his twisted desire to bring back his queen, Eurydice, added a unique spin to the classic myth. His presence heightened the stakes and made the journey to the underworld even more perilous. I also enjoyed the authors’ depiction of Hades, which brought a fresh perspective to a familiar figure from Greek mythology.

The plot of this novel is deeply rooted in Greek mythology, offering a unique blend of familiar myths and original storytelling. Deina’s quest to the underworld to retrieve Eurydice’s soul in exchange for her freedom is a thrilling premise that immediately drew me in. The world-building is rich and immersive, capturing the essence of ancient Greek myths while introducing new elements that kept the story fresh and exciting.

The action-packed quest is filled with twists, betrayals, and high-stakes challenges. The perilous journey through the underworld, with its sinister rivers and dangerous gods, created an atmosphere of constant tension and urgency. Each chapter unveiled new threats and revelations, making it hard to predict what would happen next. This unpredictability kept me eagerly turning the pages, invested in the characters’ fates.

However, the story sometimes felt overwhelming due to the numerous twists and complex world-building. Despite this, the plot managed to address themes such as misogyny and slavery, adding depth to the adventure. By the end, most loose ends were wrapped up nicely, with a cliffhanger setting up the sequel, leaving me eager for more.

The writing style is richly descriptive and easy to follow, with each sentence building a vivid picture of the world and its characters. The authors did a fantastic job of creating a mythological atmosphere, making it easy to immerse myself in the ancient landscape of gods, monsters, and tyrant kings. The tension and unease that intensified throughout the story made it hard to put the book down.

I particularly enjoyed the lyrical quality of the writing, which gave the story a magical and otherworldly feel. The descriptions of the underworld were beautifully crafted and incredibly atmospheric, making every scene come to life. The action scenes were fast-paced and brutally intense, adding to the sense of danger and urgency that permeated the story.

However, there were moments where the writing felt a bit forced, especially in the initial characterisation of Deina. Despite this, the overall writing style effectively conveyed the emotions and stakes of the story, making it an enjoyable and engaging read.

The novel explores several powerful themes, including freedom, ambition, and the complexities of the human condition. Deina’s desperate bid to escape her future as a soul severer and gain her freedom is a compelling exploration of personal growth and self-discovery. Her journey through the underworld, fraught with dangers and betrayals, highlights the high cost of freedom and the lengths one will go to achieve it.

The theme of indenture and the desire to break free from it is central to the story, reflecting broader issues of slavery and oppression. The characters’ struggles against their bonds and their quest for autonomy add emotional depth to the narrative. The portrayal of the gods and their capricious nature also touches on the theme of the unpredictability of fate and the struggles of mortals to navigate it.

The novel also delves into themes of loyalty and rivalry, as the characters must overcome their differences and work together to survive the perilous journey. The tension between personal ambition and the greater good is a recurring motif, adding complexity to the characters’ decisions and actions.

As a YA fantasy rooted in Greek mythology, the book fits perfectly within its genre. It offers a compelling mix of adventure, magic, and mythological elements that fans of the genre will appreciate. The familiar tropes of a quest-driven plot, combined with a fresh take on classic myths, make for an engaging and satisfying read.

The world-building is detailed and immersive, providing a rich backdrop for the characters’ adventures. The novel’s pacing, with its blend of action, character development, and emotional moments, fits well within the YA fantasy genre, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.

Overall, the book successfully combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and mythology, creating a story that is both familiar and innovative. It’s a great fit for fans of YA fantasy looking for a fresh take on Greek myths with strong, relatable characters and an engaging plot.

Positives of Daughter of Darkness
Compelling Protagonist: Deina’s growth from a reckless soul severer to a determined heroine adds depth and relatability to her character.
Intriguing Plot: A unique blend of Greek mythology and original storytelling keeps the narrative fresh and exciting.
Strong Villain: Orpheus as a tyrant king with twisted motivations adds tension and raises the stakes of Deina’s quest.
Rich World-Building: Vivid descriptions bring the underworld and ancient Greek landscapes to life, enhancing the immersive reading experience.
Dynamic Supporting Characters: Despite some inconsistencies, the distinct personalities and backstories of the supporting cast add depth to the story.
Atmospheric Writing: The richly descriptive style creates a mythological atmosphere, with beautifully crafted scenes of the underworld.
Themes of Freedom and Ambition: The exploration of personal growth, ambition, and the desire to break free from oppression adds emotional weight to the narrative.
Negatives of Daughter of Darkness
Characterisation Issues: Some supporting characters felt inconsistent or underdeveloped, detracting from the overall character dynamics.
Forced Writing Moments: Some of Deina’s initial characterisation felt slightly contrived, impacting early engagement with her journey.
Pacing Fluctuations: The numerous twists and turns, while exciting, occasionally made the plot feel rushed and complex.
Daughter of Darkness is a thrilling dive into Greek mythology that successfully combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and richly reimagined myths. With a strong and complex protagonist, a compelling villain, and an immersive world, the novel offers a fresh take on familiar tales. Despite some minor flaws, such as inconsistent character development and a sometimes overwhelming plot, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The themes of freedom, ambition, and the high cost of personal growth are explored in a meaningful way, adding depth to the story.

Overall, this book is a highly recommended read for fans of YA fantasy and Greek mythology. Its creative blend of mythological elements and original storytelling, paired with engaging writing and a gripping quest, make it a standout in the genre. With a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, Daughter of Darkness is a captivating adventure that promises to keep readers hooked from start to finish. If you’re looking for a mythologically rich journey filled with action, magic, and complex characters, this novel is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you NetGalley for approving me to read this. A very good read that had me hooked, once started I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend

Denia is a servant of Hades on earth, and until she can buy her way out, she has no choice but to carry out her duties

So when an opportunity comes up in the form of an offer from other God to save his wife from the Underworld, Denia would be silly not to try

She teams up with a group of fellow Soul Severers but this is an uneasy alliance to say the least

The group have a perilous journey ahead of them, and they have little idea as to what they will have to give to see the journey to its end...

Great Greek mythology retelling, and I am glad I have the next book right to hand with how the story went.

I love these author and Greek mythology, so I was so excited when this came through..

How the story unfolds and the cjracters interact, had me hooked. I love the direction the book took and I honestly couldn't put it down!

I don't think it's instantly clear from the cover or information that this is a Greek Mythology YA retelling but that's what it is, and it's done really well! The portrayal of the gods as cunning and sometimes cruel captivated me, reflecting their mythological nature.

The dynamic between Deina and Theron was a highlight, their initial enmity giving way to a deeper connection simmering beneath the surface. And that ending – it left me reeling, eagerly awaiting the next installment.

I really liked this book, and would recommend it to YA readers. A great story and characters. It will be interesting to see where the story goes.

Absolutely adored this. It's been a while since I read it so my review isn't going to help very much! I haven't been on my Netgalley in years.

I got given acces to this title when it was on a publisher promotion, but this was when I was new to netgalley and didn't know that the pdfs in the app expired so I never got to read it.

Did not finish book. Stopped at 54%.
I left this book for a week whilst still on holiday and felt no urge to pick it up when I got back. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something missing from this book that made me feel unenthusiastic about both the characters and the plot.

I really enjoyed this story which had a huge quest / found family trope.
It’s a really fun ride for those who love Greek mythology.
I found the main character reminded me of Jude from The Cruel Prince, with the tendency to stab first, ask questions later but I didn’t mind this as I love Jude.
The adventure is fun and easy to follow, don’t expect radical twists, it’s world building is imaginative and by and large the characters are likeable.

Interesting take and YA perspective on Orpheus and Euridyces. Orpheus was a gross characterisation and super interesting. The main character Deina however, didn't bite for me. I found the connection to the male love interest difficult to invest in because of previous behaviour. I remained intrigued by Nat. Overall, I'm a little sad I wasn't as invested as I'd hoped.

Unfortunately I was unable to complete reading this book and therefore cannot provide a thorough review. I would like to thank the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this - I appreciate this gesture

This was an incredible read with excellent characters and world building. It was somewhat fast paced and fun to read - I cannot wait for what comes next!

This book delivered exactly what was needed for me right now in my reading life! The line “all you have to do is succeed and survive” will be my guiding light for this season! It’s a must read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book

I loved this book so much more than I expected to, and I really did not know what to expect when I went into it. Daughter of Darkness is a Greek mythology retelling of Orpheus and Eurydices. Once you are drawn into this story, it does not let you go. It was so beautifully written by both authors, from the twists to the gods and monsters to the beautiful, vivid description of the underworld.

I absolutely loved this book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fantasy twist on Greek mythology.

When I saw this was Greek mythology I internally screamed “SIGN ME UP!!” So that’s exactly what I did. Intricately woven, atmospheric and downright captivating this is a book that ticked all my boxes. It’s incredibly easy for a book of this style to fall flat or fade into the many attempts but It’s clear the authors put in the hard graft to ensure they delivered a unique plot, interesting characters and a well rounded novel that will please many readers.

In Daughter of Darkness, Katharine and Elizabeth Corr have created a world based on Greek mythology. Deina is a Theodesmioi, a human who has been marked by a god and has the ability to channel some of their power. Despite their abilities, the Theodesmioi are not all powerful, rather they are slaves who earn their freedom by performing rites. Every increment of time earned off their indenture time is marked on their flesh in the form of rite-seals. They are bound to their workplace, whether a city or ship, by a collar that prevents them from leaving.

It’s a life that Deina is desperate to escape from, and when a lucrative offer from the tyrant king Orpheus appears to give her that chance, she can’t volunteer fast enough. Of course, any offer of freedom and a huge chest of gold isn’t going to come without strings attached. Along with several other Theodesmioi from her House, Deina is given the task of heading into the Underworld to retrieve Orpheus’ dead wife Eurydice and return her to the king.

As Theodesmioi of Hades, Deina and her companions are known as Soul Severers and spend a lot of time around death. But that doesn’t normally involve going into the Underworld. It’s unheard of, and it’s dangerous. To complicate matters, the only way to complete the task and survive to claim her freedom is to work with the Severers going with her. Deina isn’t a team player at the best of times, especially not when her team includes her former childhood friend who betrayed her and a misogynist who believes women are weak and useless.

Heading into the Underworld, Deina is as prepared for a difficult journey as she can be… or so she believes.

Daughter of Darkness is one of those books that I’d heard a lot about, and yet it failed to make a big impact on me. I found the story and characters to be predictable, and a big part of that was the book’s title. It gave away the biggest reveal of the whole novel in my opinion, and honestly, I spent the entire time just waiting for what was already on the cover to be officially confirmed. There was only one reveal in the book that came as a surprise, and that was because the authors only hinted at it briefly. Everything else just felt overly spoon-fed, as though the reader wasn’t smart enough to pick up on any clues.

I enjoyed aspects of the world-building that the Corr sisters had created, such as the concept of Soul Severers. I liked the idea of having a job in society that existed to save people pain when they were nearing death, or in accidents. In Daughter of Darkness, it’s mentioned that one of the Severers helps lead a young child to the Underworld when they are fatally injured in an accident, saving them from a painful death and letting them die painlessly.

At first, I thought that the entire book was misogynistic, but a little research shows that the authors have in fact based their rights of women in their book on how they were in Ancient Greece. That being said, I felt that their version of the pantheon was overly focused on male deities. The only Houses of Theodesmioi mentioned are for male gods, and female goddesses are mostly named in passing. The only one specifically named is Hecate, as Deina prays to her multiple times. I don’t know whether they were intentionally missed out and therefore, only male gods have marked Theodesmioi or they just were not mentioned in this book.

Either way, it bothered me because while Ancient Greece might not have given women many rights, when it came to mythology their pantheon is filled with many prominent goddesses. It felt very odd to me not to have them included in a book based on Greek mythology.

I didn’t dislike Daughter of Darkness, and it’s a solid three stars for me, but I’ve got to be honest; when it comes to trips to the Underworld there’s only one author for me and that’s Rick Riordan. It’s going to take quite a lot to beat The House of Hades, the fourth book in The Heroes of Olympus series. This one ended on a cliffhanger that promises a lot more drama to come in the next book, and I’m hoping it will deliver with less predictability.

A tale set in ancient Greek times, where the gods are real and magical rites occur with astounding regularity.

Deina has a mark on her forehead which means that she belongs to one of the gods, Hades in this instance. She was given to a House of Hades as a young child, where she is trained to help people pass on in death. Or be punished forever in the afterlife...

Naturally, the occupants of these houses sprinkled across the country belonging to Hades, or another such as Zeus or Poseidon, are filled with people who would like to leave. To do so, one needs to pay off their indenture and each rite performed clears a small amount of debt.

Then the big payday comes: King Orpheus wants a group of soul severers to rescue his wife from the underworld.

This was a fun read which wasn't afraid to show it's dark side. Some lovely twisty turns throughout made it a page turner. Book two has been released too.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier books UK for an e-arc - I ended up listening to an audio which was excellent. All opinions are my own.

Fun Greek mythology story. Great adventure, lots of twists and turns and fast paced. The characters could have been a little better as I did find them a little weak and confusing.