Daughter of Chaos by A.S. Webb is the first action-packed book in The Dark Pantheon series. From the description alone, I knew that I was going to love this book. It has elements of Greek mythology, a strong female main character and centres around a struggle against a pantheon of Gods. This focus on questioning deities and challenging their authority reminded me of the Godkiller series (which I absolutely love) so I had high hopes for this book. I’m happy to say that it was a great start to a new trilogy.

One of the things that I found refreshing about this book was the way in which it took elements of many stories from Greek mythology and combined them in a new way. Objects like the Golden Apple appear in the story of Atalanta (it is even said to be responsible for the Trojan War and called the Apple of Discord in some myths). I love that Webb took inspiration from stories like these and was able to give these pieces of myth new purposes. Similarly, I really enjoyed reading about Heracles. Strangely enough, despite being one of the most noteworthy demi-gods in the canon, there have been few retellings of his stories and trials. I enjoyed seeing his character develop into a more recognisable hero and I liked that he was not the main character of this tale.

Some of the deeper elements of the book also deal with themes of sacrifice, destiny and the struggle of living up to a prophecy. These are heavy topics and make the story more nuanced. These themes also often appear in Greek Tragedies which makes me nervous to read the other books in the series. I grew really fond of the characters in this novel and I’m hoping that their lives aren’t as tragic in this series as they are in Ancient Greek narratives.

I would recommend this book to fans of Godkiller and Lies we sing to the sea. As in these amazing books, Daughter of Chaos examines the role of deities in Ancient (or fantasy) societies and focuses on the sacrifices that people are forced to make to indifferent beings. And if those topics seem to heavy too you, don’t worry. This is also a book about growth, adventure, friendship and romance.

Holy Hector!!

This was so delicious and satisfying. I stayed up late 2 nights in a row to finish it because all I wanted was to know either what was going to happen with Danae or what she was.

I thoroughly enjoyed that it was a different retelling, as well. I wasn’t familiar with the Diolions and I was not expecting stymphalian birds so that was a nice trip.

I love Danae and I’m already so invested in her trials. I need to know what happens next and I went into a moment of shock when I realised this book isn’t out until January and we might not get the next part for ages. I NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS!

I also am so piqued by the gods and I really can’t wait to see what happens next!

A fantastic, strong start to a fantasy series! I always love a Greek myth retelling, and Daughter of Chaos took this to the next level. The world building is brilliant and the characters, especially Danae, are well thought out and realistic (even while having magical powers).
I’d highly recommend this for fantasy and Greek mythology lovers, especially if you want something completely new (which is rarely done now). I’m so excited to see what happens next.

Thank you, Netgalley and A.S.WEBB, for giving me an early copy exchange for an honest review.

Cover: The cover gives a fantasy and thrilling invitation to pick up the book!

Plot: Following Danae and how she is the last daughter. She thought she was just a fisherman's daughter, but her destiny is ready for her to take the gods.

Storyline: The story is captivating and easy to follow. The flow of the story is medium to fast pace. I really enjoyed the story and had a lot of reactions to what was happening to Danae.

Would I recommend the book to others: Yes. If you like geek mythology, this book is one for you!

Daughter of Chaos is an interesting blend of fantasy and Greek mythology retellings. We explore a world filled with stories and heroes we already know and love (or love to hate) with an added magical element.

Following Danae from her backwards village to her grand adventures, this is truly action-packed. I did find the pacing a little strange at times and felt that we didn’t spend much time exploring the idea of the Last Daughter. It was deemed a focal point fairly early on but seemed to fall into the background as the story progressed, however, I am hoping this will become clearer as the series develops.

I did feel the author got a little lost at different points, or was possibly trying to do too many things that resulted in the story feeling very disjointed. The premise is strong but I feel the execution missed the mark. Again, I hope the flow of the story will improve as I really like the idea of this mix of fantasy and mythology.

Personally this book isn’t one I will likely return to, but I would still recommend it, and think it will appeal to those starting to explore Greek mythology retellings.

I don’t normally like mythical retellings however I thought I would give it a try and it did surprise me in a good way.. I would recommend this book and I am glad that I have read it but it isn’t book I would go back and read again.

Must say, I really enjoyed this book. Most of mythology retellings i see around are the ones set in modern time, so it was nice to read something actually set in the proper history [well history of said mythology :D]. Had loads of fun reading this.

Anything that has to do with Greek mythology: sign me up.

I loved the concept of a mortal girl and a high-stakes conflict with the gods. I thought, overall, it's good YA/crossover fantasy, but it does read younger than something like Circe. The world-building was well done with some really fascinating characters from mythology. Danae was a very likeable lead and you were rooting for her, even if there were times her character could have been more developed.

It was a bit of a slow start but I did find the pace improved and then the central action unfolded and I was very engaged.

A S Webb weaves the stories together in a way that is intricate and original, touches on similar tropes and ideas without falling into the problem of being repetitive or similar to other texts in the market. The stakes were high, the book felt fast paced and I raced through it without feeling fatigued.

Wow!! This book is such a great read!!! I love the plot and characters, the mythology was amazing and kept me gripped through out!
Very easy to get into and wanting to read more! My first read with this author but won’t be my last! I really enjoyed their writing style

Daughter of Chaos by A.S. Webb
Release date 16th January 2025
Rating 5 stars CAWPILE 9.58

This book was amazing I cannot describe the excitement that I had when I was reading this book. It was full of mythology and it made me so happy for all the references and it was so woven with all the cameos and I loved every moment. As someone who is delving back into my Greek mythology era this is a book you all have to read this book if you love mythology because it was so woven, so well woven. I cannot wait until hearing about this being blown up and it is something I am going to be pushing including people who are also finding their Greek mythology era and how it was written each god had a voice that was something I knew that was something they would want to do.

Danae is an amazing character and I cannot wait to find out more about where her journey goes because as soon as I read the prologue I knew I would be hooked.
Thank you for NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book and I cannot wait till January to shout about this more and make sure that everyone knows about this book.

Instagram post up later today

Thank you for providing me with an ARC copy of this book. This was an excellent book and is completely different to other Greek mythology retellings. I loved that the author takes characters we know and place names we recognise and does something new with them. Throughout the book we get enough answers but where enough questions remain for the continuation of the series and ends in a really interesting place. The tension in this book builds and builds and by the end you are left wanting all of the answers. I will definitely be looking out for the next instalment in the series to find out what happens.

I really loved the writing style of this author and the world and characters that were created. Although it strays from Greek mythology into fantasy it’s completely believable that the story is just another part of Greek mythology. The characters we know are blended so effortlessly with the characters we don’t and all of them are so engaging and enjoyable.

I would say that the beginning of the book seems a little disjointed from the rest and was a bit slower but it was totally worth reading. I would also have liked some more answers to what happens in the beginning of the story however this may be something we find out later in the series.

This is definitely worth reading for those who enjoy Greek mythology and who are looking for an author that does something different with the characters and stories we hear so often.

I really enjoyed this title. The world building was spot on and really felt in line with myth and legend.

The writing was incredibly gripping and was ancient Greece but written in a very refreshing way.

Characters were brilliant, and engaging and I loved Danae as the heroine.

After finishing this book I have two things to say who/what is she? And what the hell is going on?!

This is the first book based in and around Greek mythology I have ever read, and it has sparked an interest to start looking more into it.

This book has taken me on a journey. I feel like I’ve read a few books in the series already, when in fact I’ve only read one! Flicking back to the beginning seems so many adventures ago, and that is exactly what has happened.

The characters are easy to get on with, and are likeable. The FMC was perfect, she starts out as a feisty ordinary girl, and turns into a heroine knowing what she has to do, but not why she’s doing it. I like that we get to learn her abilities along with her, this leaves surprises for the reader, I did gasp quite a few times whilst reading.

The story flows so easily. No adventure seems dragged out or rushed through, there’s time to meet and greet every character and monster. The pacing was perfect for me. I feel a hangover kicking in already. How is this only the first book?! I need the second ASAP.

For anyone looking for spice, there isn’t any. We get a little start of something, that I did not see coming, but it fades to black. And I’m actually glad there’s no spice. It’s nice to read a book purely on adventure, with a dash of found family vibes.

I hope this book gets so much love as I think it should! Go and buy it when it comes out January 16th 2025 you will not be disappointed!

A great young adult fantasy for fans of Ancient Greek mythology. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for letting me read this exciting ARC.

We follow Danae, the youngest daughter of a humble fisherman, from a small island. Her island is devoted in their worship of the Gods, to the point of giving yearly human sacrifice and are judgemental towards those who follow their own rules.

After Danae’s sister goes missing, a chain of mystical events lead her on a hero’s journey. Webb is a conscientious writer and creates lovely depictions of family and blossoming friendships. We meet a large cast of characters, in a number of settings. The story is very action packed and always on the move. The downside of this is that Danae is the only character we’re anchored to, and she’s often taking direction of prophecies and characters who she only met a couple of chapters ago.

Overall, I enjoyed this story because I loved the sisterly bond and found this to be a nice take on Heracles and other Gods.

Daughter of Chaos

Pros:
· Integrates research on Greek mythology to create an immersive setting.
· Most side-characters felt well fleshed-out and intriguing.
· Some original concepts and plot lines.

Cons:
· For a classical setting, the dialogue felt a bit too modern at times.
· Pacing either too fast or too slow.
· The power scaling between gods and a fisherman’s daughter with newly awakened powers and barely any combat experience doesn’t quite work.

Danae, a poor fisherman’s daughter, is forced to flee from her home island of Naxos after harrowing events lead to her persecution by villagers and family alike. Struggling to find answers to visions suddenly sprung upon her, she witnesses the freedom with which gods take, neglect and abuse their mortal subjects.

Soon hearing of a prophecy where she is foretold to bring the downfall of these same gods, she joins notable figures from Greek mythology on an adventure to discover her own powers and escape the power-hungry beings seeking her demise.

The writing is from a third-person perspective and starts off with a very direct, action-based writing style. This soon evolves to incorporate terminology and descriptions to cement the ancient Greece setting. Through the course of the story, I became invested in Danae’s progression and was intrigued by the plot twists involved.

Although including cliché character backgrounds and plot points at times, there are enough nuances to most key characters and side characters to make them feel unique. From a plot perspective, the depth to which the histories and desires of the characters accompanying Danae are explored makes sense. However, with some of the captivating stories and mysterious motivations involved, I really wanted to see more of this brought into the forefront. Especially as the shifts and developments in key relationships felt a bit awkward or emotionally flat at times – mostly towards the end of the book where the plot and character developments alike felt rushed.

Overall, the book has established a solid stable foundation for the rest of the series, giving it the potential to subvert the clichés of a ‘Chosen One’ plot and of Greek mythology retellings.

Looking at the comp titles, I wouldn’t say it uses similar writing, characters or to Priory of the Orange Tree. However, I would say Godkiller is a fair comparison as Danae is fighting against the gods and their subjugation of humans that worship them out of fear. Similarly, it takes a similar approach to Percy Jackson in addressing the flawed nature of Greek gods.

From the tone of the book, I would advise this for readers on the younger side of YA. However. I would be cautious of some of the more mature themes discussed, particularly with abuse of a sexual nature.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. This review is available on both Netgalley and Storygraph.

Greek mythology retelling? ✔️
Great world building? ✔️
Well written? ✔️

Enjoyed the book enough from the above points but it was a bit slow in places which made me think about putting it down at times. But the writing was good enough that it kept me coming back.

Would recommend for anyone who likes fantasy/Greek fiction.

3/5⭐️

Whilst there was a great idea and I found the whole idea so full of possibilities, I have to admit that I did find the book underwhelming. It let me down in it's not so big ways. Just felt a little small compared to what I was hoping for.

Alternate versions of Greek mythology is right up my alley.

This book I would definitely recommend to PJ fans, just for the vibes.

Danae is complex and well thought out and I really enjoyed her relationship to other characters in the book.
Excited to read the next one.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
4 stars book from me. Loved the plot and the storytelling in Daughter of Chaos and the relatable, likable characters,. Loved every single second reading it.