Synopsis

Deina is trapped. As one of the Soul Severers serving the god Hades on earth, her future is tied to the task of shepherding the dying on from the mortal world – unless she can earn or steal enough to buy her way out.

Then the tyrant ruler Orpheus offers both fortune and freedom to whoever can retrieve his dead wife, Eurydice, from the Underworld. Deina jumps at the chance. But to win, she must enter an uneasy alliance with a group of fellow Severers she neither likes nor trusts.

So begins their perilous journey into the realm of Hades. . . The prize of freedom is before her – but what will it take to reach it?

Review

When it comes to mythological retellings, I love the ones that challenge readers and mess about with what you ‘think’ you know.

Daughter of Darkness is one of those books. It’s immediately engaging, with strong characters and intrigue, as well as a sense of foreboding and humour.

It’s well-written and language is used cleverly to help readers work out what’s happening… but only if they’re keeping an eye out for clues!

The first half races by. Perhaps this is why certain elements feel a bit rushed and could have done with a few more pages to really build out the action and danger faced by the characters.

The second half is quite slow which is a shame as it loses its sense of urgency and drama that made the first part so gripping.

It also feels very similar to The Hunger Games in places (even announcing ‘let the games begin’) and there could have been more peril and death whilst they’re in the underworld.

Overall it’s a great read with plenty of surprises, and I have no doubt the second one will be even better!

Thanks to Hot Key YA and Insta Book Tours for the copy.

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