QUEEN OF THE GODS

A demigod comes to terms with her identity in this duology closer.

Harnessing Greek mythology, the authors build a world in which the Theodesmioi, or “god-marked servants,” are enslaved in the Houses of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, and Hephaestus. In the Underworld, Deina reckons with her half human–half god identity. She escapes with the help of gorgeous Thanatos, the god of death, and eventually gathers her Theodesmioi crew from the House of Hades: Theron, Dendris, and Aster. They seek the pieces of a special torc—a powerful neckpiece—that have been scattered and hidden by Tyche, the goddess of luck, and that could allow the Theodesmioi to break free. But Deina’s dual heritage creates unforeseen dilemmas, adding nuance to her characterization. Her lust for power leads her friends to fear her shrinking compassion, a shift that may suit a god but not the mortal they know. Graphic violence lends the book an edginess that suits the gory inspiration of Greek mythology. Can Deina become a hero like the other demigods before her? The intricate plot creates a surprisingly plausible resolution to a seemingly impossible problem. The cast, which is diverse in appearance, includes gender-bending gods who add to the texture of this dark fantasy. Although a brief prologue recaps the events of Daughter of the Underworld (2025), readers will best appreciate this one if they first read the earlier volume.

A powerful, complex woman dominates a riveting hero’s journey.