DAUGHTERS OF CHAOS by Jen Fawkes gets all the stars for me. This book is flawlessly written. It’s a combination of Greek mythology and little-known history - Civil War era prostitutes in Tennessee. It comes together via a unique structure: letters to the main character’s daughters plus other documents we don’t usually see in a novel, and it all works well. The structure is an outgrowth of the main character’s passion, translation. Even the letters to the daughters are an act of translation. For me, the delivery of the story was intriguing in and of itself and made perfect sense for this novel. At the end of the book, I was happy to see the author includes a note about her inspiration and how this book came together in this unique way.

This is a wonderful novel with a great feminist message, strong female characters, and unforgettable monsters. I felt like this book was written for me, that I am a daughter of Chaos. Well-done.

Note: I received an advanced review copy of this novel free of charge via NetGalley.

Though this was an interesting story that does quite a good job at world-building, and crafting a story that mixes historical fiction with fantasy about a forgotten time in American history and the female experience.

This was a very strong historical fiction. The combination of Greek mythology and Civil War history was captivating and something I never would have thought to combine. It never felt like the seriousness of the topic at hand was overshadowed or down played. It was a quick read with strong characters that left me searching out other books by the author.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This text was... not my favorite. Chaotic is a good word to describe it. Flimsy and unbelievable plot that made little sense, unlikable characters, and it felt rushed.

Title: The Daughters of Chaos - A Mesmerizing Blend of World-Building and Historical Fiction

Rating: 3.5/5

"The Daughters of Chaos" by Jen Fawkes is a captivating journey into a meticulously crafted world that seamlessly blends elements of historical fiction with a touch of the fantastical. The novel immediately draws readers in with its enchanting cover, promising a narrative as mesmerizing as the imagery it presents.

One of the novel's undeniable strengths lies in its world-building. The author skillfully constructs a vivid and immersive universe, rich in historical detail and sprinkled with elements of fantasy. From the intricacies of societal structures to the nuances of everyday life, the world of "The Daughters of Chaos" feels both authentic and otherworldly. Readers with a penchant for well-developed settings will find themselves easily transported to this imaginative realm.

The novel's unique take on historical fiction adds an intriguing layer to the storytelling. The blending of real historical events with fantastical elements provides a fresh and innovative perspective on the genre. It's evident that the author has done their research, seamlessly incorporating historical accuracy into a narrative that also explores the boundaries of imagination.

The cover of the book serves as a visual invitation, and its beauty plays a significant role in attracting readers. The artistic design not only sets the tone for the novel but also serves as a testament to the care taken in presenting this tale. The allure of the cover is undoubtedly one of the factors that make the book stand out on the shelf.

However, as much as the novel excels in its world-building and innovative approach to historical fiction, it falls short in providing a clear and cohesive plot. By the end of the journey, readers may find themselves grappling with the elusive nature of the narrative. The novel occasionally reads like a historical fiction fever dream, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, leaving readers searching for a more defined structure.

The lack of a discernible plot point and a conclusive ending might leave some readers yearning for a more satisfying resolution. While the dreamlike quality of the storytelling can be enchanting, it also poses a challenge in terms of providing a clear direction for the narrative. A more structured plot could have provided a more fulfilling reading experience, allowing readers to fully grasp the purpose and resolution of the story.

In conclusion, "The Daughters of Chaos" is a commendable work that successfully marries world-building and historical fiction with an artistic flair. It is a journey worth taking for those who appreciate immersive settings and innovative storytelling. However, for readers who seek a more defined plot and conclusive ending, the novel may feel like a beautiful yet elusive dream, leaving them with a sense of unfulfilled curiosity.

I had a very hard time maintaining interest in this. The writing wasn't the issue, though, so this is a personal opinion. I won't give this a completely negative rating because I do think others will enjoy it more than I did.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me this opportunity!

This was a mouth-dropping, earth-shattering and incredibly empowering novel in the best of ways.
All i can say without spoiling anything is that the right audience will fall head over heels in love with this book..
6 stars

Personally, I did not enjoy this one. I tried really hard to get into it but it wasn't for me. I am not sure who the audience is for this one, but I do believe it will have an audience.