3.5 stars rounded up. This was a well-written sapphic historical fiction book. The premise was really interesting and the writing style was lovely at times. I liked the characters and the main relationship. I never really reached a point where I felt connected to the story though. It had kind of a floaty feel for me, which was nice in a way. I think the dual timelines occasionally made it hard for me to follow the story.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Not sure why anyone thought it was a good idea to write a story about the vanishing of the Roanoke Colony and not have a single Indigenous character. Especially when this story is taking inspiration from real-life, catastrophic events. While I am a lover of both mythology and history, this truly missed the mark. The language was far too modern, lack of indigenous characters, dense exposition, and a little too much gore than necessary. I was so disappointed, honestly, was a very interesting crossover but the execution missed the mark for me.

Gothic storytelling? Check. Haunting feminist themes? Check. A slow-burning mythological fever dream? Check.

Thanks for the ARC NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and of course Shannon Ives.

This is an ambitious and unique blend of Greco-Roman mythology and the mystery of the Roanoke colony, weaving together themes of feminine rage, monstrous transformation, and sapphic yearning. Thelia, a former handmaiden of Proserpina turned siren, is a deeply compelling protagonist—driven by guilt, vengeance, and the desperate hope of reclaiming the life she lost. The alternating timelines between the cursed island of Scopuli and the doomed Roanoke settlement add to the novel’s haunting atmosphere, creating a story that is both mythic and historical.

The premise is undeniably fascinating, and the execution mostly delivers. I loved how the novel leans into its themes, particularly in the context of women’s agency. The prose is beautiful and the story balances emotional moments with the raw, unflinching violence and despair of Thelia’s past. The sapphic romance was wonderful—aching, tragic, and threaded with the weight of Thelia’s past mistakes. The novel doesn’t shy away from violence, but it also doesn’t revel in it, which I appreciated. The focus remains on the emotional depth of the characters rather than the trauma they endure.

That said, there’s an unavoidable issue: the glaring absence of Indigenous perspectives. Roanoke’s history is deeply entwined with Indigenous narratives, and the novel largely sidesteps this, leaving a noticeable gap in the story. It’s the kind of omission that feels impossible to ignore, especially given the book’s otherwise thoughtful engagement with historical and mythological themes. The inclusion of Indigenous sensitivity readers would have been crucial here—there was a way to tell this story from the author's perspective while acknowledging the full historical weight of colonization, and that opportunity was missed.

Those Fatal Flowers remains a well-written and gripping read. It’s lush, immersive, and filled with the kind of dark, vengeful energy that makes for a cathartic reading experience. But its failure to fully engage with the Indigenous history of Roanoke keeps it from reaching its full potential.

Thanks so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

I’m not really familiar with this part of Greek mythology, so I went into reading this with an open mind and a curiosity about how the author was going to incorporate Thelia into the colony of Roanoke. However, these kind of retellings are sometimes hit or miss for me, and while this wasn’t a bad read, there were some things about it that lowered my rating.

Starting with the things I liked, I was really interested in what life was like at the Roanoke colony and how a being from Greek mythology would integrate. As expected, Thelia struggled to fit in to society on Roanoke. She wasn’t at all familiar with the Christian religion, and it didn’t help that she came from a society that was accepting of LGBTQ+ people into one where women are repressed and queer people were oppressed. I thought that Ives did a great job of expressing Thelia’s thoughts as she gradually learns about this society where she ended up.

I wasn’t a fan of the dual timelines. I was much more invested in the Roanoke timeline as opposed to the flashbacks to her loss of Proserpina and life on Scopuli. I was also confused about what the sisters were cursed to be: at times, they were made out to be sirens, who could lure sailors with their call; but at others, they sounded like the harpies of mythology. Besides being unsure of the creatures the sisters were, it felt like a lot of the flashback to Scopuli chapters could have been omitted since they didn’t do much to further the plot of the story aside from a few important reveals.

Granted, I’m not overly familiar with Colonial America, but the story does give a warning about the effects of colonialism, so I already knew there would be some element of structural racism or violence. The characters in both timelines lived on an island, but that’s really all they have in common for the most part. In the Scopuli narrative, readers are given insight into the events that led to Thelia and her sisters taking control over their femininity and their power. There is a marked difference between their empowerment and the disempowerment of women of Roanoke under British rule.

I didn’t feel a strong connection to the bond between Thelia and Cora. It felt too much like insta-love, although I guess that’s how I might feel too if I saw someone that looked exactly like my lost love. Maybe it’s because she came from a period of time where the gods performed miracles, but the queer romance, while appreciated, didn’t quite come across as strongly to my emotions.

In the beginning of the book, the author does give trigger warnings. But one area that wasn’t listed, and wasn’t addressed in the book at all is the Roanoke colony being part of the genocide of Indigenous peoples. The violence and massacre of the Indigenous peoples surrounding the colony felt very insensitive to me. Native people weren’t ever depicted as anything other than violent savages in need of the civilizing effects of colonization, while the “civilized” members of Roanoke colony had no problem behaving in a savage manner. I would have liked to see at least one positive depiction of an Indigenous person in the story.

Overall, I had high hopes for this one, and it didn’t quite meet those expectations. It wound up being an okay read, but I really wasn’t overly invested in any aspect of the story. I was especially intrigued by the choice to use the Roman names for gods instead of the more familiar Persephone/Demeter story. I also found myself wondering why Demeter left her daughter in the charge of three young girls instead of someone who could actually protect her, but I did like the idea that Proserpina had chosen to stay in the Underworld, taking charge of her own fate. You might find this one a good fit if you: like historical fiction, are curious about the colony of Roanoke, love mythology retellings, and are all for a sapphic romance.

Those Fatal Flowers is definitely an intense and suspenseful read that kept me on edge, but I’ll admit—this isn’t usually my type of book. I’m not someone who typically enjoys dark themes in my romance novels, and as an empath, I’m not big on thrillers or anything too intense, so parts of this book felt a little overwhelming for me. The tension, the secrets, and the dangerous attraction between the characters were gripping, but at times, it felt like it crossed a line into territory I’m not comfortable with in romance.

That said, I can absolutely see why fans of dark romance or romantic thrillers would love this book. The plot is well-written, with plenty of twists and turns, and the chemistry between the leads is juicy. Talon is definitely a compelling, complex character that many readers will find intriguing, especially those who enjoy a little danger mixed into their love stories.

Overall, while it was a bit too intense for my taste, I can see why it’d resonate with those who enjoy a more dramatic, suspense-filled romance. If you like dark, edgy reads, Those Fatal Flowers might be just what you’re looking for!

3.75 ⭐️

This was pretty unhinged at some points. Sometimes I liked that. Overall, I think this was a solid read, though I would’ve liked it to actually be tied to Roanoke in a more significant way. As it is, the “now” portions could basically be any colony that Thelia stumbles upon. There was nothing that really screamed lost colony of Roanoke, specifically, to me.

There are some pretty gruesome bits to this book, like somewhat graphic descriptions of butchering humans and whatnot, though it didn’t bother me too much personally. I did have a spot that did end up turning my stomach a little and I had to step away from it for the night before continuing to read, but I also do think it was specifically written to invoke that reaction, so…mission success I suppose.

Overall, it was a pretty enjoyable read. If you like sapphic, feminine rage mixed with Greco-Roman mythology, check out Those Fatal Flowers.

Thank you Random House for the early review copy of Those Fatal Flowers. All opinions are my own!

I was very excited going into this story - I love greek mythology and growing up in one of the original 13 colonies, I have always had a fascination for the settler's lives. However, this story was so confusing I could not wrap my head around what was happening.

Given the connections to mythology and history, this book sounded right up my alley. However, this was not for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for this ARC Copy!

I was so intrigued by the idea of this book. The premise was so interesting and the opportunity to have a sapphic story set in colonial America had so much opportunity to do the right thing, but I really wisht that the Native Americans has been a more central focus into this story. The author did include a note at the end of the book that it was not their story to tell, and while I understand the sentiment, I do not fully agree. Taking a story that focuses on the persecution and suffering of women can not really be told parallel to the suffering and abuse of others while ignoring one side completely.

A very lyrical poetic depiction of the siren story! I thoroughly enjoyed this implosion of the two worlds in one common goal of enhancing the woman's plight in a patriarchal world. The intense feeling of righteousness with the justice served unto men, chef's kiss! The underlying torment of a woman's desire weaved through the ugliness of men's dominance enhances the turmoil of the story. I would highly recommend this debut by Shannon Ives, especially in this world we live today, it will stir up emotions to change the direction of society.

Really fun read! I like how it brings in Roman mythology and uses it to explain a real word mystery. Very character driven but still has an interesting plot.

I enjoyed the alternating time lines in this book and the tie in to the lost Roanoke colony! This was a very enjoyable examination of the treatment of women during that time and female rage and relationships overall. I liked all the female characters and enjoyed the closure Thelia got at the end.

After reading several of the popular books based on Greek or Roman mythology, Those Fatal Flowers drew my interest. Shannon Ives draws a parallel between goddesses and women who inhabited Roanoke, a colony that mysteriously disappeared. The duel timelines were difficult for me to follow. I enjoyed the imagery in the book, but the storyline did not resonate.

This debut novel is a mash-up of Greek mythology and the myths and mystery surrounding the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Thelia, one of the Sirens condemned to reside on Scopuli, and given hideous forms although capable of turning back to human women each time they killed sailors lured into their trap, many centuries later somehow manages to make it in a small boat from near the coast of Italy across the Atlantic where she lands on the Virginia shore and is “rescued” by a brutal man who brings her to the house where he lives with his mother—also an unpleasant and devious character.

Not only are there mythology and history, but Sapphic fantasy elements and feminist rage. The women of the colony are horrified by what their men have done to the Natives they have encountered, although I think the story missed an opportunity to incorporate more of that into the tale and would have made it more interesting. The book is a bit gruesome sometimes, and I had some issues with the story’s execution, but overall, a mostly captivating read.


Thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and Ms. Ives for the ARC of this novel.

Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

This book is a beautifully woven tale of betrayal, love, hope and female determination. I loved this woven tale of Greco-Roman mythology, you will meet three sisters that were banished to the island Scopuli, far away from their home and the person that Thelia, one of the sisters loves. They have been turned into sirens, but they’re half-birds and half-humans; they're forced to bring men by luring them from their boats to their deaths all the gods. Thelia with the help of her beloved Prosperpina is brought one male who she is told to save, but there is a reason.

I enjoyed this story with the mythology vibes to it. I found the telling of two-lines sometimes to be a little confusing but after reading it for a bit I was able to understand it more. I loved getting to know more about what happened to the females back in this time and understanding their need for justice. The female rage is perfect in this book, and with it having a mix of American history added into this book as well. I really liked that part of the book. I found the writing to be beautiful, and she will capture you with the words in this book. You will feel the characters emotions as though they were your own. I wanted justice for the sisters, for the females that were taken from their homes and for everything that has happened to them. The author handled heavy topics like sexual violence, murder and the loss of children, you will find a trigger warning in the first of the book. I found the main character to have been written well, and I found myself able to connect with her. I loved getting to know and understand her more. I liked that the second half of side characters that were females had been written well. At times I was upset with them, but the more that I got to know them I could see why they acted like they did.

This is a great book, and I will be recommending it.

I want to thank NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to review this book.

Those Fatal Flowers (Paperback)
by Shannon Ives
wow what a great fractured mythology. The monsters, women cursed by the gods to live forever have to risk so much to find forgiveness. A monster Thelia left Scopuli the isle of the lily eaters to find food and forgiveness. Thelia finds herself in Roanoak, with a girl similar to her beloved Proserpina. She has to struggle against the needs of humans, the gods, and legends. She has to find her place in the world, and find sustenance for her remaining aging sisters.

Thelia and her sisters were once the Goddess Proserpina's maidens, sworn to protect her. Now, they are monsters now trapped on the island of Scopuli as punishment for allowing Proserpina to be kidnapped. There, they live out their days luring sailors who cross their path and sacrificing those who live to the Goddess Ceres. However, Ceres has grown apathetic to their torture, allowing Thelia and her sisters to starve. Finally, after almost a decade of nothing Thelia hears a familiar voice promising her food in exchange for a sacrifice worthy of the Goddess she had once betrayed, Proserpina.

Thelia agrees and sets out on the open ocean with a mission and a human form that will last her 6 turns of the moon. Eventually, she washes ashore at the newly settled Roanoke colony, and although there are plenty of men for her to offer, luring them out without giving herself away proves to be far more difficult than she had anticipated. Can she convince these hate-filled settlers to follow her back to Scopuli before time is up? Or will the dangers of the patriarchy and her growing care for her love interest prove to be too deadly? All the historical horror and more in Those Fatal Flowers.

This book was heart-wrenching, unexpected, and full of horror. The idea of Greek mythology being intertwined with the disappearance of the Roanoke colony is a fun twist on two classic tales. I would have never thought to put them together, but what a horrific and fun story it turned into. I enjoyed the plot and characters, especially Thelia’s internal and moral battle over her quest. I have also hated fewer characters than Thomas and his mother. I was seething every time they were on the page and flew through this book to see them get their karma.

The pacing and dual-timeline structure are the only two things I wasn’t a huge fan of in this book. The first two chapters felt like they went on forever. Whenever Thelia described their time on the island, I wanted to skip to the current timeline. Not that those chapters didn’t give crucial backstory and context; I just thought they were a bit long for what they were trying to say. This relates to the pacing, which was a bit slow for me. I understand why it was necessary, but it did drag in places.

However, overall the book was great. The writing was interesting and flowery yet contained visceral instances of violence. Not to mention the grueling emotional experiences such as assault, misogyny, miscarriage, and homophobia. As much as it contained graphic grotesque scenes, it was equally filled with the horrors of humanity and the depravity of men. The men in this book were horrid, I have never read something so anti-man and I loved it. I was scared it would veer into “not all men” territory at some point but it didn’t. It was a fantastic balance of hating the patriarchy and acknowledging how some individuals are redeemable. It added depth to the plot and helped to give meaning to Thelia’s quest.

All in all this monstrous historical story is a must-read. From the bloodied shores of Scopuli to the cruel colony of Roanoke you will not want to put it down. Not to mention going and renting a Greek mythology book just to brush up. If you hate men and love monsters, you are in the right place. Happy reading!

CW: Abortion, abusive relationship, alcohol, alcoholism, assault, attempted murder, attempted rape, blood, bones, cannibalism, death, emesis, emotional abuse, famine, gore, homophobia, kidnapping, miscarriage, misogyny, murder, physical abuse, pregnancy, rape, religion, sexism, sexual assault, starvation, and violence.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for sending this eARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For more sapphic reviews follow @the.lebian.library on Instagram, StoryGraph, Goodreads, and Tiktok

While the premise of Those Fatal Flowers originally sounded intriguing to me, the fact is the mash up of Greek/Roman Mythology and colonial Roanoke doesn’t quite work for me. In all honesty, I found it kind of strange and the two timelines too distinct on their own to be mashed together.

As handmaidens, Thelia and her two sisters are cursed by Ceres after failing to protect her daughter Porserpina, the goddess of spring, from being kidnapped by Dis of the underworld
The sisters are banished to the island of Scopuli to live as siren/harpy/human hybrids where they lure in male sailors to their deaths in hopes to favor the gods and eventually break the curse. After eons, when the ships stop coming in and their bodies begin to weaken, they have to figure something else out.
Thelia begins to hear Porserpina’s voice asking her something, sparking a dangerous quest. In an effort to break the curse, Thelia sets off to sea to bring back a group of men to the island.
Eventually she finds herself washed up on the colony of Roanoke. She poses as a princess with a dowry of treasure and a wrestling competition for her hand in marriage.
While on the colony she sees it is a dangerous place, mostly for women and finds herself drawn to Cora who resembles Porserpina.

Sapphic romance, pining and a whole lot of female rage. All good things. And it’s told in alternating timelines of Now (on Roanoke) & Before (on Scopuli).
The writing is beautiful, descriptive and flows almost like poetry. The pacing was quite nice and I was intrigued enough with Thelia to continue reading.
I did find the dialogue very modernized and I think the book would’ve benefited from a bit more historical dialogue.

I did have an issue with how quickly Thelia became comfortable with the colony members and the insta-love she felt for Cora. Unfortunately the romance, or lack there of honestly, didn’t work for me as it was mostly because of Cora resemblance to Porserpina.
Not to mention that we are on a colonial island during colonization and not one indigenous person is mentioned. There is a brief alluding to them. While I can understand that is due to them perhaps not being a key part of this particular story, indigenous peoples were a large part of colonization and it feels more like erasing them because the author isn’t sure how to tie them into the storyline. All the more reason why I don’t think the mash up.

Plus I was kind of bothered by how much hate there is for men, which I usually I condone. Female power and down with the patriarchy!
However, the one scene depicts just how much hated there is for the male species in this book and it kind of bothered me. I don’t have hatred for men for simply existing. Historically it has been men who have made the most terrible decisions, but I don’t believe men are inherently bad. I definitely think there’s a nurture vs nature factor to it and the societal norms of the era that determine the way men are.
“…traitorous body was harboring a boy…”
I will say the author tries to remedy this viewpoint with another scene.
“Monsters are made. Not born.”

Ultimately, I can see what the author was doing with this book and it will work for some people! For me it was a middle of the road read with some issues that I couldn’t let go. And a romance that wasn’t super believable.

TW: violence, SA, miscarriage

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this Sapphic Greco-Roman mythological fantasy sounded really interesting, and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it.

If you’re in the mood for some feminine rage, this book delivers. The story switches timelines between “before” and “now,” which I thought was a great way to keep things moving. In the “before,” Thelia is a siren cursed by the gods (though she gave me major harpy vibes), and in the “now,” she’s temporarily human and on a mission given to her by the goddess Proserpina (her true love).

The dual timelines worked really well, showing us Thelia’s backstory - being trapped on an island, luring men to their death - and her present as she’s navigating life in Roanoke, disguised as a princess. There’s a mix of redemption, revenge, and even a love story that parallels her past, which added great layers to the plot.

The ending wrapped everything up in a way that felt really satisfying. I liked how all the plot lines came together and left me feeling like the story was complete. If you’re into mythology with queer representation and a strong, rage-filled FMC, I’d definitely recommend this one.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Dell for this eARC!