Where Madness Lies
Myth & Madness #1
"An epic adventure with a whirlwind of surprises around every corner." — San Francisco Book Review
"This thriller is brilliantly written and exceeded my expectations." —Reader's Favorite
Someone's killing the gods…
…and unfortunately, Alex is a witness. Haunted by visions she can’t control and no one ever believes, the lonely mortuary technician clings to her quiet life among the dead. But the dead aren’t always safe, and an involuntary stay in a mental hospital changes everything.
There she befriends a fragile woman with piercing eyes and a strange tattoo, only to discover she’s Artemis—the Greek Goddess of the Hunt. Artemis and the rest of the surviving gods are just as shocked to meet Alex; as far as they knew, all the oracles had been wiped out during their fall from godhood centuries ago.
When a strange and deadly force begins hunting her family, Artemis must reclaim the huntress she once was while Alex confronts her gift to uncover the truth behind the killings. But in the aftermath of the most devastating strike yet, Alex and Artemis are thrust into a dangerous web of ancient secrets, ruthless assassins, mysterious cults, and shattering revelations that leave no one unscathed.
Where Madness Lies is a fresh and electrifying contemporary mythological thriller, with fierce but flawed heroines, found family, a hint of romance, and a pantheon of delicious characters. Perfect for fans of American Gods, Ninth House, and adults craving a darker, deadlier take on Percy Jackson & the Olympians.
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Editorial Reviews
"A monstrously good reimagining of mythology in the modern world, Where Madness Lies is a psychological and mystical thrill for fans of the darker side of fantasy. Visceral prose, powerful character bonds, and a deeply original plot make this female-driven adventure a contemporary standout. Wielding a patient storytelling pen that perfectly balances the whimsical and the macabre, Allen knows precisely how to hook a reader from the start with engaging characters and inventive detail, for a superb work of mythological fantasy."
"Where Madness Lies is more than an enthralling tale; it thoughtfully delves into the realms of childhood trauma, social anxiety, and mental health. Through its nuanced approach, the novel imbues its characters with profound depth and purpose, enriching their transformative journeys and infusing their experiences with authenticity. In doing so, it invites readers to embark on an engaging and introspective exploration of the human condition."
K. Elizabeth, San Francisco Book Review
"An epic adventure with a whirlwind of surprises around every corner.”
E. Rosalyne, Fantasy Book Critic
"Where Madness Lies turned out to be one of the most addictive books I have come across in a while. I promise you will want to come back for more. "
Writer's Digest Judge
"One of my favorite aspects of this book was the clever characterization of some of the most well-known gods and goddesses as fallible, flawed, and even vulnerable beings on par with humans, including but not limited to their tendencies to make mistakes and display volatile emotions that get them (or others) into trouble. Many other authors have written books that portray famous gods and goddesses as modern characters or try to rewrite old, established legends with different endings, but this story really captured a different side of them and opened the door for a more meaningful examination of their original traits."
- Judge, 31st Annual Writer’s Digest
Self-Published Book Awards
A. Boucher, Reader's Favorite
"Where Madness Lies by Heidi K. Allen is intriguing and exciting, and it held my interest from the start. The plot was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. The story was action-packed and fast-paced. The characters were well-developed and realistic. The attention to detail is evident in the depth and complexity of the mythological beings. The characters of the gods were flawed and comparable to human personalities. Alex and Artemis were strong women who had faced struggles. This thriller is brilliantly written and exceeded my expectations. The ending was a big surprise."
Reader Reviews
Dean
"Fantastic work! Immersive, creative, and thoroughly entertaining."
Megan
“The book is smart, thrilling, and ultimately quite satisfying.”
Darren
“I am not surprised by a story very often, but this book kept me wide-eyed until the very end. That experience is rare and such a treat.”
Zara
"I binged this book in a weekend! It was an absolute indulgent delight to follow Alex through the revelations of her powers and this hidden world of modern Gods and Goddesses from Greek and Roman myth."
Jennifer
"I enjoy modern takes on mythology, and this is one of the best and most unique I’ve read. Are you also interested in cults, mythology, psychology, family dynamics, and mysteries? If so, read this book. "
Tamara
"Where Madness Lies is an impressive debut by Heidi K. Allen, demonstrating her talent for crafting a vivid and immersive narrative. It will appeal to fans of mythology and fantasy. Its well-developed characters, suspenseful plot, and thought-provoking themes leave readers eagerly anticipating what the author has in store next."
Shannon
"This book was everything I want in a fantasy novel and more. The story telling, world building, and characters are all outstanding and it is truly a story that locks you in and keeps you there. I started reading at 8pm on a Tuesday and before I knew it the clock said 2am; I was so immersed the time had flown by, but I still didn’t want to put it down!"
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