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Fields of Asphodel
Not yet published
Expected 1 Aug 26In this lush reimagining of Greek mythology, the daughter of Hades and Persephone defies the gods of the underworld to forge her own life amid war, curses, and unexpected romance.
For Asphodel, the free-spirited daughter of Hades and Persephone, being cursed to never fall in love with a god is a blessing.
Determined not to be trapped in a union like her mother, Del spends her life blissfully on the Isle of Flowers, far from her family in the underworld. But when Asphodel’s parents ordain her marriage to Thanatos, the god of death, the freedom she’s long since guarded is at risk of being stolen for eternity. So Del takes fate into her own She kidnaps her groom-to-be and traps him on her Isle.
But defying the gods comes with a price. Without Thanatos to send mortals off to peaceful rest in the underworld, death will devolve into brutality and violence. The realms will be consumed by chaos. With time running out and her freedom on the line, Del must restore the balance she upended—even as she finds herself irrevocably drawn to the ever-charming and bashful Thanatos, who offers another way of saving the worlds by breaking her curse. Only then can Del choose to marry him.
For Asphodel, the free-spirited daughter of Hades and Persephone, being cursed to never fall in love with a god is a blessing.
Determined not to be trapped in a union like her mother, Del spends her life blissfully on the Isle of Flowers, far from her family in the underworld. But when Asphodel’s parents ordain her marriage to Thanatos, the god of death, the freedom she’s long since guarded is at risk of being stolen for eternity. So Del takes fate into her own She kidnaps her groom-to-be and traps him on her Isle.
But defying the gods comes with a price. Without Thanatos to send mortals off to peaceful rest in the underworld, death will devolve into brutality and violence. The realms will be consumed by chaos. With time running out and her freedom on the line, Del must restore the balance she upended—even as she finds herself irrevocably drawn to the ever-charming and bashful Thanatos, who offers another way of saving the worlds by breaking her curse. Only then can Del choose to marry him.
315 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 1, 2026
About the author
Callie Rowland
3 books15 followersCallie lives in Louisville, KY, where she spends most of her time reading and writing. When she's feeling brave, she even hangs out with other people. She is the proud mother of a spider plant named Lucifer, a pothos named Lilith, and a cat named Lewis (who she is convinced is the Guardian of Realms). You can find her across social media @calliemrowland or on her website, callierowland.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
remind-me-once-out
April 21, 2026This looks promising
July 13, 2026
I received this book from Amazon Prime First Reads. I couldn’t finish it. The first couple chapters were great. But then the characters just got very juvenile in my opinion. The way they talked, the things happening, just the story in general. I was thinking, we cannot be talking about Gods and Goddesses right now 🙄 I’m giving it 3 stars because the it roped me in and started off real strong.
July 1, 2026
A refreshing take on a Greek mythology retelling!
Review of advance copy
Read as a First Reads July 2026 pick. Based on the cover and the synopsis, I thought this would have similar tone and aesthetics to Madeline Miller's works - I really enjoyed Circe despite the fact that I've never been able to summon an interest in Greek mythology. Unfortunately, this book compares unfavorably to Miller's work.
I was initially drawn in by the first couple of chapters, where we meet Del (short for Asphodel) in the midst of brewing up a magical concoction to use at a summer festival of the gods in the underworld that evening. She's living alone on her island of trees and flowers, and the initial descriptions are lush, succulent, and colorful. Unfortunately, this tone does not persist through the book once Del starts interacting with other mythological figures, whereupon the atmospheric setting is dropped in favor of describing family Drama (capital D intended) with teenage dialog. Every character behaves in a juvenile manner, and while I realize some of this is true to Greek mythology in general - gods were always capricious, impulsive, shallow, and vindictive - the moralizing that the author tries to do through Del and all this Drama feels heavy-handed, as if trying to explain things to a child. (And this may be a nit, but every time Del has an angry response to something, she has "rage-red flowers blooming in her throat", which is such an overt, recognizable metaphor that it can really only be used once... but the author uses it at least 6 times throughout the book, making it seem like she very quickly ran out of ways to describe the feeling of anger.)
I struggled (and failed) to care about any of the characters. The lies they told and past actions they tried to hide seemed increasingly more "much ado about nothing" - everyone was harboring unmitigated resentment for something done to them in the past, and it was up to Del to discover the lies and fix the problems. Just a very teenage-girl-with-diary kind of style to me, and I couldn't care about the other gods at all. Pretty much everyone was the same character, behaving petulantly and vindictively and then finding ways to justify it. Even when Del finally embarks on a Fates-given "quest" over halfway through the book, when I thought we'd get into some interesting plotting and puzzle-solving, it's just more family Drama - Del solves all the puzzles in fits of revelation, and the actual resolution comes down in all cases to a lot of yelling and threatening and tears and confessions and more threatening.
Perhaps worst of all, about halfway through, we're "treated" to some very abrupt and very explicit sex scenes. I guess the good thing is that they're all smushed together in the same spot, so they're easily skippable. I don't have an problem with smut in principle, but it really didn't fit with this book at all, and felt cringey in the abrupt and blunt language used to describe them.
I'm fighting the feeling that I need to apologize for this rating after reading the author's notes at the back - it's clear she considered this a labor of love and that storytelling has been her passion since she was a child. Sadly this felt like it was actually cobbled together from a 9 or 10-year-old mythology lover's perspective, with some smut thrown in to appeal to adults.
I was initially drawn in by the first couple of chapters, where we meet Del (short for Asphodel) in the midst of brewing up a magical concoction to use at a summer festival of the gods in the underworld that evening. She's living alone on her island of trees and flowers, and the initial descriptions are lush, succulent, and colorful. Unfortunately, this tone does not persist through the book once Del starts interacting with other mythological figures, whereupon the atmospheric setting is dropped in favor of describing family Drama (capital D intended) with teenage dialog. Every character behaves in a juvenile manner, and while I realize some of this is true to Greek mythology in general - gods were always capricious, impulsive, shallow, and vindictive - the moralizing that the author tries to do through Del and all this Drama feels heavy-handed, as if trying to explain things to a child. (And this may be a nit, but every time Del has an angry response to something, she has "rage-red flowers blooming in her throat", which is such an overt, recognizable metaphor that it can really only be used once... but the author uses it at least 6 times throughout the book, making it seem like she very quickly ran out of ways to describe the feeling of anger.)
I struggled (and failed) to care about any of the characters. The lies they told and past actions they tried to hide seemed increasingly more "much ado about nothing" - everyone was harboring unmitigated resentment for something done to them in the past, and it was up to Del to discover the lies and fix the problems. Just a very teenage-girl-with-diary kind of style to me, and I couldn't care about the other gods at all. Pretty much everyone was the same character, behaving petulantly and vindictively and then finding ways to justify it. Even when Del finally embarks on a Fates-given "quest" over halfway through the book, when I thought we'd get into some interesting plotting and puzzle-solving, it's just more family Drama - Del solves all the puzzles in fits of revelation, and the actual resolution comes down in all cases to a lot of yelling and threatening and tears and confessions and more threatening.
Perhaps worst of all, about halfway through, we're "treated" to some very abrupt and very explicit sex scenes. I guess the good thing is that they're all smushed together in the same spot, so they're easily skippable. I don't have an problem with smut in principle, but it really didn't fit with this book at all, and felt cringey in the abrupt and blunt language used to describe them.
I'm fighting the feeling that I need to apologize for this rating after reading the author's notes at the back - it's clear she considered this a labor of love and that storytelling has been her passion since she was a child. Sadly this felt like it was actually cobbled together from a 9 or 10-year-old mythology lover's perspective, with some smut thrown in to appeal to adults.
Review of advance copy
!!!! I was not a Greek mythology person as a kid or an adult until I read this book and finally understood what drew people into these classic stories and kept them there. I find myself thinking about this book in a daily basis.
Firstly, the world feels so fleshed out! I feel like a lot of the books I read never really capture the feelings of coziness and being outside as well as FOA did. I could smell the flowers and feel the sun as though I was there. Obviously, one of the most alluring aspects of this book is the romance, which was excellently done in my opinion. It is sweet and spicy and, at times, keeps you wondering about the next actions of the characters in the same way one wonders about what their crush might do next. I was glued to this book, and every setting, character, and plot development kept me eager to read the next page. I think there is something for everyone in this book, so if you love a magnificent love story, perfectly described settings, and a good surprise or two, then this is definitely a must read. Looking forward to more books from this author for sure!
Firstly, the world feels so fleshed out! I feel like a lot of the books I read never really capture the feelings of coziness and being outside as well as FOA did. I could smell the flowers and feel the sun as though I was there. Obviously, one of the most alluring aspects of this book is the romance, which was excellently done in my opinion. It is sweet and spicy and, at times, keeps you wondering about the next actions of the characters in the same way one wonders about what their crush might do next. I was glued to this book, and every setting, character, and plot development kept me eager to read the next page. I think there is something for everyone in this book, so if you love a magnificent love story, perfectly described settings, and a good surprise or two, then this is definitely a must read. Looking forward to more books from this author for sure!
Review of advance copy
Thanatos was a soft boi 🥹 so I should have loved this book…
But alas, it was not to be.
It might be that I have unfairly high expectations for Greek mythology-inspired books, but this one was not for me.
There were glimpses of something good, but the characters felt so flat. I didn’t manage to connect with any of them. I couldn’t care less about Demeter or Hades, I did not care about Del either. Plot, setting and description were beautiful but no one captured my heart.
The romance didn’t work for me either. They had no chemistry. Del’s sudden dominance came out of nowhere, and while I loved the idea of a submissive Thanatos, there is a difference between being submissive and being a complete pushover.
The one thing I’ll remember is Thanatos singing souls home. Those scenes were so moving 🥹they captured a version of death that felt gentle. I only wish the rest of the book had made me feel the same way.
**Thank you Amazon First Reads, for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
But alas, it was not to be.
It might be that I have unfairly high expectations for Greek mythology-inspired books, but this one was not for me.
There were glimpses of something good, but the characters felt so flat. I didn’t manage to connect with any of them. I couldn’t care less about Demeter or Hades, I did not care about Del either. Plot, setting and description were beautiful but no one captured my heart.
The romance didn’t work for me either. They had no chemistry. Del’s sudden dominance came out of nowhere, and while I loved the idea of a submissive Thanatos, there is a difference between being submissive and being a complete pushover.
The one thing I’ll remember is Thanatos singing souls home. Those scenes were so moving 🥹they captured a version of death that felt gentle. I only wish the rest of the book had made me feel the same way.
“Soul, oh soul of the traveler, you have tread a long journey, and now you are home.”
**Thank you Amazon First Reads, for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
I received this early copy from Amazon’s First Reads. I didn’t know anything about this retelling, so it was a new story to me. I liked the drama of Hades and Persephone and the undermining of their relationship and how it had a. Impact on the views Asphodel had on Hades. I was surprised how Hades reacted to everything too. But the main thrust of the story was the best between Asphodel and Thanatos. From the first spicy interaction, I was so wanting them to work out. There is a curse and family interference all contributing to a very unlikely union. It was a fun read. This points to lots of human emotions of love, hate, revenge, mercy, hypocrisy, remorse forgiveness and second chances. The author does well in hitting all these relatable doubles of humans and gods. If you like Greek mythology, keep your eye out for this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This Greek mythology retelling with aesthetics like Howl's Moving Castle and The Song of Achilles made me fall in love!
From the very start, I was excited about everything with this book including the cover and plot, and let me tell you it did not disappoint! The first page, I was fully captivated with the author's writing and the plot! The vivid imagery and intricate descriptions made me so immersed in the story and activated all of my 5 senses. The character development, setting, and world-building was phenomenal. Moreover, the characters were so likeable, and the mmc is such a yearner for the fmc. This romantasy did not fail to achieve the romance genre because I could definitely feel tension and pining. The story gave off a very cozy and warm vibe; I definitely recommend this read to those who love Greek mythology and want a sweet romance💖
From the very start, I was excited about everything with this book including the cover and plot, and let me tell you it did not disappoint! The first page, I was fully captivated with the author's writing and the plot! The vivid imagery and intricate descriptions made me so immersed in the story and activated all of my 5 senses. The character development, setting, and world-building was phenomenal. Moreover, the characters were so likeable, and the mmc is such a yearner for the fmc. This romantasy did not fail to achieve the romance genre because I could definitely feel tension and pining. The story gave off a very cozy and warm vibe; I definitely recommend this read to those who love Greek mythology and want a sweet romance💖
July 11, 2026
4.5 Stars
I've gone back and forth between a 4 and a 5. In terms of writing craft, there's not much for me to argue with. There were some "telling" spots, but that comes with the territory. The prose was quite flowery (literally,) but it added to the setting. In the end, all the characters were a complex mix of good and bad. Maybe the pacing bothered me? Events were drawn out, then sped up, then drawn out again, but not in a horribly intrusive way. There wasn't really any one thing I can point at and say, "THAT! That should have been different."
I think the truth is that Del and Than just weren't exactly my cup of tea, and that's ok. Rowland still did a great job with this book, and I would like to read what she writes next.
I've gone back and forth between a 4 and a 5. In terms of writing craft, there's not much for me to argue with. There were some "telling" spots, but that comes with the territory. The prose was quite flowery (literally,) but it added to the setting. In the end, all the characters were a complex mix of good and bad. Maybe the pacing bothered me? Events were drawn out, then sped up, then drawn out again, but not in a horribly intrusive way. There wasn't really any one thing I can point at and say, "THAT! That should have been different."
I think the truth is that Del and Than just weren't exactly my cup of tea, and that's ok. Rowland still did a great job with this book, and I would like to read what she writes next.
Review of advance copy
This book was awful. The dialogue felt unnatural, and the character development was practically nonexistent, making it impossible to connect with anyone. It read like a childish young adult novel for most of the story, then suddenly shifted into awkward, overly sexual scenes halfway through. The romance was incredibly cheesy and did nothing to improve the plot.
I normally enjoy myth retellings, but this one was a huge disappointment. There was barely any action, and the plot developed at a painfully slow pace, leaving the story feeling dull and directionless. Overall, it was an unenjoyable read that failed to deliver on its premise.
I normally enjoy myth retellings, but this one was a huge disappointment. There was barely any action, and the plot developed at a painfully slow pace, leaving the story feeling dull and directionless. Overall, it was an unenjoyable read that failed to deliver on its premise.
Review of advance copy
A prime member, first reads selection.
I chose this book to get in the mood for an upcoming trip to Greece. I’d hoped to brush up on Greek mythology.
There were things I liked about the novel, the characters were flawed and interesting. I enjoyed the romance between Asphodel and Thanatos. The premise was intriguing and promised a twisty plot.
I cared enough to keep reading to the end, but at times the pacing dragged and it was a challenge to stay invested. The ending was predictable even though the many details to reach resolution in the underworld felt forced.
All in all an ok read and a good effort from a first time novelist.
I chose this book to get in the mood for an upcoming trip to Greece. I’d hoped to brush up on Greek mythology.
There were things I liked about the novel, the characters were flawed and interesting. I enjoyed the romance between Asphodel and Thanatos. The premise was intriguing and promised a twisty plot.
I cared enough to keep reading to the end, but at times the pacing dragged and it was a challenge to stay invested. The ending was predictable even though the many details to reach resolution in the underworld felt forced.
All in all an ok read and a good effort from a first time novelist.
Review of advance copy
To be published: August 1, 2026 - My "First Reads" pick through Amazon Prime.
Great retelling of Greek Mythology where the daughter of Hades and Persephone turns the mortal and immortal worlds upside down in her quest to avoid her destiny.
The author brings humanity and life to these ancient beings. I found myself rooting for Thanatos, the God of Death himself!
I prefer Closed Door Romance, but there were only two chapters in the very middle of the book which included explicit scenes. It reads much like a Young Adult book elsewhere.
Great retelling of Greek Mythology where the daughter of Hades and Persephone turns the mortal and immortal worlds upside down in her quest to avoid her destiny.
The author brings humanity and life to these ancient beings. I found myself rooting for Thanatos, the God of Death himself!
I prefer Closed Door Romance, but there were only two chapters in the very middle of the book which included explicit scenes. It reads much like a Young Adult book elsewhere.
Review of advance copy
Amazon First Read / Amazon Prime -
I thought Fields of Asphodel was a decent read overall. I went back and forth between 2 - 3 star rating. I liked some of the character development aspects of the book, but I struggled with the pacing. Around the halfway point the story started to drag, and I found it increasingly more difficult to pick up and finish.
I also felt like some of the emotional moments came across as ingenuine. I appreciated the creativity and character work, but the story just didn't capture my heart the way I was anticipating.
I thought Fields of Asphodel was a decent read overall. I went back and forth between 2 - 3 star rating. I liked some of the character development aspects of the book, but I struggled with the pacing. Around the halfway point the story started to drag, and I found it increasingly more difficult to pick up and finish.
I also felt like some of the emotional moments came across as ingenuine. I appreciated the creativity and character work, but the story just didn't capture my heart the way I was anticipating.
Review of advance copy
4.75 ⭐️
I really really enjoyed this book. I absolutely love Greek mythology and retellings and this might be one of my favorite retellings. The writing was absolutely gorgeous and the quotes were beautiful. The character growth was also really nice. Everyone made a mistake in some way and they all came to realize it and try to right it. Just really beautiful overall, I'm super grateful to have gotten it as a July first reads book.
I really really enjoyed this book. I absolutely love Greek mythology and retellings and this might be one of my favorite retellings. The writing was absolutely gorgeous and the quotes were beautiful. The character growth was also really nice. Everyone made a mistake in some way and they all came to realize it and try to right it. Just really beautiful overall, I'm super grateful to have gotten it as a July first reads book.
July 13, 2026
Fascinating Classical Mythology Fan Fiction ...
... mostly about the more obscure gods, particularly the gods of death. Asphodel is one I have never heard of before although I have heard of Thanatos, Erebos, and Keres. The so-called triplets, "Zag," "Mak," and "Mel," are nicknames for twice-born Zagreus, Makaria, and Melinoe, the goddess who was so beautiful that Aphrodite planned to sabotage her!
Waiting with impatience for Volume II.
... mostly about the more obscure gods, particularly the gods of death. Asphodel is one I have never heard of before although I have heard of Thanatos, Erebos, and Keres. The so-called triplets, "Zag," "Mak," and "Mel," are nicknames for twice-born Zagreus, Makaria, and Melinoe, the goddess who was so beautiful that Aphrodite planned to sabotage her!
Waiting with impatience for Volume II.
Read
July 11, 2026Tik Tok version of the murderous behaviour of the Gods of the Underworld. Del tries to poison her father Hades for running off with her mother Persephone. She falls in love with Than. Which makes for some thunderous sex scenes. Hades also contributes some spectacular appearances and the story is utterly predictable. Which doesn't stop it from being readable.
Review of advance copy received from Book of the Month
“I want you to know how sorry I am. For the rest of my days, I shall envy the wind that caresses your hair and the ground that kisses your feet, the flowers that shiver under your touch and bloom under your gaze.”
July 9, 2026
amazing
that was fantastic! i really liked how the mythos of it was interwoven and the stories! I liked the familial conflict and trauma and how it was written. It’s not too spicy either, bits and pieces around.
that was fantastic! i really liked how the mythos of it was interwoven and the stories! I liked the familial conflict and trauma and how it was written. It’s not too spicy either, bits and pieces around.
July 10, 2026
This was going to be a 5 star read until the last chapter. The story was engaging and I read it in 2 days, but I really needed the main characters to have one more conversation to believe the epilogue.
July 12, 2026
Excelent first book
She mentions this is her first book. It was a great first publication. She has an amazing development of the story and you feel like you get to know the characters. You definitely want to cheer for them.
She mentions this is her first book. It was a great first publication. She has an amazing development of the story and you feel like you get to know the characters. You definitely want to cheer for them.
July 13, 2026
A Story Full of Truth
This story engages all the emotions, as well as sharing lessons of relationships without being preachy.
A big yes for those interested in the Greek immortals as well as those who just like a good story worth their time.
This story engages all the emotions, as well as sharing lessons of relationships without being preachy.
A big yes for those interested in the Greek immortals as well as those who just like a good story worth their time.
July 14, 2026
Got as a part of First Reads. I really enjoyed this book. The plot didn't feel rushed but also wasn't agonizingly slow. Each character had depth. The places were described well to really visualize the setting. I wanted to be on Del's isle.
Did Not Finish
July 17, 2026I won’t rate this as I only read a couple of chapters but that was enough to know this wasn’t for me, so I DNF’d it. Del is very juvenile and I just couldn’t get into the way the story was being narrated, so I’m moving in. Hope you all have better luck with it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A new take on an old myth, this is a very well written story of family and forgiveness. Well-rounded characters and a quickly moving story kept me eager to see what happened next.
July 8, 2026
I'm a big mythology fan, so I really enjoyed reading this. It's not complicated, it's easy to understand and it has a love story too.
July 8, 2026
This was a really great story, and I loved the Greek mythology since that’s not a typical setting. It’s well written, cutesy, and a good quick read.
July 9, 2026
Excellent debut
I love the immersive nature of this world building and it really took me out of myself for a while. A very real love story with struggle and conflict.
I love the immersive nature of this world building and it really took me out of myself for a while. A very real love story with struggle and conflict.
July 11, 2026
If you like Circe or Daughters of Sparta, you will be sorely disappointed. Otherwise, passable usage of leisure time.
Review of advance copy
Liked it
Did Not Finish
July 13, 2026This is literally hot garbage
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews