The Rise of Haduwas: A Fruit of Life & Death Novel

The Hades Chronicles #1

by Amanda L. Rautio

Left behind in a great migration, a prince is condemned by false omens and sent into the Underworld by priests who are shaping the kingdom's future through a second, favoured bloodline.

*

In a remote bronze age village at the edge of his father's kingdom, he's spent years cut off from court, orders, and certainty of his father's rule. The King has remarried into the house of priests, binding the future of the kingdom to their chosen line. For the priests, Haduwas is not a forgotten son but the one remaining obstacle to that future. When Haduwas returns to the city of his father, the priests offer him only one path forward: descend into the Underworld, return with a relic of divine favour, or disappear into obscurity.

But the Underworld does not test strength. It judges the soul. And no man who enters the Underworld is meant to return.

*

Epic Historical Fantasy meets Mythological Retelling in Bronze Age-inspired political fantasy about a principled heir confronting succession politics, divine law, and a system designed to replace him. Perfect for readers of Circe and mythic Bronze Age fantasy traditions with echoes of Elric of Melnibone.

Genres: Fantasy

242 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2026

About the author

Amanda L. Rautio is a fantasy author from Banff, AB, with a background in Classical History and English Literature. She began crafting her imaginative worlds at the age of fourteen and continues to weave tales rich with mythology and symbolism. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys black [decaf] coffee, immersing herself in books, spending time with her pet snakes, and cherishing moments with her supportive fiancé, her very own pillar of Heracles.

Reviews

[Diamanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, people!
First of all, let me mention that this book is the first book in the series The Hades Chronicles.
I have one thing to say. I went crazy because I love mythology, customs and traditions, traditions and history. This book is a mixture of these.
The world building is fantastic, unique and rich. The flow is good and relatively fast. The story captivates you and invites you to immerse yourself in it, and the characters are well-written and have depth.
Finally, the author's writing is captivating, enjoyable, emotional, exciting, shocking, direct, rich, lyrical at times, cinematic and understandable.
I can't wait for the sequel!

Thank you very much to the author and Iris PR for the eARC!

This is my honest review!

[Dear Reader]

DNF at 30%
i had such high hopes for this, but it personally wasn't for me
i felt as if nothing was happening in the story and that there were no stakes
at no point was i interested in the story
also, the writing just wasn't for me
as someone who absolutely loves and adores lyrical writing, i felt that this leaned heavily on purple prose (i would maybe even call it purple prose but i'm not a professional so who am i to judge)
it just felt like the author was trying WAY too hard with the writing, to the point where it would take me out of the story because i needed to think for a second to realise what the author was trying to say
and none of the deaths even remotely affected me
just not a book for me ig

[Annie (Houseofbooksandboardgames) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

This was such a good historical fantasy! I loved the way that Amanda combined several well known myths to create a unique story. It really felt like an ancient epic.

I am very much looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book for Haduwas and Lelwani.

I would definitely recommend this for fans of classical mythology.

Thanks to Amanda for the ARC!

[Jess Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Amanda Rautio and the publisher for my ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I was super intrigued by the summary of this book and the overall premise. I thought it started off in a really interesting way with the translator notes and the fact that each chapter is a tablet. It helped immerse me in the story and brought me way back in the past.

I loved the poetic writing style at the beginning as well, and it made me really excited, but I quickly realized that the rest of the book wasn’t written in this way. It had a more state-of-fact tone that felt dry, and it disconnected me from the story. I had trouble connecting with the characters and their goals.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left behind in a great migration, a prince is condemned by false omens and sent into the Underworld by priests who are shaping the kingdom's future through a second, favoured bloodline.

In a remote bronze age village at the edge of his father's kingdom, Haduwas has spent years cut off from court, orders, and certainty of his father's rule. The King has remarried into the house of priests, binding the future of the kingdom to their chosen line. For the priests, Haduwas is not a forgotten son but the one remaining obstacle to that future. When Haduwas returns to the city of his father, the priests offer him only one path forward: descend into the Underworld, return with a relic of divine favour, or disappear into obscurity.

But the Underworld does not test strength. It judges the soul. And no man who enters the Underworld is meant to return.

Tropes: Left Behind, Migration, Prince, Condemned, False Omens, Sent into the Underworld, Priests, Shaping the Kingdom’s Future, Second/Favoured Bloodline, Remote Bronze Age Kingdom, Prince has been Cut off From the Court/Orders/Father’s Rules, King’s Remarried into the Priest’s Chosen Line, Prince Suddenly Returns to King’s City, Priest’s Offer the Prince 1 Path Forward, Descent into The Underworld, Return with A Relic, Divine Favour, Disappear into Obscurity, Underworld Doesn’t test Strength, Judges the Soul, No Man entering the Underworld is Meant to Ever Return, Epic Historical Fantasy x Mythological Retelling, Bronze Age-Inspired Political Fantasy, Succession, Politics, Divine Law, Mythic Bronze Age Fantasy, Traditions, Gods and Goddess’s.

The Rise of Haduwas is the 1st book in The Hades Chronicles by Amanda L. Rautio. This is an Epic Historical Fantasy meets Mythological Retelling in Bronze Age-inspired political fantasy about a principled heir confronting succession politics, divine law, and a system designed to replace him. Perfect for readers of Circe and mythic Bronze Age fantasy traditions with echoes of Elric of Melnibone.

When I was offered the chance to read this book, I will admit that I jumped at the opportunity as I love mythology, customs, traditions, and history. And Rise of Haduwas is the perfect blend of all of these.

Amanda did such a phenomenal job in her world-building. This is such a stunning, unique, and rich world. The flow of the story is so breathtaking and Amanda manages to keep the pacing steady and fast.

The storyline absolutely enthralls you and Amanda invites you to immerse yourself in not only this world but also in the story, the history, the mythology, customs, and traditions. And the characters, the characters themselves are so perfectly developed, they are well rounded, they feel real and authentic and through the story they have the room to grow and develop. And as you walk the story with Haduwas and all the other characters you feel all their emotions as they feel them. You laugh and cry right along with them. The primary and secondary characters are so well written and have such an amazing depth and you know there is so much more for them to come.

This was the first book of Amanda’s that I have ever read, and I have to say that I just feel in love with it. Amanda’s writing is so captivating, enthralling, enjoyable, emotional, exciting, shocking, direct, rich, lyrical, cinematic and it’s so easy to understand and you never feel lost or unable to follow what’s happening in the story. Amanda has perfectly created the perfect storyline, the plot and sub-plot.

The brutal and fatal journey that Haduwas and those who follow him to his father’s city is one I thought couldn’t be beaten. And you can tell through this journey that Haduwas doesn’t see himself as a hero, he doesn’t see himself as anything other than a prince who is just trying to do what’s best for his people.

Then after arriving at his father’s city, his story just continues to get more and more twisty but it remains so very relatable. Even as the priests that Haduwas’s father has surrounded himself with tell Haduwas that he has one of two choices. He can either descend into the underworld and retrive a relic or he can leave and disappear.

Honestly, I found it rather refreshing to read a book where the God’s and Goddess’s actually stepped in and became an intricate part and a direct player in Haduwas’s journey, rather than just staying these invisible beings that we as readers should just pretend are there. (That’s something that I am so tired of.)

Then there’s the language that Amanda uses. Now normally it is so easy for an author to fall into this heavy, hard to follow voice, and often we as readers have to re-read portions of the book several times in order to understand it. What Amanda’s done here is beautiful, she’s written something so perfectly easy to understand, it’s refined and accessible and that alone helps to make this book such a delightful read and I can’t wait to move into the next book.

If you love detailed lore, historical-style storytelling, deep world histories, stunning historical fantasy, bronze age Mesopotamia, myths, Gods, Goddess’s, Hades x Peresphone and a mix of Hercules then you’ve been searching for The Rise of Haduwas and I highly recommend this book. You’re going to find it hard to put it down.

My favorite quote from this book was:

May the reader enter as I once entered the sealed chamber: with dust in the lungs, torch in hand, and the weight of the forgotten pressing close.

[savage_book_review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

*Please note, I was provided with an ARC version of this book by IRIS Influencer Society and the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review*

The best word to describe this book is 'intriguing'. Yes, I was drawn to request this because it's advertised as a Hades origin story, but when you actually start reading it you get so much more than you're expecting. It took a few chapters to sink into the story, and I'm certain that I cannot properly appreciate this tale with just a single read, but I do know that this is a book and a series I will come back to.

I adored the author's depiction of Haduwas. He might have the title of Prince, but throughout the book he is just a man. First among equals, down to earth, humble, protective and selfless. In other words, far from the 'villain' you'd expect from an origin story for the Lord of the Underworld, and yet he still exudes the power and demands all the attention that Hades deserves. And he somehow feels completely different to any other version of Hades in fiction, whilst still embodying all of my favourite elements of the different versions of him. He is drawn so well that he becomes real inside your head very quickly, and his character alone makes the book stand out. His emotional connection with the various other characters feels like it comes from the soul, and whether their fates are good or bad, Haduwas' emotions just pour off the page.

The book essentially has two parts to it; the journey through the overworld, and the journey through the Underworld. Within each journey come unexpected obstacles and moments of tension as you would expect, and in the vast majority of cases they do evoke an emotional reaction from the reader. Everything flows seamlessly and the pacing is swift enough to keep things moving, but not breakneck, and the plot is really well thought out. But I just can't help feeling like I needed more. I honestly can't put my finger on the precise issue, but I just felt like I wanted to linger for a little longer within each scene and scratch the surface just a bit more. The imagery conveyed is absolutely beautiful, but getting actual solid pictures to appear in my head felt just and just out of reach. Ultimately I found myself getting frustrated at my own head - I'm sure everything I need is within the pages, but there was a disconnect somewhere between page and brain that meant I didn't feel like I got the full experience I should have.

I suspect part of my issue might be the prose itself. Objectively speaking, the writing is fabulous, almost lyrical in the way it winds the story around you. But from a personal standpoint, it's not a style I 'get on' with. As such, it was not an 'easy' read for me, which meant that there were patches where I felt I was missing information or that somehow I had skimmed a page or two when I was actually trying really hard to take in each and every word. This is absolutely a 'me' problem, and I'm hoping that a reread, with a little more familiarity with the people, places and plot, will improve my experience and understanding significantly. But if you do like this style of writing, I have absolutely no doubt you will enjoy every single second of the book.

I did absolutely love this different take on Hades' story, but I will also admit that I was very happy every time we got a parallel to not just the Underworld, but other Greek myths and characters too. Yes, before anyone panics, a version of Cerberus the Very Good Dog makes his obligatory appearance (at this point I would be personally offended if a Hades book didn't include him!)! The second half of the book starts to feel a lot more familiar, which definitely allowed me relax further into the story and perhaps enjoy the writing a little more.

I'm really grateful that I got to read this book, as it somehow hit my reading sweet spot and pushed me out of my comfort zone at the same time. Here's to the next one!

[Lucrezia Castello · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where the universe was created by the Gods, there has always been a precarious balance between the human and divine realms, so much so that humans have always sought a way to stand on equal footing with their creators.

Among the mounds of Central Anatolia lay a small village hidden from maps, so well concealed that it was considered legendary.

Sent here by the King of Karuwas, his eldest son carried out his orders, even though he had received no updates for over four years...

Making one final attempt to contact the House of Karuwas, Prince Haduwas decides to take his small regiment with him and return to the new city, determined to demand an explanation directly from the King himself!

The deeper we delve into the plot, the more we realise how religion—rooted in the beliefs of the time and the authority of the High Priests—is in serious conflict with the regency, even going so far as to meddle in matters that are none of their business...

Haduwas tries every possible way to open his father’s eyes, but also to accommodate the bizarre traditions that still persist, so as to give and take fairly.

What astonished me most was how the eldest prince’s trusted aides changed sides the moment they were either swayed by ‘faith’ or promised something in return😶‍🌫️

In the closing stages, we see how Haduwas remains true to himself, going so far as to put himself on the front line for a trial decided by those in power, thereby proving his worth and acknowledging to the King that the High Priests’ control is too strong to simply let things slide as if nothing had happened💀

All in all, it was a fairly eventful ‘prequel’, with plenty to think about and consider how future events will unfold👀

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

📜 ARC Review 👑

"Thus the crown, once a gift of awe, became instead a chain of duty "

In this epic mythological fantasy, Haduwas, the eldest son of the king, has been living away from the palace.

When he brings his people back to the city, he must prove to everyone that he is the crown prince as blessed by the gods. To earn his crown, he must venture into the Underworld and bring back a single trophy.

Could you survive a quest, walking amongst gods, leaving behind human desire and putting your people first?

I loved this book!!! The fighting, mythical birds, testing by the gods, and drama were all epic.

This book's concept was so fantastic! I loved the setting and narrative. The MMC was so easy to like and I wanted him to succeed at every turn!

I haven't read many mythological retellings or inspired books. I've read some of the Percy Jackson books, but I haven't read Circe.

But, I think I'm hooked. I love quests and trials and games - so being an Achillean adventure pretty much checks those boxes.

I loved how Haduwas had to reflect and logic out how to navigate his path. His way of moving through The Underworld was fascinating and I just wanted more.

I finished this book a couple of days ago, but I still can't put my finger on exactly what pulls me into this book, but I can't - it simply has a hook in me that I don't think will let go any time soon. 🤓

If you like mythical heroes, enjoyed reading The Iliad or The Odyssey in your schooldays, or you want to read a book that takes you on a journey with a purpose, you may like this book.

Triggers: Death, Violence

[Ivy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I want to give big thanks to @iris.influencer.society and author @themythosmith
for honoring me with the opportunity to read the ARC of The Rise of Haduwas!

This epic fantasy follows a prince fighting to prove his right to the throne through trials that lead him deep into the Underworld itself. The story blends mythology, ancient world intrigue, and the struggle between legacy and becoming the ruler a kingdom truly needs.

I've always been a mythology fan! I had certain expectations going into this book, but I never thought Amanda L. Rautio would hold me captive to the pages of her book and leave me wanting... no, needing the story to continue! The worldbuilding is immaculate and so easy to envision. The journey of the reluctant hero, Haduwas, is twisty but relatable. And on top of it all, it feels extremely refreshing to see the Gods and Goddesses become directly involved in Haduwas's journey, instead of being invisible deities that the reader should just assume to be there. One last thing that I really want to mention is the language the author uses. It's so easy for mythology authors to fall into the depths of heavy prose, often making readers re-read sentences multiple times. This isn't the case here! The language is equal parts refined and accessible, which made the book delightful to read!

If epic fantasy and ancient worlds are your thing, keep this one on your radar!

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rise of Haduwas was an interesting blend of historical fantasy and mythology that pulled me in with its atmosphere and political tension.

The Bronze Age-inspired setting gave the story a unique feel compared to a lot of fantasy books I normally read, and I really enjoyed the mythology woven throughout the story — especially the Underworld elements and the way fate, power, and succession shaped everything around Haduwas.

Haduwas as a character carried a lot of emotional weight throughout the story. Being pushed aside, isolated from his birthright, and forced into an impossible situation made his journey feel compelling from the beginning.

The political tension and the pressure surrounding divine favor and prophecy added another layer that kept the story moving, while the mythology aspects gave it a darker and more immersive atmosphere.

This felt like a slower, more world-building focused fantasy, but it worked well for the story being told and made me curious to see where the series will go next.

If you enjoy:
⚔️ Historical fantasy
🏛️ Mythological retellings
🔥 Underworld journeys
👑 Political tension & succession drama
🌑 Atmospheric world building

then this may be a book worth checking out.

⭐️ 4/5
🔥 2.5/5
🌶️ 1/5
💧 3/5

Thank you to the author and Iris Influencer Society for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Severine Bambang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Iris influencer and author for this eARC. This is my honest review and I did it voluntarily.

First of all, I'm not familiar with Sumerian mythology, so I'm intrigued with the premise because it's always good to learn something new.

Second, there are no MCs, only MMC. So it is quite a different PoV for my reading habit. A refreshment actually.

But, even with a single PoV sometimes the story is hard to follow. Mainly because some terms are used repeatedly but out of context. For example: Brother. Sometimes I have to think about which brother Haduwas means this time. His actual brother or brothers from the camp?

The other thing is, I find it is hard to see the importance of some characters. It looks like some people are introduced into the story, then the author said he/her is important then just put aside.
IMHO, the main story itself is clear and direct, but I think the characterization for side characters could be better. But perhaps we will get a clearer background story for those characters in the next book.

On the bright side, the journey to the underworld is something that I enjoyed too much. Sometimes the trial looks simple, but it has deeper meaning. Weight of the world? Brilliant.

Bonus: if you are a dog lover, you'll surely love the dog appearance.

[jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ || adventurous emotional hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

May the reader enter as I once entered the sealed chamber: with dust in the lungs, torch in hand, and the weight of the forgotten pressing close.

An epic reimagining of a Greek myth but set in the Bronze Era, The Rise of Haduwas was a captivating read from start to finish. The author was brilliant in establishing the world and its cultures, the pacing well structured enough that it came as a shock to me that it wasn't even 300 pages long. I appreciated that the myth retold was well embedded in the Bronze Era setting - it took a while for me to realize what and who the myth was talking about, and while it did speed things up for my brain to connect what I know from the Greek myth to the new tale the book was weaving, it created a world so different yet as enticing (and sometimes even more so) that it was such a different experience all around.

I also enjoyed how the myth was subverted, tackling issues that I had from previous retellings in a unique way. I do think it would have been more enjoyable had there been a little more breathing room between the plots, to let each of the scenes take a pause and have the dust settle before moving to the next. Clearly, the book can spare the space, so let the story breathe and fill it.

Overall, a fantastic read that I definitely recommend.

Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. All quotes are taken from the uncorrected proof. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.

[Debra Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rise of Haduwas is a richly layered historical fantasy that blends mythology, political intrigue, and emotional depth into a deeply immersive read. From the very beginning, I was drawn in by the unique structure with the translator notes and tablet-style chapters that gave the story an ancient, almost archaeological feel that made it stand out immediately.

The mythology is one of the strongest elements here. The Underworld aspects, the presence of gods and goddesses, and the way fate, prophecy, and divine favor influence every decision added a dark, compelling atmosphere. There’s a constant sense of tension as power and succession hang in the balance, and it keeps the story moving at a steady, engaging pace.

Haduwas is a character you can’t help but feel for. His journey carries a lot of emotional weight. Watching him navigate expectations, destiny, and his own identity made his arc especially compelling.

If you love deep world histories, lore and historical-style storytelling rooted with strong mythologic this is one to pick up.

Thank you to the author for the eARC, this is my honest review.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Political intrigue, morally gray characters, ancient mythology, scheming priests, and survival stakes?? Yeah… Rise of the Haduwas had all the ingredients for an epic fantasy adventure. The worldbuilding feels rich and immersive, while the constant power struggles and dangerous alliances kept the tension high the entire time.
I loved how nobody felt completely good or evil every choice carried consequences, which made the story feel intense and unpredictable. Perfect for readers who love myth-inspired fantasy, layered politics, heroic journeys, and darker, high-stakes storytelling.

Español: Intriga política, personajes moralmente grises, mitología antigua, sacerdotes manipuladores y luchas por sobrevivir? Rise of the Haduwas tiene todo lo que amo en una fantasía épica. El mundo se siente inmersivo y lleno de detalles, mientras que las alianzas peligrosas y las luchas de poder mantienen la tensión todo el tiempo.
Me encantó que nadie se sintiera completamente bueno o malo cada decisión tiene consecuencias y eso hace que la historia se sienta intensa e impredecible. Perfecto para lectores que aman las fantasías inspiradas en mitología, política compleja y aventuras de alto riesgo.

[Beth Rosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

Mild spoiler below

I enjoyed this, but it took a while for me to get hooked. I thought about DNFing, but I'm actually glad I persevered through it.

I've seen other reviewers comment on Greek mythology. Whilst there are some crossovers, this is not that. This is based on the ancient Bronze Age mythology of the Hittites, which was very interesting. It even made me go and look up some of the lore surrounding the deities and places mentioned. The author even helpfully cited some sources at the back of the book for those that want to know more about the lands and cultures of Anatolia.

This is a tragedy and a tragic story, but it does have a happy ending. However, I don't think the gods are done with Haduwas, and I'm looking forward to reading more about what his journey will look like going forward, especially his relationship with the gods that he has encountered.

I like that the gods are not absent in this book, but they play an active role in the plot and character development of Haduwas.

[Kellyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑻𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅𝒚; 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒚 𝒂 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚.

The way that Rise of Haduwas was written? Something I was not expecting. It was such a refreshing change of pace for me that I thoroughly enjoyed. The mythos and the feeling of an epic in the making which was so good and i can't wait to read more.

“𝑻𝒉𝒆 “𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕-𝒊𝒇” 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒚. 𝑫𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒃𝒚 𝒅𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎.”

Like any mythology, it can be equally frustrating watching the characters go through their challenges/ heros journey and at times feel unfair which is what I enjoyed the most out of this book. It brings me back to when I first started reading myths! The worldbuilding is fantastic and there is so much depth to it that I want a seperate book/ piece just somehow diving into the lore of it.

Thank you to Amanda L. Rautio and Iris PR for the chance to review this early! This review is purely my own opinion :)

[Panda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Amanda L. Rautio and Iris Influencer Society for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book.

This is Book 1 of The Hades Chronicles.

Triggers
Death
Corrupt Religion
Bias
Family Abandonment

Tropes
Epic Fantasy
Bronze Age Mythology
Trial
Pilgrimage

Spice
0/5

“You will fail the task, but win the real prize.” - Parasuwa (the God)

To omit is to condemn to silence, and silence is a second death.

An amazing Bronze-Age epic fantasy! Haduwas overcame so many trials and tribulations, but came out a better man in the end. He gained knowledge and friendships during said trials. After the trials broke my heart. I loved the world-building and mythological aspects of this book and can’t wait for book 2!

[Heather Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great historical fantasy. You get a great blend of the Bronze Age Mesopotamia history, myths of these people, the gods they worshiped, and a fun sprinkle of powers from the gods at play which creates that splash of fantasy.

The characters she creates are rich in detail, emotions and background. The relationships she makes feel deep and genuine. I loved the flow and pace of this storytelling and was drawn in instantly.

I found my self curious throughout and wondering what would happen next, which kept me up late into the night reading. Definitely want to read more from the author.

This would be great for those that love Hades x Persephone with a mix of Hercules.

[Miranda Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I signed up for this because of the Greek mythology, and it delivered immediately. The second it started weaving into the fantasy world, I was DONE. Hooked. No recovery.
This is book one and I am already fully locked in for this series. I need to know what happens next.

And Haduwas… yeah, we know who hurt him, and I’m still not over it. This man has been THROUGH IT, and now I’m fully invested in his future.

The mythology adds such an addictive layer without taking over, and it just made everything hit harder.

I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Manasa HR]

I DNFd the book at 30%.

I was desperate to get started as the blurb and tropes literally pulled me in. But i was highly disappointed with the story, characters, plot and even the powers.

I could not connect with the story at all. I felt no connection to any characters. I could not grasp what was going on and was zoning out every other minute. I felt everything was loosely tied and not capitative to hold my interest for more than a minute.
Understood this book is not for me and hence DNF'd.

[Amanda Choquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book as an ARC.
The writing of this was very clean and articulate. It really reminisced with the type of writing that I would envision being a part of a classical story but in a first person point of view. I enjoyed Haduwas’ character, but overall the story did not overly excite me, but it did make me think about the thoughtfulness of interacting with others to get a positive result. 3.5 stars.

[Nicole Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this book and omg.
This book was such an interesting blend of history and fantasy. It felt to me like if Homer’s Odyssey was written in a more accessible way for the modern era. The writing style still gives grand historical myth vibes, while remaining a really easy read. That’s a tricky balance to find but Amanda L Rautio handles it beautifully.
I’d recommend this book for all the lovers of myth and legend out there.

[Kimberly Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

📱 ARC thanks to iris influencer society
Publish date: May 19, 2026

This was an epic fantasy that follows a prince fighting to prove his right to the throne through trials that lead him deep into the Underworld itself.

This book had so much fantastic details that combine different sets of gods and mythology. I was kept interested the entire time and even teared up at different parts.

If you like epic fantasy, I would definitely add this to your tbr!

[Thefangirl1999 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the chance to read The Rise of Haduwas by Amanda L. Rautio and it’s a powerful dive into ancient-world epic fantasy! With brutal trials, mythic creatures, and a prince forced to confront his destiny, this story is perfect for readers who love rich lore and high-stakes journeys.
If you enjoy epic fantasy filled with mythology, political tension, and Underworld quests, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Lizzy_reads00 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rise of Haduwas was a book that always had me on my toes.Everything about it had me wanting to read more. I loved the creativity and pure uniqueness of the writing. I can’t wait to read the second book and see what else is in store for all of these amazing characters. Haduwas truly had me curious and wanting every tidbit of his past. This book was fantastic! Rautio truly had me on the edge of my seat for every second.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed The Rise of Haduwas. Amanda’s writing is beautiful and her detailed world building really brought the Bronze Age setting and mythology to life. It starts a little slower but once the story got going I was hooked. I especially enjoyed the political intrigue and Haduwas’ journey through the Underworld.

If you enjoy historical fantasy, mythology, and immersive world building then this is definitely one to check out!
I can’t wait to continue this journey!

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will accept absolutely zero criticism of this book whatsoever - let me just get that out in the open before we dig in. 😇

I had the pleasure of working with Amanda through IRIS Influencer Society and have been dying, absolutely dying to get my hands on The Rise of Haduwas since she first introduced us to the idea. It's a non-Greek mythological retelling, and we all know I love my mythological retellings regardless of their origin. The Rise of Haduwas introduced us to an entirely new brand of Hades origin, with Mesopotamian roots and culture not typically associated with Greek myth. I ATE IT UP.

Amanda writes in a way that is both understandable and digestible while utilizing the language and structure of the time period in which her projects are set, creating an incredibly immersive experience readers will scarcely find elsewhere. Mixing lyrical prose and beautiful imagery, she quite literally transports her readers back in time to ancient civilizations with her own unique take on fantasy and mythology. What truly sets The Rise of Haduwas and Amanda apart, though, is the depth of her knowledge and how she weaves it into the plot. She painstakingly researches until she becomes an expert on the subject, and her writing clearly shows her careful and precise preparation. Not only is her writing beautiful and atmospheric, but the worldbuilding is easy to follow, the plot is well paced, and her characters have so much depth that it's difficult not to become attached. I simply can't wait to continue this series!

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful book. I think the author did a phenomenal job with this book. The character development was absolutely phenomenal. I love the world to which it was built up. I loved everything about the book it come together beautifully I recommend this to anybody who is into this type of book. Overall, wonderful book I'm absolutely in love cannot talk enough good things about it.

[Vanessasbooksta · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5, rounded up for Goodreads.

Love a historical retelling of mythology. And this book did it justice giving an epic origin story of Hades. Loved the plot twists, high stakes and the incredible world building!

A fast paced, no spice fantasy that belongs on your TBR!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had so many elements I love in a non romantic fantasy. Political intrigue. Immersive world building and character development. Historical themes and elements. Add in inspired heavily my mythology with gods and goddesses. Overall it kept me interested and entertained from start to finish.