Where Madness Lies
Her visions foretell darkness…but no one believes.
Alex is cursed and miserable. Hospitalized once again for the devastating visions she struggles to control, the lonely mortuary technician longs for her safe and quiet life away from the living.
But after befriending a depressed, anorexic waif in her ward, Alex is stunned when the stranger reveals herself as Artemis…the former Greek Goddess of the Hunt.
Alex agrees to help her distraught new friend uncover the dangerous force that’s killing her Olympic family. The rest of the ex-gods are deeply shocked to meet her as well—as far as they knew, all the oracles had been wiped out centuries ago.
But when the impossibly strong Venetian assassins strike again, a terrified Alex and shattered Artemis must fight to escape a web of immortal family secrets, mysterious cults, and devastating revelations that leave no one unscathed.
Where Madness Lies is a captivating contemporary mythological thriller, with strong female protagonists, a hint of romance, page-turning suspense, twists you won't see coming, and a pantheon of delicious characters. Heidi K. Allen’s fresh, stunning debut is simply unputdownable.
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!