The Hymn to Dionysus

The Hymn to Dionysus cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 516
  • Added: 2025-09-13
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9781399618687
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2025-03-20
  • Formats: 54
  • Reviews: 3

Set in the mythical city of Thebes on the brink of collapse, The Hymn to Dionysus follows Phaidros, a knight trained to serve a homeland he has never seen. After rescuing a mysterious blue-eyed baby and years of traumatic battles, Phaidros struggles with panic and flashbacks while navigating a city rife with unrest and madness. His life becomes entwined with the crown prince’s disappearance and the enigmatic figure of Dionysus, a blue-eyed witch whose presence sparks riots and rumors of a new god born of Zeus. Natasha Pulley’s novel explores themes of duty, madness, and transformation through a slow-burning romance between Phaidros and Dionysus. The story delves into the tension between order and chaos, the burdens of loyalty, and the search for humanity amid divine and mortal turmoil. Praised for its unique world-building and emotional depth, the book offers a fresh, stylish retelling of Greek mythology that captivates readers with its blend of historical fantasy and psychological insight.

Reviews
SheReadsNovels · 2025-04-07
accessible 3.75

The book is appreciated for its enjoyable and modern language, making the ancient story accessible and engaging.

The reviewer expresses gladness at having read the book, finding it more enjoyable than expected. They note the use of very modern language throughout the novel but mention that this modernity does not detract from their enjoyment, suggesting that it helps to bring the ancient mythological themes into a contemporary context.


Quick quotes

    I'm glad I did, because I found this book a lot more enjoyable.

    It's still written in very modern language, but that doesn't seem to bother me ...

immersive 4.25

The novel is described as a hallucinatory, vivid exploration of Dionysus, blending myth with a relatable mortal perspective.

This review highlights the book's hallucinatory and immersive quality, portraying the god of wine and madness through the eyes of a self-deprecating yet heroic mortal. The reviewer appreciates the rich and imaginative storytelling that combines classical mythology with intense human emotion, making the ancient themes feel immediate and personal.


Quick quotes

    Natasha Pulley's hallucinatory exploration of the god of wine, fertility, pleasure, and madness.

    Told through the eyes of a self-deprecating yet heroic mortal.

    Had me hooked from the first page.

Goodreads · 2025-03-18
engaging 4.00

The book is praised for strong writing and engaging, beautifully rendered characters, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read.

The reviewer found the novel to be a compelling experience, appreciating the quality of the writing and the depth of the characters. They emphasize how the story holds the reader's interest throughout, highlighting the author's skill in crafting vivid and memorable personalities that enhance the narrative.


Quick quotes

    I thoroughly enjoyed The Hymn to Dionysus.

    The writing was strong and the characters are engaging and beautifully rendered.

    It's one of the ...

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