PRAISE FOR THE ADIX

★★★★★

The Adix by Shana Marlayna Chow completely blew me away! I loved this line: “A small lie left alone can grow teeth with time.”

The way Shana weaves Greek mythology into the story is genius, it adds so much depth and wonder to an already immersive world. The short chapters make it so addictive - I couldn’t stop reading, and now I’m desperate for the next book. The characters are unforgettable, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat.

Shana’s writing perfectly balances emotion, adventure, and intrigue. I laughed, gasped, and rooted for every character.

If you love fast-paced, myth-infused stories, The Adix is a must-read!

-Kristan Ramey, Goodreads Reviewer

★★★★★

I really enjoyed this book and found myself quickly invested in both the story and the characters. They were well-rounded and developed in a way that made their growth feel natural and engaging. The chemistry between them was strong and added an extra layer of depth to the story.

One of my favorite aspects was the family dynamic, especially the role of his grandfather stepping up after his father’s death. That relationship brought a lot of heart to the book and made it easy to root for Adrian throughout his journey.

The story wraps up while still leaving enough unanswered questions to build anticipation for the next installment, which I’m definitely looking forward to. Overall, this was an enjoyable read with compelling characters and relationships that kept me engaged from start to finish.

-Susan Murphy, Amazon Reviewer

★★★★★

An Absolute Mind-Blower — I Need the Sequel Yesterday!

As an avid romance reader, I usually don't pick up stories this heavy on mythology, psychological tension, and moral complexity, but The ADIX completely swept me away and refused to let go. I finished it in an ecstatic spiral of “WHEN IS BOOK 2 COMING OUT?!” and immediately hunted for any sign of a sequel.

Shana Marlayna Chow’s debut into fiction is brilliantly imaginative, and her writing is crisp and polished. The premise of two ancient bloodlines — one gifted with the power to see every lie laid bare (the ADIX, born of Ares) and the other wielding irresistible deception (the HEZO, born of Hades) — feels fresh and deeply thought-provoking. Greek mythology is the living backbone of a silent war that has quietly shaped history, and real-world events are folded in so naturally that they ground the fantastical elements perfectly.

I was especially impressed by how seamlessly Chow wove her phenomenal skills as a published poet into fiction. Around the 25% mark, there’s a poem delivered by one of the characters that is pure velvet-thorn truth. I was awestruck by the rhythm, the stark juxtapositions of beauty and horror, and the haunting lines. I read it twice on the spot, especially because “a child is born with bright blue eyes” echoed the significance eye color carries in this story. After finishing the book, I went back and reread it, and it now reads as subtle, masterful foreshadowing for what’s coming.

The novel’s setup is massive. The stakes are personal and global at the same time, and the blind spots in even the greatest truth-seeing gift are deliciously unsettling. One of my favorite lines captures the moral heart perfectly: “Knowing the Truth did not always mean revealing it. Sometimes, the greatest power an ADIX possessed was mercy.”

The characters, especially Adrian, Laurel, and Grandpa Henry, feel like real people with distinct arcs. Adrian and Laurel’s connection is tender and emotionally intimate, and the romance is present and meaningful. Their first time together is handled with sweet vulnerability rather than spice; it’s about how the moment deepens their feelings. The whole book reads like a sophisticated psychological thriller with coming-of-age touches.

If you love inventive mythology, moral gray areas, and a slow-burn relationship that serves the bigger story, this is one that will stick with you. I’m already so eager to see where the story goes next, especially since our real world has only become messier since the book’s 2005 timeline. (And yes, there will be a sequel! Chow has started writing it and knows exactly where she wants the story to go!)

I highly, highly recommend The ADIX, even (or especially) for romance readers willing to step into something deeper. This is the kind of story that lingers long after the final page.

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

-Nathalie Hayden, Goodreads Reviewer