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Dio in the Dark
"Be young tonight, if you must. For tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow you will grow old, and the night will no longer be your lover."
The powers of the pantheon have faded. The gods live amongst the mortals, grasping for what little of their divinity remains.
When Zeus - King of the Gods - goes missing in modern-day Toronto, it is up to his estranged son, Dio, to find him.
And with rumors of The Darkness coming, Dio will have to race to find his father, and uncover the truth before it's too late!
The powers of the pantheon have faded. The gods live amongst the mortals, grasping for what little of their divinity remains.
When Zeus - King of the Gods - goes missing in modern-day Toronto, it is up to his estranged son, Dio, to find him.
And with rumors of The Darkness coming, Dio will have to race to find his father, and uncover the truth before it's too late!
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2021
9 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Rizwan Asad
4 books31 followersRizwan is a Toronto-based author of speculative fiction. Fantasy is kinda his thing, but every so often he feels like he’s sleeping too well, and begins work on a horror story.
Aside from writing fiction, he is the creator behind Chocolates & Chai, his award-nominated food blog.
Aside from writing fiction, he is the creator behind Chocolates & Chai, his award-nominated food blog.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 3, 2025
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley (thank you Ness House Press). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Modern representation of greek Gods and Goddesses
🆗 World-building is minimal
🆗❌ Pace (everything feels rushed)
❌ Characters
❌ Plot (under-developed and mighty convenient)
1.5 stars
Unpopular opinion ahead...
There is a glossary at the end of the book with the basic information about the characters, but with a Kindle version, it can be annoying to always go back and forth, so here is what you need to know about Greek mythology before you dive into this book:
➡️Hades is the god of the underworld and death, brother of Zeus.
➡️Zeus is known as the King of the Gods.
➡️Dionysos is a son of Zeus, and Semele, a mortal princess of Thebes. He is the only god to have a mortal parent. He is known as the "twice-born" because his mother was killed by the lightning bolts of Zeus while she was still pregnant, but he was rescued by his father who carried him to term sown up inside his thigh (apparently it works that way when you’re a god).
➡️Apollo once mocked the god of love, Eros who then prepared two arrows: one of gold and one of lead. He shot Apollo with the gold arrow, creating a passionate love spell that made Apollo obsessed and in love with the river nymph Daphne. Eros shot Daphne with the lead arrow, instilling in her a hatred for Apollo. Long story short, Daphne changed herself into a Laurel tree to escape Apollo and he vowed to honor her forever still. He is obviously not over the “death” of Daphne though.
➡️Erebus is a primordial deity, he is the personification of darkness.
➡️The Keres were the goddesses who personified violent death and who were drawn to bloody deaths on battlefields.
➡️Charon is the ferryman who carries the souls of the dead across the River Styx and into the Underworld.
➡️Cerberus is the 3 headed dog that guards the entry to the Underworld.
Zeus and the other greek gods have been living in the mortal world, among humans for hundreds of years where they have been reduced to nothing more than myths and legends. Zeus shares a quaint little house with his two sons: Dionysus and Apollo, but when Zeus suddenly goes missing, Dio has to investigate to find him. He comes to realize that there is a darkness growing and festering as the mortals forget all about the gods, and that darkness is threatening the gods. On his journey to find his father, Dio encounters various gods, primordial deities, and mythological monsters, and it’s now a race to save his father and also to rescue the whole world from the growing darkness.
The ideas are there and they are good, but there are about 150 pages missing for this book to really be good and entertaining in my humble opinion. Everything feels rushed and under-developed. We don’t know why Dio is going to see the people he visits, or why he asks the questions he asks. We have no insight into what he’s thinking or planning. We just follow him as he runs everywhere in Toronto.
The other Gods and Titans are mentioned and introduced in a more modern way (like Aphrodite being a social media icon or Hades being big in the life-insurance business), which I found quite original and funny, but they are not developed at all, and we are given no backstories, so it might get confusing for someone who does not know the basics about the greek Gods of this book. They seem to have no personality and all end up helping Dio even if some seemed reluctant to do so at first… It all seems very convenient and Dio manages to solve everything quite easily and almost all by himself.
The main character, Dio, is not fleshed-out at all either. I can’t even think of 5 words to describe him. He is ordinary, purposeless and he also seems to be quite clueless about what’s happening around him.
Honestly, the only reason I finished this book is that it is so short, but the shortness is also probably the reason why I did not enjoy it more... I know that everyone else seems to have LOVED it, but I just couldn’t enjoy it once the plot started to unravel and everything was rushed and under-developed.
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✅ Modern representation of greek Gods and Goddesses
🆗 World-building is minimal
🆗❌ Pace (everything feels rushed)
❌ Characters
❌ Plot (under-developed and mighty convenient)
1.5 stars
Unpopular opinion ahead...
"Lest you forget, gods still roam this land, and when the pantheon is faced with an impossible task, we tend to find ways to emerge victorious."
There is a glossary at the end of the book with the basic information about the characters, but with a Kindle version, it can be annoying to always go back and forth, so here is what you need to know about Greek mythology before you dive into this book:
➡️Hades is the god of the underworld and death, brother of Zeus.
➡️Zeus is known as the King of the Gods.
➡️Dionysos is a son of Zeus, and Semele, a mortal princess of Thebes. He is the only god to have a mortal parent. He is known as the "twice-born" because his mother was killed by the lightning bolts of Zeus while she was still pregnant, but he was rescued by his father who carried him to term sown up inside his thigh (apparently it works that way when you’re a god).
➡️Apollo once mocked the god of love, Eros who then prepared two arrows: one of gold and one of lead. He shot Apollo with the gold arrow, creating a passionate love spell that made Apollo obsessed and in love with the river nymph Daphne. Eros shot Daphne with the lead arrow, instilling in her a hatred for Apollo. Long story short, Daphne changed herself into a Laurel tree to escape Apollo and he vowed to honor her forever still. He is obviously not over the “death” of Daphne though.
➡️Erebus is a primordial deity, he is the personification of darkness.
➡️The Keres were the goddesses who personified violent death and who were drawn to bloody deaths on battlefields.
➡️Charon is the ferryman who carries the souls of the dead across the River Styx and into the Underworld.
➡️Cerberus is the 3 headed dog that guards the entry to the Underworld.
Zeus and the other greek gods have been living in the mortal world, among humans for hundreds of years where they have been reduced to nothing more than myths and legends. Zeus shares a quaint little house with his two sons: Dionysus and Apollo, but when Zeus suddenly goes missing, Dio has to investigate to find him. He comes to realize that there is a darkness growing and festering as the mortals forget all about the gods, and that darkness is threatening the gods. On his journey to find his father, Dio encounters various gods, primordial deities, and mythological monsters, and it’s now a race to save his father and also to rescue the whole world from the growing darkness.
The ideas are there and they are good, but there are about 150 pages missing for this book to really be good and entertaining in my humble opinion. Everything feels rushed and under-developed. We don’t know why Dio is going to see the people he visits, or why he asks the questions he asks. We have no insight into what he’s thinking or planning. We just follow him as he runs everywhere in Toronto.
The other Gods and Titans are mentioned and introduced in a more modern way (like Aphrodite being a social media icon or Hades being big in the life-insurance business), which I found quite original and funny, but they are not developed at all, and we are given no backstories, so it might get confusing for someone who does not know the basics about the greek Gods of this book. They seem to have no personality and all end up helping Dio even if some seemed reluctant to do so at first… It all seems very convenient and Dio manages to solve everything quite easily and almost all by himself.
The main character, Dio, is not fleshed-out at all either. I can’t even think of 5 words to describe him. He is ordinary, purposeless and he also seems to be quite clueless about what’s happening around him.
Honestly, the only reason I finished this book is that it is so short, but the shortness is also probably the reason why I did not enjoy it more... I know that everyone else seems to have LOVED it, but I just couldn’t enjoy it once the plot started to unravel and everything was rushed and under-developed.
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November 6, 2021
Book Review: "Dio In The Dark;" Author: Rizwan Asad; Publisher: Ness House Press; 1st Edition (October 15, 2021). Finished reading on November 2, 2021.
More!
I want more from this author.
I want this magic he created in "Dio In The Dark" to continue in other books.
I was instantly captivated by the intriguing plot. The once mighty, mythological Zeus and powerful Olympians in modern-day Toronto are attempting to adapt to life but are drawn into a battle that casts a dark veil over their lives once Zeus vanishes. It is up to his son, Dio (a.k.a. Dionysus), with whom he has a strained relationship, to put aside the resentment he feels towards his father and embark on a perilous journey to find him.
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Take in this early line in the book regarding Zeus:
"Zeus, god of thunder, overseer of the universe, the lightning hurling King of the Gods himself, sprang easily to grab the handle and land on the running board of the garbage truck. He wore dirty blue overalls and work boots. The back of his overalls read, “Barker Sanitation,” and the front, over his immortal heart, had a patch that said “Zed.”"
Hahaha! I love it! I laughed... out loud! This was so refreshing to read! Witty humor is continuously laced throughout the book which was a wonderful addition, seasoning it with a plethora of flavors. I caught myself giggling many times at the descriptions and the banter that ensued throughout the book. Here is another line I greatly enjoyed:
"“You tell me about The Darkness every freakin’ Friday. And this ‘young one’ business? Man, I’m sixty-two years old! Only thing young about me is my teeth, and even them is gettin’ to be teenagers!”"
Even though there are some lively, humorous scenes going on in the book, we also have some strong issues snaking forth that steadily develop within this book as the plot deepens such as family squabbles/resentment, depression, self-doubt, alcoholism, longing for love and family, loss and grief and other issues that are laced throughout the characters. Even though the book appears light, it contains other complex layers, touching upon real life experiences/traumas that exist in the world.
I studied Greek Mythology at school and note that these immortals were consistently illustrated as being stoic, all powerful, literally larger than life. Their aloofness and seriousness you read about were not present in this book. The author does a wonderful job in this book to alter your previous perceptions of the gods by humanizing them with shattered hopes, dreams and flaws.
I like way the characters were fleshed out. They were painted with a carefully detailed writing brush. I truly felt the inner-turmoil experienced by Dio and Apollo. Both had issues but both came together to rescue their father and the rest of their family and mankind from an evil force. The title is perfect for the story as Dio was in fact stumbling in the dark in his personal life as well as when he set out on his journey to rescue his father. The darkness enshrouding Dio is twofold and aptly played out in the book. Dio, is indeed, "in the dark."
It was a treat for me to read and encounter such notable Toronto areas such as The Don River, Young-Dundas Square and the Fairmont Royal York Hotel- a personal favorite. These 'mentionables' added an intense sense of realism to the author's story and made it a delightful, personal experience for me.
I don't believe the book would have had the same effect on me if it went into long-winded detail depicting the background of Greek mythology, adding several dry pages that would have taken away from the flow of the story. The book is under 200 pages- enough to tell the story and keep you interested. From one sentence to the next, the author's writing is seamless, drawing you in as if each word was held together by invisible strings leading you from one page to the next.
In summation, this book delighted me on many fronts. It contained a well developed plot, an engaging writing style and carefully executed tones that intermingled with one another. It was properly formatted, I did not detect any grammatical or typing errors and... it made me smile and shut out the world for a few hours.
This creative work can only be best described as something beautiful and promising.
This author is a gifted writer endowed with an abundance of artistic clarity and vision to create a piece of fiction that stimulates the reader's imagination. I hope he does a few more follow-up books as this first book deserves it.
5/5.
You can find out more about the author, Rizwan Asad, by visiting his website at: www.rizwanasad.com
I was not requested to do this review. I did it of my own volition, volunteering my views in an effort to bring the author and potential readers together. All opinions/views are my own.
More!
I want more from this author.
I want this magic he created in "Dio In The Dark" to continue in other books.
I was instantly captivated by the intriguing plot. The once mighty, mythological Zeus and powerful Olympians in modern-day Toronto are attempting to adapt to life but are drawn into a battle that casts a dark veil over their lives once Zeus vanishes. It is up to his son, Dio (a.k.a. Dionysus), with whom he has a strained relationship, to put aside the resentment he feels towards his father and embark on a perilous journey to find him.
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Take in this early line in the book regarding Zeus:
"Zeus, god of thunder, overseer of the universe, the lightning hurling King of the Gods himself, sprang easily to grab the handle and land on the running board of the garbage truck. He wore dirty blue overalls and work boots. The back of his overalls read, “Barker Sanitation,” and the front, over his immortal heart, had a patch that said “Zed.”"
Hahaha! I love it! I laughed... out loud! This was so refreshing to read! Witty humor is continuously laced throughout the book which was a wonderful addition, seasoning it with a plethora of flavors. I caught myself giggling many times at the descriptions and the banter that ensued throughout the book. Here is another line I greatly enjoyed:
"“You tell me about The Darkness every freakin’ Friday. And this ‘young one’ business? Man, I’m sixty-two years old! Only thing young about me is my teeth, and even them is gettin’ to be teenagers!”"
Even though there are some lively, humorous scenes going on in the book, we also have some strong issues snaking forth that steadily develop within this book as the plot deepens such as family squabbles/resentment, depression, self-doubt, alcoholism, longing for love and family, loss and grief and other issues that are laced throughout the characters. Even though the book appears light, it contains other complex layers, touching upon real life experiences/traumas that exist in the world.
I studied Greek Mythology at school and note that these immortals were consistently illustrated as being stoic, all powerful, literally larger than life. Their aloofness and seriousness you read about were not present in this book. The author does a wonderful job in this book to alter your previous perceptions of the gods by humanizing them with shattered hopes, dreams and flaws.
I like way the characters were fleshed out. They were painted with a carefully detailed writing brush. I truly felt the inner-turmoil experienced by Dio and Apollo. Both had issues but both came together to rescue their father and the rest of their family and mankind from an evil force. The title is perfect for the story as Dio was in fact stumbling in the dark in his personal life as well as when he set out on his journey to rescue his father. The darkness enshrouding Dio is twofold and aptly played out in the book. Dio, is indeed, "in the dark."
It was a treat for me to read and encounter such notable Toronto areas such as The Don River, Young-Dundas Square and the Fairmont Royal York Hotel- a personal favorite. These 'mentionables' added an intense sense of realism to the author's story and made it a delightful, personal experience for me.
I don't believe the book would have had the same effect on me if it went into long-winded detail depicting the background of Greek mythology, adding several dry pages that would have taken away from the flow of the story. The book is under 200 pages- enough to tell the story and keep you interested. From one sentence to the next, the author's writing is seamless, drawing you in as if each word was held together by invisible strings leading you from one page to the next.
In summation, this book delighted me on many fronts. It contained a well developed plot, an engaging writing style and carefully executed tones that intermingled with one another. It was properly formatted, I did not detect any grammatical or typing errors and... it made me smile and shut out the world for a few hours.
This creative work can only be best described as something beautiful and promising.
This author is a gifted writer endowed with an abundance of artistic clarity and vision to create a piece of fiction that stimulates the reader's imagination. I hope he does a few more follow-up books as this first book deserves it.
5/5.
You can find out more about the author, Rizwan Asad, by visiting his website at: www.rizwanasad.com
I was not requested to do this review. I did it of my own volition, volunteering my views in an effort to bring the author and potential readers together. All opinions/views are my own.
October 20, 2021
**I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author and Reedsy Discovery, but the fact that it was free has not influenced my review (I have actually gone ahead and bought it so I could keep a copy); this is an honest, spoiler-free review.**
In a time where the gods have been reduced to myths and legends, slowly being forgotten, Dio must rise up to save both humans and the gods.
The gods have fallen. Zeus works as a sanitation worker but dreams of being a superhero. Apollo strums his musical magic in solitude. And Dionysus... well... Dio spends his nights clubbing and drinking with mortals who wish to use his powers more than worship him.
This gradually-accepted way of life for the gods throws the entire world into peril, though, as the forgetfulness of mortals and lack of worship to the gods threatens to eliminate the gods from existence and free a dangerous darkness from the underworld to destroy the world.
Dio, along with the help of a reluctant ally and the other gods spread out across the modern human world, must discover and accept his place in the pantheon and lead the charge to a resurgence of remembrance for the mortals before everyone - humanity and gods alike - are lost to the darkness.
Dio in the Dark is an absolutely brilliant debut novella by Rizwan Asad, worthy of every one of the five stars and then some. Despite being a novella, it reads and feels like a well-paced, well-written novel. It doesn't feel short at all.
Asad introduces each of the gods and goddesses in a fresh way while maintaining the traditional traits of each one. The world is vivid, emotions run high, and real-life challenges are met head-on (such as acceptance of oneself, navigating familial drama and trauma, and overcoming internal anxiety/depression/doubts).
If you are looking for a smooth, entertaining, page-turning read and love mythology retellings, this novella should definitely go at the top of the list right up there with Lore Olympus. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
**Trigger Warnings: murder of family member mentioned, alcoholism, death.**
In a time where the gods have been reduced to myths and legends, slowly being forgotten, Dio must rise up to save both humans and the gods.
The gods have fallen. Zeus works as a sanitation worker but dreams of being a superhero. Apollo strums his musical magic in solitude. And Dionysus... well... Dio spends his nights clubbing and drinking with mortals who wish to use his powers more than worship him.
This gradually-accepted way of life for the gods throws the entire world into peril, though, as the forgetfulness of mortals and lack of worship to the gods threatens to eliminate the gods from existence and free a dangerous darkness from the underworld to destroy the world.
Dio, along with the help of a reluctant ally and the other gods spread out across the modern human world, must discover and accept his place in the pantheon and lead the charge to a resurgence of remembrance for the mortals before everyone - humanity and gods alike - are lost to the darkness.
Dio in the Dark is an absolutely brilliant debut novella by Rizwan Asad, worthy of every one of the five stars and then some. Despite being a novella, it reads and feels like a well-paced, well-written novel. It doesn't feel short at all.
Asad introduces each of the gods and goddesses in a fresh way while maintaining the traditional traits of each one. The world is vivid, emotions run high, and real-life challenges are met head-on (such as acceptance of oneself, navigating familial drama and trauma, and overcoming internal anxiety/depression/doubts).
If you are looking for a smooth, entertaining, page-turning read and love mythology retellings, this novella should definitely go at the top of the list right up there with Lore Olympus. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
**Trigger Warnings: murder of family member mentioned, alcoholism, death.**
October 22, 2021
Loved the book! Never in a million years would I have chosen to read it based on the cover (honestly, it took me forever to figure out what on earth those radio-active mouse ears were), I associate a very different type of book with this style of art. The blurb doesn't do the book justice either. But luckily I accidentally read some of the editorial reviews, and especially Dave Pasquantonio's paragraph made me realise I must give the book a try. So, I did.
Me being me, I was self-consciously very judgemental when I started reading, picking out as many things as I could find to prove my prejudice was just. But alas. All I found were some weird British vs. American English quirks (use of the British word 'settee', but American spelling of 'realize' and 'color', for instance – but that's probably just Canadian); a little bit of overuse of some words or phrases (expansive, enveloped, sweat-soaked hair); and a tendency to put as many adjectives all over the place as possible. But hey, I like doing the latter too. Plus, who cares! The writing style was actually really comfortable to read, even including all the big words (I learnt a new one every few pages).
When I finally managed to shut my inner critic up, I got lost in the story and enjoyed it immensely. I do read a lot of fantasy, but this specific sub-genre was new to me. The world Asad creates occasionally reminded me of Pratchett's Discworld: an atmosphere of 'everything is normal until the craziest thing is possible.' More, please!
Me being me, I was self-consciously very judgemental when I started reading, picking out as many things as I could find to prove my prejudice was just. But alas. All I found were some weird British vs. American English quirks (use of the British word 'settee', but American spelling of 'realize' and 'color', for instance – but that's probably just Canadian); a little bit of overuse of some words or phrases (expansive, enveloped, sweat-soaked hair); and a tendency to put as many adjectives all over the place as possible. But hey, I like doing the latter too. Plus, who cares! The writing style was actually really comfortable to read, even including all the big words (I learnt a new one every few pages).
When I finally managed to shut my inner critic up, I got lost in the story and enjoyed it immensely. I do read a lot of fantasy, but this specific sub-genre was new to me. The world Asad creates occasionally reminded me of Pratchett's Discworld: an atmosphere of 'everything is normal until the craziest thing is possible.' More, please!
September 30, 2021
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got Dio in the Dark other than Greek Gods, but the premise sounded interesting, so I thought I’d give it a try. Boy, am I glad I did! This was truly a funny, evocative and page-turning romp into a world in which the gods have survived to the modern day, but in reduced form. People don’t worship them anymore, and that dampens their power—but some skills never go away, and therein lies much of the fun. Here, Dionysus must rescue his father from a nefarious evil, but to do it, he has to grow beyond the hedonistic god of wine into something greater. I won’t say anymore to avoid spoilers, but the plot will keep you interested and laughing and turning pages until you look up, realizing you’ve finished the book without realizing it.
The whole ensemble of characters works well. Beyond being funny, the book has some great visuals. I’ll never forget the image of Sisyphus pushing the giant boulder from a portal under the floor while Apollo plays guitar. And, there’s plenty of others like that. Overall, highly recommended.
The whole ensemble of characters works well. Beyond being funny, the book has some great visuals. I’ll never forget the image of Sisyphus pushing the giant boulder from a portal under the floor while Apollo plays guitar. And, there’s plenty of others like that. Overall, highly recommended.
October 18, 2021
All the stars for this entertaining, cinematic Toronto adventure depicting the ancient Greek gods as flawed eternal beings and fractured families living in a modern world!
Dio in the Dark is a delightful reimagined future for the Olympian gods. It is an ode to the ancient Greek mythology; an adventure so interesting and enjoyable that it’s perfect for fans of the legends and lovers of urban fantasy alike.
This is the story of a father —Zeus, King of the Gods— and the complicated relationship he has with his two sons, Dionysus and Apollo. While they’re languishing in the pleasures of contemporary life, mistrust and betrayal burns bright between these characters. When impending doom looms over them, the gods are left feeling as though they’re grasping at straws to stop it. They’ve navigated the modern world with mortals for so long that their powers are not as strong.
When Zeus suddenly goes missing, Dio discovers that his father is being held hostage as part of an overwhelming darkness that’s festering because the mortals are forgetting about the gods. “Zeus was bound not by steel, enchanted or other wise, but by the dismissal of his legend, the failure of the modern scribes to engrave his deeds into the tablets of modern men.” As the gods work to revive the mortals’ knowledge of the pantheon, this imaginative novel will spark fresh interest in their intricate and fascinating histories.
Dio encounters various primordial deities and mythological monsters as he embarks on the quest to find and rescue his father –and the entire mortal world. Each of the (many) characters we meet have well-developed personalities and welcome complexity. The author (Rizwan Asad) takes this story to The Underworld, secret underground parties, and to the powerful depths of Instagram.
The story is rich with a sense of familial duty, distant grief, and a rediscovering of self. It’s also filled with humorous beats: Hades is in the “very lucrative” insurance business; Hestia is actually Martha Stewart –and in this world also has a show with Snoop Dogg! Dio goes to a nightclub to literally dance with Death, and he is presented with life lessons on wallowing from Sisyphus himself; The goddess Aphrodite is a social media icon, and the god of sleep incarnate “looks like the little old man from Up.”
It’s a story as delicious and full-bodied as the ancient Greek wine Dio adores, offering the sublime booklover’s quandary of enjoying the story so thoroughly that you want to devour it whole, while at the same time never wanting it to end. Dio in the Dark is a truly captivating, intriguing adventure with so much new life brought to the mythology that one can’t help but wish for more.
While set in modern Toronto, Dio in the Dark turns the city radiant with all the possibilities of ancient magic. The visuals are colourful and stylised, with gorgeous landscapes and stunning locations. Asad’s writing is vivid and descriptive —making it impossible not to feel as if you have climbed through a vibrantly drawn storybook, or crept right into the scene in the middle of a cinematic otherworldly battle.
I hope there’s more of the Dio in the Dark universe to come; It would make a fantastic series! The dynamic, accessible worldbuilding often reminded me of some of my favourite bestselling urban fantasy novels —Cassandra Clare, Rick Riordian, K.D. Edwards! I can’t wait to read whatever Rizwan Asad writes next!
I received a review copy of this book via Independent Book Review.
Dio in the Dark is a delightful reimagined future for the Olympian gods. It is an ode to the ancient Greek mythology; an adventure so interesting and enjoyable that it’s perfect for fans of the legends and lovers of urban fantasy alike.
This is the story of a father —Zeus, King of the Gods— and the complicated relationship he has with his two sons, Dionysus and Apollo. While they’re languishing in the pleasures of contemporary life, mistrust and betrayal burns bright between these characters. When impending doom looms over them, the gods are left feeling as though they’re grasping at straws to stop it. They’ve navigated the modern world with mortals for so long that their powers are not as strong.
When Zeus suddenly goes missing, Dio discovers that his father is being held hostage as part of an overwhelming darkness that’s festering because the mortals are forgetting about the gods. “Zeus was bound not by steel, enchanted or other wise, but by the dismissal of his legend, the failure of the modern scribes to engrave his deeds into the tablets of modern men.” As the gods work to revive the mortals’ knowledge of the pantheon, this imaginative novel will spark fresh interest in their intricate and fascinating histories.
Dio encounters various primordial deities and mythological monsters as he embarks on the quest to find and rescue his father –and the entire mortal world. Each of the (many) characters we meet have well-developed personalities and welcome complexity. The author (Rizwan Asad) takes this story to The Underworld, secret underground parties, and to the powerful depths of Instagram.
The story is rich with a sense of familial duty, distant grief, and a rediscovering of self. It’s also filled with humorous beats: Hades is in the “very lucrative” insurance business; Hestia is actually Martha Stewart –and in this world also has a show with Snoop Dogg! Dio goes to a nightclub to literally dance with Death, and he is presented with life lessons on wallowing from Sisyphus himself; The goddess Aphrodite is a social media icon, and the god of sleep incarnate “looks like the little old man from Up.”
It’s a story as delicious and full-bodied as the ancient Greek wine Dio adores, offering the sublime booklover’s quandary of enjoying the story so thoroughly that you want to devour it whole, while at the same time never wanting it to end. Dio in the Dark is a truly captivating, intriguing adventure with so much new life brought to the mythology that one can’t help but wish for more.
While set in modern Toronto, Dio in the Dark turns the city radiant with all the possibilities of ancient magic. The visuals are colourful and stylised, with gorgeous landscapes and stunning locations. Asad’s writing is vivid and descriptive —making it impossible not to feel as if you have climbed through a vibrantly drawn storybook, or crept right into the scene in the middle of a cinematic otherworldly battle.
I hope there’s more of the Dio in the Dark universe to come; It would make a fantastic series! The dynamic, accessible worldbuilding often reminded me of some of my favourite bestselling urban fantasy novels —Cassandra Clare, Rick Riordian, K.D. Edwards! I can’t wait to read whatever Rizwan Asad writes next!
I received a review copy of this book via Independent Book Review.
October 20, 2021
I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard Riz had a fantasy book coming out. I've followed Chocolates & Chai (his blog) for years, and I've always loved his writing there - it's so warm, funny and relatable. And the recipes are yummy! But a fantasy novel?
I have to say I'm impressed. I ordered this mostly just to support the author because I'm such a fan of his blog. But this is actually REALLY REALLY GOOD. REALLY GOOD! (Did I say it's really good?)
I managed to read the whole book in two or three sittings. And I'm already hoping for a sequel.
I found myself really touched by the story.It's about finding love, and family, and yourself. And it's really great. Dio in the dark was exciting and funny, and surprisingly moving.
Dio in the Dark
I have to say I'm impressed. I ordered this mostly just to support the author because I'm such a fan of his blog. But this is actually REALLY REALLY GOOD. REALLY GOOD! (Did I say it's really good?)
I managed to read the whole book in two or three sittings. And I'm already hoping for a sequel.
I found myself really touched by the story.It's about finding love, and family, and yourself. And it's really great. Dio in the dark was exciting and funny, and surprisingly moving.
Dio in the Dark
April 8, 2023
Dio in the Dark by Rizwan Asad is a magical adventure following Greek Gods in the modern world.
Rizwan Asad has crafted an epic book that is packed with drama, comedy, and adventure. Dio, who is actually Dionysus the son of Zeus, sets out to save his Father before it's too late. Zeus is missing and there's secrets going on. Gods in the modern world aren't believed in as much, so they are grasping to live among the mortals and stay relevant. Dio must save his Father before it's too late and the Darkness takes over.
This book has lots of comedy among the beautiful prose Rizwan has crafted. I was glued to this book and enjoyed every second of it. If you love Greek mythology, enjoy an epic adventure, and just want a relatively short read (it's under 200 pages!), then this is the book for you. This indie read it worth every second and I highly recommend you pick it up. Adventures and thrills mixed with comedy and a Canadian setting?! What more can this book reviewer ask for?
Five out of five stars.
I received this book for free from the author, Rizwan Asad, in exchange for an honest review.
Rizwan Asad has crafted an epic book that is packed with drama, comedy, and adventure. Dio, who is actually Dionysus the son of Zeus, sets out to save his Father before it's too late. Zeus is missing and there's secrets going on. Gods in the modern world aren't believed in as much, so they are grasping to live among the mortals and stay relevant. Dio must save his Father before it's too late and the Darkness takes over.
This book has lots of comedy among the beautiful prose Rizwan has crafted. I was glued to this book and enjoyed every second of it. If you love Greek mythology, enjoy an epic adventure, and just want a relatively short read (it's under 200 pages!), then this is the book for you. This indie read it worth every second and I highly recommend you pick it up. Adventures and thrills mixed with comedy and a Canadian setting?! What more can this book reviewer ask for?
Five out of five stars.
I received this book for free from the author, Rizwan Asad, in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Dio in the Dark
Author: Rizwan Asad
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
7 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
12 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“For the most part, I enjoyed this mythical novel. The plot is different – Zeus in modern day Toronto – and I liked the author´s vivid writing style. But the story did feel a bit rushed, and I felt I never got to fully know the characters.” Male reader, aged 52
“A thoroughly enjoyable novel populated with mythical God characters who live amongst us. The writing style is strong, and the plot is cleverly crafted. There is also a little humour sprinkled here and there which I liked. Personally, I think the story could be fleshed out a little as the ending felt rushed. But I would still read another book by this author.” Female reader, aged 39
“If you enjoy Greek mythology with strong characterisation and a cleverly interwoven ploy, you´ll enjoy this. It´s just a bit too short; I was just getting into it then BAM! It was all over. I loved how the power the gods had is now diminished as nobody worships them any longer. A lot of originality here.” Female reader, aged 47
To Sum It Up:
‘An intriguing plot and a strong cast of mythical god characters.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Dio in the Dark
Author: Rizwan Asad
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
7 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
12 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“For the most part, I enjoyed this mythical novel. The plot is different – Zeus in modern day Toronto – and I liked the author´s vivid writing style. But the story did feel a bit rushed, and I felt I never got to fully know the characters.” Male reader, aged 52
“A thoroughly enjoyable novel populated with mythical God characters who live amongst us. The writing style is strong, and the plot is cleverly crafted. There is also a little humour sprinkled here and there which I liked. Personally, I think the story could be fleshed out a little as the ending felt rushed. But I would still read another book by this author.” Female reader, aged 39
“If you enjoy Greek mythology with strong characterisation and a cleverly interwoven ploy, you´ll enjoy this. It´s just a bit too short; I was just getting into it then BAM! It was all over. I loved how the power the gods had is now diminished as nobody worships them any longer. A lot of originality here.” Female reader, aged 47
To Sum It Up:
‘An intriguing plot and a strong cast of mythical god characters.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
December 17, 2025
What a surprising gem! I had no idea what to expect. This was a wickedly funny take on family drama in the house of Zeus in the modern era. No, not just the modern era. /Toronto/. The ending was a bit rushed, but otherwise I had a good time reading it. I hope the author writes more stories of this crazy family.
October 17, 2021
First and foremost how gorgeous is the cover of this book? Yes, I have a thing for book art, sue me.
Dio In The Dark is a modern day story about the Greek Gods and how they would be existing in a modern world. I've always had a crazy love for mythology of all kinds and in all inclinations. Rizwan does an incredible job of weaving together histories from the past with modern times and plays on what each God represents when depicting who they are in these modern times.
There's a great sense of humor in throughout the book and I'm not going to lie I don't think I'll get the image of Zeus dressed in tights as an actual superhero out of my head anytime soon. Just the fact that he was willing to go that far to kind of create himself to be seen as a hero in modern times is hilarious.
I also really enjoyed seeing the different relationships between the Gods and how things that happened so long ago were still so fresh in their minds that it caused all kinds of betrayal and poor life choices. Let's be honest, it's not a good book without some poor life choices. The storytelling was done in a way that it allowed you to get into the backgrounds and thick of things almost immediately.
Chapters are short and easy to read, but still woven together intricately. One thing I particularly enjoyed was the back and forth between Dio and Ari. She's a sassy thing and there's nothing better than some sass to go along with a budding mystery.
Not going to lie, I squealed a bit when Thanatos popped up - I love me some Thanatos and he's just not in enough mythology and retellings and I'm here for it. I don't want to give too much away but I also like how there's an aspect of brother against brother here and that goes back into how Rizwan did a nice job blending the stories of the past with the new.
One of my favorite quotes from the book was, "Lest you forget, gods still roam this land, and when the pantheon is faced with an impossible task, we tend to find ways to emerge victorious."- Zeus
I don't know why I love it so much, or why the the last few chapters painted the most vivid images in me as I read them. But I thoroughly enjoyed Dio In The Dark. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a quick read that doesn't sacrifice the actual plot to be short. I'd give this book 4 hearts!
Dio In The Dark is a modern day story about the Greek Gods and how they would be existing in a modern world. I've always had a crazy love for mythology of all kinds and in all inclinations. Rizwan does an incredible job of weaving together histories from the past with modern times and plays on what each God represents when depicting who they are in these modern times.
There's a great sense of humor in throughout the book and I'm not going to lie I don't think I'll get the image of Zeus dressed in tights as an actual superhero out of my head anytime soon. Just the fact that he was willing to go that far to kind of create himself to be seen as a hero in modern times is hilarious.
I also really enjoyed seeing the different relationships between the Gods and how things that happened so long ago were still so fresh in their minds that it caused all kinds of betrayal and poor life choices. Let's be honest, it's not a good book without some poor life choices. The storytelling was done in a way that it allowed you to get into the backgrounds and thick of things almost immediately.
Chapters are short and easy to read, but still woven together intricately. One thing I particularly enjoyed was the back and forth between Dio and Ari. She's a sassy thing and there's nothing better than some sass to go along with a budding mystery.
Not going to lie, I squealed a bit when Thanatos popped up - I love me some Thanatos and he's just not in enough mythology and retellings and I'm here for it. I don't want to give too much away but I also like how there's an aspect of brother against brother here and that goes back into how Rizwan did a nice job blending the stories of the past with the new.
One of my favorite quotes from the book was, "Lest you forget, gods still roam this land, and when the pantheon is faced with an impossible task, we tend to find ways to emerge victorious."- Zeus
I don't know why I love it so much, or why the the last few chapters painted the most vivid images in me as I read them. But I thoroughly enjoyed Dio In The Dark. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a quick read that doesn't sacrifice the actual plot to be short. I'd give this book 4 hearts!
December 24, 2021
I have long loved anything to do with Greek Mythology and was thrilled that Riz sent me his first book - a story that combines that love with where I live, Toronto! It’s a completely reimagined world for the gods and goddess alike and I would love to see more on their stories in another book. It is a novella and the story is short and I would have loved it to be longer, if only so the world and characters could keep building!
December 8, 2021
Characters from our favourite Mythology now living amongst humans and when something goes wrong, it's upto Dio to save his father and the end of humanity and the world as we know it. Tell me you do not want to read this book after this ! It's a perfect mix of familiar characters and unfamiliar surroundings which made for an amazing combination and story !
.
My Rating : 🌟🌟🌟🌟 [4/5]
.
The book follows our main character Dio who is the estranged son of Zeus tasked to find his father in Earth. It started off really well and I especially liked his introduction and the chapters leading to his adventure. The concept of Gods existing in the current world was good. The characters were familiar because we've read about the Greek Mythology a lot and the plot gave way for something different. I really liked Dio as a character and his thought process. I loved Dio and Ari and their messages !
.
Coming to the writing style and the plotline, I really liked the writing and it complimented the story as well. It was quirky and witty at times while maintaining the theme of the plot aka adventure with some emotional aspect. I especially enjoyed the modern things that the Gods did. Like launching websites, travelling through the city traffic. And especially a scene where thery talked about food and eating food knowing the history of it? I got hungry. That ending was really well done as well! The story was addictive and I finished it in a single setting!
.
Overall, I will definitely say this book was really good, and I'm all for it. It had great potential wrt characters and the plot, the kind of scenes I love, really good writing style that compliments the themes discussed, and finally a character I adore aka Dio and Ari (Not to forget the Cat !) Definitely puck it up if you love Mythology and Fantasy !
.
My Rating : 🌟🌟🌟🌟 [4/5]
.
The book follows our main character Dio who is the estranged son of Zeus tasked to find his father in Earth. It started off really well and I especially liked his introduction and the chapters leading to his adventure. The concept of Gods existing in the current world was good. The characters were familiar because we've read about the Greek Mythology a lot and the plot gave way for something different. I really liked Dio as a character and his thought process. I loved Dio and Ari and their messages !
.
Coming to the writing style and the plotline, I really liked the writing and it complimented the story as well. It was quirky and witty at times while maintaining the theme of the plot aka adventure with some emotional aspect. I especially enjoyed the modern things that the Gods did. Like launching websites, travelling through the city traffic. And especially a scene where thery talked about food and eating food knowing the history of it? I got hungry. That ending was really well done as well! The story was addictive and I finished it in a single setting!
.
Overall, I will definitely say this book was really good, and I'm all for it. It had great potential wrt characters and the plot, the kind of scenes I love, really good writing style that compliments the themes discussed, and finally a character I adore aka Dio and Ari (Not to forget the Cat !) Definitely puck it up if you love Mythology and Fantasy !
October 24, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Ness House Press for providing me with a digital copy of this book.
I was instantly drawn to this beautiful cover and when I read the synopsis I knew I needed to read it. I love reading about Greek gods and mythology and found myself thoroughly entertained throughout the story.
It's not a very long book - I could've easily consumed a 400 page version of this story and loved every second. But in retrospect I actually like that it was the size it is because everything was packed tightly together and nothing seemed like it had no purpose being there.
This story comes from multiple perspectives - Dionysus, Apollo and Zeus - with Dio and Apollo's being my favourites. They had endless internal (and external) battles to fight and it was good to see them do just that as well as rely on each other in times of need.
I couldnt help but feel some kind of underlying message through this story that is mirrored in a lot of indigenous culture. By repeating and passing on the stories of those who have gone before us, we are cementing their memories in generations to come. I'm not sure if this is what the author had in mind but it's what I felt and I really appreciated it, as an indigenous person myself.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. Albeit it short, I found myself drawn to the dark and sometimes messy situations the characters had to experience. It's one of the best Greek-based stories I've read to date.
I was instantly drawn to this beautiful cover and when I read the synopsis I knew I needed to read it. I love reading about Greek gods and mythology and found myself thoroughly entertained throughout the story.
It's not a very long book - I could've easily consumed a 400 page version of this story and loved every second. But in retrospect I actually like that it was the size it is because everything was packed tightly together and nothing seemed like it had no purpose being there.
This story comes from multiple perspectives - Dionysus, Apollo and Zeus - with Dio and Apollo's being my favourites. They had endless internal (and external) battles to fight and it was good to see them do just that as well as rely on each other in times of need.
I couldnt help but feel some kind of underlying message through this story that is mirrored in a lot of indigenous culture. By repeating and passing on the stories of those who have gone before us, we are cementing their memories in generations to come. I'm not sure if this is what the author had in mind but it's what I felt and I really appreciated it, as an indigenous person myself.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. Albeit it short, I found myself drawn to the dark and sometimes messy situations the characters had to experience. It's one of the best Greek-based stories I've read to date.
January 15, 2022
In my readings so far, I have read more Norse mythology than Greek. I wanted to change that and this relatively short book (about 200 pages) presented me the opportunity to learn more about Greek mythology and read about the gods in a new setting.
I really enjoyed seeing the gods in modern day Toronto! They may not be remembered the same way or have their powers yet they are still gods and have memories that are older than mortals. I met a lot of characters and the story progressed at a fast pace. If the book had been longer, the relationships between characters could have been developed further, with more back story of how they got to be where they are.
I liked Dio as a protagonist. So many times it’s the more powerful gods with physical strength and mental capabilities that are chosen as the main characters and that’s what makes this book unique - Dionysus is the god of wine, pleasure and fertility. He is immersed in partying and having fun but that does not mean he can’t come out of it and play a bigger role.
There were some twists in the book that I did not expect and that kept me reading. I also wasn’t familiar with the primordial deities so all in all, this was a good adventure for me.
Many thanks to Riz for providing a complimentary review copy for an honest review.
I really enjoyed seeing the gods in modern day Toronto! They may not be remembered the same way or have their powers yet they are still gods and have memories that are older than mortals. I met a lot of characters and the story progressed at a fast pace. If the book had been longer, the relationships between characters could have been developed further, with more back story of how they got to be where they are.
I liked Dio as a protagonist. So many times it’s the more powerful gods with physical strength and mental capabilities that are chosen as the main characters and that’s what makes this book unique - Dionysus is the god of wine, pleasure and fertility. He is immersed in partying and having fun but that does not mean he can’t come out of it and play a bigger role.
There were some twists in the book that I did not expect and that kept me reading. I also wasn’t familiar with the primordial deities so all in all, this was a good adventure for me.
Many thanks to Riz for providing a complimentary review copy for an honest review.
October 31, 2021
I highly enjoyed this fun and modern take on Greek mythology! If you are a fan of the Percy Jackson novels, this is a great adult next read. I liked how the author cleverly brought the ancient gods into modern times with relevant occupations while maintaining their original identities and struggles.
I found the author's language to be absolutely beautiful. His use of words to paint vivid, Immersion scenes was spectacular! I also really enjoyed the back-and-forth banter between the protagonist and his love-interest.
A note to future readers, this book explores some deep familial issues such as father-son strained relationships, loss of a loved parent, and loss of a lover.
Overall, I recommend this beautiful book to fans of fantasy and Greek mythology!
I found the author's language to be absolutely beautiful. His use of words to paint vivid, Immersion scenes was spectacular! I also really enjoyed the back-and-forth banter between the protagonist and his love-interest.
A note to future readers, this book explores some deep familial issues such as father-son strained relationships, loss of a loved parent, and loss of a lover.
Overall, I recommend this beautiful book to fans of fantasy and Greek mythology!
February 11, 2026
I'm genuinely baffled at how this has such high reviews. It's an extremely mediocre book. The pacing is rushed, all of the characters are one note, there's absolutely no subtext to be found anywhere, and the entire thing feels a bit like you've been hit over the head with a mallet with the authorial intent. The descriptions are serviceable but not anything noteworthy, and all of the characters seem to exist mostly in relation to Dio. Having said all of that I did enjoy reading the book (it's a bit like reading 5 star crackfic for the entire greek pantheon), it's just not "intricate" or "spellbinding" or anything.
One might like this book if they're a reader who's taken a long break from reading and needs something easy and fun to get back into things, or a child.
One might like this book if they're a reader who's taken a long break from reading and needs something easy and fun to get back into things, or a child.
January 6, 2026
I’m starting to really enjoy Greek mythology, so I wanted to explore it more through books. This one felt like a great place to start. The story introduces the characters in a fun and engaging way, without feeling overwhelming or too heavy.
I liked how the book balances mythological elements with an accessible narrative, making it easy to follow even if you’re not very familiar with Greek myths. It kept my interest throughout and made me curious to learn more about the gods and their stories.
Overall, this book made me want to explore this genre even more, and I’ll definitely be picking up more mythology-inspired reads in the future.
I liked how the book balances mythological elements with an accessible narrative, making it easy to follow even if you’re not very familiar with Greek myths. It kept my interest throughout and made me curious to learn more about the gods and their stories.
Overall, this book made me want to explore this genre even more, and I’ll definitely be picking up more mythology-inspired reads in the future.
December 13, 2021
Didn't finish it in time but loved loved loved how much I did get to read...I'll definitely be getting a copy for myself later to finish it for a full review.
June 11, 2022
I really liked the premise of "Dio in the Dark", but the execution didn't really work for me. The plot didn't make a lot of sense and the characters were all rather underdeveloped.
March 6, 2025
Feels rushed of the plot and storyline
September 2, 2025
I don't know what I expected, but don't think this was that.
pretty mid book on Greek Mythology in a different age.
pretty mid book on Greek Mythology in a different age.
November 26, 2021
Thank NetGalley & Xpresso Book Tours for getting Dio in the Drak .
For fans of Greek mythology. The gods are living among humans in modern times. They are not strong as they use to be in the past when people were praying for them. We are mainly following Dionysius who is in the story going as Dio. He is looking for his father Zeus and trying to prevent The Darkness from destroying the world. There is no romance. like zero romance and I think the author did a good thing for not having romance because the story didn't need to have it. Romance would destroy it or it would be so stupid for writing it in the first place.
The characters were great. They each have unique things in this new world where they live among humans. I did like how Afrodite is strong as before after all of all gods she would be prayed the most. Especially during influence time which she is in the story. That suits her so much.
Would I recommend this story? Yes, I would but I would say this is not the best greek mythology story in the world but a good story about god finding their place in the world, finding themself and fighting the evil named The Darkness.
For fans of Greek mythology. The gods are living among humans in modern times. They are not strong as they use to be in the past when people were praying for them. We are mainly following Dionysius who is in the story going as Dio. He is looking for his father Zeus and trying to prevent The Darkness from destroying the world. There is no romance. like zero romance and I think the author did a good thing for not having romance because the story didn't need to have it. Romance would destroy it or it would be so stupid for writing it in the first place.
The characters were great. They each have unique things in this new world where they live among humans. I did like how Afrodite is strong as before after all of all gods she would be prayed the most. Especially during influence time which she is in the story. That suits her so much.
Would I recommend this story? Yes, I would but I would say this is not the best greek mythology story in the world but a good story about god finding their place in the world, finding themself and fighting the evil named The Darkness.
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