Scan barcode
angelofthetardis's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
In a modernised retelling of the Hades and Persephone story, the Goddess of Spring's power has never developed. Rather than stay cooped up under her mother's watchful eye, she enrols on a journalism course at New Athens University, achieving an internship with a prestigious newspaper. When her friend takes her out to celebrate, they end up at Nevernight, the gambling den owned by the God of the Underworld, where money isn't the only thing at stake.
This has been on my list to read for a while as I love the Hades and Persephone story, but when I found it was included in my Audible membership it jumped to the top of the queue. Immediately, I loved the way it brought the Ancient Greek world up to date without losing any of its mystique; it pulls in the classic motifs and symbols of the Gods, while making sure they fit into a modern world. It also makes sure to include those more mythical creatures like ogres, nymphs and oracles to really balance the aspects of a technologically advanced society and a society that can only exist in legend.
The narrator of this audiobook did a great job at bringing the characters to life; her narration is well paced and she is able to give each character a voice without sounding ridiculous. I will admit that I wasn't overly enamoured with her Hades inflection, but I recognise that that's probably down to my having devoured a load of graphic audios just lately with actors playing roles, rather than straight audiobooks, so it just felt a bit 'off' to me. I also like the fact that she got into the story; you could hear the tension, excitement etc. build in her voice at various points, which definitely assisted in painting images in my mind.
As always with stories like this, it's the 'domestic' moments that really hook me in and make me root for the couple. In this case, the all powerful God of the Underworld baking cookies and attending movie night just made me grin so broadly! To me, these scenes break down the all powerful facade of these brooding all powerful males and allow you to glimpse their 'humanity' and desire for something normal. This makes them all the more relatable, whilst allowing you to remain in awe of their magnificence.
Similarly, I found the fact that the author has teased out different characteristics of some of the Gods really refreshing. For example, Demeter being a control freak of epic proportions is not how she is normally painted. In the audio version I have, there was also a bonus scene of Hades and Aphrodite entering into a bet, which paints her and her marriage to Hephestus in a very different light.
There were aspects that I wasn't as impressed with; I struggled with Persephone's split-second changes in attitude for one. One minute she can be completely enthralled by Hades, then in the next breath she's enraged over something. It does do well to build their chemistry and connection, but the device is used multiple times and I found myself getting frustrated by it. Likewise, while I enjoyed the overall subplot led by Adonis, the latter part of it made very little sense to me... and Minthe just got on my nerves throughout - she wasn't a necessary character and seems only to have been included as an extra obstacle, with no other real purpose. There are a few elements in here that don't feel like they were given quite enough thought, but I am hoping that as the world and characters develop as the series progresses, some if these kinks will be worked out.
I am so excited and happy that the majority of this series appears to be available on Kindle Unlimited (even if the rest of the audiobooks have to be paid for), so I'll definitely be adding those to my subscription shortly!
This has been on my list to read for a while as I love the Hades and Persephone story, but when I found it was included in my Audible membership it jumped to the top of the queue. Immediately, I loved the way it brought the Ancient Greek world up to date without losing any of its mystique; it pulls in the classic motifs and symbols of the Gods, while making sure they fit into a modern world. It also makes sure to include those more mythical creatures like ogres, nymphs and oracles to really balance the aspects of a technologically advanced society and a society that can only exist in legend.
The narrator of this audiobook did a great job at bringing the characters to life; her narration is well paced and she is able to give each character a voice without sounding ridiculous. I will admit that I wasn't overly enamoured with her Hades inflection, but I recognise that that's probably down to my having devoured a load of graphic audios just lately with actors playing roles, rather than straight audiobooks, so it just felt a bit 'off' to me. I also like the fact that she got into the story; you could hear the tension, excitement etc. build in her voice at various points, which definitely assisted in painting images in my mind.
As always with stories like this, it's the 'domestic' moments that really hook me in and make me root for the couple. In this case, the all powerful God of the Underworld baking cookies and attending movie night just made me grin so broadly! To me, these scenes break down the all powerful facade of these brooding all powerful males and allow you to glimpse their 'humanity' and desire for something normal. This makes them all the more relatable, whilst allowing you to remain in awe of their magnificence.
Similarly, I found the fact that the author has teased out different characteristics of some of the Gods really refreshing. For example, Demeter being a control freak of epic proportions is not how she is normally painted. In the audio version I have, there was also a bonus scene of Hades and Aphrodite entering into a bet, which paints her and her marriage to Hephestus in a very different light.
There were aspects that I wasn't as impressed with; I struggled with Persephone's split-second changes in attitude for one. One minute she can be completely enthralled by Hades, then in the next breath she's enraged over something. It does do well to build their chemistry and connection, but the device is used multiple times and I found myself getting frustrated by it. Likewise, while I enjoyed the overall subplot led by Adonis, the latter part of it made very little sense to me... and Minthe just got on my nerves throughout - she wasn't a necessary character and seems only to have been included as an extra obstacle, with no other real purpose. There are a few elements in here that don't feel like they were given quite enough thought, but I am hoping that as the world and characters develop as the series progresses, some if these kinks will be worked out.
I am so excited and happy that the majority of this series appears to be available on Kindle Unlimited (even if the rest of the audiobooks have to be paid for), so I'll definitely be adding those to my subscription shortly!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Death, Cursing, Bullying, Torture, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent, War, and Infidelity
kshertz's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Excellence romance Greek mythology smut book. I loved Persephone, loved Hades, hated everyone all up in their business. I loved the plot and the dynamic. Also had the perfect amount of smut for me. It was a good storyline and easy read. I’m going to listen to the next in the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Misogyny, Sexual content, Abandonment, Death, and Death of parent
shannasbooksnhooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"But it was harder than that. Obeying meant she could stay in the mortal world, and that was what Persephone wanted, even if it wasn't fun."
This was a fun, original retelling of the Hades x Persephone myth and many Greek myths in general. It was nice seeing a variety of gods - Thanatos (yay, he's getting attention!), Aphrodite, Hermes, and so on. It was also fun seeing a couple of the mortals featured in the myths, particularly Adonis and Tantalus. Lexa supported Persephone throughout this book, which I 100% loved. Demeter's character was well fleshed out, although I am pretty much worn by how many retellings (novels, fanfiction, etc.) portray her as the controlling mother. (Yes, this is how she appears to be in the original myths, but I feel like authors can take a bit of creative license on the Demeter & Persephone relationship at this point in the game.) I did really enjoy this book. There were parts of it that had me asking "really?" - such as all the ups and downs Hades and Persephone had at the end of the book (maybe the last 50-75 pages) and all the almost/sort of neutral chaos that was attached to those ups and downs. I understand why it happened, and it fit well within the book. I just wish it maybe had another 100 pages so the ending didn't feel rushed.
This was a fun, original retelling of the Hades x Persephone myth and many Greek myths in general. It was nice seeing a variety of gods - Thanatos (yay, he's getting attention!), Aphrodite, Hermes, and so on. It was also fun seeing a couple of the mortals featured in the myths, particularly Adonis and Tantalus. Lexa supported Persephone throughout this book, which I 100% loved. Demeter's character was well fleshed out, although I am pretty much worn by how many retellings (novels, fanfiction, etc.) portray her as the controlling mother. (Yes, this is how she appears to be in the original myths, but I feel like authors can take a bit of creative license on the Demeter & Persephone relationship at this point in the game.) I did really enjoy this book. There were parts of it that had me asking "really?" - such as all the ups and downs Hades and Persephone had at the end of the book (maybe the last 50-75 pages) and all the almost/sort of neutral chaos that was attached to those ups and downs. I understand why it happened, and it fit well within the book. I just wish it maybe had another 100 pages so the ending didn't feel rushed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Child death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, and Sexual assault
More...