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sazana28's review against another edition
4.0
First Review June 8-14 2011:
All I have to say is, Meg Cabot has done it again. I can't wait for the second book.
Edit for 2019 re read! ✨
I have no memory of reading this back in 2011, lmao. But apparently I enjoyed it then. I loved diving into this story. I’ve been reading a story on Web Toons and it’s based off the story of Persephone and Hades, and that made me want to check this out again. 🤷🏽♀️
I had no IDEA that I had all three books, lmao. So I’m gonna binge them and see how I like it. It was so nice to read, the plot is literally awesome especially with the dark spin on it. The characters are cool, and I enjoy the interactions.
Of course whenever I read YA from when I was in high school I always notice how the characters suck sometimes at comprehension and communication and everything turns into a cluster fuck because someone misunderstood and hurt someone’s feelings. 😂 It happens, but YA has gotten a LOT better, so I’m definitely not mad at it.
All I have to say is, Meg Cabot has done it again. I can't wait for the second book.
Edit for 2019 re read! ✨
I have no memory of reading this back in 2011, lmao. But apparently I enjoyed it then. I loved diving into this story. I’ve been reading a story on Web Toons and it’s based off the story of Persephone and Hades, and that made me want to check this out again. 🤷🏽♀️
I had no IDEA that I had all three books, lmao. So I’m gonna binge them and see how I like it. It was so nice to read, the plot is literally awesome especially with the dark spin on it. The characters are cool, and I enjoy the interactions.
Of course whenever I read YA from when I was in high school I always notice how the characters suck sometimes at comprehension and communication and everything turns into a cluster fuck because someone misunderstood and hurt someone’s feelings. 😂 It happens, but YA has gotten a LOT better, so I’m definitely not mad at it.
clairebodger's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is THE Hades and Persephone book. Is it perfectly written? No. Do any plot details actually make sense? Absolutely not. But the emotion, the setting, the DRAMA, it’s all there. Truly SUCH a good YA series, with diverse characters (including a neurodivergent protagonist!), realistic development, and a lush Florida Keys setting. The protagonist is realistically teenager-like but not frustrating or juvenile, and John’s wildness makes sense as a traumatized and lonely person trying his best. Masterpiece, thank you Meg Cabot!
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
I have one big problem when it comes to retellings based on Greek Mythology: I know way too much about said Greek mythology, which makes me overly critical, mostly considering the personalities of the Gods. Which always makes me both excited and terrified to start Greek Mythology retellings. Because it can end both ways. It can be a total disaster. Or it can be one of the best reads ever.
This book does one thing very very cleverly that already helped with that issue: The main love interest is not Hades himself (I guess that's sort of a spoiler, but fine). And that made me love this story instantly a whole lot more than I thought I did. Because up until that revelation, I was kinda conflicted on the book. Because you know, Hades didn't feel like Hades. Which makes sense if he's not actually Hades.
Apart from that I really enjoyed reading the book. The book is written in a very nice style, that reads quite easily and makes the characters sound actually their age. A lot of characters in YA novels sound like full blown adults and in more contemporary settings that always seems unrealistic to me. In this book the seventeen year old actually thinks and speaks like a seventeen year old, and she had a nice sense of humor that made me smile quite often.
The story itself is also quite entertaining. It lacks some depth and complexity that could have been added, without a doubt. But it's very amusing anyway, which is the most important function of a book, right? I love how the story is told with flashbacks. We fall right into the middle of it and then figure out what has really happened through flashbacks. It gives the story a very nice pace and it kept me interested in both the past and the here and now.
But, the story got even more interesting at the very end. It's a pity the paperbacks are hard to find, but fingers crossed that the places I've ordered them from really can deliver them. Because I really want to read the next two books!
This book does one thing very very cleverly that already helped with that issue: The main love interest is not Hades himself (I guess that's sort of a spoiler, but fine). And that made me love this story instantly a whole lot more than I thought I did. Because up until that revelation, I was kinda conflicted on the book. Because you know, Hades didn't feel like Hades. Which makes sense if he's not actually Hades.
Apart from that I really enjoyed reading the book. The book is written in a very nice style, that reads quite easily and makes the characters sound actually their age. A lot of characters in YA novels sound like full blown adults and in more contemporary settings that always seems unrealistic to me. In this book the seventeen year old actually thinks and speaks like a seventeen year old, and she had a nice sense of humor that made me smile quite often.
The story itself is also quite entertaining. It lacks some depth and complexity that could have been added, without a doubt. But it's very amusing anyway, which is the most important function of a book, right? I love how the story is told with flashbacks. We fall right into the middle of it and then figure out what has really happened through flashbacks. It gives the story a very nice pace and it kept me interested in both the past and the here and now.
But, the story got even more interesting at the very end. It's a pity the paperbacks are hard to find, but fingers crossed that the places I've ordered them from really can deliver them. Because I really want to read the next two books!
iceangel32's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book. The whole book happened in the series of about 3 day, but contained alot of flashbacks and previous events. I enjoyed Meg's take on Persephone and can't wait to hear more about what happens to Pierce and John. This book has greek mythology, love, hate, parents that care and mystery.
devansbooklife's review against another edition
2.0
I found this story very hard to read. The plot is all over the place. The lines seemed very quickly and poorly put together. I still do not understand what is really going on, who John is, or how this girl can feel in love with him after spending a few moments with him. I do not believe I will be reading any other books from this series
celtic_oracle's review against another edition
1.0
Overwrought, creepy and not particularly interesting for the most part. I will admit, the twist was unexpected - but also unexpectedly stupid (and creepy).
Read this review that says it all very well. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/351411859?book_show_action=true
Read this review that says it all very well. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/351411859?book_show_action=true
reading_aine's review against another edition
2.0
The premise was really interesting, which is why I picked up this book. However, it was much darker in a disturbing way than I expected. This book tackles some heavy themes -including death, PTSD, suicide and the sexual assault of a minor.
Pros:
- The book had good suspense. I tried to figure out exactly what had happened in Pierce's past.
Cons:
- The relationship between Pierce and John was not healthy. Also, neither of them were very likable characters.
- Pierce is the narrator of her book and continually inhabiting her head was extremely annoying.
Pros:
- The book had good suspense. I tried to figure out exactly what had happened in Pierce's past.
Cons:
- The relationship between Pierce and John was not healthy. Also, neither of them were very likable characters.
- Pierce is the narrator of her book and continually inhabiting her head was extremely annoying.
alyssaindira's review against another edition
2.0
*no spoilers were harmed in the making of this review*
"Persephone being kidnapped by Hades, the god of the dead and taken to live with him in the underworld was how the Greeks explained the changing of the seasons. It's what's known as an origin myth. What happened to me? That's no myth"
Hey guys, I finished Abandon (Abandon, #1)by Meg Cabot. I believed that I would enjoy this retelling of the whole Hades/Persephone dilemma, considering I've enjoyed several others novels centered around this. I totally expected to like Cabot's rendition as well. But I suppose that's the myth in my opinion. Now, don't get me wrong, it's an alright story. The writing was alright, not to jam packed with details, not to sparse. But, it was written in a strange way where some chapters were the present events, and some were describing past events. However, in the present storyline, it often alluded to events that happened in the past. Without giving any details about what actually occurred until it was covered in later chapters. So, it was kind of confusing, reading about the character referencing something that happened in the past in the present, without knowing why and how it truly influenced her present actions. Confused reading this? Yeah, that's how I felt. SO yeah, I was kind of lost for majority of the book. Wondering about past events than present happenings. Other than that, the writing was smooth to breeze through, if you dont mind being unsure of what your reading about. The storyline itself was well, dull ish? In my opinion, it is literally just about a girl trying to adjust to a new school and new life, while being stuck in her past life. Or maybe it wasnt dull, just slow? Or maybe I am just put out because it didnt contain that much action. Or maybe the real reason was because although it said it was suppose to have romance in this book, it kinda sucked. Majority of the relationship was hate, and being pushed away and clipped meetings or memories. Just glimpses. And the main character doesnt even realize that love could be a possibility until like, when its almost too late. SO, it was mainly a "hate" relationship, then boom! To love in zero seconds flat. I was very confused. I mean, they never had any chemistry or building or tension or any kind of loveish attraction. Until they did, out of no where. So yeah...that was a total bust. Besides that, we dont really get to know much about the MC personality, other than she is more like her father than her mother, and she is not scared anymore, blah blah blah. All very dry and dull and without flavor. And the main suppose love interest is practically just described as being moody. While his actions suggest that he is protective. That's about it. Until the end. Where he gets maybe one or two more character traits. Then the end of the book just like that. *coughs* I should remind you guys that all of this is just my opinion. Take it for what it is worth. Just because I didnt have the best of experiences reading this book, doesnt mean you wont. You guys might like this book, if you give it a shot. Which, is what I did. I tried this book. And it just didnt work out. For me. For you guys? Who knows. Alright, I think that's about all I can think to say about this book. As always, if you guys have any questions or comments, drop em below. Till next time. Bye.
"Persephone being kidnapped by Hades, the god of the dead and taken to live with him in the underworld was how the Greeks explained the changing of the seasons. It's what's known as an origin myth. What happened to me? That's no myth"
Hey guys, I finished Abandon (Abandon, #1)by Meg Cabot. I believed that I would enjoy this retelling of the whole Hades/Persephone dilemma, considering I've enjoyed several others novels centered around this. I totally expected to like Cabot's rendition as well. But I suppose that's the myth in my opinion. Now, don't get me wrong, it's an alright story. The writing was alright, not to jam packed with details, not to sparse. But, it was written in a strange way where some chapters were the present events, and some were describing past events. However, in the present storyline, it often alluded to events that happened in the past. Without giving any details about what actually occurred until it was covered in later chapters. So, it was kind of confusing, reading about the character referencing something that happened in the past in the present, without knowing why and how it truly influenced her present actions. Confused reading this? Yeah, that's how I felt. SO yeah, I was kind of lost for majority of the book. Wondering about past events than present happenings. Other than that, the writing was smooth to breeze through, if you dont mind being unsure of what your reading about. The storyline itself was well, dull ish? In my opinion, it is literally just about a girl trying to adjust to a new school and new life, while being stuck in her past life. Or maybe it wasnt dull, just slow? Or maybe I am just put out because it didnt contain that much action. Or maybe the real reason was because although it said it was suppose to have romance in this book, it kinda sucked. Majority of the relationship was hate, and being pushed away and clipped meetings or memories. Just glimpses. And the main character doesnt even realize that love could be a possibility until like, when its almost too late. SO, it was mainly a "hate" relationship, then boom! To love in zero seconds flat. I was very confused. I mean, they never had any chemistry or building or tension or any kind of loveish attraction. Until they did, out of no where. So yeah...that was a total bust. Besides that, we dont really get to know much about the MC personality, other than she is more like her father than her mother, and she is not scared anymore, blah blah blah. All very dry and dull and without flavor. And the main suppose love interest is practically just described as being moody. While his actions suggest that he is protective. That's about it. Until the end. Where he gets maybe one or two more character traits. Then the end of the book just like that. *coughs* I should remind you guys that all of this is just my opinion. Take it for what it is worth. Just because I didnt have the best of experiences reading this book, doesnt mean you wont. You guys might like this book, if you give it a shot. Which, is what I did. I tried this book. And it just didnt work out. For me. For you guys? Who knows. Alright, I think that's about all I can think to say about this book. As always, if you guys have any questions or comments, drop em below. Till next time. Bye.
shhchar's review against another edition
1.0
I swear this girl cried in this book more than I've cried in my life. Seriously, I'm supposed to root for a character who cries when faced with conflict?
John is one big creeper. I couldn't get over the fact that he changed her clothes on two occasions and then told her what to wear on another one. Does Pierce not have a mind of her own?
I tried to like this book, it had some redeeming aspects like the lore of the necklace -- but I couldn't get past how helpless and cliched the characters were.
John is one big creeper. I couldn't get over the fact that he changed her clothes on two occasions and then told her what to wear on another one. Does Pierce not have a mind of her own?
I tried to like this book, it had some redeeming aspects like the lore of the necklace -- but I couldn't get past how helpless and cliched the characters were.