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ashreads10k's review
5.0
I am a huge Greek Mythology fan. Like, huuuge. And chief among my Greek mythology obsessions is the tale of Hades and Persephone; I snap up every piece of written work I can written about this interesting couple. I don't know why it's my favorite myth, but it just is. I'm always looking for new things about them and go into these novels hoping against hope they don't fall back on the same tropes that tend to fill even the worst Hades and Persephone fanfiction that can be found on the internet. (Don't get me wrong, I love angst sexual tension as much as the next gal but there's only so much I can handle of the "he abducted me for perfectly justifiable reasons but I don't trust him even though I definitely want to have sex with him oh no am I falling in love with him look at all this angst" plotlines before I have to say enough is enough.
Persephone's Orchard pleasantly--nay, fantastically--surprised me by bringing the freshest and most innovative take on Hades and Persephone (and all the Greeks gods in general) I've ever read. It does almost completely shake off the original myths, using them as a sort of bare bones structure for each god and their stories, which was a little frustrating for me as someone so well-versed in the myths. But I grew accustomed to it and in the end really quite enjoyed the changes.
On the topic of the gods, or the immortals as they're more appropriately called, I thought Molly Ringle did a brilliant job of creating the premise of them. As I said, Ringle didn't stick to the original myths but made up her own characters based off the myths but she did it in such a way that the reality of her characters became the myths. The one thing that bothered me about the immortals was that there was no explanation as to how the originals came to be. I hold my tongue from saying it was a fault of the book because that could be the grand overarching mystery the series seeks to solve, in which case I will surely be mollified. But I just hope the author doesn't plan to leave that unknown dangling there. It was very interesting to get to meet all the gods though, and not just focus on Hades and Persephone. It certainly gave the narrative, and the world, a more fleshed out feel.
Now, onto the meat and potatoes. I will start with the main characters, Sophie and Adrian. I think it would be appropriate to comment on them first individually, and then as a couple. I loved Sophie, I thought she was intelligent and strong-willed. Although some may not like how easily she went along with the situation she was placed in, I actually understood it and didn't fault her for placing her trust in Adrian so quickly. She was literally whisked into an entirely different world and made to confront things almost impossible to believe, and here's a guy who says he can explain everything. With nowhere else to turn for answers, you sorta have to trust him even if you're scared witless. Speaking of, Adrian. It's no secret I'm easily swayed by attractive boys in books and from the beginning Adrian had me. He's like a cool dork if that makes any sense. And him and Sophie together was steamy to say the least. I very much enjoyed the unfolding of their romance just as I enjoyed the unfolding of their past lives' romance as Hades and Persephone.
Perfect segue, don't you think?
Ah, Hades and Persephone. As always, infuriatingly stupid when it comes to realizing they both felt the same way and more than once I just sat there going "oh for god's sake just freaking kiss already". The way their story was told in parallel to Sophie and Adrian's worked amazingly well, and I'm quite impressed that Ringle was able to make sure the story was totally coherent and nothing got confused or jumbled. Hades isn't your the stereotypical dark, brooding, and stoic man that most retellings of his story cast him as. He's actually quite sweet and, well, quite the opposite of what you'd expect from the king of the Underworld.
I read this book in one day, that's how much I was drawn into it. Although I will warn, this is not a fast moving book in the sense of Sophie and Adrian's story. Much of it is flashbacks to Hades and Persephone, which was honestly fine with me. But if you're someone who likes a fast moving plot, this is perhaps not the book for you. Still, Ringle's skill in reimagining this old tale had me hooked. I give this book 5 stars. Can't wait for the next book!
Review can be found at: http://www.whatsyourstorybookreviews.com/2014/07/review-persephones-orchard-by-molly.html
Persephone's Orchard pleasantly--nay, fantastically--surprised me by bringing the freshest and most innovative take on Hades and Persephone (and all the Greeks gods in general) I've ever read. It does almost completely shake off the original myths, using them as a sort of bare bones structure for each god and their stories, which was a little frustrating for me as someone so well-versed in the myths. But I grew accustomed to it and in the end really quite enjoyed the changes.
On the topic of the gods, or the immortals as they're more appropriately called, I thought Molly Ringle did a brilliant job of creating the premise of them. As I said, Ringle didn't stick to the original myths but made up her own characters based off the myths but she did it in such a way that the reality of her characters became the myths. The one thing that bothered me about the immortals was that there was no explanation as to how the originals came to be. I hold my tongue from saying it was a fault of the book because that could be the grand overarching mystery the series seeks to solve, in which case I will surely be mollified. But I just hope the author doesn't plan to leave that unknown dangling there. It was very interesting to get to meet all the gods though, and not just focus on Hades and Persephone. It certainly gave the narrative, and the world, a more fleshed out feel.
Now, onto the meat and potatoes. I will start with the main characters, Sophie and Adrian. I think it would be appropriate to comment on them first individually, and then as a couple. I loved Sophie, I thought she was intelligent and strong-willed. Although some may not like how easily she went along with the situation she was placed in, I actually understood it and didn't fault her for placing her trust in Adrian so quickly. She was literally whisked into an entirely different world and made to confront things almost impossible to believe, and here's a guy who says he can explain everything. With nowhere else to turn for answers, you sorta have to trust him even if you're scared witless. Speaking of, Adrian. It's no secret I'm easily swayed by attractive boys in books and from the beginning Adrian had me. He's like a cool dork if that makes any sense. And him and Sophie together was steamy to say the least. I very much enjoyed the unfolding of their romance just as I enjoyed the unfolding of their past lives' romance as Hades and Persephone.
Perfect segue, don't you think?
Ah, Hades and Persephone. As always, infuriatingly stupid when it comes to realizing they both felt the same way and more than once I just sat there going "oh for god's sake just freaking kiss already". The way their story was told in parallel to Sophie and Adrian's worked amazingly well, and I'm quite impressed that Ringle was able to make sure the story was totally coherent and nothing got confused or jumbled. Hades isn't your the stereotypical dark, brooding, and stoic man that most retellings of his story cast him as. He's actually quite sweet and, well, quite the opposite of what you'd expect from the king of the Underworld.
I read this book in one day, that's how much I was drawn into it. Although I will warn, this is not a fast moving book in the sense of Sophie and Adrian's story. Much of it is flashbacks to Hades and Persephone, which was honestly fine with me. But if you're someone who likes a fast moving plot, this is perhaps not the book for you. Still, Ringle's skill in reimagining this old tale had me hooked. I give this book 5 stars. Can't wait for the next book!
Review can be found at: http://www.whatsyourstorybookreviews.com/2014/07/review-persephones-orchard-by-molly.html
fiademi's review
4.0
Interesting and a very unique take on the Greek ancients gods mythology, aside from Hades and Persephone's myth. There is a lot of worldbuilding and different myths recreation.
literaryhomeland's review
4.0
Okay so I completely forgot to review this, oops! It’s been over a month since I’ve read it, so I’m just going to do a brief summary because my memory is absolutely awful.
But I know that this is going to be a comfort series for me when I get around to reading the others. So many Greek mythology tales, especially when it comes to Hades and Persephone, have a major darkness to them — which, don’t get me wrong, I adore and was completely anticipating when going to read this — but I actually loved the softness and found myself pacing out reading the book just so I could actually take the time to embrace the rarity of reading a softer novel?
I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s not a walk in the park for these characters! There’s so much drama and action that will keep you on the edge wanting to find out what happened next, but there’s just a complete softness when it comes to Adrian and Sophie that softens the blow, I guess? I adore them and can’t wait to read the next.
Also, reincarnated lovers? My absolute weakness! Ringle put a twist on Greek mythology that I didn’t know I needed until now.
But I know that this is going to be a comfort series for me when I get around to reading the others. So many Greek mythology tales, especially when it comes to Hades and Persephone, have a major darkness to them — which, don’t get me wrong, I adore and was completely anticipating when going to read this — but I actually loved the softness and found myself pacing out reading the book just so I could actually take the time to embrace the rarity of reading a softer novel?
I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s not a walk in the park for these characters! There’s so much drama and action that will keep you on the edge wanting to find out what happened next, but there’s just a complete softness when it comes to Adrian and Sophie that softens the blow, I guess? I adore them and can’t wait to read the next.
Also, reincarnated lovers? My absolute weakness! Ringle put a twist on Greek mythology that I didn’t know I needed until now.
jezzebelljc's review
5.0
Would you eat a magical pomegranate?
Original review posted at JC's Book Haven and given 4.5 stars.
I LOVE reading about Greek Gods tremendously. I'm even a fan of some of the lesser known ones like Hestia, and writing this is making me realize that there is a book on my shelf that I need to read now. But back to business - Greek Gods are another thing like vampires and werewolves that authors truly make their own. They can select from a wide-array of source material and work from there. Ringle took Hades and Persephone's tale and made me fall in love with it.
What I'm going to find difficult is reviewing this book without giving the story away. So I apologize ahead of time if it doesn't make sense because you guys know I don't like to spoil a story.
The Good
Adrian is such an endearing character with a touch of mischief. He's lonely and he wants his love. He has had a hard life yet he does what he can for others in the one real way that he can. Sophie is more spontaneous, but she too worries about those she loves and wants to take care of them. They meet under strange circumstances and it was a lot of fun because Persephone's Orchard had some action and a little mystery going from the very first page.
Ringle did such a marvelous job with a Persephone and Hades story that I now refuse to accept any other explanation of events for them. In this book, there are flashbacks to old-world times mixed with modern day, and it was flawlessly done. The supporting cast with Nikolaos, Freta, and Rhea were so important and also very well-developed.
I love the Underworld! Everything about the picture Ringle creates and the way that things work. Also, the antagonists are very good at what they do in the story and they keep the action and suspense going. There is an air of mystery throughout. Even when I found out one piece of information, I was given a new mystery to ponder to keep those pages turning.
The Bad
Sophie has a bit of a spontaneous streak to her, or at least a quick answer and I often questioned her decision-making abilities. Though one big decision she dragged her feet so long, I was beginning to wonder if she would make a choice at all. I'm not saying that she shouldn't have taking her time making the decision, because she certainly should have. It just seemed a tad out of character with how I had her figured out in my mind.
The Romance
What a romance! This one is all about the emotional connection, not so much the touchy feely, although there are kissing/make-out scenes. I love everything from how the characters come together to how everything is revealed. I love the questions and even at times distrust and wonder. I also really enjoy the absolute feeling of "rightness" that the two of them together seem to create.
Conclusion
You don't want to miss this one! If you enjoy reading about Greek Gods, the unique spin on this tale, action, mystery and romance will keep you turning page after page until you reach the spectacular ending that has you asking Ringle, "Where are on Earth is the sequel?" Definitely recommended.
Original review posted at JC's Book Haven and given 4.5 stars.
I LOVE reading about Greek Gods tremendously. I'm even a fan of some of the lesser known ones like Hestia, and writing this is making me realize that there is a book on my shelf that I need to read now. But back to business - Greek Gods are another thing like vampires and werewolves that authors truly make their own. They can select from a wide-array of source material and work from there. Ringle took Hades and Persephone's tale and made me fall in love with it.
What I'm going to find difficult is reviewing this book without giving the story away. So I apologize ahead of time if it doesn't make sense because you guys know I don't like to spoil a story.
The Good
Adrian is such an endearing character with a touch of mischief. He's lonely and he wants his love. He has had a hard life yet he does what he can for others in the one real way that he can. Sophie is more spontaneous, but she too worries about those she loves and wants to take care of them. They meet under strange circumstances and it was a lot of fun because Persephone's Orchard had some action and a little mystery going from the very first page.
Ringle did such a marvelous job with a Persephone and Hades story that I now refuse to accept any other explanation of events for them. In this book, there are flashbacks to old-world times mixed with modern day, and it was flawlessly done. The supporting cast with Nikolaos, Freta, and Rhea were so important and also very well-developed.
I love the Underworld! Everything about the picture Ringle creates and the way that things work. Also, the antagonists are very good at what they do in the story and they keep the action and suspense going. There is an air of mystery throughout. Even when I found out one piece of information, I was given a new mystery to ponder to keep those pages turning.
The Bad
Sophie has a bit of a spontaneous streak to her, or at least a quick answer and I often questioned her decision-making abilities. Though one big decision she dragged her feet so long, I was beginning to wonder if she would make a choice at all. I'm not saying that she shouldn't have taking her time making the decision, because she certainly should have. It just seemed a tad out of character with how I had her figured out in my mind.
The Romance
What a romance! This one is all about the emotional connection, not so much the touchy feely, although there are kissing/make-out scenes. I love everything from how the characters come together to how everything is revealed. I love the questions and even at times distrust and wonder. I also really enjoy the absolute feeling of "rightness" that the two of them together seem to create.
Conclusion
You don't want to miss this one! If you enjoy reading about Greek Gods, the unique spin on this tale, action, mystery and romance will keep you turning page after page until you reach the spectacular ending that has you asking Ringle, "Where are on Earth is the sequel?" Definitely recommended.
_myliteraryobsession's review
3.0
Overall Rating: 3 STARS ***
Read as... E-Book.
Brief Synopsis...
Sophie Darrow is a bright, young university student abruptly dragged into another dimension by a mysterious, brooding yet handsome young man, Adrian. He tempts her to take a bite of a ripe pomegranate, however, Sophie is rather wary of him and how he continues to show up in the most unlikely of places.
Despite her trepidation, Sophie is inexplicably drawn to Adrian in ways she cannot explain. Their connection appears to be much deeper than the one they have formed in the present day.
-------------------------------
My Thoughts...
Persephone's Orchard is yet another Hades and Persephone re-telling. I didn't have high hopes prior to reading this young adult instalment, however, I am pleased to admit that I was pleasantly surprised.
Sophie and Adrian are the perfect reincarnations of Persephone and Hades. The novel moves between the real world and the 'spirit realm' with ease, and the journey between worlds is differentiated through Ringle's spectacular use of language to describe the vast, beautiful landscape of 'the Underworld'.
This novel is fast-paced, full of action and the characters well-developed. There are several references to Greek gods and mythology throughout which will appeal to many. Adrian makes quite a swoon-worthy Hades; he's charming, good looking, mysterious yet kind. Sophie is his perfect match, although for at least the first half of the book she is unaware of their long-standing history and eyes Adrian with a sense of uncertainty.
Since reading Persephone's Orchard I have read the next two sequels in this trilogy, and unfortunately, I did not enjoy them as much as this first instalment. Supposedly Molly Ringle intended for this book to be a stand-alone release, and I would have liked to have seen it remain as such.
Read as... E-Book.
Brief Synopsis...
Sophie Darrow is a bright, young university student abruptly dragged into another dimension by a mysterious, brooding yet handsome young man, Adrian. He tempts her to take a bite of a ripe pomegranate, however, Sophie is rather wary of him and how he continues to show up in the most unlikely of places.
Despite her trepidation, Sophie is inexplicably drawn to Adrian in ways she cannot explain. Their connection appears to be much deeper than the one they have formed in the present day.
-------------------------------
My Thoughts...
Persephone's Orchard is yet another Hades and Persephone re-telling. I didn't have high hopes prior to reading this young adult instalment, however, I am pleased to admit that I was pleasantly surprised.
Sophie and Adrian are the perfect reincarnations of Persephone and Hades. The novel moves between the real world and the 'spirit realm' with ease, and the journey between worlds is differentiated through Ringle's spectacular use of language to describe the vast, beautiful landscape of 'the Underworld'.
This novel is fast-paced, full of action and the characters well-developed. There are several references to Greek gods and mythology throughout which will appeal to many. Adrian makes quite a swoon-worthy Hades; he's charming, good looking, mysterious yet kind. Sophie is his perfect match, although for at least the first half of the book she is unaware of their long-standing history and eyes Adrian with a sense of uncertainty.
Since reading Persephone's Orchard I have read the next two sequels in this trilogy, and unfortunately, I did not enjoy them as much as this first instalment. Supposedly Molly Ringle intended for this book to be a stand-alone release, and I would have liked to have seen it remain as such.
sprainedbrain's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
elvenavari's review against another edition
4.0
This may be one of my favorite mythological retellings. I've always enjoyed Ringle's writing and this time was no different. I was slightly bored at the beginning before the action started to pick up, but once that happened I was as swallowed up in the memories as Sophie was. I look forward to reading the next book.
treatyoshelfbookclub's review
5.0
I randomly found this book on a search for a Greek retelling. I’ve always been fascinated by the Hades / Persephone mythology.
This book was everything I was hoping to find and more.
The fact that it’s not just a current time retelling but that they have past lives they’ve lived and you get to be immersed in those lives too is amazing.
I love the characters and the whole story line in current days is brilliant.
Totally rec this to everything. Such a good book honestly. The rest of the series just gets better!
This book was everything I was hoping to find and more.
The fact that it’s not just a current time retelling but that they have past lives they’ve lived and you get to be immersed in those lives too is amazing.
I love the characters and the whole story line in current days is brilliant.
Totally rec this to everything. Such a good book honestly. The rest of the series just gets better!
mulveyr's review
5.0
Persephone's Orchard is an intriguing and fun re-interpretation of the classic Greek story. The author builds a world in which the mythic elements are grounded in a logical, self-consistent framework that propels the story from what at first seems to be a simple romance to a full-blown tale of mystery and drama. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
scarls17's review
4.0
Loved the structure of this one with the main character rediscovering her past lives as we read along. I was surprised to find myself wanting to read more about the current time period, though...not sure why. I think it's because I really liked the main guy character and found him to be pretty charming in the beginning:)