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justynharlyn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
megthecatlady's review against another edition
adventurous
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
5.0
It has been a while since I've read A Touch of Darkness but I may have loved this book more. I loved seeing the story from Hades' POV and I'm so glad Scarlett St Clair decided to give him his own books. I remember thinking he was cold and uncaring in Persephone's book. I was shocked at how much emotion the god of the underworld had. The spice is spicy but it doesn't overpower the plot, which is amazing. This book is plot heavy, but has healthy doses of spice sprinkled in. I definitely recommend for anyone looking for a good mythology retelling/fantasy romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence and Torture
jvalentine1386's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, and War
hanschub's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
this series is one of my absolute favourites! i’ve read the 3 books from persephone’s pov, which i loved, and i love hades’s pov just as much. i’d say he’s a character that is usually short, to the point, and honest, but this book (and the 2 after) give so much more insight to what goes on in his mind with and without persephone around. scarlett is one of my favourite authors and has been for years <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Death and Injury/Injury detail
angelofthetardis's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I love that someone has finally realised that there is potential in releasing two books telling the same story from both main characters' point of view! This is the story of 'A Touch of Darkness' told from Hades' perspective. But don't worry, there's plenty of new material for you to enjoy too!
This is definitely darker in tone to match the fact we're following the Lord of the Underworld, but it comes with that glimpse of vulnerability and, more importantly, makes you realise just how wrong the people of New Athens are about him (for the most part). The author has done a great job at giving Hades a more rounded personality; he absolutely stays true to the traditional ruler of Tartarus, seemingly enjoying the maiming and torture of souls... but only those who actually deserve it.
I also enjoyed the development of his friendships with Hecate and Hermes, and his rivalry with Poesidon (particularly as the latter is so, so different to his portrayal in the Percy Jackson series!). Again, when you think of the Gods you think of them all sat on their thrones on Mount Olympus, or in their finery and ruling it over the likes of Nevernight or La Rose, so to have those moments where they are just 'normal' is a really lovely comparison.
This serves to flesh out the main narrative of 'A Touch of Darkness', giving you an insight into what happens when Persephone isn't around. In particular, there is a whole subplot regarding a mortal trying to cheat death, confounding the Fates and causing them to threaten Hades with the severance of his bond with Persephone if he doesn't bring him to justice. It feels a bit mafia-ish, and while I don't think it's the most well written it again gives you more of an insight into the internal struggles Hades faces every day.
I think my biggest criticism with this book is that you absolutely must have read ATOD before picking this one up. It's not quite a series of vignettes, but equally it doesn't flow very well as a standalone story - you certainly need the knowledge of the previous book to fully understand what's going on. I almost wonder whether the two should have been put together and presented as a single book with alternating chapters; one Persephone, one Hades. That being said, I do get why they are separate; while there's no major spoilers, I think the slow burn effect of ATOD would have been unbalanced by the fact that you know Hades' initial reasons for approaching Persephone from the outset.
Can't wait to see where the series goes next!
This is definitely darker in tone to match the fact we're following the Lord of the Underworld, but it comes with that glimpse of vulnerability and, more importantly, makes you realise just how wrong the people of New Athens are about him (for the most part). The author has done a great job at giving Hades a more rounded personality; he absolutely stays true to the traditional ruler of Tartarus, seemingly enjoying the maiming and torture of souls... but only those who actually deserve it.
I also enjoyed the development of his friendships with Hecate and Hermes, and his rivalry with Poesidon (particularly as the latter is so, so different to his portrayal in the Percy Jackson series!). Again, when you think of the Gods you think of them all sat on their thrones on Mount Olympus, or in their finery and ruling it over the likes of Nevernight or La Rose, so to have those moments where they are just 'normal' is a really lovely comparison.
This serves to flesh out the main narrative of 'A Touch of Darkness', giving you an insight into what happens when Persephone isn't around. In particular, there is a whole subplot regarding a mortal trying to cheat death, confounding the Fates and causing them to threaten Hades with the severance of his bond with Persephone if he doesn't bring him to justice. It feels a bit mafia-ish, and while I don't think it's the most well written it again gives you more of an insight into the internal struggles Hades faces every day.
I think my biggest criticism with this book is that you absolutely must have read ATOD before picking this one up. It's not quite a series of vignettes, but equally it doesn't flow very well as a standalone story - you certainly need the knowledge of the previous book to fully understand what's going on. I almost wonder whether the two should have been put together and presented as a single book with alternating chapters; one Persephone, one Hades. That being said, I do get why they are separate; while there's no major spoilers, I think the slow burn effect of ATOD would have been unbalanced by the fact that you know Hades' initial reasons for approaching Persephone from the outset.
Can't wait to see where the series goes next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Torture, War, Murder, Gun violence, Cursing, Violence, Death, Alcohol, and Blood
Minor: Kidnapping, Child death, Confinement, Infidelity, Fire/Fire injury, Addiction, Terminal illness, Infertility, and Sexual assault
ashleynriv's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
🌶️🌶️.5/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
hanaconda42's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Not as good as her side of the story. This version, from his perspective, feels empty of internal dialogue and growth. Her telling was so interesting and you felt like you were in her head. His telling feels choppy and without good character development or thoughts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Torture
faylinneicedragon's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Book 2 was told through Hades perspective. It is the events of Book 1.
I have to admit. I loved it more than Book 2. Something about hearing Hades side of the story made it good. It was a thrilling read. I loved seeing all the parts of Hades we didn't get to see in Book 1.
I really love that it was Hades that fell for Persephone first, and this book just cements the fact. He's a powerful God. Seeing his worries about his love for Persephone, seeing him make mistakes, was just humanising. They made sense too.
It is a little awkward how often he thinks of having sex with Persephone. It's nice seeing him grow from someone who thinks about that to thinking about what she wants.
I have to admit. I loved it more than Book 2. Something about hearing Hades side of the story made it good. It was a thrilling read. I loved seeing all the parts of Hades we didn't get to see in Book 1.
I really love that it was Hades that fell for Persephone first, and this book just cements the fact. He's a powerful God. Seeing his worries about his love for Persephone, seeing him make mistakes, was just humanising. They made sense too.
It is a little awkward how often he thinks of having sex with Persephone. It's nice seeing him grow from someone who thinks about that to thinking about what she wants.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Minor: Sexual harassment
alicia_joy's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Murder, Violence, and Torture
margaret_k30's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Torture, Gore, Violence, Sexual content, and Cursing
Moderate: Addiction, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Drug abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Confinement, Death, and Emotional abuse