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theelleintheroom's review
5.0
I love this book. It has always been my opinion that Hades just got a lot of bad rep because he's the god of the dead. In this book it shows that, while he's not perfect, he's really a good guy. And that he didn't kidnap Persephone, she went willingly. I love this book.
applequeen's review
4.0
It was such a fun read. I loved the twist the author created with the original myth and turning the story into a different perspective.
nocilantroextraolives's review
1.0
This book was really disappointing. I love I good Persephonie/Hades myth retelling but this one sucked. No good characters, stupid plot, bad writing, etc., etc. The list goes on. It didn't make me actively dislike this book, but it was so blah that I found myself skipping a lot of it.
I wouldn't waste my time if I were you. I can't even think of one thing to recommend this book.
I wouldn't waste my time if I were you. I can't even think of one thing to recommend this book.
djl's review
4.0
Retellings have always fascinated me, especially in the way of myths since so many of them seem to be told within so few pages. The myth of Persephone and Hades is rather popular, especially with the number of YA books that have pulled inspiration from their story. However, this is the first actual retelling I have read, and I have to say, it's good for readers to hear Persephone's voice. Most readers will know their story as Persephone being dragged down against her will into the Underworld by Hades in order to become his queen. Not so in this case.
Emily Whitman offers a different type of story in which the young spring goddess was stifled by her mother's constant sheltering. I really enjoyed this rendition of Persephone and how strong she became by the end of the story. It was troubling how she could not find her voice first with her overbearing mother, Demeter, and then with her (lovingly) possessive husband, Hades. Both of them felt they knew what was best for Persephone, though I have to say Demeter's overprotectiveness was far more trying than Hades' concern about her being taken from him.
Speaking of the god of the Underworld, I really wanted to see more of him in this story since the myth was originally called "Hades and Persephone." While I was a bit disappointed by this, I realize that this is Persephone's story, so her growth and development must be the focal point.
Overall, Radiant Darkness was an enjoyable retelling of a favorite myth that definitely puts the original story into a matter of perspective. Readers who enjoy Greek mythology should definitely add this one to their reading pile.
Emily Whitman offers a different type of story in which the young spring goddess was stifled by her mother's constant sheltering. I really enjoyed this rendition of Persephone and how strong she became by the end of the story. It was troubling how she could not find her voice first with her overbearing mother, Demeter, and then with her (lovingly) possessive husband, Hades. Both of them felt they knew what was best for Persephone, though I have to say Demeter's overprotectiveness was far more trying than Hades' concern about her being taken from him.
Speaking of the god of the Underworld, I really wanted to see more of him in this story since the myth was originally called "Hades and Persephone." While I was a bit disappointed by this, I realize that this is Persephone's story, so her growth and development must be the focal point.
Overall, Radiant Darkness was an enjoyable retelling of a favorite myth that definitely puts the original story into a matter of perspective. Readers who enjoy Greek mythology should definitely add this one to their reading pile.
shutupnread's review
5.0
Out of all the stories of Persephone and out of all the different versions, Radiant Darkness is definitely the best.
What I loved about Radiant Darkness was the uniqueness of the plot. Though Emily had obviously used the original Greek myth as a reference, the story she had to say was completely different.
I loved how Persephone was a more daring character and how she had the guts to go with the one she loved. Unlike the original where Persephone was taken against her will by Hades and dragged down into the depths of hell, Radiant Darkness provided a new and fresh look and gives us the story of how Persephone made her own choice and went willingly to Hades. I loved how the young goddess teenager seemed just like a regular teen – well, except for her godly powers of course. She had to face the same problems that most teens face today: an overbearing mother, a feeling of loneliness, and the feeling of a need for an adventure.
Hades, Persephone’s lordly lover, is someone I definitely have mixed feelings about. In the beginning, I really liked him because he seemed like the typical mysterious, dark, brooding, hot guy. He seemed really nice. However, when he managed to crown Persephone as his queen, I started to dislike him. Why? First, he didn’t tell Persephone what was happening on Earth and left her guessing. Second, he didn’t tell her what her mother was doing to everyone so she was completely clueless. Third, he was just being a total jerk. However, despite his jerk-ness, there were times when I knew that he really loved Persephone so it basically cancelled out all his negatives.
The writing was also pretty amazing. It definitely captured my attention and held it until the end of the book. I really didn’t want the book to finish because I wanted to know what happened to Persephone and Hades so hopefully there’s a sequel coming out. :)
What I loved about Radiant Darkness was the uniqueness of the plot. Though Emily had obviously used the original Greek myth as a reference, the story she had to say was completely different.
I loved how Persephone was a more daring character and how she had the guts to go with the one she loved. Unlike the original where Persephone was taken against her will by Hades and dragged down into the depths of hell, Radiant Darkness provided a new and fresh look and gives us the story of how Persephone made her own choice and went willingly to Hades. I loved how the young goddess teenager seemed just like a regular teen – well, except for her godly powers of course. She had to face the same problems that most teens face today: an overbearing mother, a feeling of loneliness, and the feeling of a need for an adventure.
Hades, Persephone’s lordly lover, is someone I definitely have mixed feelings about. In the beginning, I really liked him because he seemed like the typical mysterious, dark, brooding, hot guy. He seemed really nice. However, when he managed to crown Persephone as his queen, I started to dislike him. Why? First, he didn’t tell Persephone what was happening on Earth and left her guessing. Second, he didn’t tell her what her mother was doing to everyone so she was completely clueless. Third, he was just being a total jerk. However, despite his jerk-ness, there were times when I knew that he really loved Persephone so it basically cancelled out all his negatives.
The writing was also pretty amazing. It definitely captured my attention and held it until the end of the book. I really didn’t want the book to finish because I wanted to know what happened to Persephone and Hades so hopefully there’s a sequel coming out. :)
singinglight's review
4.0
by Emily WhitmanOpening line--"'Stay here, Persephone,' says my mother. 'I have some work to do.'"
This is one of those rare books which I didn't read any reviews of. I just saw it on the library shelf, was interested by the title, and picked it up. This is a risky move. This time, however, it paid off. I found it well-written and intriguing--the Persephone myth is one of those that lends itself to constant re-interpretation and I usually feel like those work well in novel form.
Here Persephone is, as advertised, the daughter of Demeter. Her mother has secluded them away in a paradise of beauty and and growing things where no men are allowed. Ever. But Persephone hungers for something more. She wants to win her mother's elusive approval, she wants to see the world around her, she wants to grow up. She wants to make her own choices. And so she does, with startling results.
There's a huge emphasis on choice here--mild spoiler here--the fact that that Persephone chooses Hades rather than being abducted by him--end spoiler. It skirts just around the edge of being heavy-handed and annoying, but never quite got there for me. Actually, my major complaint about the book is that in a few places the dialogue sounded extremely modern and it jolted me out of the story.
I tend to notice places in books--how the landscape is described and how characters interact with it. Here it's very well done--the contrast between Demeter's realm and Hades's which helps the reader understand why Persephone might love both. It's not the contrast you might expect. Hades's realm is not black and gloomy and lifeless, although it's certainly more somber than Demeter's somewhat unnatural rampant lushness.
All in all, a very enjoyable read. If you like re-tellings and/or the Persephone myth, I'd definitely check this one out.
Book source: public library
Book information: Greenwillow, 2009; 14 up
Originally published here
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