Scan barcode
anacarter's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
I've been a Greek Mythology nerd ever since I discovered all those gruesome tales. I was 13, had just started Dutch high school and was allowed to star in the play of the graduating class. My interest was born. I devoured all tales, even the ones that were for sure not appropriate for my age, and I wanted more. Hades and Persephone has always been one of my favorite tales. So, when I saw this book on BookSirens I just had to have and read it.
What I loved about this book is that it's more than just a Hades and Persephone retelling. Don't get me wrong. The tale in itself is perfect. But, when you just retell the tale it's kinda hard to be original, to add something unique. The authors of this retelling chose to add fae and other supernatural elements and some external danger. Therefore it's not just the romance keeping us on the tips of our toes, but everything else too.
However, the romance and the description of the dark world our Hades lives in are the true stars of the show. Although the romance went quicker than I thought it would, I liked that it's really a romance. Yes, Draven can be protective. Yes, at first he keeps our girl at arms length. But it's clear he always sees her as the best version of herself. It's clear that he likes her, loves her and simply wants her to be safe. Mostly because he can't live without her anymore.
And while our heroine explores the dark, but beautiful and thrilling world her future husband rules, we also see her growing. She has always been sheltered, hidden away by her mother, kept away from the pleasures of life. But here in this dark world she thrives. We learn quite soon that her innocence is not the same as weakness and that her will to live and experience life at its fullest makes everything a possible weapon in her hands.
I needed a little time to really get into the story, but I did love how true this retelling felt and how original it still seemed.
What I loved about this book is that it's more than just a Hades and Persephone retelling. Don't get me wrong. The tale in itself is perfect. But, when you just retell the tale it's kinda hard to be original, to add something unique. The authors of this retelling chose to add fae and other supernatural elements and some external danger. Therefore it's not just the romance keeping us on the tips of our toes, but everything else too.
However, the romance and the description of the dark world our Hades lives in are the true stars of the show. Although the romance went quicker than I thought it would, I liked that it's really a romance. Yes, Draven can be protective. Yes, at first he keeps our girl at arms length. But it's clear he always sees her as the best version of herself. It's clear that he likes her, loves her and simply wants her to be safe. Mostly because he can't live without her anymore.
And while our heroine explores the dark, but beautiful and thrilling world her future husband rules, we also see her growing. She has always been sheltered, hidden away by her mother, kept away from the pleasures of life. But here in this dark world she thrives. We learn quite soon that her innocence is not the same as weakness and that her will to live and experience life at its fullest makes everything a possible weapon in her hands.
I needed a little time to really get into the story, but I did love how true this retelling felt and how original it still seemed.
nit_'s review
5.0
I truly enjoyed reading this gem of a book. I've read so many fantasy romance books with fae at this point, but this book was so unique and managed to surprise me at every turn. I loved Draven and Eden as individuals, and their vulnerability as a couple was beautiful. The world-building was exceptional, and I was so engrossed by every description of Andhera. This book is filled with adventure, swoon-worthy romance, a really interesting world, and well-rounded characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
alyssaindira's review
4.0
**I received an ARC of this novel through BookSirens, thank you a ton! This has not impacted my review in any way**
**No major plot spoilers (semi character spoils) were harmed in the making of this review**
"Andhera is a place ofmuch loss, and much death, but even in the darkest corners, there are rays of light if there are souls willing to feed it."
Hey guys, so on a whim I decided to start trying out arcs again and I found this gem. The description intrigued me and so..I just started reading. At first I was a bit too hitched on the characters and trying to overthink things, considering their dynamics andsuch, but once I stopped thinking and started reading, I started enjoying.
The writing style, it was relatively alright. I do feel like it could of used some work though. While there was enough description to get lost in the characters and learn the world, at some points it was a bit too much or even a bit too little. It could seem clunky in some scenes but too fast in others. Perhaps this was a pacing issue/style contributed to it. I easily could understand the characters innermost thoughts anddesires, which was great. At the same time, I feel like this novel was super fast paced and I did not get to read how the characters inner thoughts shifted. The changes in their mental patterns seemed to happen really quick, which seemed a bit at odds for the storyline. I had no problem connecting with the characters, I just wish there was more...of their thought processes fleshed out. Do not get me wrong, I enjoyed the fast pace- it saved me from boring travel scenes, but at the same time I wanted just a little more meat on the story bones.
The characters were pretty good and I felt like they were generally well rounded and thought out. Both eden and draven had their strenths and weaknesses. They did not seem one dimensional. They both grew throughout the storyline. Even if their growth felt too sudden without something, an event or mental process, to bridge that time gap. I definitely enjoyed the hades/persephone vibes I got from each of them. However, they reminded me more of another semi fairytelling retellig- beauty and the beast. Eden is obviously the beauty. She is a sweet, innocent fae who had been caged her whole life until suddenly boom, she isnt. Draven on the other hand, is seen as a monster. The nightmare king. The creature who will steal your children in the middle of the night. Who could ever come to care for such a monster?
Eden gave me both persephone and elain from a court of thorns and roses vibes. She was pretty, she seemed docile, meek and unable to speak up for herself. That is, until she was thrust into a situation where she either could find her voice or truly be silenced. So, she rose to the occasion. She discovered there is strength in her natural attributes and that she was not and did not have to conform to the whims of others. Albeit, she did this in a fairly quick amount of time, but hey, thats pacing for you. Overall, I generally liked her character and would not mind reading more about her.
Draven, I obviously adored Draven. I always have a weak spot for dark tortured souls. But Draven, he is so much more than a creatureof the night. He is selfless. He is loyal. He is caring. He is humorous. He is a force to be reckoned with. Yes, he has his flaws. He has a temper, he can be cold, he can be cruel. But...there is always a deeper purpose to his actions, even if he does not say. So of course I fell in love with his character. He gave off heavy rhysand from a court of mist and fury vibes. Even if he did pull a tamlin, lmao. SO yes, i loved Draven. I hope you will too!
One thing I really liked about this novel was the shifting continous pov's! The change ofpovs was not like others I have read. Instead of picking up somewhere else,the povs consistently followed the exact events that were occuring in the story, just through the eyesof either eden or draven. I really loved how both their narratives interwove to craft this world and their relationship. And their relationship...goodness.. Sexy. very, sexy. I loved the sexy scenes . very hot and worth the wait. Written well too! Not too fast or slow! ahahha. Side note, I also liked the side characters that helped bring the story tolife too. They brought in necessary humor or conflict to move the storyline along. Also, I like how the villain was real, in their motives and desires. Even if it was a bit single minded. But hey, what can you do.
Alright, I think that is about it. I enjoyed this book and if you want to form your own opinion, read it when it goes on sale at the end of may!
**No major plot spoilers (semi character spoils) were harmed in the making of this review**
"Andhera is a place ofmuch loss, and much death, but even in the darkest corners, there are rays of light if there are souls willing to feed it."
Hey guys, so on a whim I decided to start trying out arcs again and I found this gem. The description intrigued me and so..I just started reading. At first I was a bit too hitched on the characters and trying to overthink things, considering their dynamics andsuch, but once I stopped thinking and started reading, I started enjoying.
The writing style, it was relatively alright. I do feel like it could of used some work though. While there was enough description to get lost in the characters and learn the world, at some points it was a bit too much or even a bit too little. It could seem clunky in some scenes but too fast in others. Perhaps this was a pacing issue/style contributed to it. I easily could understand the characters innermost thoughts anddesires, which was great. At the same time, I feel like this novel was super fast paced and I did not get to read how the characters inner thoughts shifted. The changes in their mental patterns seemed to happen really quick, which seemed a bit at odds for the storyline. I had no problem connecting with the characters, I just wish there was more...of their thought processes fleshed out. Do not get me wrong, I enjoyed the fast pace- it saved me from boring travel scenes, but at the same time I wanted just a little more meat on the story bones.
The characters were pretty good and I felt like they were generally well rounded and thought out. Both eden and draven had their strenths and weaknesses. They did not seem one dimensional. They both grew throughout the storyline. Even if their growth felt too sudden without something, an event or mental process, to bridge that time gap. I definitely enjoyed the hades/persephone vibes I got from each of them. However, they reminded me more of another semi fairytelling retellig- beauty and the beast. Eden is obviously the beauty. She is a sweet, innocent fae who had been caged her whole life until suddenly boom, she isnt. Draven on the other hand, is seen as a monster. The nightmare king. The creature who will steal your children in the middle of the night. Who could ever come to care for such a monster?
Eden gave me both persephone and elain from a court of thorns and roses vibes. She was pretty, she seemed docile, meek and unable to speak up for herself. That is, until she was thrust into a situation where she either could find her voice or truly be silenced. So, she rose to the occasion. She discovered there is strength in her natural attributes and that she was not and did not have to conform to the whims of others. Albeit, she did this in a fairly quick amount of time, but hey, thats pacing for you. Overall, I generally liked her character and would not mind reading more about her.
Draven, I obviously adored Draven. I always have a weak spot for dark tortured souls. But Draven, he is so much more than a creatureof the night. He is selfless. He is loyal. He is caring. He is humorous. He is a force to be reckoned with. Yes, he has his flaws. He has a temper, he can be cold, he can be cruel. But...there is always a deeper purpose to his actions, even if he does not say. So of course I fell in love with his character. He gave off heavy rhysand from a court of mist and fury vibes. Even if he did pull a tamlin, lmao. SO yes, i loved Draven. I hope you will too!
One thing I really liked about this novel was the shifting continous pov's! The change ofpovs was not like others I have read. Instead of picking up somewhere else,the povs consistently followed the exact events that were occuring in the story, just through the eyesof either eden or draven. I really loved how both their narratives interwove to craft this world and their relationship. And their relationship...goodness.. Sexy. very, sexy. I loved the sexy scenes . very hot and worth the wait. Written well too! Not too fast or slow! ahahha. Side note, I also liked the side characters that helped bring the story tolife too. They brought in necessary humor or conflict to move the storyline along. Also, I like how the villain was real, in their motives and desires. Even if it was a bit single minded. But hey, what can you do.
Alright, I think that is about it. I enjoyed this book and if you want to form your own opinion, read it when it goes on sale at the end of may!
sassypantsreading's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ooooh boy, I loved Seeds of Sorrow! It started a bit slow, but it picked up about 1/3 of the way through. I thought the world-building was fantastic in this book, and I loved the Hades and Persephone retelling aspect. I really, really loved the relationship between the brothers, especially because most H&P retellings stay true to mythology and the brothers generally hate each other. The chemistry between Draven and Eden was off the charts, and the spice was excellent. I can’t wait to revisit this world again!
I received a copy of Seeds of Sorrow from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a copy of Seeds of Sorrow from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
samanthaleeree's review
challenging
dark
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
mvgwoodard's review
4.5
A great read for a different Hade persephone inspired story. I liked how until you look for more parallels they become more apparent. A great new world to dive into. I like stories where FMC find thier strength.
booked_up_nixi's review
4.0
I received an advanced reader copy for free (thank you BookSirens), and voluntarily (and happily) make this review.
This is the first book in the series and I enjoyed it. I’ve read a few Hades/Persephone retellings and must say that I really enjoyed the fae adaptation. I thought it was creative and that the settings and characters were described beautifully.
The book was full of adventure and romance, and perfectly sets the way for the sequal(s) in the series. The direct story is resolved but there is definite intrigue for what’s to come, as well as a desire to get to know the remaining characters more in their stories that are surely to come. I’m very excited to find out what the authors will do next in this series!
This is the first book in the series and I enjoyed it. I’ve read a few Hades/Persephone retellings and must say that I really enjoyed the fae adaptation. I thought it was creative and that the settings and characters were described beautifully.
The book was full of adventure and romance, and perfectly sets the way for the sequal(s) in the series. The direct story is resolved but there is definite intrigue for what’s to come, as well as a desire to get to know the remaining characters more in their stories that are surely to come. I’m very excited to find out what the authors will do next in this series!
abrittlebee's review
4.0
When I read The Dragon’s Bride last year, I was unexpectedly impressed with how sweet and imaginative it was. So when the same dynamic author duo announced they would be releasing another book, the first in a planned series, I was immediately on board. Seeds of Sorrow delivered on everything I was expecting. It was a delightful, sugary tale perfect for anyone smitten by acts of care and a “he falls first” narrative.
Normally, as a mood reader, I do make a habit of reading the synopsis. However, for Seeds of Sorrow I didn’t actually bother and made the choice to go in blind. Because of this, I wasn’t actually aware that this was meant to be a Hades and Persephone retelling until I reached the very end. Ultimately, I don’t really think this needed to be a retelling, especially when there are so many Hades and Persephone inspired narratives already out in the aether right now. It didn’t really add much to the story beyond a slight wink and a nudge when certain characters would mimic the behaviours of their mythological counterparts. The plot itself is unique enough to stand on its own, and I actually wish it had been left to do so.
That aside, the book is a fun read. I loved the world building and all the different fae creatures, both light and dark. The relationship between Eden and Draven was adorable, and felt quick to develop, but not rushed. Basically just two characters who have an instant chemistry, which was a nice touch.
Overall, I would probably recommend this if you’re looking for a light but sweet romantic fantasy, or if you’re a sucker for fae courts and pretty palace gardens.
Normally, as a mood reader, I do make a habit of reading the synopsis. However, for Seeds of Sorrow I didn’t actually bother and made the choice to go in blind. Because of this, I wasn’t actually aware that this was meant to be a Hades and Persephone retelling until I reached the very end. Ultimately, I don’t really think this needed to be a retelling, especially when there are so many Hades and Persephone inspired narratives already out in the aether right now. It didn’t really add much to the story beyond a slight wink and a nudge when certain characters would mimic the behaviours of their mythological counterparts. The plot itself is unique enough to stand on its own, and I actually wish it had been left to do so.
That aside, the book is a fun read. I loved the world building and all the different fae creatures, both light and dark. The relationship between Eden and Draven was adorable, and felt quick to develop, but not rushed. Basically just two characters who have an instant chemistry, which was a nice touch.
Overall, I would probably recommend this if you’re looking for a light but sweet romantic fantasy, or if you’re a sucker for fae courts and pretty palace gardens.
peastomatoescukes's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Lacks world building, MCs are a little wooden.