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rtaylor0326's review
5.0
I had been waiting to read this book since I first read the synopsis. An alternate take on Hades and Persephone, Seeds of Sorrow enchants from the first chapter. The world building is astounding, the characters easy to fall for, and the villain rotten to the core. Watching Eden grow from a timid, sheltered fae to the Match to the Dark King is amazing. I loved the interactions of the three brothers and am curious to see Eden’s relationship with the royal family unfold. I didn’t want the story to end and cannot wait for book two!
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.
proudtobeabookaholic's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Eden wishes for nothing more than one night away from her overprotecting mother, and a ball at another king's court seems like the perfect outing. But when the night is over Eden finds herself betrothed to Draven, the king of Andhera, also known as the king of nightmares. You should be careful what you wish for...
This is a re-telling of Hades and Persephone and I loved everything about it! The world building with the three realms and three kings, the well fleshed out characters, that you either love or hate, and the romance between Lady Eden of Damaris and King Draven - all exactly in my taste! Even the sex scenes are top notch and with just the right amount of steam. This was a book I had a hard time putting down, but I also didn't want it to end! Highly recommended!
"Andhera wasn't a place anyone willingly spoke of unless it was in hushed whispers, and its king, Draven, was ruthless."
* I received a free copy of the book from BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Confinement, and Death
lb_ferguson's review
2.0
Right from the beginning I saw elements not just from the Hades and Persephone tale, but also from ACOTR and Beauty and the Beast. Which really isn’t a huge surprise. All those stories either share the same root story or similar elements. Either the Tam Lin story or the aspects of an innocent, yet strong female character falling in love with the dark beast.
The world building is pretty evident in this story. Though, I didn’t really feel it was developed to its full potential. I felt that it could have been more detailed. And the details that were already present having more emphasis in the story. The characters were there and their interactions were interesting. Yet, their development wasn’t nearly as strong as the world building. They seemed muted; not fully colored or present within the fantasy. The secondary characters especially, and compared to the primary characters, seemed more than a little underdeveloped.
Then there was the story itself… The story was enjoyable. It read nicely and did keep your interest. But it was not exactly the best story out there. It seemed more like half a story, like pieces were missing or not all the way said. Then there was the conflicts within the story; the conflicts were half baked and most either disappeared without cause. Or suddenly went from 0 to 60 in no time (especially about half way through the story). They also seemed to be very mild and not melding with the story that well. The bouncing between Draven and Eden’s perspectives was well done. There was no question who’s point of view was being followed or when that perspective took place. There was no confusion between the characters and the reader. The romance between the two protagonists was inevitable and could be seen coming from a mile away. Yet, it also seemed too sudden. You could see interest at the beginning, but the real emotion felt like it came out of nowhere. It, too, had instances that made it seem muted. But that could be because of the timing and lack of solid interactions between Draven and Eden at the start. Like a majority of what happened or the story being told happened off to the side. More inferred or lightly mentioned, rather than lived through by the reader.
My over all impressions of the characters, conflicts, and story was that it was mild. It was alright to read, but was underdeveloped. What conflicts there were, I wished were stronger and better integrated into the story. On a side note about their romance, there are areas that can be seen as explicit. But I would not call them steamy; they Amy be hot and heavy to some readers, but to others it was not too hot to handle. The whole story, over all, while enjoyable, could have used some more oomph.
The world building is pretty evident in this story. Though, I didn’t really feel it was developed to its full potential. I felt that it could have been more detailed. And the details that were already present having more emphasis in the story. The characters were there and their interactions were interesting. Yet, their development wasn’t nearly as strong as the world building. They seemed muted; not fully colored or present within the fantasy. The secondary characters especially, and compared to the primary characters, seemed more than a little underdeveloped.
Then there was the story itself… The story was enjoyable. It read nicely and did keep your interest. But it was not exactly the best story out there. It seemed more like half a story, like pieces were missing or not all the way said. Then there was the conflicts within the story; the conflicts were half baked and most either disappeared without cause. Or suddenly went from 0 to 60 in no time (especially about half way through the story). They also seemed to be very mild and not melding with the story that well. The bouncing between Draven and Eden’s perspectives was well done. There was no question who’s point of view was being followed or when that perspective took place. There was no confusion between the characters and the reader. The romance between the two protagonists was inevitable and could be seen coming from a mile away. Yet, it also seemed too sudden. You could see interest at the beginning, but the real emotion felt like it came out of nowhere. It, too, had instances that made it seem muted. But that could be because of the timing and lack of solid interactions between Draven and Eden at the start. Like a majority of what happened or the story being told happened off to the side. More inferred or lightly mentioned, rather than lived through by the reader.
My over all impressions of the characters, conflicts, and story was that it was mild. It was alright to read, but was underdeveloped. What conflicts there were, I wished were stronger and better integrated into the story. On a side note about their romance, there are areas that can be seen as explicit. But I would not call them steamy; they Amy be hot and heavy to some readers, but to others it was not too hot to handle. The whole story, over all, while enjoyable, could have used some more oomph.
bittersweetcritiques's review
3.0
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Seeds of Sorrow has a lot of potential. The plot, although being a Hades/Persephone retelling, is unique. The fae/human/underworld structure is pretty cool and if you're seeking a light and fluffy read, this book definitely does the trick. In the end though, I just felt like the plot was rushed in quite a few places as well as several characters not being flushed out well, especially the main villain. I'm curious to see where the authors' take it from here. I will read the next installment because Eden and Draven are so sweet together and I'm invested in their relationship.
Seeds of Sorrow has a lot of potential. The plot, although being a Hades/Persephone retelling, is unique. The fae/human/underworld structure is pretty cool and if you're seeking a light and fluffy read, this book definitely does the trick. In the end though, I just felt like the plot was rushed in quite a few places as well as several characters not being flushed out well, especially the main villain. I'm curious to see where the authors' take it from here. I will read the next installment because Eden and Draven are so sweet together and I'm invested in their relationship.
forestatdawn_reads's review
3.0
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The premise of this book was promising and I had high hopes for how it would turn out. Personally, it just wasn’t for me. I had difficulty engaging with the material and ended up putting it down a few times. I did finish it, and it was okay, just not my cup of tea.
The premise of this book was promising and I had high hopes for how it would turn out. Personally, it just wasn’t for me. I had difficulty engaging with the material and ended up putting it down a few times. I did finish it, and it was okay, just not my cup of tea.
analogdreams92's review
3.0
I am a complete sucker for a Hades and Persephone retelling. Of course, that’s what drew me to this book. It is a complex world, of rich and diverse characters.
To me it felt more like a high fantasy with mythical beasts than a romance. There definitely was romance in this book, which was quite steamy and lovely — build up was fantastic.
It just felt as if it was missing something, like a focus. Changing between our main characters, Draven and Eden was alright. That’s not usually my favorite in books.
The cliffhanger it ends on is rough. It left me wanting more and to have a more closed end (though I understand and see that this is the first in a series).
I wish we got to know the characters a little deeper than we did. Draven sounds complex for a thousands of years old fae-vampire. His kingdom of Andhera sounded rich and wild.
Just a few tweaks and paring down of other details, and this would be an absolute hit.
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens. I am writing this review of my own choosing.
To me it felt more like a high fantasy with mythical beasts than a romance. There definitely was romance in this book, which was quite steamy and lovely — build up was fantastic.
It just felt as if it was missing something, like a focus. Changing between our main characters, Draven and Eden was alright. That’s not usually my favorite in books.
The cliffhanger it ends on is rough. It left me wanting more and to have a more closed end (though I understand and see that this is the first in a series).
I wish we got to know the characters a little deeper than we did. Draven sounds complex for a thousands of years old fae-vampire. His kingdom of Andhera sounded rich and wild.
Just a few tweaks and paring down of other details, and this would be an absolute hit.
I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens. I am writing this review of my own choosing.
lou_wilham's review
5.0
Christis and Elle have done it again!
The Immortal Realms is a delightfully rich reimagining of classic Greek lore that I whole heartedly adored. They even managed to make Zues' counter part lovable which... how?!
Combine a few vampires, a lot of fae magic, and some truly amazing characters, and you've got a beautifully woven Persephone and Hades retelling that is hard to put down!
The Immortal Realms is a delightfully rich reimagining of classic Greek lore that I whole heartedly adored. They even managed to make Zues' counter part lovable which... how?!
Combine a few vampires, a lot of fae magic, and some truly amazing characters, and you've got a beautifully woven Persephone and Hades retelling that is hard to put down!
lalyreads89's review
4.0
Book: Seeds of sorrows
There’s something about Hades and Persephone love story that got me believing in real love why? Because even the king of the underworld is capable of love and feelings you just need to find the right person to deal with your darkness and love you regardless…
I got the amazing privilege of reading this book as an ARC and for that I’m thankful…
There’s 3 kings and each one of them rules in a different realm, King Draven decided to ruled the Dark realm called Andhera, a place full of nightmares, punishments, monsters, vampires and lost souls,
Eden is beautiful, kind, innocent and shines so bright when she smiles that you, she was always overprotected by her mother who never allowed her to explore and be free, then one day By some twisted plot from one of the kings announces that Draven and her must get married and she will now rule the dark realm, Draven knows that she will eventually pay the price for living there and change, perhaps her sunshine will dim and that’s not something he wants, Eden is stubborn but she won’t let this change her… soon the dark realms starts feeling like home…
This book was easy! Fun! Enjoyable and addictive to read, can’t wait for book 2!!!
There’s something about Hades and Persephone love story that got me believing in real love why? Because even the king of the underworld is capable of love and feelings you just need to find the right person to deal with your darkness and love you regardless…
I got the amazing privilege of reading this book as an ARC and for that I’m thankful…
There’s 3 kings and each one of them rules in a different realm, King Draven decided to ruled the Dark realm called Andhera, a place full of nightmares, punishments, monsters, vampires and lost souls,
Eden is beautiful, kind, innocent and shines so bright when she smiles that you, she was always overprotected by her mother who never allowed her to explore and be free, then one day By some twisted plot from one of the kings announces that Draven and her must get married and she will now rule the dark realm, Draven knows that she will eventually pay the price for living there and change, perhaps her sunshine will dim and that’s not something he wants, Eden is stubborn but she won’t let this change her… soon the dark realms starts feeling like home…
This book was easy! Fun! Enjoyable and addictive to read, can’t wait for book 2!!!
thesundaywriter's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content and Violence