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sabrinz's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
2.75
Only 2 stars because there was too much sex for my taste after the first third of the book. The rest of the book, however, I loved. This spin on the Greek gods and the world that was described in this book are amazing - this mix of city rulers/mafia family. I loved the characters and their relationships with each other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Infidelity and Death of parent
shaipanda's review
fast-paced
3.5
This was a bit disappointing for me unfortunately. While I enjoyed it and liked seeing the relationships develop there were some grammatical errors that bugged me (especially with things that should’ve been in past tense and weren’t), i wasn’t quite as invested as I would’ve liked to be, and I didn’t love what happened at around the 90% mark, it was a bit instalovey for my taste, as well as some other issues with it I’m forgetting now
I enjoyed seeing the trans representation in this retelling and liked the relationships that developed but overall this was a meh read for me unfortunately
I enjoyed seeing the trans representation in this retelling and liked the relationships that developed but overall this was a meh read for me unfortunately
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Gun violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism and Sexual harassment
Minor: Abandonment, Infidelity, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
discarded_dust_jacket's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I’ve read plenty of Hades and Persephone retellings. Often times the emphasis on spice can leave the plot lacking depth or the commitment to the mythology can leave the characters one-dimensional.
But I feel like so far, this is perhaps the most well-rounded version I’ve come across. I enjoyed the writing style, the pacing was mostly good (there was some info-dumping that felt like a slog towards the beginning but it was negligible), the spice was very good, and the characters were nuanced. Overall I really enjoyed this one! I even shed a tear!
But I feel like so far, this is perhaps the most well-rounded version I’ve come across. I enjoyed the writing style, the pacing was mostly good (there was some info-dumping that felt like a slog towards the beginning but it was negligible), the spice was very good, and the characters were nuanced. Overall I really enjoyed this one! I even shed a tear!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Gun violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Infidelity and Transphobia
gattolinos_nerdy_nook's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-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
4.0
Loving the Hades and Persephone story, I was all but sold when I heard about this book. The representation, the story, and the spice all combined to create a fun read and series that I want more of.
On top of the main characters and seeing their lives and back stories, there is also a range of side characters to enjoy as you read along. Each bring their our little views and interactions to make everything more alive. The world is also intriguing but doesn't have a lot of development, as this is not the forefront of the book I didn't have any issues. This as the book is without a doubt a character driven story.
It really enjoyed seeing how Hades and Persephone help each other grow. I don't think there is enough books that showcase helping a loved one without having to change or give something up about yourself. You can change and grow with someone, but it doesn't mean you have to change for someone.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
On top of the main characters and seeing their lives and back stories, there is also a range of side characters to enjoy as you read along. Each bring their our little views and interactions to make everything more alive. The world is also intriguing but doesn't have a lot of development, as this is not the forefront of the book I didn't have any issues. This as the book is without a doubt a character driven story.
It really enjoyed seeing how Hades and Persephone help each other grow. I don't think there is enough books that showcase helping a loved one without having to change or give something up about yourself. You can change and grow with someone, but it doesn't mean you have to change for someone.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Gun violence
Minor: Transphobia
saltibarciai's review
dark
emotional
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
3.5
3.5☆ liked it:
+ Loved the side characters (especially Hecate and her dynamic with Hades)
+ Persephone is one of the best characters I red (this year). Her sassyness, strength, courage, power and her love not just for others, but herself. She is a true goddess.
+ Hades and Persephone's relationship was *chef kiss* (plus, I loved that the start of the first date was from Hades pov)
+ Persephone "coming out" to Hades scene left me with so much warmth and joy in my heart (especially his response)
+ Loved the side characters (especially Hecate and her dynamic with Hades)
+ Persephone is one of the best characters I red (this year). Her sassyness, strength, courage, power and her love not just for others, but herself. She is a true goddess.
+ Hades and Persephone's relationship was *chef kiss* (plus, I loved that the start of the first date was from Hades pov)
+ Persephone "coming out" to Hades scene left me with so much warmth and joy in my heart (especially his response)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Transphobia
Minor: Toxic relationship
marysbookinit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
alwaysbereadin'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
4.75
I loved this. I've been burned a couple times in the past with Hades/Persephone stories, so I went into this with the smallest amount of trepidation although I needn't have worried because this. was. FANTASTIC. If you're into this myth and want a diverse, wonderfully written retelling with fantastic characters and a thrilling plot, then I HIGHLY recommend this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Transphobia
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
TW/CW ableism, explicit sexual content (bdsm aspects, threesome), transphobia, mentions of racism, mentions of past child abuse, manipulative/toxic familial relationships, mentions of cheating, violence, harassment, stalking, arson, explosion, gun violence, attempted murder. hades (mc) is black and demisexual. persephone (mc) is black, pansexual, and transgender. majority queer black/poc cast
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