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onlyonebookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence and Stalking
Minor: Transphobia
heather667's review
emotional
tense
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Violence, Grief, Stalking, Transphobia, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcohol, Deportation, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: 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
thirdeyeangel23's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.5
There’s a reason why this book has been so hyped!!! I’m a complete whore for Hades and Persephone re-tellings and this is at the top for me. Drag Me Up is a more modern take on their story. We have Persephone who is a young black trans woman who’s been fighting to live out her dreams. As the star of a new cirque show Persephone is an instant star and immediately grabs the attention of the club owner, Hades. Hades is both the legend and backbone of Khaos Falls. As the eldest of his three brothers he’s become the most feared and known for being Zeus’s enforcer (and enabler). All of that changes when Hades chooses his love for Persophone. This was such a beautiful portrayal of both characters. While Hades is feared, we get to see a more bashful and genuinely precious side. He has such a true love for his mate and his family. Persephone is also such a force and it was a joy to see her uplifting and providing strength for her partner. The last 30% did move a tad too fast, but overall I found this story to be perfectly seductive, thrilling, and deliciously smutty. I can’t wait to read book 2!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence, Transphobia, and Sexual harassment
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
ruthiedr89's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Ableism, Transphobia, Sexual harassment, Gaslighting, and Fire/Fire injury
potalian's review against another edition
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence and Stalking
Minor: Gun violence, Kidnapping, Transphobia, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcoholism
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