Scan barcode
jasmin_l's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.5
sarahreadsbooks_'s review
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
readwkc's review against another edition
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
3.0
I think I'm done with retellings for now. I can't tell you how many greek mythology retellings I've read and I still don't know who everyone is lmao. Usually in retellings they'll tell you how everyone is connected but I felt like in this one if you didn't know then you just didn't. That's totally a me thing because for some reason that kind of info just doesn't stick with me. The romance was cute and loved the trans representation but wasn't invested in the plot.
rubytyme's review against another edition
dark
tense
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
5.0
andrearaereads's review
3.0
I will always turn to a Hades/Persephone retelling. I enjoyed aspects of this immensely but the overall world-building was a bit rushed for me and I found myself wanting to learn more about the machinations of the city we’re in. Parts of the relationship was a bit rushed for my tastes as well, and even though I love me a polyamorous moment I wanted a bit more buildup to their sex with Hecate. Overall, the book felt like an introduction to the world and to other characters/relationships.
addydeejreads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
slow-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
I have a love hate relationship with retellings. There really is no in between so picking this one up was tentative but it was wholly worth it. I absolutely loved this from the writing style to the characters everything just felt right.
Sure this had all the fixings for someone familiar with the Hades and Persephone story but it really stood on it's own two legs. Set in an alternate modern day society in the "underbelly" that is beyond the River Styx in the biggest, best and most renowned casino owned by the myth himself, Hades. Truly, this man is so behind the scenes people literally question his existence. But for family, he'd do anything and by anything, it meant showing up to a production being put on in his theatre. Something new and fantastical and Dionysus would not have Hades miss it.
Enter Persephone, our badass aerial performer, the star of the show. She immediately catches Hades attention and the rest is history as they say. The story gives almost mafia type vibes where territories are sectioned off and everyone has their place. They don't interfere or there could be "war". I think fans of motorcycle club romances or mafia type stories would find a kinship with this story. I certainly did.
I loved this story so much, it's my favorite retelling to date and I can't wait to pick up the rest of the series.
The cast is unapologetically Black and Brown, there's some of the most wholesome Trans. rep I've read (I don't speak for the community I'm only going by what I know and have read in the past), and the spice gave in EVERY way. The relationships that are explored don't just stop at one thing and don't fall flat and not just of the sexual variety. Friendships, family and hierarchy dynamics are explored but weaved together so intrinsically that one cannot exist without the other.
Sure this had all the fixings for someone familiar with the Hades and Persephone story but it really stood on it's own two legs. Set in an alternate modern day society in the "underbelly" that is beyond the River Styx in the biggest, best and most renowned casino owned by the myth himself, Hades. Truly, this man is so behind the scenes people literally question his existence. But for family, he'd do anything and by anything, it meant showing up to a production being put on in his theatre. Something new and fantastical and Dionysus would not have Hades miss it.
Enter Persephone, our badass aerial performer, the star of the show. She immediately catches Hades attention and the rest is history as they say. The story gives almost mafia type vibes where territories are sectioned off and everyone has their place. They don't interfere or there could be "war". I think fans of motorcycle club romances or mafia type stories would find a kinship with this story. I certainly did.
I loved this story so much, it's my favorite retelling to date and I can't wait to pick up the rest of the series.
The cast is unapologetically Black and Brown, there's some of the most wholesome Trans. rep I've read (I don't speak for the community I'm only going by what I know and have read in the past), and the spice gave in EVERY way. The relationships that are explored don't just stop at one thing and don't fall flat and not just of the sexual variety. Friendships, family and hierarchy dynamics are explored but weaved together so intrinsically that one cannot exist without the other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Stalking
Moderate: Gun violence
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
At times, I felt like this was mega angsty and choppily written. However, about halfway through, the characters pulled me in, the steam picked up & I ATE THIS UP!
The trans rep is beautiful, the threesome scene had me in a chokehold(!!!!!) & I will definitely continue this smutty mythology retelling series!
The trans rep is beautiful, the threesome scene had me in a chokehold(!!!!!) & I will definitely continue this smutty mythology retelling series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
hijinx_abound's review
2.0
It always makes me feel a little like an asshole to say this, but this book had so much potential. I know that writing is hard and I believe that everyone who does it deserves appreciation. This version of the Greek myth is is fascinating. I love the city and how things are set up. I love that Zeus is an overindulged brat whose brother has always cleaned up after. I love that Hades is a caretaker and is supportive and protective of the children Zeus abandoned.
However, the writing did not work for me. The prose was awkward and distracting. In places, common phrases were altered in an odd way. It often took me right out of the story.
I love the idea and the world but not the execution.
However, the writing did not work for me. The prose was awkward and distracting. In places, common phrases were altered in an odd way. It often took me right out of the story.
I love the idea and the world but not the execution.