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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
funny
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
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Ah so this was A Touch of Ruin as told from Hades POV. It being from Hades POV didn't make it any less messy, we just got the inside scoop of Hades thought process though it did very little to change my mind about him being emotionally stunted. It also didn't make me any less annoyed about the fact that He took no responsibility for it and his rationalizations for his actions or lack there of rather were pointless. At least in this book, Hecate FINALLY puts him in his place about his BS. It was short lived, but it was nice to see it happen lol. Once again though, I enjoyed reading from his POV much more than hers. I am also liking the plot with Hades books, honestly I think there is more going on plot wise in his books than Persephone's.
Next complaint. There is ENTIRELY too much sex. Now, I like a spicy book just as much as the next book girly but COME ON. Honestly, it's like all their relationship is - sex. There is no real foundation or feelings. Their relationship is actually pretty toxic. You betrayed me, let's have sex. My friend is dying - let's have sex. I was kidnapped - let's have sex. Literally sex is attached to any and every emotion felt and it is literally the basis and main point of their relationship. Seriously, who has sex like 4 times back to back? Who actually wants to read that much smut?
I can't say I'm loving these books, but I don't dislike them enough to not want to finish out the story. There seems to be so much more going on in Hades' books and it looks like some shit is about to pop off so that's what has me getting ready to download the next book.
Next complaint. There is ENTIRELY too much sex. Now, I like a spicy book just as much as the next book girly but COME ON. Honestly, it's like all their relationship is - sex. There is no real foundation or feelings. Their relationship is actually pretty toxic. You betrayed me, let's have sex. My friend is dying - let's have sex. I was kidnapped - let's have sex. Literally sex is attached to any and every emotion felt and it is literally the basis and main point of their relationship. Seriously, who has sex like 4 times back to back? Who actually wants to read that much smut?
I can't say I'm loving these books, but I don't dislike them enough to not want to finish out the story. There seems to be so much more going on in Hades' books and it looks like some shit is about to pop off so that's what has me getting ready to download the next book.
I finished the first book, I really enjoyed the storyline but there's a minimum of one sex scene in each chapter. Sometimes up to 4-5 sex scenes. It just became too much, I won't continue this series.
dark
emotional
sad
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:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75 ⭐️
3 🌶️
“When your boyfriend is battling gods and you’re just trying to feel seen.”
3 🌶️
“When your boyfriend is battling gods and you’re just trying to feel seen.”
Finally, we get the tea from the brooding, emotionally constipated God of the Dead himself—and let me tell you, Hades has a lot going on.
‘A Game of Retribution’ delivers what fans of Greek mythology and dark romance crave: power plays, ancient grudges, and a god who spends as much time swinging swords as he does struggling with his feelings. Told from Hades’ POV, this entry feels meatier than its Persephone-focused counterpart (sorry, girl) - there’s more mythological intrigue, more world-building, and significantly fewer existential spirals.
Hades is a delightfully complex character. He’s juggling impossible labors from a petty Hera, brooding over his place in the Underworld, and still trying to be a supportive boyfriend… in the most avoidant, emotionally unavailable way possible. Meanwhile, Persephone’s having a rough time (grief, self-doubt, vibes) but gets little screen time and even less communication. It’s like ‘The Bachelor: Underworld Edition’, and Hades forgot the group date.
That said, the book shines whenever Hades is with Hermes or Hecate—those two remain the MVPs of the series, hijacking every scene with wit, wisdom, and much-needed personality. The spice is there, as expected, but it’s beginning to feel a bit like mythological déjà vu. Fewer but more meaningful and better scenes would definitely elevate the romance.
Still, this book is a noticeable step up in both pacing and prose. It’s clear St. Clair is hitting her stride with these gods behaving badly. And if Hades is your favorite flavor of morally grey, emotionally scarred love interest? This one’s for you.
Final verdict: 3.75 stars for mythic melodrama, sword-swinging gods, and Hermes being the chaotic icon we all deserve.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Did not like flipping between book.
I find I’m liking Hades’ point of view more. There’s more of a backstory and more Greek mythology. When we read Persephone’s view, it seems like Hades is just coming and going and we as readers have no idea where- until we read his side of the story.