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kariniwonderland's review
2.0
I understand that spicy books don't necessarily have the most brilliant plots, but this felt more like fanfiction with just smut chapter after chapter. And the fact that the characters acted more like (whiny) teens than adults didn't help either. Only in the last chapter do things get interesting, but then you are left with a cliffhanger. So this was a miss for me. It had potential, but lacked execution.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
brookeekay's review
4.0
I received this book for free as an arc, but all opinions are my own.
This books is spicy, like VERY spicy! I have to say I wasn’t exactly expecting THIS much spice. There is definitely still a plot, but the majority of the chapters either have spice or mention spice.
I’m not opposed to spicy books, but I do think it’s a bit much for me personally, however, since it is a personal preference I’m not going to take any stars off for that.
I have to say, despite it being a bit much for me, It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger that does have me wanting to reach for the next book. So I do plan on continuing the series.
This books is spicy, like VERY spicy! I have to say I wasn’t exactly expecting THIS much spice. There is definitely still a plot, but the majority of the chapters either have spice or mention spice.
I’m not opposed to spicy books, but I do think it’s a bit much for me personally, however, since it is a personal preference I’m not going to take any stars off for that.
I have to say, despite it being a bit much for me, It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger that does have me wanting to reach for the next book. So I do plan on continuing the series.
hanxue's review against another edition
1.0
Persephone and Hades retellings are always either a hit or miss and this one? Total miss. It was just constant smut in the worst possible setting for a myth retelling plus the book was so incredibly long when it felt like it kept repeating the same stuff over and over that I ended up mostly skimming through after a while out of boredom. It was more smut > plot and I suppose some readers may enjoy that but ultimately this book was not for me at all. Also the smut was cringy as hell I cannot lie. I just felt bad for the actual myth after reading this mess.
Thankyou Netgalley for the ARC.
Thankyou Netgalley for the ARC.
cdmue's review
3.0
I received an ARC of The Maiden and The Unseen and it was a good spicy read that I will be looking forward to seeing a sequel to in the future. It is a well-written spicy retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, that kept me reading until I finished it. There are some inconsistencies in the mythology, such as Hades being the middle brother and how he does not know his own sister Demeter from what the authors eluded to. Moments were funny such as "Liquid thunder of your thighs." but there were some moments that were cringe or can become very dated. In all a solid read that kept me entertained and looking forward to what was going to happen next.
nencsa's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sophiesapphire's review
2.0
This Hades and Persephone retelling is a dual-POV story told in a modern-day setting, a quick read, and rather straightforward. The Greek Gods can, like in that of the “Percy Jackson” series, come down from Olympus to mingle with unsuspecting mortals in the human world. Hades, God of Death, for half the year is bound to remain in the mortal realm as CEO of Plutus Bank (which is clever, as this refers to Hades’ other name, Pluto, which more refers to wealth) before spending the other half in the Underworld. Persephone, Goddess of Spring, a Social Media Manager living in the mortal realm for 2 years, has an issue with her bank account and visits Hades. From here, there are many amusing and searing pushes and pulls which no matter how hard they try to resist, their Fate together is inescapable.
Now, I usually like retellings: they are my favourite and I don’t mind a contemporary touch to them. But this felt like an insult to the mythological characters! Persephone and Hades bicker and act very immaturely for their ages, and their pettiness puts everything to shame. I think if this had been approached differently, it would be fine. The way the shadow and vine powers were used, especially early on, is a little too odd for my liking, it threw me off! Plus, most of the secondary characters disappear from the story about halfway through, like Melinoë – who was actually my favourite character in this.
I like a book with a good balance of plot and steamy scenes – unfortunately, this was not it. The plot that was there was fine, however, there was more of the latter than could be counted (which if that is what you want is fine). At times, the writing style felt rather mature, like with avid descriptions or some backstory, but then reverted to a whole different silly vibe. Take this example:
"I’ve been the downer, the rule maker, the obedient and dutiful god. Have I become the old man who tells kids to get off their lawn?"
A few paragraphs later, he says:
"How many times have I heard souls beg for one more day, one more minute, one more second, of life? And I’ve wasted eternity. Being dutiful. Being unseen."
Much better! Or this description:
"Her eyes are a light blue, a ring of gold around the pupil, a sun in the clear sky. Even as they fire with barely contained rage, they give me the sensation of lying in a field, surrounded by flowers swaying in the breeze."
The last two were brilliant! But I can feel the inconsistency. The book also ends on a cliffhanger, which I usually am not a fan of as I prefer books in a series that can be read as a standalone.
Do not get me wrong, I liked a lot of aspects of this. Indeed, the author is a real one for mentioning Hades has signed editions of LOTR, ASOIAF and TOG! As Hades should. AND that they watch “Pride and Prejudice”. Some moments I did like were in chapter 6 when Hades leans against the doorway (always love and appreciate the lean in any book) and in the later chapters their vulnerability with each other was nice to see, ridding their glamour and showing their God forms with horns and wings (especially because Persephone was told previously her form was ugly, we love the confidence boost).
Overall, the story was lacking and just wasn’t my cup of tea. I do accept, as per the author’s note, it is not meant to be mythologically accurate. But I would have preferred a contemporary fantasy novel with the themes, and just forget this mythology. I will try a different retelling.
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing this copy of Alexis Rune’s book. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
Now, I usually like retellings: they are my favourite and I don’t mind a contemporary touch to them. But this felt like an insult to the mythological characters! Persephone and Hades bicker and act very immaturely for their ages, and their pettiness puts everything to shame. I think if this had been approached differently, it would be fine. The way the shadow and vine powers were used, especially early on, is a little too odd for my liking, it threw me off! Plus, most of the secondary characters disappear from the story about halfway through, like Melinoë – who was actually my favourite character in this.
I like a book with a good balance of plot and steamy scenes – unfortunately, this was not it. The plot that was there was fine, however, there was more of the latter than could be counted (which if that is what you want is fine). At times, the writing style felt rather mature, like with avid descriptions or some backstory, but then reverted to a whole different silly vibe. Take this example:
"I’ve been the downer, the rule maker, the obedient and dutiful god. Have I become the old man who tells kids to get off their lawn?"
A few paragraphs later, he says:
"How many times have I heard souls beg for one more day, one more minute, one more second, of life? And I’ve wasted eternity. Being dutiful. Being unseen."
Much better! Or this description:
"Her eyes are a light blue, a ring of gold around the pupil, a sun in the clear sky. Even as they fire with barely contained rage, they give me the sensation of lying in a field, surrounded by flowers swaying in the breeze."
The last two were brilliant! But I can feel the inconsistency. The book also ends on a cliffhanger, which I usually am not a fan of as I prefer books in a series that can be read as a standalone.
Do not get me wrong, I liked a lot of aspects of this. Indeed, the author is a real one for mentioning Hades has signed editions of LOTR, ASOIAF and TOG! As Hades should. AND that they watch “Pride and Prejudice”. Some moments I did like were in chapter 6 when Hades leans against the doorway (always love and appreciate the lean in any book) and in the later chapters their vulnerability with each other was nice to see, ridding their glamour and showing their God forms with horns and wings (especially because Persephone was told previously her form was ugly, we love the confidence boost).
Overall, the story was lacking and just wasn’t my cup of tea. I do accept, as per the author’s note, it is not meant to be mythologically accurate. But I would have preferred a contemporary fantasy novel with the themes, and just forget this mythology. I will try a different retelling.
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing this copy of Alexis Rune’s book. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
jesslemreads's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content