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margaret's review against another edition
4.0
This graphic novel retelling of the Persephone myth from Greek mythology is set in a fantasy world that’s divided between the underworld of Hades and a kingdom called Éleusis. Persephone, daughter of the magician Demeter, doesn’t think she’s anything special until she’s dragged into the underworld and embarks on a quest to discover the secrets of her identity.
This book felt like a Studio Ghibli film and I adored it! Ever since getting into the musical Hadestown a few months ago, I’ve wanted to read everything Greek mythology-related I can get my hands on, and this book delivered. Offering a different twist on a familiar story, this book focused on Persephone’s journey of self-discovery and coming-of-age. If you’re familiar with the Persephone myth, you’ll still be surprised by where this story goes! Sweet, hopeful, and surprisingly heartwarming (given the setting), Persephone is just the book for a fantasy and mythology nerd like me.
This book felt like a Studio Ghibli film and I adored it! Ever since getting into the musical Hadestown a few months ago, I’ve wanted to read everything Greek mythology-related I can get my hands on, and this book delivered. Offering a different twist on a familiar story, this book focused on Persephone’s journey of self-discovery and coming-of-age. If you’re familiar with the Persephone myth, you’ll still be surprised by where this story goes! Sweet, hopeful, and surprisingly heartwarming (given the setting), Persephone is just the book for a fantasy and mythology nerd like me.
jennifermreads's review against another edition
2.0
The artwork was reminiscent of manga. The story was interesting though, at times, confusing. I kept looking for reminders of or references to the Persephone myth. This search for bit of the original myth was distracting from my full enjoyment of the book. Overall good. But I would have enjoyed it more if the retelling was more blatant or if the main character had a different name, thus allowing me to forget the supposed connection to the myth and just enjoy what was on the page.
terrabby's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
saramarie08's review against another edition
5.0
Many of us probably know the tale of Persephone and Hades, and a cursory background knowledge may help, but is not mandatory, for understanding this story.
In Persephone, Locatelli-Kournwsky takes cues from mythology, but crafts a world very different from Greek mythology. Persephone is the adopted daughter of Demeter, a powerful witch who fought in the war against Hades. Now, the way to Hades is sealed, and Persephone lives a normal teenage life in the Studio Ghibli-esque city in the kingdom of Elesius. That is, until she is tricked into passing through the portal to the netherworld, and forced to bite a cursed Fruit of the Damned. One lock of her hair turns blue, instead of her whole head, a sign to others that she has tasted the fruit. She is rescued by some passing merchants and taken to the castle, where Rhadamanthus has been trying to rule the kingdom in his father's absence. Meanwhile, Demeter must convince the Council of Elesius to let her break the seal on the portal so she can rescue her daughter. For good measure, a trip to Tartarus rounds out this adaptation of the classic myth.
This story was absolutely charming and a welcome, fresh look at mythology. There was nothing of Ancient Greece in this tale, and I enjoyed the creation of Elesius and the interpretation of Hades (name of kingdom, not person). I was initially disappointed that this wasn't a love story in any way, but considering the original story is about forcing Persephone to stay against her will, I'm glad the author went a different route and did not include romantic entanglements. The art was beautiful and perfectly fitting of the choice of setting the author made. The only thing I didn't appreciate was the rushed ending. I kept feeling how many pages were left in the book, wondering if this was a first volume and I missed the memo. But, no, the author tied up all the action in a few pages, rather than lingering a little bit in the last few scenes and letting them fully breathe. The font used was also a little hard for me to read because certain letters were a little more script-like.
Archaia, an imprint of BOOM! Studios, did not give an age rating to this title. The only thing keeping it from being appropriate for elementary audiences is the fantasy violence, which is mild, but still present. There is some blood as the war is depicted, and in a few other spots. The trip to Tartarus could also scare younger audiences.
Sara's Rating: 10/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12
In Persephone, Locatelli-Kournwsky takes cues from mythology, but crafts a world very different from Greek mythology. Persephone is the adopted daughter of Demeter, a powerful witch who fought in the war against Hades. Now, the way to Hades is sealed, and Persephone lives a normal teenage life in the Studio Ghibli-esque city in the kingdom of Elesius. That is, until she is tricked into passing through the portal to the netherworld, and forced to bite a cursed Fruit of the Damned. One lock of her hair turns blue, instead of her whole head, a sign to others that she has tasted the fruit. She is rescued by some passing merchants and taken to the castle, where Rhadamanthus has been trying to rule the kingdom in his father's absence. Meanwhile, Demeter must convince the Council of Elesius to let her break the seal on the portal so she can rescue her daughter. For good measure, a trip to Tartarus rounds out this adaptation of the classic myth.
This story was absolutely charming and a welcome, fresh look at mythology. There was nothing of Ancient Greece in this tale, and I enjoyed the creation of Elesius and the interpretation of Hades (name of kingdom, not person). I was initially disappointed that this wasn't a love story in any way, but considering the original story is about forcing Persephone to stay against her will, I'm glad the author went a different route and did not include romantic entanglements. The art was beautiful and perfectly fitting of the choice of setting the author made. The only thing I didn't appreciate was the rushed ending. I kept feeling how many pages were left in the book, wondering if this was a first volume and I missed the memo. But, no, the author tied up all the action in a few pages, rather than lingering a little bit in the last few scenes and letting them fully breathe. The font used was also a little hard for me to read because certain letters were a little more script-like.
Archaia, an imprint of BOOM! Studios, did not give an age rating to this title. The only thing keeping it from being appropriate for elementary audiences is the fantasy violence, which is mild, but still present. There is some blood as the war is depicted, and in a few other spots. The trip to Tartarus could also scare younger audiences.
Sara's Rating: 10/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12
fiademi's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
thisisxtina's review
3.0
I really loved the idea of this book and liked where it was going until about halfway through. There were a few cool characters that were introduced and then underutilized. The flow of the story was kinda stilted. I wish it had been a larger story with more volumes and time to develop a fuller plot line. The art is magnificent and the best part about it.
baileysmusical's review
4.0
An interesting Persephone retelling that doesn’t focus on romance, but on the mother daughter relationship between her and Demeter. Very different from the original myth-in fact, this could have been created as its own world instead of a retelling. Story focuses a lot on how war separates and harms innocent people. Overall enjoyable.
soaraus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75