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A review by annettebooksofhopeanddreams
Seeds of Sorrow by Elle Beaumont, Christis Christie
4.0
I've been a Greek Mythology nerd ever since I discovered all those gruesome tales. I was 13, had just started Dutch high school and was allowed to star in the play of the graduating class. My interest was born. I devoured all tales, even the ones that were for sure not appropriate for my age, and I wanted more. Hades and Persephone has always been one of my favorite tales. So, when I saw this book on BookSirens I just had to have and read it.
What I loved about this book is that it's more than just a Hades and Persephone retelling. Don't get me wrong. The tale in itself is perfect. But, when you just retell the tale it's kinda hard to be original, to add something unique. The authors of this retelling chose to add fae and other supernatural elements and some external danger. Therefore it's not just the romance keeping us on the tips of our toes, but everything else too.
However, the romance and the description of the dark world our Hades lives in are the true stars of the show. Although the romance went quicker than I thought it would, I liked that it's really a romance. Yes, Draven can be protective. Yes, at first he keeps our girl at arms length. But it's clear he always sees her as the best version of herself. It's clear that he likes her, loves her and simply wants her to be safe. Mostly because he can't live without her anymore.
And while our heroine explores the dark, but beautiful and thrilling world her future husband rules, we also see her growing. She has always been sheltered, hidden away by her mother, kept away from the pleasures of life. But here in this dark world she thrives. We learn quite soon that her innocence is not the same as weakness and that her will to live and experience life at its fullest makes everything a possible weapon in her hands.
I needed a little time to really get into the story, but I did love how true this retelling felt and how original it still seemed.
What I loved about this book is that it's more than just a Hades and Persephone retelling. Don't get me wrong. The tale in itself is perfect. But, when you just retell the tale it's kinda hard to be original, to add something unique. The authors of this retelling chose to add fae and other supernatural elements and some external danger. Therefore it's not just the romance keeping us on the tips of our toes, but everything else too.
However, the romance and the description of the dark world our Hades lives in are the true stars of the show. Although the romance went quicker than I thought it would, I liked that it's really a romance. Yes, Draven can be protective. Yes, at first he keeps our girl at arms length. But it's clear he always sees her as the best version of herself. It's clear that he likes her, loves her and simply wants her to be safe. Mostly because he can't live without her anymore.
And while our heroine explores the dark, but beautiful and thrilling world her future husband rules, we also see her growing. She has always been sheltered, hidden away by her mother, kept away from the pleasures of life. But here in this dark world she thrives. We learn quite soon that her innocence is not the same as weakness and that her will to live and experience life at its fullest makes everything a possible weapon in her hands.
I needed a little time to really get into the story, but I did love how true this retelling felt and how original it still seemed.