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A review by labyrinth_witch
Neon Gods by Katee Robert
5.0
I like Persephone-Hades tales the most when Persephone has agency and chooses to go to the “lower city” (underworld) of her own will - and what she finds there is a beloved king to contrast with the cruelty of Zeus in upper Olympus, a city steeped in history, and a community caring for each other. She finds the safety one needs to call a place home.
I often find universal empathy for the Hades character written by women- these hades are aways compassionate, loyal, and a bit lonely. Which I think is in line with a broader and more comprehensive understanding of caring for the dead (a role often left to women). What this particular version adds to the narrative is sexual awakening- not in lost virginity, but in opening up to more kink and voyeurism. This is how Persephone finds herself, her power, and steps into her role as queen of the lower city. Which makes perfect sense- one needs trust and safety to engage at that level, all traits consistent with how women write the character of Hades.
This is a narrative about trust, about consent, and about safety as home.
It is explicit, but well crafted. My favorite of the series so far.
I often find universal empathy for the Hades character written by women- these hades are aways compassionate, loyal, and a bit lonely. Which I think is in line with a broader and more comprehensive understanding of caring for the dead (a role often left to women). What this particular version adds to the narrative is sexual awakening- not in lost virginity, but in opening up to more kink and voyeurism. This is how Persephone finds herself, her power, and steps into her role as queen of the lower city. Which makes perfect sense- one needs trust and safety to engage at that level, all traits consistent with how women write the character of Hades.
This is a narrative about trust, about consent, and about safety as home.
It is explicit, but well crafted. My favorite of the series so far.