Scan barcode
A review by bangiebangs
The Maiden and The Unseen by Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The lack of story has been noted in other reviews, so let's just say: an good spin on the Hades and Persephone myth, but a lot of the story and details felt derivative or annoying (the constant lack of communication and insecurities... it is a lot). The pacing also feels uneven.
Overall: Fast read, had me smiling on occasion, quite spicy but not giving that exhilarating feeling. It's pretty straight forward smut. Slight warning that unlike other retellings this feels really straight. I'm not sure I care enough about the story to pick up the next in the series if there is one.
This book ends on a cliffhanger... which I hated. A case of a fantasy story suddenly going a hundred miles an hour on the last 10 pages out of nowhere, really annoying.
Some details felt as if assembled from other retellings: we have the *super sensitive wings* scenes (ACOTAR batboys, Hades' are even described as "like softest leather" and are super sensitive etc); they both are glamoured and actually have horns (this reminded me a lot of the Hades x Persephone/ Hades books by Scarlett St Claire), and the overall vibe with him being annoyingly possessive and both being super insecure gives.. idk, maybe Fifty Shades/other romance? I did not like how this incorporates kinky stuff, that also felt clumsy.
As I said above, all these can be ignored and it's still a nice enough read. But if you're still deciding which Hades/Persephone to read, I suggest Neon Gods (excellent kinky scenes, great consent, very very hot) or A Touch of Darkness (also good consent, more straight-up sex than kink)). </spoiler)
Overall: Fast read, had me smiling on occasion, quite spicy but not giving that exhilarating feeling. It's pretty straight forward smut. Slight warning that unlike other retellings this feels really straight. I'm not sure I care enough about the story to pick up the next in the series if there is one.
Some details felt as if assembled from other retellings: we have the *super sensitive wings* scenes (ACOTAR batboys, Hades' are even described as "like softest leather" and are super sensitive etc); they both are glamoured and actually have horns (this reminded me a lot of the Hades x Persephone/ Hades books by Scarlett St Claire), and the overall vibe with him being annoyingly possessive and both being super insecure gives.. idk, maybe Fifty Shades/other romance? I did not like how this incorporates kinky stuff, that also felt clumsy.
As I said above, all these can be ignored and it's still a nice enough read. But if you're still deciding which Hades/Persephone to read, I suggest Neon Gods (excellent kinky scenes, great consent, very very hot) or A Touch of Darkness (also good consent, more straight-up sex than kink)). </spoiler)
Content Warnings
Minor: Stalking