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A review by greenbeanteenqueen
Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
4.0
The story of Persephone is one of my favorite's in mythology. So when I first heard about this book I knew I had to read it. I was so excited about it, I even did a happy dance in my office when I got it! Emily Whitman's retelling does not disappoint! Radiant Darkness has it all-a strict overbearing mom, a rebellious daughter, a forbidden romance, sacrifice and heartbreak. What teen couldn't relate to something on that list?
Ms. Whitman does a great job of turning the familiar story on it's head and adding new layers. Persephone is believable and readers will find her relatable, despite her mythical background. I loved that she starts as just a normal girl, who’s even a little klutzy! Her transformation throughout is beautifully written and I was cheering for Persephone along her journey.
I also enjoyed reading about Persephone's relationship with a human woman, Melita, who she meets in the underworld. Melita's ideas and influences on Persephone added to Persephone's overall character and made her seem more human.
I do wish there would have been a little more with Hades and Persephone and their budding relationship. At times I wasn't sure if I was supposed to like Hades or not, so more interaction from him would have been nice. What was there between the two I did like for the most part though, and Hades grew on me in the end.
Overall, this was an enchanting debut and I'm sure readers who enjoy mythology or fairy tales will want to pick this one up.
Ms. Whitman does a great job of turning the familiar story on it's head and adding new layers. Persephone is believable and readers will find her relatable, despite her mythical background. I loved that she starts as just a normal girl, who’s even a little klutzy! Her transformation throughout is beautifully written and I was cheering for Persephone along her journey.
I also enjoyed reading about Persephone's relationship with a human woman, Melita, who she meets in the underworld. Melita's ideas and influences on Persephone added to Persephone's overall character and made her seem more human.
I do wish there would have been a little more with Hades and Persephone and their budding relationship. At times I wasn't sure if I was supposed to like Hades or not, so more interaction from him would have been nice. What was there between the two I did like for the most part though, and Hades grew on me in the end.
Overall, this was an enchanting debut and I'm sure readers who enjoy mythology or fairy tales will want to pick this one up.