A review by cakt1991
Captive in the Underworld by Lianyu Tan

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 After really enjoying the more recent book I read from Lianyu Tan, I decided to take the plunge and give her previous book, Captive in the Underworld, a chance. Once again, this is not for the faint-hearted reader, and while I’m more than willing to call out things I see as wrong in most romance, I was more than happy to go for the ride once again, especially as Tan writes dark romance with self-awareness about the  toxic dynamics of her stories, including 100% transparent content warnings. 

Given how messed-up the Greek Gods and Goddesses are (especially the Hades/Persephone myth), I love that Tan plays with that in all its full glory, with the twist that Hades is a woman. The impact that has on her interplay with the other gods, given Hades’ already-tenuous position, is perhaps one of the most fascinating concepts here. 

Given I’m not super well read on Greek mythology, I do find it fascinating how many of these darker retellings cast Demeter as manipulative and an abusive mother, in order to make Hades seem like a better option, when my understanding of the tale has always been that Demeter and Persephone had a pretty loving relationship, and the interceding of Hades, plus Demeter’s sadness, supposedly created the seasons. But it was nonetheless easy to understand this incarnation of Demeter being this way, even if it was about isolating Persephone in a toxic way. 

This incarnation of Persephone definitely leans more into the traditional demure territory than I would like, but I suppose that’s par for the course for the more “standard” dark romance. However, the softness doesn’t mean she lacks grit and inner strength, even if she does often lack agency. And while dub- and non-con do play major roles in Hades acquiring Persephone, Tan is also effective in creating a relationship that ultimately works. Hades ultimately becomes  less villainous and easier to take in  as the story goes on, and their romance is beautiful in a dark way. 

While this book will not be for everyone, the lush, self-aware writing and the great concepts make it more than worth it if you’re open to trying it. I would most recommend it to anyone looking for sapphic dark fantasy or romance.