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A review by savage_book_review
Neon Gods by Katee Robert
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
In this version of my favourite myth, Hades has been erased from the history of the city of Olympus, but no-one dares cross the River Styx into what was once his territory. Until Persephone, trying to escape from a nasty surprise, runs straight into his arms. Both have reasons to want to see Zeus suffer, but can they work together to bring about his downfall in the limited time they have available?
Once again, Hades is everything you want in a morally grey man in this book. Dark, dominant and dangerous on the outside, and ooey-gooey squishiness once you get past his steel defences. Throw in the brooding sexiness, tragic backstory and a penchant for exhibitionism, and yeah, this version ranks definitely top 3 on my 'Hades as book boyfriend' list! What surprises me though is that Persephone actually comes across quite well in here too. She's still a little immature if I'm being picky, but the role she inhabits in Hades' life suits that.
I always find it fun exploring a new author's version of Olympus and working out what's unique to them. In this case, there's a good mix of contemporary fantasy and mythology; while Olympus is (on the face of it) somewhere in the USA, it appears to be shielded to make it hard for people to get in and out. Within the city, the 'gods' are the Thirteen; leaders of the various sources of infrastructure, agriculture and support. With a mix of elected, selected and hereditary positions, the name is a title passed on. In places I did find this bit of worldbuilding a little patchy, but seriously if you're reading this for the depth, you've probably picked up the wrong book. I did also enjoy the introduction of other characters from the mythology; for example, in this book Persephone has three sisters; Callisto, Psyche and Euridyce. And of course Cerberus as a cute lil puppy makes an appearance! That does seem to be one of thr big rules in these retellings; Cerberus must ALWAYS be a very good dog.
Plot-wise, there are no great surprises. While there are some changes to fit the tone and this author's needs, generally speaking you're going into this knowing exactly what's going to happen, and that it's going to be spicy! My preference would have been to have it as a slower burn than it is, but this absolutely works! The writing is punchy, getting you exactly where you need to be while still letting you inside your character's heads and feel their emotions; it's a great balancing act.
But what a shame... it's not on KU and my library doesn't stock the next books in the series, either physically or on Borrowbox. So I've had to order the set myself *sighs dramatically*. Can't wait for my book mail!!!
Full of positive representations of different sexualities, genders, races, ages and body types, I think this is quickly going to become a new favourite series. I've even signed up to the author's Patreon to get access to all of the other short stories, artwork etc she's got going... and as a surprise bonus I found out I get access to the audio versions of her fairytale retelling series, which is also on my WTR list! Woop!!!
Once again, Hades is everything you want in a morally grey man in this book. Dark, dominant and dangerous on the outside, and ooey-gooey squishiness once you get past his steel defences. Throw in the brooding sexiness, tragic backstory and a penchant for exhibitionism, and yeah, this version ranks definitely top 3 on my 'Hades as book boyfriend' list! What surprises me though is that Persephone actually comes across quite well in here too. She's still a little immature if I'm being picky, but the role she inhabits in Hades' life suits that.
I always find it fun exploring a new author's version of Olympus and working out what's unique to them. In this case, there's a good mix of contemporary fantasy and mythology; while Olympus is (on the face of it) somewhere in the USA, it appears to be shielded to make it hard for people to get in and out. Within the city, the 'gods' are the Thirteen; leaders of the various sources of infrastructure, agriculture and support. With a mix of elected, selected and hereditary positions, the name is a title passed on. In places I did find this bit of worldbuilding a little patchy, but seriously if you're reading this for the depth, you've probably picked up the wrong book. I did also enjoy the introduction of other characters from the mythology; for example, in this book Persephone has three sisters; Callisto, Psyche and Euridyce. And of course Cerberus as a cute lil puppy makes an appearance! That does seem to be one of thr big rules in these retellings; Cerberus must ALWAYS be a very good dog.
Plot-wise, there are no great surprises. While there are some changes to fit the tone and this author's needs, generally speaking you're going into this knowing exactly what's going to happen, and that it's going to be spicy! My preference would have been to have it as a slower burn than it is, but this absolutely works! The writing is punchy, getting you exactly where you need to be while still letting you inside your character's heads and feel their emotions; it's a great balancing act.
But what a shame... it's not on KU and my library doesn't stock the next books in the series, either physically or on Borrowbox. So I've had to order the set myself *sighs dramatically*. Can't wait for my book mail!!!
Full of positive representations of different sexualities, genders, races, ages and body types, I think this is quickly going to become a new favourite series. I've even signed up to the author's Patreon to get access to all of the other short stories, artwork etc she's got going... and as a surprise bonus I found out I get access to the audio versions of her fairytale retelling series, which is also on my WTR list! Woop!!!