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Hades Saga #2
La saga d'Hadès - Tome 02: A game of retribution
Redécouvrez le monde fantastique des dieux et des mortels, à travers le regard d’Hadès. Hadès, le dieu des morts, ne prend pas parti et ne contourne pas les règles. Il ne fait aucune exception à ces valeurs, ni pour les dieux ni pour les mortels, même pour Perséphone, déesse du printemps. Habituellement, la peur empêche les représailles. Mais pas cette fois. Lorsque Héra, déesse du mariage, approche Hadès avec un plan pour renverser Zeus, il refuse d’offrir son aide. En guise de punition, Héra le condamne à accomplir une série de travaux. Entre le meurtre de monstres mythiques et la récupération d’artefacts volés, chaque exploit semble plus impossible que le précédent et détourne son attention de Perséphone, dont la propre tragédie l’a amenée à se demander si elle peut devenir reine des enfers. Hadès pourra-t-il maintenir l’équilibre qu’il recherche ?
432 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2022
5325 people are currently reading
69970 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett St. Clair
28 books31k followersInternational and USA Today Best Selling author Scarlett St. Clair is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation and the author of the HADES X PERSEPHONE SAGA, the HADES SAGA, KING OF BATTLE & BLOOD, and WHEN STARS COME OUT.
She has a Master's degree in Library Science and Information Studies and a Bachelors in English Writing. She is obsessed with Greek Mythology, murder mysteries, and the afterlife.
If you are obsessed with these things, then you'll like her books. You can find pictures of her adorable dog Adelaide on her Instagram at @authorscarlettstclair.
She has a Master's degree in Library Science and Information Studies and a Bachelors in English Writing. She is obsessed with Greek Mythology, murder mysteries, and the afterlife.
If you are obsessed with these things, then you'll like her books. You can find pictures of her adorable dog Adelaide on her Instagram at @authorscarlettstclair.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,393 reviews
June 17, 2022
so grateful for this spin-off series because its making good progress at fixing the major issue i have with the main series.
i personally find hades to be a much more compelling and complex character than persephone and he started off as such an integral part of the main series. but starting with book #2, he was really only there for sex and thats it. and then he would disappear without the reader knowing why. like, how could such a strong, furious god be reduced to only giving persephone pleasure?? it was seriously so disappointing that SSC did that to his character, but thankfully this spin-off series is making up for that.
WE FINALLY HAVE ANSWERS. we know what hades is up to. why hes disappearing. how it plays into the overall narrative and world-building. everything is so much more detailed and developed and, honestly, its to the point where i think i may only read these books rather than keep up with the main series. which i really have no problem with. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
↠ 3.5 stars
i personally find hades to be a much more compelling and complex character than persephone and he started off as such an integral part of the main series. but starting with book #2, he was really only there for sex and thats it. and then he would disappear without the reader knowing why. like, how could such a strong, furious god be reduced to only giving persephone pleasure?? it was seriously so disappointing that SSC did that to his character, but thankfully this spin-off series is making up for that.
WE FINALLY HAVE ANSWERS. we know what hades is up to. why hes disappearing. how it plays into the overall narrative and world-building. everything is so much more detailed and developed and, honestly, its to the point where i think i may only read these books rather than keep up with the main series. which i really have no problem with. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
↠ 3.5 stars
Want to read
November 27, 2020oh this is gonna be good.
May 30, 2022
A Game of Retribution was much better than A Game of Fate, I'm saying it now.
The thing that bugged me with the first Hades book, is that it felt like the exact same book as A Touch of Darkness just from a different PoV...which is exactly what it was.
This was fixed in the second novel, and we got to see a lot more of Hades on his own (or behind the scenes if you will). That was honestly a blast, and makes this book better than A Touch of Ruin too.
Likewise, in Persephone's PoV she was a lot more annoying than seeing her in Hades's PoV now. I almost didn't feel like she regressed in her confidence/powers, but it was still evident, just to a lesser degree.
This book also jumps around a lot less than the first, so there is some continuity (but if you're new to the series I'd still say read Persephone's PoV before this since it could potentially get confusing).
I got the impression that the steam was more prominent here, and it didn't bother me, there was an added scene that was really cool.
While I'm at added scenes, I love that we saw what Zofie did. I figured she'd tell Persephone at some later date when she was ready, but it's also nice that we finally know.
And the thing I was hoping for, but didn't get is Minthe. No reaction to her plant-ification whatsoever. Perhaps it'll be in another book? I badly want to see it.
My hopes for book three of this series are that there will be minimal overlapping scenes. I only want to read about Hades's shenanigans, please and thank you.
And yeah, that cliffhanger ending was cruel, as expected.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
The thing that bugged me with the first Hades book, is that it felt like the exact same book as A Touch of Darkness just from a different PoV...which is exactly what it was.
This was fixed in the second novel, and we got to see a lot more of Hades on his own (or behind the scenes if you will). That was honestly a blast, and makes this book better than A Touch of Ruin too.
Likewise, in Persephone's PoV she was a lot more annoying than seeing her in Hades's PoV now. I almost didn't feel like she regressed in her confidence/powers, but it was still evident, just to a lesser degree.
This book also jumps around a lot less than the first, so there is some continuity (but if you're new to the series I'd still say read Persephone's PoV before this since it could potentially get confusing).
I got the impression that the steam was more prominent here, and it didn't bother me, there was an added scene that was really cool.
While I'm at added scenes, I love that we saw what Zofie did. I figured she'd tell Persephone at some later date when she was ready, but it's also nice that we finally know.
And the thing I was hoping for, but didn't get is Minthe. No reaction to her plant-ification whatsoever. Perhaps it'll be in another book? I badly want to see it.
My hopes for book three of this series are that there will be minimal overlapping scenes. I only want to read about Hades's shenanigans, please and thank you.
And yeah, that cliffhanger ending was cruel, as expected.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
August 8, 2023
4/5 ⭐
2.5/5 🌶️
First off, I could of use a bit more "Are you well?" Gods, I still love that! When Persephone said it to him!!
I love, love, LOVE these Hades POV books. Makes me want to re-read A Touch of Darkness & A Touch of Ruin.
Lastly, can we talk about Hades confessing that Hermes is his actual bestie.
Quotes:
"Are you well?"
“Darling,” he said, his voice low and fierce. “I would burn this world for you.”
.
2.5/5 🌶️
First off, I could of use a bit more "Are you well?" Gods, I still love that! When Persephone said it to him!!
I love, love, LOVE these Hades POV books. Makes me want to re-read A Touch of Darkness & A Touch of Ruin.
Lastly, can we talk about Hades confessing that Hermes is his actual bestie.
Quotes:
"Are you well?"
“Darling,” he said, his voice low and fierce. “I would burn this world for you.”
.
June 18, 2022
weirdly there was a lot going on in this sequel but at the same time nothing really happens
May 14, 2022
Hades and Persephone is back in this second instalment of the Hades Saga. Hera, Goddess of Women, want to overthrow Zeus and who better to help her than Hades? She doesn't give him much choice but to help her.
This was a good second book. It really built up well from the first book. Hades actually comes across a the "good-guy" and you really kind of root and love him. I felt Persephone had this superior like quality which I didn't like very much. The smut was again a bit overpowering. The book ended on a good note with a bit of anticipation for the next one.
My thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for this ARC.
This was a good second book. It really built up well from the first book. Hades actually comes across a the "good-guy" and you really kind of root and love him. I felt Persephone had this superior like quality which I didn't like very much. The smut was again a bit overpowering. The book ended on a good note with a bit of anticipation for the next one.
My thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for this ARC.
August 9, 2022
"I'm not asking you to be a queen. I'm asking you to be yourself. I'm asking you to marry me. The title comes with our marriage. It changes nothing."
°•*⁀➷
This was so much better than Persephone's perspective of A Touch of Ruin. That could be for so many reasons, but more than anything, because I was on Hades' side before even opening his book. I still can't believe that almost everyone constantly berates Hades for things he has no control over.
Should he tell Persephone more? Yes, but they've only known each other a few weeks. Should he be there for her more? Yes, but she also needs to express when she needs his support because she constantly tells him she doesn't. What is he supposed to do when she won't tell him what she needs? Every time she's angry, every time she hears something about him and doesn't believe him when he tells her the truth behind rumors, I just wish I could push him behind me and tell her off. She asks for trust, but gives none in return. She never listens when he warns her of the God's trickeries and always blames him when something goes wrong after not listening. It's maddening, and makes for an absolutely terrible relationship.
Reading Hades' inner turmoil over everything only made this harder to read, especially after disliking her version so much, but it also made me love Hades more.. hense the higher rating. He deserves so much better than Persephone, and I can't wait to see where this all goes in the future.
I love that on Hades side we get so much more of the story that leads up to the impending war. All of his tasks for Hera, and the pain he suffers during each. We see a side of Hades that I don't think Persephone even cares exists. A side of him that has suffered a millennia of people's judgement when everything he does is to ease their pain when they lose someone.
He's so good, and I can't wait to read the next book from his perspective. I'm enjoying it so much more.
- Paige
°•*⁀➷
This was so much better than Persephone's perspective of A Touch of Ruin. That could be for so many reasons, but more than anything, because I was on Hades' side before even opening his book. I still can't believe that almost everyone constantly berates Hades for things he has no control over.
Should he tell Persephone more? Yes, but they've only known each other a few weeks. Should he be there for her more? Yes, but she also needs to express when she needs his support because she constantly tells him she doesn't. What is he supposed to do when she won't tell him what she needs? Every time she's angry, every time she hears something about him and doesn't believe him when he tells her the truth behind rumors, I just wish I could push him behind me and tell her off. She asks for trust, but gives none in return. She never listens when he warns her of the God's trickeries and always blames him when something goes wrong after not listening. It's maddening, and makes for an absolutely terrible relationship.
Reading Hades' inner turmoil over everything only made this harder to read, especially after disliking her version so much, but it also made me love Hades more.. hense the higher rating. He deserves so much better than Persephone, and I can't wait to see where this all goes in the future.
I love that on Hades side we get so much more of the story that leads up to the impending war. All of his tasks for Hera, and the pain he suffers during each. We see a side of Hades that I don't think Persephone even cares exists. A side of him that has suffered a millennia of people's judgement when everything he does is to ease their pain when they lose someone.
He's so good, and I can't wait to read the next book from his perspective. I'm enjoying it so much more.
- Paige
June 7, 2022
2.5 stars!
I’m gonna try to keep this short and sweet. This entire second story (so this book and A Touch of Ruin) feels super pointless to me and I feel like Scarlett St. Clair should’ve just skipped to the story in book three. Nothing really happens here except Hades and Persephone arguing and not knowing how to communicate with each other. Tbh it’s my opinion that Scarlett is just stretching this story for all its worth, because there’s no reason for this entire series to be seven books.
Persephone is on my sh*t list lol. She literally doesn’t know what she’s asking for and doesn’t follow any rules even though she wants everyone else to follow the rules. She acts like a teenager and the way that Hades is still in love with her is comical to me.
Hades is still hot though but idk why Scarlett made him an alcoholic.
The side characters in this series is what usually draws me to it, but Hecate annoyed me a lot in this one. Mainly for her defense of Persephone’s actions when Persephone to me was always in the wrong.
Also the setup to this story for Hades is so goofy. It’s like Hera, a god we have not really been introduced to until this book, is like hey do these random tasks for me or else I’m gonna be mean to Persephone and then Hades proceeds to do these dumb tasks before realizing he doesn’t really need to Idkidkidk.
And some dark things happen in this book (and in A Touch of Ruin) that I don’t think get treated with the respect or care they deserve.
I think this might be it for me with this series, as much as I love A Touch of Darkness and a Game of Fate.
I’m gonna try to keep this short and sweet. This entire second story (so this book and A Touch of Ruin) feels super pointless to me and I feel like Scarlett St. Clair should’ve just skipped to the story in book three. Nothing really happens here except Hades and Persephone arguing and not knowing how to communicate with each other. Tbh it’s my opinion that Scarlett is just stretching this story for all its worth, because there’s no reason for this entire series to be seven books.
Persephone is on my sh*t list lol. She literally doesn’t know what she’s asking for and doesn’t follow any rules even though she wants everyone else to follow the rules. She acts like a teenager and the way that Hades is still in love with her is comical to me.
Hades is still hot though but idk why Scarlett made him an alcoholic.
The side characters in this series is what usually draws me to it, but Hecate annoyed me a lot in this one. Mainly for her defense of Persephone’s actions when Persephone to me was always in the wrong.
Also the setup to this story for Hades is so goofy. It’s like Hera, a god we have not really been introduced to until this book, is like hey do these random tasks for me or else I’m gonna be mean to Persephone and then Hades proceeds to do these dumb tasks before realizing he doesn’t really need to Idkidkidk.
And some dark things happen in this book (and in A Touch of Ruin) that I don’t think get treated with the respect or care they deserve.
I think this might be it for me with this series, as much as I love A Touch of Darkness and a Game of Fate.
March 25, 2022
“Get wet, Daddy Death.” AGOR, Scarlett St. Clair
My love for Hades is undeniable. Endless. And incomparable.
Plus my love for Sephy & Hermes is unbeatable too. And Hecate. They are the quad character group we all need in our lives and A Game of Retribution solidified that fact once again.
There’s something about Scarlett’s writing that is pure addiction that I need to consume without a break. It flows beautifully, it’s all consuming, passionate, and tells a story that’s as fresh as it is well based on Greek mythology. A Game of Retribution was truly elevated in plot, writing style, connection and friendship. And I could not put this book down for one minute. Including to eat dinner.
What I truly loved about this book was Hades POV. It not only offered so much insight on how he was feeling during Malice, but it showed us a whole other plot that was happening, that as a reader (inside Sephy’s POV in Malice) we had no clue about. And that’s what so great about this Hades part of the series. You’re not only reading an entirely different plot, but also getting those snippets from the Persephone POV books.
The ending had me feeling so many emotions all over again & it was just so heart heavy, but so well written. And the freshness to myths and legends in this book were perfection. It added more to the story and truly elevated it.
And those spice scenes. YES. I live for them. Hades & Persephone are one of a kind. They mix making love & just pure fuckery so well together that it feels like it’s how a true couple goes through their intimacy. Including the fights, make ups, conversations, everything. It all goes together to form a true representation of what love is like for some.
Well done Scarlett. You’re a queen. Persephone is a queen. Hades is a king. Hermes is Hermes. And I’m obsessed. This was addicting as it was brilliant.
My love for Hades is undeniable. Endless. And incomparable.
Plus my love for Sephy & Hermes is unbeatable too. And Hecate. They are the quad character group we all need in our lives and A Game of Retribution solidified that fact once again.
There’s something about Scarlett’s writing that is pure addiction that I need to consume without a break. It flows beautifully, it’s all consuming, passionate, and tells a story that’s as fresh as it is well based on Greek mythology. A Game of Retribution was truly elevated in plot, writing style, connection and friendship. And I could not put this book down for one minute. Including to eat dinner.
What I truly loved about this book was Hades POV. It not only offered so much insight on how he was feeling during Malice, but it showed us a whole other plot that was happening, that as a reader (inside Sephy’s POV in Malice) we had no clue about. And that’s what so great about this Hades part of the series. You’re not only reading an entirely different plot, but also getting those snippets from the Persephone POV books.
The ending had me feeling so many emotions all over again & it was just so heart heavy, but so well written. And the freshness to myths and legends in this book were perfection. It added more to the story and truly elevated it.
And those spice scenes. YES. I live for them. Hades & Persephone are one of a kind. They mix making love & just pure fuckery so well together that it feels like it’s how a true couple goes through their intimacy. Including the fights, make ups, conversations, everything. It all goes together to form a true representation of what love is like for some.
Well done Scarlett. You’re a queen. Persephone is a queen. Hades is a king. Hermes is Hermes. And I’m obsessed. This was addicting as it was brilliant.
August 20, 2022
Gotta admit my favorite part of the entire series is Hades’s banter with Hecate and Hermes.
It brings me joy each time Hecate calls Hades an idiot. She’s not wrong. I laugh every single time.
The way all three of them troll each other is truly hilarius, particularly how the two of them love to gang up on Hades. 🤣😈 some of my favorite parts where Hermes is being Hermes:
It brings me joy each time Hecate calls Hades an idiot. She’s not wrong. I laugh every single time.
Hades grit his teeth. “We had an agreement, Hecate, that you would not read my mind.”
“And I respect it when you aren’t being a complete and utter idiot,” she replied. “You are just as uncertain about your future as Persephone.”
He did not like to be reminded of his mistakes, though those closest to him—in particular in particular Hecate, Goddess of Witchcraft and Magic—reveled in reminding him that he was very much fallible.
Or, as she liked to say, an idiot.
The way all three of them troll each other is truly hilarius, particularly how the two of them love to gang up on Hades. 🤣😈 some of my favorite parts where Hermes is being Hermes:
“It means,” said Hades, “that you are a hypocrite.” “Rude! That’s twice in one conversation, Hades.” “Perhaps you should stick to what you do best, then.” “And what is that?” “Fuckery,” Hades replied and downed his drink.
“You scared me,” Hades said simply, lips curling at the sight of the god’s pain. “I did not,” Hermes said, dropping his hands. Any evidence of the strike to the face was already healed. “You wanted to punch me.” “Don’t give me an excuse,” Hades said, making his way to the bar, where he poured himself a drink. “To what do I owe your visit, and what can I do to prevent it in the future?” “Rude,” Hermes said, sauntering to the bar. “You’re talking to a hero.”
“I take it back,” Hermes said. “And you know what? Thank you, Hades.”
“For what?”
“For being you,” Hermes said. “Now, can I set Dionysus’s dick on fire?”
“I wouldn’t give the task to anyone else,” Hades replied.
June 25, 2022
Listen to Talk or Moments Silence by Hozier. That’s it. That’s the review. Phenomenal. Sexy. My favorite Hades and Persephone retelling.
P.S. Hades was BUSY protecting his goddess and realm, throughout the timeline of ATOR. Also Scarlett wrote this to a Hozier soundtrack, so it’s only appropriate to associate a few of my favorites with this book.
P.S. Hades was BUSY protecting his goddess and realm, throughout the timeline of ATOR. Also Scarlett wrote this to a Hozier soundtrack, so it’s only appropriate to associate a few of my favorites with this book.
August 12, 2022
"He had never doubted himself, but he doubted everything when it came to Persephone… even their fate."
A Game of Retribution, the second book of the Hades Saga, follows the story of Hades, God of the Dead, and Persephone, Goddess of Spring, the woman he loved, as they defied the odds to find a future together, one that had been predetermined by the Fates yet remained uncertain.
Hera, Goddess of Women, wanted Hades to help overthrow Zeus. When he refused, she punished him by requiring him to successfully complete a series of seemingly impossible labors intended to sabotage his relationship with Persephone.
While Hades and Persephone shared a deep love for one another, secrets and lies gave rise to miscommunication and trust issues, instilling fear and doubt in their future.
"I don’t know how to lose someone, Hades."
I loved so much about this story! Throughout the sadnesss and the anger, there was also so much love between Hades and Persephone as they worked through their respective obstacles to reach their true destiny. Intensely steamy, the fire between them reflected their all consuming love so it never seemed like too much with the sex scenes.
Stunningly descriptive, I felt fully immersed in the setting and the characters, appreciating the contrast between the darkness surrounding Hades and the lightness in the purity and innocence inherent in Persephone. Hades and Persephone balanced one another perfectly, bringing forth the strengths behind their weaknesses.
I loved Persephone's independent spirit as she built her magic and tried to find her place as Queen of the Underworld. By offering a voice to those in need at the same time she was experiencing her own tragic loss, she also embodied empowerment and justice.
It was beautiful to see Persephone expose the hidden vulnerability in Hades while his love for her made him fiercely protective. Never breaking his rules, Hades learned to open himself up while he faced his doubts and fears.
Perhaps most significantly throughout the evolving character development, this story highlighted the importance of unconditional love and trust at the core of any relationship.
"I love you. Even if the Fates unraveled our destiny, I would find a way back to you."
The author clearly has a passion for this story and for staying true to the details of its origins in Greek mythology while writing it with a modern update. After reading this, I am planning to go back and read A Game of Fate to learn more before the next book in the series releases.
** Special thanks to Sourcebooks/Bloom Books and NetGalley for granting my wish, giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available May 31, 2022. **
A Game of Retribution, the second book of the Hades Saga, follows the story of Hades, God of the Dead, and Persephone, Goddess of Spring, the woman he loved, as they defied the odds to find a future together, one that had been predetermined by the Fates yet remained uncertain.
Hera, Goddess of Women, wanted Hades to help overthrow Zeus. When he refused, she punished him by requiring him to successfully complete a series of seemingly impossible labors intended to sabotage his relationship with Persephone.
While Hades and Persephone shared a deep love for one another, secrets and lies gave rise to miscommunication and trust issues, instilling fear and doubt in their future.
"I don’t know how to lose someone, Hades."
I loved so much about this story! Throughout the sadnesss and the anger, there was also so much love between Hades and Persephone as they worked through their respective obstacles to reach their true destiny. Intensely steamy, the fire between them reflected their all consuming love so it never seemed like too much with the sex scenes.
Stunningly descriptive, I felt fully immersed in the setting and the characters, appreciating the contrast between the darkness surrounding Hades and the lightness in the purity and innocence inherent in Persephone. Hades and Persephone balanced one another perfectly, bringing forth the strengths behind their weaknesses.
I loved Persephone's independent spirit as she built her magic and tried to find her place as Queen of the Underworld. By offering a voice to those in need at the same time she was experiencing her own tragic loss, she also embodied empowerment and justice.
It was beautiful to see Persephone expose the hidden vulnerability in Hades while his love for her made him fiercely protective. Never breaking his rules, Hades learned to open himself up while he faced his doubts and fears.
Perhaps most significantly throughout the evolving character development, this story highlighted the importance of unconditional love and trust at the core of any relationship.
"I love you. Even if the Fates unraveled our destiny, I would find a way back to you."
The author clearly has a passion for this story and for staying true to the details of its origins in Greek mythology while writing it with a modern update. After reading this, I am planning to go back and read A Game of Fate to learn more before the next book in the series releases.
** Special thanks to Sourcebooks/Bloom Books and NetGalley for granting my wish, giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available May 31, 2022. **
September 13, 2024
I am a reader who loves reading dual povs, and usually i prefer the mmc’s pov esp if the mmc is dark, mysterious and dangerous 😉 It was intriguing to enter hades’s mind and to understand what was happening. Much more exciting than persephone’s book. Review written after my reread 💫
June 27, 2023
Overall Score: 3.5/5
Character Development: 3/5
Plot: 4/5
Readability: 4/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
I forgot how annoying Persephone is in this series. Hades has a lot more patience than I do.
Character Development: 3/5
Plot: 4/5
Readability: 4/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
I forgot how annoying Persephone is in this series. Hades has a lot more patience than I do.
October 22, 2023
This book was incredibly frustrating. It doesn’t have much depth at all. I thought at first the pacing was the problem, and that is partly it, but the real issue is that the entire book reads as a summary of its A Touch of Ruin counterpart.
Seriously. It’s like Hades is typing the Sparknotes version. It’s exhausting to read because there are no pauses to ruminate on or explore anything. It’s just a race to finish the summary, with some stuff Hades does when Persephone isn’t present. The book doesn’t stay on one scene or conversation long enough for you to really care about anything that’s happening.
Also, Hecate and Hermes are barely in it. 😤 They are shining stars and should have much bigger roles.
The dialogue is what really annoyed me. It was 90% dialogue from ATOR, which, okay, whatever. But, it felt completely empty and inorganic from this POV.
For example (and this isn’t a spoiler because you’ve literally already read this conversation in ATOR), there’s this one interaction between Hades and Persephone where he says, “The souls miss you, Persephone.” I miss you. “Do not punish them because you are angry with me.” It’s a really heart wrenching part of ATOR. However, when Hades says it in this book, it comes completely out of left field. He hadn’t been to see the souls in her absence. Hadn’t thought about them. Hadn’t even walked by them. The souls literally never crossed his mind in her absence, so why would he say this here? HE LEGITIMATELY NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THEM ONCE. There is literally no reason he would say this line from this POV. In this book, Hades is just…empty.
Same thing happens for creating Lexa’s memorial garden. Here I thought we’d get to see him really working hard on putting that together. But no. It’s not even mentioned mentioned until LITERALLY THE LAST CHAPTER and even then, it’s an, “Oh, I’ve been working on this for a long time” throwaway line. WHEN WERE YOU WORKING ON IT, EXACTLY? WHEN?! BECAUSE I JUST SPENT HOWEVER MANY HUNDREDS OF PAGES WITH YOU AND YOU CERTAINLY DIDN’T HAVE THE TIME OR DEPTH TO DO SO.
I kept getting more and more irritated the further I read because this is NOT the Hades we all know and love. I don’t know who this imposter was, but he needs to go.
I’d skip this one, tbh.
Seriously. It’s like Hades is typing the Sparknotes version. It’s exhausting to read because there are no pauses to ruminate on or explore anything. It’s just a race to finish the summary, with some stuff Hades does when Persephone isn’t present. The book doesn’t stay on one scene or conversation long enough for you to really care about anything that’s happening.
Also, Hecate and Hermes are barely in it. 😤 They are shining stars and should have much bigger roles.
The dialogue is what really annoyed me. It was 90% dialogue from ATOR, which, okay, whatever. But, it felt completely empty and inorganic from this POV.
For example (and this isn’t a spoiler because you’ve literally already read this conversation in ATOR), there’s this one interaction between Hades and Persephone where he says, “The souls miss you, Persephone.” I miss you. “Do not punish them because you are angry with me.” It’s a really heart wrenching part of ATOR. However, when Hades says it in this book, it comes completely out of left field. He hadn’t been to see the souls in her absence. Hadn’t thought about them. Hadn’t even walked by them. The souls literally never crossed his mind in her absence, so why would he say this here? HE LEGITIMATELY NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THEM ONCE. There is literally no reason he would say this line from this POV. In this book, Hades is just…empty.
Same thing happens for creating Lexa’s memorial garden. Here I thought we’d get to see him really working hard on putting that together. But no. It’s not even mentioned mentioned until LITERALLY THE LAST CHAPTER and even then, it’s an, “Oh, I’ve been working on this for a long time” throwaway line. WHEN WERE YOU WORKING ON IT, EXACTLY? WHEN?! BECAUSE I JUST SPENT HOWEVER MANY HUNDREDS OF PAGES WITH YOU AND YOU CERTAINLY DIDN’T HAVE THE TIME OR DEPTH TO DO SO.
I kept getting more and more irritated the further I read because this is NOT the Hades we all know and love. I don’t know who this imposter was, but he needs to go.
I’d skip this one, tbh.
October 13, 2023
I liked this better in Hades POV than persephone’s… however the audible narrator really wasn’t helping me like it THAT much more as he continued to mispronounce Leuce. Had this been a character who was only mentioned once or twice, I could’ve overlooked it. However this character is mentioned A LOT so it really couldn’t be ignored. Anywho.
June 20, 2025
This book was pure chaos. I am not sure I mean that in a good way or not…I guess it’s a little of both.
I have to start by saying I really liked this book, and it definitely kept my attention throughout. I also liked it a lot better than “a game of fate”.
There is still one problem I have with this though, and that’s also the case in Persephone’s books.
They don’t seem to do a lot together, plot wise.
They meet up and talk, and argue, and comfort each other, and have sex. But when stuff happens in their lives and they deal with it, they are never doing it as a team, or together at all.
And yet I cannot stop reading. It is really quite frustrating to be honest.
I also feel like their communication is lacking somewhat.
And it is frustrating having to write about it in this review because the characters themselves brought this up numerous times throughout the book.
But I never felt like those conversations really got them anywhere.
I felt like the whole thing with Lexa could have been avoided.
I can understand how Persephone wouldn’t understand the consequences of what she wanted to do to keep Lexa alive in the beginning.
But Hades told her over and over again how she was doing it for herself and not Lexa, and it was not right, and so on, and so on.
But she didn’t ask questions about what he meant by that, and he didn’t go into any details even though it would have been so easy. He technically didn’t need her to specifically ask the «right questions» to lay out all the information. He could have just offered it up.
Instead this whole miscommunication happened, and everything went to shit.
I feel like I have been ranting quite a lot now, and it may seem weird giving it four stars if this is how I feel, but the storyline of Hades doing The Labors, and small things happening here and there, building up to the last book was so intriguing. Again, don’t understand what is so difficult about sharing those things with Persephone, but it is an easy way to conceal it from the reader.
I have to start by saying I really liked this book, and it definitely kept my attention throughout. I also liked it a lot better than “a game of fate”.
There is still one problem I have with this though, and that’s also the case in Persephone’s books.
They don’t seem to do a lot together, plot wise.
They meet up and talk, and argue, and comfort each other, and have sex. But when stuff happens in their lives and they deal with it, they are never doing it as a team, or together at all.
And yet I cannot stop reading. It is really quite frustrating to be honest.
I also feel like their communication is lacking somewhat.
And it is frustrating having to write about it in this review because the characters themselves brought this up numerous times throughout the book.
But I never felt like those conversations really got them anywhere.
I felt like the whole thing with Lexa could have been avoided.
I can understand how Persephone wouldn’t understand the consequences of what she wanted to do to keep Lexa alive in the beginning.
But Hades told her over and over again how she was doing it for herself and not Lexa, and it was not right, and so on, and so on.
But she didn’t ask questions about what he meant by that, and he didn’t go into any details even though it would have been so easy. He technically didn’t need her to specifically ask the «right questions» to lay out all the information. He could have just offered it up.
Instead this whole miscommunication happened, and everything went to shit.
I feel like I have been ranting quite a lot now, and it may seem weird giving it four stars if this is how I feel, but the storyline of Hades doing The Labors, and small things happening here and there, building up to the last book was so intriguing. Again, don’t understand what is so difficult about sharing those things with Persephone, but it is an easy way to conceal it from the reader.
June 12, 2023
Hermes forcing Hades to admit they’re best friends just to give him fashion advice made my day.
June 9, 2022
Αν και θα ήθελα να είχαμε στα χέρια μας το τρίτο μέρος της ορίτζιναλ σειράς, δεν παραπονιέμαι με το spin off. Κάνουμε και επανάληψη έτσι.
Στο συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο βλέπουμε κάποια από τα γεγονότα του A Touch of Ruin από την πλευρά του Άδη, ενώ παρακολουθούμε τον ίδιο να προσπαθεί να φέρει σε πέρας τους άθλους που του επιβάλλει η Ήρα. Ήταν με άλλα λόγια γεμάτο δράση και σασπένς. Από τη μία χαίρομαι που μέσα από τα βιβλία του Άδη βλέπουμε περισσότερο τον κόσμο των θεών και της μαγείας, με τη συγγραφέα να χειρίζεται έξυπνα τη μυθολογία (βέβαια, αγάπη, η Λήμνος δεν είναι στη μέση του ωκεανού. Το Αιγαίο είναι μία λιμνούλα μπροστά στον Ειρηνικό). Από την άλλη, στενοχωριέμαι που όλα αυτά τα αγνοεί η Περσεφόνη. Υποθέτω πως αυτά τα μυστικά οδήγησαν στο τέλος του τρίτου βιβλίου. Όπως και να έχει, η συγγραφέας με μάγεψε, με συνάρπασε και θεωρώ ότι γίνεται ακόμα καλύτερη. Το aesthetic των βιβλίων της ήταν κορυφή από την αρχή και με το πολύ γράψιμο εξελίσσεται. Οι περιγραφές μαγείας είναι οι αγαπημένες μου, καθώς κάνουν τα βιβλία πιο ατμοσφαιρικά.
ΑΝΤΕ ΟΜΩΣ ΜΗΝ ΑΡΓΟΥΜΕ ΜΕ ΤΗ ΣΥΝΕΧΕΙΑ. ΒΙΑΣΟΥ ΚΑΛΟ ΜΟΥ 2023.
Στο συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο βλέπουμε κάποια από τα γεγονότα του A Touch of Ruin από την πλευρά του Άδη, ενώ παρακολουθούμε τον ίδιο να προσπαθεί να φέρει σε πέρας τους άθλους που του επιβάλλει η Ήρα. Ήταν με άλλα λόγια γεμάτο δράση και σασπένς. Από τη μία χαίρομαι που μέσα από τα βιβλία του Άδη βλέπουμε περισσότερο τον κόσμο των θεών και της μαγείας, με τη συγγραφέα να χειρίζεται έξυπνα τη μυθολογία (βέβαια, αγάπη, η Λήμνος δεν είναι στη μέση του ωκεανού. Το Αιγαίο είναι μία λιμνούλα μπροστά στον Ειρηνικό). Από την άλλη, στενοχωριέμαι που όλα αυτά τα αγνοεί η Περσεφόνη. Υποθέτω πως αυτά τα μυστικά οδήγησαν στο τέλος του τρίτου βιβλίου. Όπως και να έχει, η συγγραφέας με μάγεψε, με συνάρπασε και θεωρώ ότι γίνεται ακόμα καλύτερη. Το aesthetic των βιβλίων της ήταν κορυφή από την αρχή και με το πολύ γράψιμο εξελίσσεται. Οι περιγραφές μαγείας είναι οι αγαπημένες μου, καθώς κάνουν τα βιβλία πιο ατμοσφαιρικά.
ΑΝΤΕ ΟΜΩΣ ΜΗΝ ΑΡΓΟΥΜΕ ΜΕ ΤΗ ΣΥΝΕΧΕΙΑ. ΒΙΑΣΟΥ ΚΑΛΟ ΜΟΥ 2023.
December 12, 2025
the only saving factor was the scenes with hecate. she is a woman with grace & everything i love in a woman character, it should be a crime she’s a minor side character.
and let’s be real… the way her character is written, she would HATE people like hades yet he’s her bestie?? be fr.
and let’s be real… the way her character is written, she would HATE people like hades yet he’s her bestie?? be fr.
June 9, 2022
Hades and Persephone on Fire
Conspiracy
Betrayal
Dionysus, Hermes, Hera and other Gods and Goddesses
Amazons, Ariadne and Theseus
What do we need more of it?!
Hades, God of the Dead, inflexible bargained owner of luxurious nightclubs fell in love with Persephone, Goddess of Spring, a journalist.
This was for book one, A Game of Fate, to my pleasant surprise, their story in this book, A Game of Retribution is more exciting and twist!
Hera, Goddess of Women, as always we know her, has a plan against her beloved husband. Hera made Hades perform a series of labors in exchange for blessing his marriage!
Someone is killing demigods, gathering weapons and instruments for killing immortals, so every Gods should take a side, The War Is Coming!
As I don't want to below anything up, so just recommend it to romantic mythology lovers, good news for me was that Hades is the narrator, a rare male character who was greatly performed by Tyler Donne.
Where is book 3, A Game of Gods?! Where is Hecate??!
My huge thanks to Tantor Audio via Netgalley for giving me the chance of listening to A Game of Retribution by Scarlett St. Clair, Narrated by Tyler Donne. I have given my honest review.
Conspiracy
Betrayal
Dionysus, Hermes, Hera and other Gods and Goddesses
Amazons, Ariadne and Theseus
What do we need more of it?!
Hades, God of the Dead, inflexible bargained owner of luxurious nightclubs fell in love with Persephone, Goddess of Spring, a journalist.
This was for book one, A Game of Fate, to my pleasant surprise, their story in this book, A Game of Retribution is more exciting and twist!
Hera, Goddess of Women, as always we know her, has a plan against her beloved husband. Hera made Hades perform a series of labors in exchange for blessing his marriage!
Someone is killing demigods, gathering weapons and instruments for killing immortals, so every Gods should take a side, The War Is Coming!
As I don't want to below anything up, so just recommend it to romantic mythology lovers, good news for me was that Hades is the narrator, a rare male character who was greatly performed by Tyler Donne.
Where is book 3, A Game of Gods?! Where is Hecate??!
My huge thanks to Tantor Audio via Netgalley for giving me the chance of listening to A Game of Retribution by Scarlett St. Clair, Narrated by Tyler Donne. I have given my honest review.
May 31, 2022
“Shh, my darling,” he soothed, his hands moving from her waist to her thighs. “I will forever regret my anger. How could I ever question your love? Your trust? Your word? When you have my heart.”
I will forever shove this series down anyones throat...especially Hades POV. Not enough people read his books and they need to! We get to meet new and amazing characters and see the sides of our favorite characters that we don't see with Sephy's POV. Trust me, when you get to the castration, the glitter, or the topiaries, you'll understand. AND...and everything Hades has to go through?? Fucking fates...he was busy.
Get A Game of Retribution everywhere books are sold, trust me, you want this book! The spice, the banter, Hermes, Hecate, Ariadne, Dionysus, and so much more just make this...ugh, so freaking good!!!!
I will forever shove this series down anyones throat...especially Hades POV. Not enough people read his books and they need to! We get to meet new and amazing characters and see the sides of our favorite characters that we don't see with Sephy's POV. Trust me, when you get to the castration, the glitter, or the topiaries, you'll understand. AND...and everything Hades has to go through?? Fucking fates...he was busy.
Get A Game of Retribution everywhere books are sold, trust me, you want this book! The spice, the banter, Hermes, Hecate, Ariadne, Dionysus, and so much more just make this...ugh, so freaking good!!!!
September 9, 2022
1.25 ⭐( only for the smut, the plot was meh)
To sum up this book in short
We have Persephone acting like a stupid whiny insipid child wondering why no one listens to her or acts how she wants them to all while she is hell-bent on hiding her identity as a goddess only when its convenient to her
The entire time I just wanted to scream at this bitch to just shut up and do as told for once
And then we have Hades who does weird and completely random tasks for Hera for nearly the whole book only to realize at the end 'oh no, I'm a god too with an entire realm as my own' Like it took u one whole fucking book to come to this conclusion.
To sum up this book in short
We have Persephone acting like a stupid whiny insipid child wondering why no one listens to her or acts how she wants them to all while she is hell-bent on hiding her identity as a goddess only when its convenient to her
The entire time I just wanted to scream at this bitch to just shut up and do as told for once
And then we have Hades who does weird and completely random tasks for Hera for nearly the whole book only to realize at the end 'oh no, I'm a god too with an entire realm as my own' Like it took u one whole fucking book to come to this conclusion.
May 16, 2023
3/5⭐️
I gotta be honest, I’m not really interested in continuing the series… plot-wise the second book didn’t really pull me in or was able to hold my attention for long. The only reason I found myself not DNFing it was because of the characters.
Hades and Persephone still own my heart and I enjoyed every second of them appearing together in this book!! They were and still are very cute, hot and amazing together! They’re pretty much the main reason why this book gets more than 2 stars from me. They just carried this book on their back and I love them and their relationship so so much!
I don’t remember much from the plot if I am honest. The only plot I remember is Hades and Persephone’s relationship… it’s kinda embarrassing lmao. But I believe that the reason might be because I’m in kind of a slump. I only want to read purely romance based books with little background plot on other events happening in the book… so that might be the main reason why couldn’t enjoy myself focusing on the other things going on besides the romance…
Maybe I’ll give this book another try when I’m in the mood again for reading books that have more to them than just romance but for now I only want to read romance books…
Overall, I still believe that the book is good and that it just wasn’t the right time for me to read it but I’ll definitely reread it once the time is right again!!
I gotta be honest, I’m not really interested in continuing the series… plot-wise the second book didn’t really pull me in or was able to hold my attention for long. The only reason I found myself not DNFing it was because of the characters.
Hades and Persephone still own my heart and I enjoyed every second of them appearing together in this book!! They were and still are very cute, hot and amazing together! They’re pretty much the main reason why this book gets more than 2 stars from me. They just carried this book on their back and I love them and their relationship so so much!
I don’t remember much from the plot if I am honest. The only plot I remember is Hades and Persephone’s relationship… it’s kinda embarrassing lmao. But I believe that the reason might be because I’m in kind of a slump. I only want to read purely romance based books with little background plot on other events happening in the book… so that might be the main reason why couldn’t enjoy myself focusing on the other things going on besides the romance…
Maybe I’ll give this book another try when I’m in the mood again for reading books that have more to them than just romance but for now I only want to read romance books…
Overall, I still believe that the book is good and that it just wasn’t the right time for me to read it but I’ll definitely reread it once the time is right again!!
April 12, 2024
A Game of Retribution hat mir nochmal gezeigt, warum ich A Touch of Ruin damals so geliebt habe! Es passiert viel in diesem zweiten Band und Hades und Persephone müssen sich neuen Herausforderungen stellen - sowohl im Olymp als auch ihrer Liebe.
In Hades Kopf zu schauen macht einfach so viel Spaß.
Es gab auch wieder viele Kapitel, die man aus der A Touch of Reihe nicht kennt. So wird das Universum immer größer und komplexer.
Ich bin schon sehr auf das Finale gespannt! ❤️
In Hades Kopf zu schauen macht einfach so viel Spaß.
Es gab auch wieder viele Kapitel, die man aus der A Touch of Reihe nicht kennt. So wird das Universum immer größer und komplexer.
Ich bin schon sehr auf das Finale gespannt! ❤️
November 25, 2023
Despite the fact that I'm a huge SephyxHades supporter and fan, I felt like this book had too many moments I still remembered from ATOR, that the excitement and intrigue kind of got lost on me! I still adore these characters to death, and am definitely going to continue reading the series ... cause I am still invested, but the next time my strategy will incorporate reading ATOM & AGOG side by side. Just like the reading guide Scarlett released on IG. And to specify, I am INTRIGUED and EXCITED to continue!
3/5 stars
3/5 stars
March 29, 2022
Por favor, seguí bajando si querés leer la reseña en español.
“You want a queen,” she said. “So teach her how to live within your realm. Teach her to use her magic. Teach her to be a goddess, and stop trying to fight all her battles”.
Thanks to the publisher and the author for the e-arc, in exchange of an honest review
Trigger warning: This book contains scenes that reference suicide and sexual violence.
Welcome to the underworld, where Hades, the god of death, the lord who rules a place for souls and the King of Corpses waits for you to come to your forever house. This is his side of the story of the events of A touch of ruin, and after the events of A touch of Darkness and A Game of Fate, he is ready to fight for the love of his long and immortal life, Persephone, the goddess of spring, daughter of Demeter and who lives in New Athens trying to live a mortal life with her friends.
After they finally confessed their love, Hera is ready to bless their union… with a little condition, Hades must fight and accomplish twelve tasks to gain the goddess of marriage favor. So, he is ready to do whatever she wants to overthrow Zeus, and finally approves their marriage.
In the meantime, an ancient relic is lost, a group of rebels called the Impious are ready to gain some power and lots of secrets are kept in the shadows. This is the main plot of this story and gods. I loved it, the angst, the intrigue, the mafia vibes, this way of refreshing ancient myths in this modern world is amazing. As with Persephone’s POV, this world is amazing, full of tiny easter eggs of other myths that eventually had sense for the plot. This book has a clever plot, a lot of character development and such a good story. With these books I prefer Hades POV because are darker than Persephone’s, but her story is amazing too and read what was happening with Hades during A touch of Ruin when he was off the pages was really interesting, here we know why he is acting the way he did and understood a lot of things.
So, let’s talk about characters, first Hades, he is a cinnamon roll, ready to tear the world into pieces for his lover, but a cinnamon roll deep inside. He is selfless, a dark lord with the power to control the worst groups of New Athens society, he wants the best for his souls, and for the people of the living realm, and also is desperately in love with Persephone. She, on the other hand, is as sweet as we know from her books, but Hades saw her as the powerful goddess she is becoming, the incredible, selfless woman she is and his future queen.
I loved Hermes too, and the friendship between him and Hades was everything, I love their interactions, he is the funniest character of them all and I love every line he said in this book. Also, I love the relationship between Hades and Hecate, she is a wise goddess who wants the best for Hades and Persephone and is one of the captains of this ship.
But just one thing I didn’t like about this book, or Hades and Persephone’s relation in general, the tons of misunderstandings that could have been avoided in this book if the two of them had more communication between them, because this is unhealthy too.
So, finally I loved this book, and I gave it 4.5/5 because this world, this story and these characters are amazing. The ending was so cute and settled the basis of the war to come between gods, monsters, demigods, and mortals. And I’m ready for that.
“Quieres una reina”, dijo. “Así que enséñale cómo vivir dentro de tu reino. Enséñale a usar su magia. Enséñale a ser una diosa, y deja de intentar pelear todas sus batallas”.
Gracias a la editorial y a la autora por esta copia avanzada, a cambio de una reseña honesta.
Advertencias: este libro contiene escenas que hacen referencia al suicidio y la violencia sexual.
Bienvenidos al inframundo, donde Hades, el dios de la muerte, el señor que gobierna un lugar para las almas y el Rey de los Cadáveres te espera para llegar a tu casa eterna. Esta es su versión de la historia de los eventos de A touch of Ruin, y tras los acontecimientos de A touch of darkness y A game of Fate, está dispuesto a luchar por el amor de su larga e inmortal vida, Perséfone, la diosa de la primavera, hija de Deméter y que vive en Nueva Atenas tratando de vivir una vida mortal con sus amigos.
Después de que finalmente confesaron su amor, Hera está lista para bendecir su unión... Con una pequeña condición, Hades tiene que luchar y cumplir doce tareas para ganar el favor de la diosa del matrimonio. Entonces, él está listo para hacer lo que ella quiera, para derrocar a Zeus y finalmente aprobar su matrimonio.
Mientras tanto, una antigua reliquia está perdida, un grupo de rebeldes llamado Impious está listo para ganar algo de poder y muchos secretos se mantienen en las sombras. Esta es la trama principal de esta historia y dioses, me encantó, la angustia, la intriga, las vibras de la mafia, esta forma de refrescar los mitos antiguos en este mundo moderno es increíble. Al igual que con el punto de vista de Perséfone, este mundo es asombroso, lleno de diminutos easter eggs de otros mitos que eventualmente tienen sentido para la trama. Este libro tiene una trama inteligente, mucho desarrollo de personajes y una historia muy buena. Con estos libros, prefiero el punto de vista de Hades porque son más oscuros que el de Perséfone, pero su historia también es increíble y leer lo que estaba pasando con Hades durante A touch of Ruin cuando estaba fuera de las páginas fue realmente interesante, aquí sabemos por qué está actuando de la manera que lo hizo y entendendemos muchas cosas.
Así que, hablemos de personajes, primero que nada Hades, él es un rollo de canela, listo para romper el mundo en pedazos por su amor, pero un rollo de canela en el fondo. Es desinteresado, un señor oscuro con el poder de controlar a los peores grupos de la sociedad de Nueva Atenas, quiere lo mejor para sus almas y para la gente del reino de los vivos, y también está desesperadamente enamorado de Perséfone. Ella, por otro lado, es tan dulce como sabemos por sus libros, pero Hades la ve como la diosa poderosa en la que se está convirtiendo, la mujer increíble y desinteresada que es y su futura reina.
También amé a Hermes, y la amistad entre él y Hades lo fue todo, amo sus interacciones, es el personaje más divertido de todos y amo cada línea que dijo en este libro. También me encanta la relación entre Hades y Hecate, ella es una diosa sabia que quiere lo mejor para Hades y Perséfone y es una de las capitanas de este ship.
Pero solo una cosa que no me gustó de este libro, o la relación de Hades y Perséfone en general, los muchos malentendidos que podrían haberse evitado en este libro si los dos tuvieran más comunicación entre ellos, porque esto también es poco saludable.
Finalmente me encantó este libro y le di 4.5/5 porque este mundo, esta historia y estos personajes son asombrosos. El final fue tan tierno, y sentó las bases de la guerra que se avecinaba entre dioses, monstruos, semidioses y mortales. Y estoy lista para ello.
“You want a queen,” she said. “So teach her how to live within your realm. Teach her to use her magic. Teach her to be a goddess, and stop trying to fight all her battles”.
Thanks to the publisher and the author for the e-arc, in exchange of an honest review
Trigger warning: This book contains scenes that reference suicide and sexual violence.
Welcome to the underworld, where Hades, the god of death, the lord who rules a place for souls and the King of Corpses waits for you to come to your forever house. This is his side of the story of the events of A touch of ruin, and after the events of A touch of Darkness and A Game of Fate, he is ready to fight for the love of his long and immortal life, Persephone, the goddess of spring, daughter of Demeter and who lives in New Athens trying to live a mortal life with her friends.
After they finally confessed their love, Hera is ready to bless their union… with a little condition, Hades must fight and accomplish twelve tasks to gain the goddess of marriage favor. So, he is ready to do whatever she wants to overthrow Zeus, and finally approves their marriage.
In the meantime, an ancient relic is lost, a group of rebels called the Impious are ready to gain some power and lots of secrets are kept in the shadows. This is the main plot of this story and gods. I loved it, the angst, the intrigue, the mafia vibes, this way of refreshing ancient myths in this modern world is amazing. As with Persephone’s POV, this world is amazing, full of tiny easter eggs of other myths that eventually had sense for the plot. This book has a clever plot, a lot of character development and such a good story. With these books I prefer Hades POV because are darker than Persephone’s, but her story is amazing too and read what was happening with Hades during A touch of Ruin when he was off the pages was really interesting, here we know why he is acting the way he did and understood a lot of things.
So, let’s talk about characters, first Hades, he is a cinnamon roll, ready to tear the world into pieces for his lover, but a cinnamon roll deep inside. He is selfless, a dark lord with the power to control the worst groups of New Athens society, he wants the best for his souls, and for the people of the living realm, and also is desperately in love with Persephone. She, on the other hand, is as sweet as we know from her books, but Hades saw her as the powerful goddess she is becoming, the incredible, selfless woman she is and his future queen.
I loved Hermes too, and the friendship between him and Hades was everything, I love their interactions, he is the funniest character of them all and I love every line he said in this book. Also, I love the relationship between Hades and Hecate, she is a wise goddess who wants the best for Hades and Persephone and is one of the captains of this ship.
But just one thing I didn’t like about this book, or Hades and Persephone’s relation in general, the tons of misunderstandings that could have been avoided in this book if the two of them had more communication between them, because this is unhealthy too.
So, finally I loved this book, and I gave it 4.5/5 because this world, this story and these characters are amazing. The ending was so cute and settled the basis of the war to come between gods, monsters, demigods, and mortals. And I’m ready for that.
“Quieres una reina”, dijo. “Así que enséñale cómo vivir dentro de tu reino. Enséñale a usar su magia. Enséñale a ser una diosa, y deja de intentar pelear todas sus batallas”.
Gracias a la editorial y a la autora por esta copia avanzada, a cambio de una reseña honesta.
Advertencias: este libro contiene escenas que hacen referencia al suicidio y la violencia sexual.
Bienvenidos al inframundo, donde Hades, el dios de la muerte, el señor que gobierna un lugar para las almas y el Rey de los Cadáveres te espera para llegar a tu casa eterna. Esta es su versión de la historia de los eventos de A touch of Ruin, y tras los acontecimientos de A touch of darkness y A game of Fate, está dispuesto a luchar por el amor de su larga e inmortal vida, Perséfone, la diosa de la primavera, hija de Deméter y que vive en Nueva Atenas tratando de vivir una vida mortal con sus amigos.
Después de que finalmente confesaron su amor, Hera está lista para bendecir su unión... Con una pequeña condición, Hades tiene que luchar y cumplir doce tareas para ganar el favor de la diosa del matrimonio. Entonces, él está listo para hacer lo que ella quiera, para derrocar a Zeus y finalmente aprobar su matrimonio.
Mientras tanto, una antigua reliquia está perdida, un grupo de rebeldes llamado Impious está listo para ganar algo de poder y muchos secretos se mantienen en las sombras. Esta es la trama principal de esta historia y dioses, me encantó, la angustia, la intriga, las vibras de la mafia, esta forma de refrescar los mitos antiguos en este mundo moderno es increíble. Al igual que con el punto de vista de Perséfone, este mundo es asombroso, lleno de diminutos easter eggs de otros mitos que eventualmente tienen sentido para la trama. Este libro tiene una trama inteligente, mucho desarrollo de personajes y una historia muy buena. Con estos libros, prefiero el punto de vista de Hades porque son más oscuros que el de Perséfone, pero su historia también es increíble y leer lo que estaba pasando con Hades durante A touch of Ruin cuando estaba fuera de las páginas fue realmente interesante, aquí sabemos por qué está actuando de la manera que lo hizo y entendendemos muchas cosas.
Así que, hablemos de personajes, primero que nada Hades, él es un rollo de canela, listo para romper el mundo en pedazos por su amor, pero un rollo de canela en el fondo. Es desinteresado, un señor oscuro con el poder de controlar a los peores grupos de la sociedad de Nueva Atenas, quiere lo mejor para sus almas y para la gente del reino de los vivos, y también está desesperadamente enamorado de Perséfone. Ella, por otro lado, es tan dulce como sabemos por sus libros, pero Hades la ve como la diosa poderosa en la que se está convirtiendo, la mujer increíble y desinteresada que es y su futura reina.
También amé a Hermes, y la amistad entre él y Hades lo fue todo, amo sus interacciones, es el personaje más divertido de todos y amo cada línea que dijo en este libro. También me encanta la relación entre Hades y Hecate, ella es una diosa sabia que quiere lo mejor para Hades y Perséfone y es una de las capitanas de este ship.
Pero solo una cosa que no me gustó de este libro, o la relación de Hades y Perséfone en general, los muchos malentendidos que podrían haberse evitado en este libro si los dos tuvieran más comunicación entre ellos, porque esto también es poco saludable.
Finalmente me encantó este libro y le di 4.5/5 porque este mundo, esta historia y estos personajes son asombrosos. El final fue tan tierno, y sentó las bases de la guerra que se avecinaba entre dioses, monstruos, semidioses y mortales. Y estoy lista para ello.
January 31, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Hades pov. Hades much brooder in this book. The story just keeps getting better. The world is complex yet interesting in the social situations & the magical systems. So much spicier than the first two!
September 21, 2024
A game of Retribution, like the otjer books in this series, was entertaining. I read about Greek mythology long time ago and I have to say Moss St. Clair brought it to live.
I love how the author cleverly separate the Hades' PoV with different book.
4 stars
I love how the author cleverly separate the Hades' PoV with different book.
4 stars
June 19, 2022
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
A Game of Retribution by Scarlett St. Clair.
I was intrigued with this engaging romance fantasy world of gods and mortals in a fun reimagined New Greece!
Hades God of The Dead is the narrator, he’s the owner of nightclubs, he also works with the most powerful criminals. Hades is a god that doesn’t bend the rules and makes no exceptions for anyone!
The story follows Hades and his naive and spirited love Persephone, the woman he wants to marry. Their constant misunderstandings and effort to hold a relationship is taking a toll and he appears to spend a lot of his time trying to keep her safe from her own doings.
Hera Goddess of Marriage is making ‘plans’ to dethrone Zeus God of The Sky but after Hades refuses to aid her in her plot she retaliates and ‘makes’ Hades perform a series of labors in exchange for her marriage blessing.
I loved so many of the characters especially Hades and Hermes. If you like it spicy🌶 you’ll find more than enough in these pages!
I adore reading stories of reimagined Greek Mythology and I look forward to reading more of the series.
Publication Date 31 May 2022
Publisher NewSouth Books (Imprint Bloom Books)
Thank you so much to NewSouth Books for sending me a copy of the book.
A Game of Retribution by Scarlett St. Clair.
I was intrigued with this engaging romance fantasy world of gods and mortals in a fun reimagined New Greece!
Hades God of The Dead is the narrator, he’s the owner of nightclubs, he also works with the most powerful criminals. Hades is a god that doesn’t bend the rules and makes no exceptions for anyone!
The story follows Hades and his naive and spirited love Persephone, the woman he wants to marry. Their constant misunderstandings and effort to hold a relationship is taking a toll and he appears to spend a lot of his time trying to keep her safe from her own doings.
Hera Goddess of Marriage is making ‘plans’ to dethrone Zeus God of The Sky but after Hades refuses to aid her in her plot she retaliates and ‘makes’ Hades perform a series of labors in exchange for her marriage blessing.
I loved so many of the characters especially Hades and Hermes. If you like it spicy🌶 you’ll find more than enough in these pages!
I adore reading stories of reimagined Greek Mythology and I look forward to reading more of the series.
Publication Date 31 May 2022
Publisher NewSouth Books (Imprint Bloom Books)
Thank you so much to NewSouth Books for sending me a copy of the book.
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