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Seeds #3
Seeds Volume Three
The lofty realms of Olympus and the once-fertile land of Hellas are in chaos due to the wrath of a mother gravely affronted. The truth, however unpleasant it is, must be faced. And in the Underworld, Hades must face the repercussions of his actions. Can Persephone ever forgive him?
Persephone must find a way to make her life her own, but that is easier said than done. Caught between two worlds, she will have to make a stand for her destiny...
Persephone must find a way to make her life her own, but that is easier said than done. Caught between two worlds, she will have to make a stand for her destiny...
425 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2013
22 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
About the author
M.M. Kin
7 books115 followersM.M. Kin has been interested in history and mythology since she was young and has been an avid reader for as long as she can remember. As with many other readers (and authors) books were, and are still a refuge.
Her other interests include hiking, kayaking, and world domination. Her favorite genres are historical fiction and science fiction, but she also enjoys pretty much any genre of book!
So far, she has published five books - the Seeds trilogy, Worthy of Love, and Khthonios. She is currently at work on her sixth mythology book, Tapestry, as well as her first fantasy book, Moonshadows.
Future projects will include more of the above as well as science fiction and horror, and hopefully, a family saga. So much to do, so little time...
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/M.M.-Kin/e/B00...
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
FB - https://www.facebook.com/mmkinauthor/
Tumblr - https://mmkin.tumblr.com/
Book review archive - https://www.librarything.com/profile/...
Her other interests include hiking, kayaking, and world domination. Her favorite genres are historical fiction and science fiction, but she also enjoys pretty much any genre of book!
So far, she has published five books - the Seeds trilogy, Worthy of Love, and Khthonios. She is currently at work on her sixth mythology book, Tapestry, as well as her first fantasy book, Moonshadows.
Future projects will include more of the above as well as science fiction and horror, and hopefully, a family saga. So much to do, so little time...
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/M.M.-Kin/e/B00...
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
FB - https://www.facebook.com/mmkinauthor/
Tumblr - https://mmkin.tumblr.com/
Book review archive - https://www.librarything.com/profile/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 19, 2014
Loved this series and plan to reread it immediately.
December 5, 2013
Great end to a great series. The third book is just as strong as the first two. M.M Kin created well researched, detailed settings, wrote fantastic descriptions, and wonderfully complex characters. In particular, the character of Persephone developed amazingly over this series.
She was everything I'd hoped she'd become in the first two books. She became this strong, no-nonsense character that MADE every guilty party answer to every wrong they'd ever committed and possibly some they'd only considered. She grew into her powers, her body, and her confidence. I *really* enjoyed watching all the other characters in this series squirm.
I also thought the very ending, when time moved forward (phrasing carefully to avoid spoilers) was a nice touch. Very interesting take.
The only complaint I have to add, and this really is just me because I happen to like these gods, were the depictions of Ares and Aphrodite. I felt like every other character got super in depth development, but they were both pretty one-dimensional (which in itself is not a problem at all. They are minor characters, actually like sub-minor characters, it's okay for them not to be developed, sometimes the pizza man is just the pizza man, you know? And there are a ton of books out there that *really* could have improved by letting the pizza man just be the pizza man) But they were one dimensional unfriendly characters. Aphrodite was pretty and shallow, Ares was violent and blustering. I just wanted more to them. Mythologically, they're fascinating. Aphrodite was pretty and confident and embraced her sexuality in an era that *really* didn't encourage women to do that. Ares was the god of war, that pretty much never won a single fight, was dumb enough to get stuck in a jar for a year, and is one of *the* only (greek version only) gods who not only didn't rape women, but actively hunted down and destroyed rapists. But, I know there's more in the works in this world so there's still hope to see some major depth from these characters. I'm absolutely going to read anything that's put out in this universe, because M.M Kin is a research queen. I'm really excited to see where this goes next.
In short, this was everything I could have hoped for ending this series. I can't wait to see where this author goes next.
She was everything I'd hoped she'd become in the first two books. She became this strong, no-nonsense character that MADE every guilty party answer to every wrong they'd ever committed and possibly some they'd only considered. She grew into her powers, her body, and her confidence. I *really* enjoyed watching all the other characters in this series squirm.
I also thought the very ending, when time moved forward (phrasing carefully to avoid spoilers) was a nice touch. Very interesting take.
The only complaint I have to add, and this really is just me because I happen to like these gods, were the depictions of Ares and Aphrodite. I felt like every other character got super in depth development, but they were both pretty one-dimensional (which in itself is not a problem at all. They are minor characters, actually like sub-minor characters, it's okay for them not to be developed, sometimes the pizza man is just the pizza man, you know? And there are a ton of books out there that *really* could have improved by letting the pizza man just be the pizza man) But they were one dimensional unfriendly characters. Aphrodite was pretty and shallow, Ares was violent and blustering. I just wanted more to them. Mythologically, they're fascinating. Aphrodite was pretty and confident and embraced her sexuality in an era that *really* didn't encourage women to do that. Ares was the god of war, that pretty much never won a single fight, was dumb enough to get stuck in a jar for a year, and is one of *the* only (greek version only) gods who not only didn't rape women, but actively hunted down and destroyed rapists. But, I know there's more in the works in this world so there's still hope to see some major depth from these characters. I'm absolutely going to read anything that's put out in this universe, because M.M Kin is a research queen. I'm really excited to see where this goes next.
In short, this was everything I could have hoped for ending this series. I can't wait to see where this author goes next.
November 18, 2014
It’s the end of the series….NOOOOOO! I have fallen in love with Persephone and Hades and don’t know if I can live without them.
It seemed like all characters grew throughout this trilogy for me. Persephone the most; she became independent, strong, powerful, and an adult. She didn’t bow down to her mother any more and she stood up for what she believed in to anyone, Zeus and her mother especially. Also, it was good to read how all the other gods and goddess found sincerity in Persephone and opened up to her; those in the Underworld and those in Mount Olympus (all except for Aphrodite.)
Demeter took a turn as well once she realized that Persephone was now an adult and that there was no turning back. She realized her role as a mother and friend instead of just a headstrong mother.
Hades was the only god that stayed mostly the same. He apologized to Persephone for what he did to her but basically he was the least changed, which I liked because I liked him the most out of all the characters.
This trilogy has been an amazing journey for me. I have been constantly sucked into it, wanting more, needing more, and enjoying every bit of piece that I got. What made me happy was the nice bow that Kin wrapped up the ending with. Everything worked out. No ties were left to wonder about, we as the readers got everything that we needed.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~
It seemed like all characters grew throughout this trilogy for me. Persephone the most; she became independent, strong, powerful, and an adult. She didn’t bow down to her mother any more and she stood up for what she believed in to anyone, Zeus and her mother especially. Also, it was good to read how all the other gods and goddess found sincerity in Persephone and opened up to her; those in the Underworld and those in Mount Olympus (all except for Aphrodite.)
Demeter took a turn as well once she realized that Persephone was now an adult and that there was no turning back. She realized her role as a mother and friend instead of just a headstrong mother.
Hades was the only god that stayed mostly the same. He apologized to Persephone for what he did to her but basically he was the least changed, which I liked because I liked him the most out of all the characters.
This trilogy has been an amazing journey for me. I have been constantly sucked into it, wanting more, needing more, and enjoying every bit of piece that I got. What made me happy was the nice bow that Kin wrapped up the ending with. Everything worked out. No ties were left to wonder about, we as the readers got everything that we needed.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~
October 23, 2013
bravo, bravo! I've read other re-tellings of the Hades and Persephone story, like The Goddess Test, or stories where they are in, like the Percy Jackson books, but this trilogy really fleshes out the myth while keeping it realistic. (I'll also add that I LOVED the intimate scenes between the royal couple!)
This trilogy explores all aspects of the myth, not just what Hades and Persephone are doing. With a third book, the reader expects the story to come to a satisfying conclusion, and I was not disappointed here. Hades and Persephone get their own ending, but we also get to see what happens to Demeter, and given what she has been through, I was happy to see what she gets in the epilogue.
I really enjoyed how while there are a few steamy scenes between Hades and Persephone in this trilogy (much better than 50 Shades of Gray!) we also get a substantial story in itself, as I noticed in other re-tellings of the story, parts of the myth are ignored just so the author can focus on Hades and Persephone. Some readers like stories that focus purely on romance, but I really liked how other plot elements were added in to create a well-balanced story. It'll be interesting to see what other stories the author puts out if she decides to do more myth-based novels.
This trilogy explores all aspects of the myth, not just what Hades and Persephone are doing. With a third book, the reader expects the story to come to a satisfying conclusion, and I was not disappointed here. Hades and Persephone get their own ending, but we also get to see what happens to Demeter, and given what she has been through, I was happy to see what she gets in the epilogue.
I really enjoyed how while there are a few steamy scenes between Hades and Persephone in this trilogy (much better than 50 Shades of Gray!) we also get a substantial story in itself, as I noticed in other re-tellings of the story, parts of the myth are ignored just so the author can focus on Hades and Persephone. Some readers like stories that focus purely on romance, but I really liked how other plot elements were added in to create a well-balanced story. It'll be interesting to see what other stories the author puts out if she decides to do more myth-based novels.
July 19, 2016
Sometimes the last book in a series is a let down for me, but this book did not disappoint! I absolutely loved how things were resolved, this is how it should have gone in the original myth! I hope there's a sequel one day!
January 20, 2014
I have enjoyed M.M. Kin's "Seeds" saga more than the works of any other indie author I've sampled. The author took the Hades/Persephone myth and truly fleshed it out into a relatable story.
When we left off in Book 2, Hades had done something...iffy...that you just KNEW was not going to go down well. Sure enough, this volume picks up with Persephone's anger, plus the continued wrath of her mother, Demeter, against Zeus's human acolytes. Without giving too much away, Demeter finally does reunite with her daughter...and the first thing she does proves she hasn't learned a damn thing from her daughter's absence. Thankfully, Persephone has truly grown up during her captivity and is no longer the easily bullied little girl.
Does Persephone forgive Hades? Do they get a happily ever after? Will Demeter ever forgive Zeus OR Hades? You'll have to read the book to find out. Again, I don't want to give away the ending. However, I found the ending reminiscent of the "Battlestar Galactica" reboot's finale, which I very much enjoyed.
If you are a fan of mythology, I suggest you give this series a try. Do keep in mind that there are some VERY steamy scenes throughout, but overall, this story encompasses more than just a romance between two characters. I found it a very richly drawn portrait of an ancient era.
When we left off in Book 2, Hades had done something...iffy...that you just KNEW was not going to go down well. Sure enough, this volume picks up with Persephone's anger, plus the continued wrath of her mother, Demeter, against Zeus's human acolytes. Without giving too much away, Demeter finally does reunite with her daughter...and the first thing she does proves she hasn't learned a damn thing from her daughter's absence. Thankfully, Persephone has truly grown up during her captivity and is no longer the easily bullied little girl.
Does Persephone forgive Hades? Do they get a happily ever after? Will Demeter ever forgive Zeus OR Hades? You'll have to read the book to find out. Again, I don't want to give away the ending. However, I found the ending reminiscent of the "Battlestar Galactica" reboot's finale, which I very much enjoyed.
If you are a fan of mythology, I suggest you give this series a try. Do keep in mind that there are some VERY steamy scenes throughout, but overall, this story encompasses more than just a romance between two characters. I found it a very richly drawn portrait of an ancient era.
January 13, 2014
Seeds is a wonderful series, for any fan of fan, of romance, mythology, and fantasy. It is a wonderful combination and Persephone's character development really shines in this volume. I know some reviewers thought she was being bratty, but I felt it was Demeter. Demeter was the one who SPOILER tried to turn her back into a little girl and Persephone really turned the tide on her. Persephone to me came across as reasonable and the side characters were good and I loved her interactions with the other Gods.
The story much to my delight tied in other mythologies and such, but very lightly. I know that MM Kin has another short story series coming out that deals with other mythologies set in the Seeds Universe, so I am looking forward to that. The ending is very good and I didn't feel that nothing went astray. Persephone grows into her own woman, and is far from the victim here, or helpless. Hades is wonderful and a sexy lead for the romance and is a strong, but also gentle. The world building is so good in this series. I actually like it when we see other characters and how they fair. I know some readers didn't like taking away from Seph/Hades, but I liked it that way.
September 26, 2013
I read all 3 books over the last month, and I am impressed with it. I like Greek mythology and there are quite a few Hades/Persephone retellings out there, and this has to be one of the best. There is lots of Hades/Persephone in this series, but it's not primarily a romance novel, as there is plenty of side-story. This might bother some people who just want an outright romance novel, but I enjoyed the amount of research in here. I do admit I got a bit impatient when the story moved away from our favorite couple, but the side stories add substance to this book and explores all aspects of the myth, not just the part about Hades and Persephone. I would rate this book 4.75 out of 5 stars for an overall well-written and thought-out series, and an ending that was a bit surprising but overall satisfying.
July 22, 2016
This was a really, really, really, REALLY great series. When I started the first book, I was wondering how it would end. I admire Persephone's character and how strong she becomes, going so far to stand up to her mother, Zeus, and Hades. She even manages to impress Hermes, and doesn't let Aphrodite push her around.
The solution reached regarding how much time Persephone has to spend in the upper world or the underworld was one I didn't expect after she ate the pomegranate seeds, but in retrospect, I felt that was a great way for her to handle the situation. It seems that Hades had it in mind all along and was just waiting for Persephone to come across it on her own... it just goes to show how clever he really is.
This is a quality series I would recommend for any Hades and Persephone connoisseur.
The solution reached regarding how much time Persephone has to spend in the upper world or the underworld was one I didn't expect after she ate the pomegranate seeds, but in retrospect, I felt that was a great way for her to handle the situation. It seems that Hades had it in mind all along and was just waiting for Persephone to come across it on her own... it just goes to show how clever he really is.
This is a quality series I would recommend for any Hades and Persephone connoisseur.
April 24, 2014
This is the conclusion of a terrific series. I can say that when I completed reading volume 3 I felt satisfied. Kin wraps up the story in such a nice bow. You have to read the epilogue it really made me smile. Persephone is such a strong admirable character. She is more powerful than any of the gods she finds as adversaries or lovers. All of this sprouting from humble beginnings. Her parents are not perfect, her life is not perfect but in the end she grows up to be a well rounded, strong, beautiful woman. For me the story shows you do not have to be perfect for things to work out as they should. I enjoyed this book immensely.
July 22, 2016
Overall great series, really explores all aspects of the myth, not just the Hades/Persephone stuff. I found the epilogue to be bittersweet in some parts but brilliantly executed. One thing I enjoyed was the relationship between Persephone and Eirene and how they connected. I will definitely read this series again!
February 25, 2014
The second book left me with a cliffhanger that had me eager to get to this book. I was surprised at some of the twists in this one that differ from the original myth, and I am glad that these twists happened, as they gave the story more meaning. I absolutely loved this series and will be reading again!
March 17, 2014
What a perfect ending to this series! I have to say that these books are amazing and will keep you totally immersed in the world! Ms. Kin took an age old world and turned it into something enjoyable for the modern audience! If you are wanting to know more, go and read the reviews I have given for the previous two books!
Again I will definitely recommend this book and series!
Again I will definitely recommend this book and series!
September 24, 2013
Oh my goodness! A perfect way to wrap up the trilogy, the author did a great job in tying loose ends together and bringing the myth to a satisfying conclusion.
December 8, 2015
4.75 stars!
November 16, 2014
It’s the end of the series….NOOOOOO! I have fallen in love with Persephone and Hades and don’t know if I can live without them.
It seemed like all characters grew throughout this trilogy for me. Persephone the most; she became independent, strong, powerful, and an adult. She didn’t bow down to her mother any more and she stood up for what she believed in to anyone, Zeus and her mother especially. Also, it was good to read how all the other gods and goddess found sincerity in Persephone and opened up to her; those in the Underworld and those in Mount Olympus (all except for Aphrodite.)
Demeter took a turn as well once she realized that Persephone was now an adult and that there was no turning back. She realized her role as a mother and friend instead of just a headstrong mother.
Hades was the only god that stayed mostly the same. He apologized to Persephone for what he did to her but basically he was the least changed, which I liked because I liked him the most out of all the characters.
This trilogy has been an amazing journey for me. I have been constantly sucked into it, wanting more, needing more, and enjoying every bit of piece that I got. What made me happy was the nice bow that Kin wrapped up the ending with. Everything worked out. No ties were left to wonder about, we as the readers got everything that we needed.
It seemed like all characters grew throughout this trilogy for me. Persephone the most; she became independent, strong, powerful, and an adult. She didn’t bow down to her mother any more and she stood up for what she believed in to anyone, Zeus and her mother especially. Also, it was good to read how all the other gods and goddess found sincerity in Persephone and opened up to her; those in the Underworld and those in Mount Olympus (all except for Aphrodite.)
Demeter took a turn as well once she realized that Persephone was now an adult and that there was no turning back. She realized her role as a mother and friend instead of just a headstrong mother.
Hades was the only god that stayed mostly the same. He apologized to Persephone for what he did to her but basically he was the least changed, which I liked because I liked him the most out of all the characters.
This trilogy has been an amazing journey for me. I have been constantly sucked into it, wanting more, needing more, and enjoying every bit of piece that I got. What made me happy was the nice bow that Kin wrapped up the ending with. Everything worked out. No ties were left to wonder about, we as the readers got everything that we needed.
November 12, 2014
After one hell of an ending for Volume Two, (sorry, no pun intended,) Volume Three of the Seeds Trilogy brings the retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth to a satisfying conclusion. Just as meticulously researched as the previous two volumes, Volume Three ties up all loose ends and remains faithful to the myth.
July 23, 2014
The awaiting final for the Hades and Persephone tale trilogy!
It's been an amazing and pleasurable reads throughout the series. I'm loving more and more about the Kind and Queen of Underworld tales <33
P.S: Could it be possible to write 'Kora' with 'Cora'? will it have the same meaning? Hmm..
It's been an amazing and pleasurable reads throughout the series. I'm loving more and more about the Kind and Queen of Underworld tales <33
P.S: Could it be possible to write 'Kora' with 'Cora'? will it have the same meaning? Hmm..
August 9, 2016
Edited much better than the first two. Loved how empowered the author made Persephone in the end.
September 9, 2015
A satisfying conclusion to the series. The characters really blossomed and grew on me and the story tied up any loose ends from the previous volume. The dialogue can be cheesy in some parts (common in romance novels) but overall it was an enjoyable series.
February 5, 2015
Wow. All I can say is that this ending really blew me away. There were a few twists here I did not quite expect, but I was not the least bit disappointed. Can't wait for the author's next book!
March 20, 2018
A great conclusion that wrapped up the story and made me feel completed and content with the ending,
August 23, 2015
Without giving away too much of the plot, I think it's safe to say that Seeds, read as a trilogy, is a well defined and richly characterized story. Like the two volumes before it, I couldn't put it down, but only now have gotten a chance to give it a full review.
Seeds Volume 3 by M.M. Kin continues right where we left off after the jaw-dropping cliffhanger of the second volume. What I liked about its resolution was how refreshingly mature it was.
Too often in romantic plot lines, the principal characters act like juveniles, which always baffled me and turned me off. M.M. Kin deftly avoids common cliché tropes by writing Hades and Persephone as engaging and fully realized individuals. Our heroine's journey receives more attention as she comes into her own with her mother and tries to make sense of the world she left behind.
Those familiar with the story know about how this is the Greek myth of why there is a season of growing and a season of fallow. The author goes far beyond this and explores how Persephone comes to terms with herself, her mother, her lover, and the other Olympian gods and Hellenic mortals. The author has done her homework, going in depth into different modes of worship in the Hellenic and wider ancient world.
The scope of the book is expanded far beyond the boundaries of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, and those looking for a fast resolution will be disappointed by the more character driven and introspective bent of the third installment. But if the author took the quick and easy path, the entire trilogy would have rang hollow. Instead, she builds on characters we have grown to care about without simplistically creating a protagonist/antagonist relationship between Hades and Demeter over the fate of Persephone and relegating her to little more than an object of possession.
In what has been often interpreted in art and literature as "The Rape of Persephone", Seeds instead painstakingly crafts the heroine as a complex individual, a fully realized woman, and does a stupendous job of telling the myth from— dare I say it— a feminist perspective. Given the intensely patriarchal culture from which this story originated, that's quite a feat, and totally to the author's credit.
The epilogue left me misty-eyed.
I would enthusiastically recommend this series to anyone.
Seeds Volume 3 by M.M. Kin continues right where we left off after the jaw-dropping cliffhanger of the second volume. What I liked about its resolution was how refreshingly mature it was.
Too often in romantic plot lines, the principal characters act like juveniles, which always baffled me and turned me off. M.M. Kin deftly avoids common cliché tropes by writing Hades and Persephone as engaging and fully realized individuals. Our heroine's journey receives more attention as she comes into her own with her mother and tries to make sense of the world she left behind.
Those familiar with the story know about how this is the Greek myth of why there is a season of growing and a season of fallow. The author goes far beyond this and explores how Persephone comes to terms with herself, her mother, her lover, and the other Olympian gods and Hellenic mortals. The author has done her homework, going in depth into different modes of worship in the Hellenic and wider ancient world.
The scope of the book is expanded far beyond the boundaries of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, and those looking for a fast resolution will be disappointed by the more character driven and introspective bent of the third installment. But if the author took the quick and easy path, the entire trilogy would have rang hollow. Instead, she builds on characters we have grown to care about without simplistically creating a protagonist/antagonist relationship between Hades and Demeter over the fate of Persephone and relegating her to little more than an object of possession.
In what has been often interpreted in art and literature as "The Rape of Persephone", Seeds instead painstakingly crafts the heroine as a complex individual, a fully realized woman, and does a stupendous job of telling the myth from— dare I say it— a feminist perspective. Given the intensely patriarchal culture from which this story originated, that's quite a feat, and totally to the author's credit.
The epilogue left me misty-eyed.
I would enthusiastically recommend this series to anyone.
December 12, 2013
This final book of this series was good, as good as the others. But I feel there should have only been two books. It sort of went on and on and got a little redundant at some point.
However, I did love how everything turned out between Hades and Persephone and how they solved the problem with Demeter. It was sort of awesome. Like... In your face mom, I already hate the food. Deal with it. Oh, and by the way, I really really like him, as in possibly love him.
I just could imagine the whole thing in my head.
Anyways, this series is worth reading simply because of the aweful lot amount of time the writer must have put in the research and everything.
However, I did love how everything turned out between Hades and Persephone and how they solved the problem with Demeter. It was sort of awesome. Like... In your face mom, I already hate the food. Deal with it. Oh, and by the way, I really really like him, as in possibly love him.
I just could imagine the whole thing in my head.
Anyways, this series is worth reading simply because of the aweful lot amount of time the writer must have put in the research and everything.
April 7, 2016
Finished all 3 volumes so fast! Too fast!
I love that even Demeter has a happy ending. Although it does differ from the tales of the myth a little bit but I don't hate it.
The end got me picturing the world of Percy Jackson a little bit there but otherwise, I'm still pretty happy with it. I'd say overall a good read.
Though this third book didn't have as many "romance" scenes as the first and second book. I still like it!
I love that even Demeter has a happy ending. Although it does differ from the tales of the myth a little bit but I don't hate it.
The end got me picturing the world of Percy Jackson a little bit there but otherwise, I'm still pretty happy with it. I'd say overall a good read.
Though this third book didn't have as many "romance" scenes as the first and second book. I still like it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2017
Persephone has grown into a Badass Goddess, and makes sure everyone knows it, including her mother and husband.
Really enjoyed this series. Perfect quick summer romance read. (Hades is Hot indeed. Woof.)
Really enjoyed this series. Perfect quick summer romance read. (Hades is Hot indeed. Woof.)
August 10, 2016
very enjoyable! also loved the twist on the ending of the myth regarding persephone going back and forth between her mother and hades. i didn't expect that but i was hoping it would happen.
September 4, 2016
The ending really sums up pretty well and I am satisfy with it. Hades has his redemption.
June 14, 2017
Adored this trilogy, did not want it to end. Hope the author writes more books about the different gods ☺☺ I was sucked in from page one. Beautifully written
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June 1, 2017I enjoyed this book more than the second book of this series, and I haven't yet read the first. Here, I really enjoyed the interaction between the characters; this is a very character-driven book. That is to say, there is little action here; the gist is mainly struggles in the relationships that the characters attempt to resolve in light of hidden family secrets and in having to choose worlds that are so incompatibly different.
My favourite part was when mother and child, Demeter and Persephone, assert each other's roles as she transforms from budding adult to a fully mature, confident young woman who no longer needs a mother figure for emotional support. The ability of either Demeter or Persephone to alter Persephone's signs of womanhood, i.e. body-shifting, was hilarious and symbolic.
In fact, there are many hilarious moments in this book, which engaged me and kept me on reading, even when I had other things to do. I loved it when the gods argued among themselves; I had no idea that the gods could be so imperfect, vain, hypocritical, argumentative, and in plain words, just like mortals. It is almost the book consisted of petitions verbally, i.e. a band of supporters take the wronged family member to the perpetrator, make their case in front of open family while the wrongdoer and wronged vent out hostility, and then try the case and render a verdict! Imagine if we could do that within our families!
I also had no idea that the Greek gods were so incestuous. Hera and Zeus were sister and brother and also wife and husband? Even Demeter, sister of Zeus, mated with Zeus to give birth to Persephone herself? I checked the references, and it's been myth for centuries, I was quite shocked that the ancient Greeks had the fortitude and nerve to create such story lines! I'm not very familiar with mythology, and here it was a fascinating read. No wonder Greek mythology has survived for so long.
Toward the end of the book, it started to drift, after the point where Demeter trashed Zeus in front of the family court, which I've already mentioned. There are quite a few erotic scenes between Persephone and Hades, and the final one is quite creative--I won't get into details here. It was fun seeing how Persephone developed new powers by exploring her abilities; almost in an organic way by sensing what she had deep within. As I mentioned in my review in the second book, I was uneasy over the notion of being happy within a gilded cage, but here in this volume it seems the author nearly made this gilded cage vanish entirely; it's almost an afterthought here as Persephone has so much power and freedom that her tasting of the forbidden fruit has almost no impact any longer, and that's the way it should be.
All in all, I'm not one to read on Greek mythology, but this author makes it so real here, and I was engrossed in reading this, wanting to know more about the relationships.
My favourite part was when mother and child, Demeter and Persephone, assert each other's roles as she transforms from budding adult to a fully mature, confident young woman who no longer needs a mother figure for emotional support. The ability of either Demeter or Persephone to alter Persephone's signs of womanhood, i.e. body-shifting, was hilarious and symbolic.
In fact, there are many hilarious moments in this book, which engaged me and kept me on reading, even when I had other things to do. I loved it when the gods argued among themselves; I had no idea that the gods could be so imperfect, vain, hypocritical, argumentative, and in plain words, just like mortals. It is almost the book consisted of petitions verbally, i.e. a band of supporters take the wronged family member to the perpetrator, make their case in front of open family while the wrongdoer and wronged vent out hostility, and then try the case and render a verdict! Imagine if we could do that within our families!
I also had no idea that the Greek gods were so incestuous. Hera and Zeus were sister and brother and also wife and husband? Even Demeter, sister of Zeus, mated with Zeus to give birth to Persephone herself? I checked the references, and it's been myth for centuries, I was quite shocked that the ancient Greeks had the fortitude and nerve to create such story lines! I'm not very familiar with mythology, and here it was a fascinating read. No wonder Greek mythology has survived for so long.
Toward the end of the book, it started to drift, after the point where Demeter trashed Zeus in front of the family court, which I've already mentioned. There are quite a few erotic scenes between Persephone and Hades, and the final one is quite creative--I won't get into details here. It was fun seeing how Persephone developed new powers by exploring her abilities; almost in an organic way by sensing what she had deep within. As I mentioned in my review in the second book, I was uneasy over the notion of being happy within a gilded cage, but here in this volume it seems the author nearly made this gilded cage vanish entirely; it's almost an afterthought here as Persephone has so much power and freedom that her tasting of the forbidden fruit has almost no impact any longer, and that's the way it should be.
All in all, I'm not one to read on Greek mythology, but this author makes it so real here, and I was engrossed in reading this, wanting to know more about the relationships.
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