Of Death & Desires: Hades & Persephone, A Dark Fate's Novel, Book II

Dark Fates #2

by T.C. Kraven

She's been gone for ages.

Persephone.

My flower.

Someone stole her, locked her away long ago and then took themselves out of my reach. The time of the Gods has come and gone, and many walk the Earth hardly more powerful than the mortals they once ruled. All except those of us who broker in death. You see, that's the thing about death; even if you don't believe in it, it believes in you and in the end, you'll pray to it. I watched as Olympus fell, reveled in the cracked marble and rotting pillars. When the others turned to me for sanctuary in the Underworld, I shut the gates.

It has been two thousand years, and still her taste lingers on my lips. Her face is all I see. I often wonder what she would think of this new world we have fashioned. And now, after years of not daring my heart to hope, I just may get the chance to find out. There was a spark, a rumble in the Cosmos. Something has shifted and suddenly I can feel her presence again.

I will find her. I will avenge her. Or I'll burn this world to ash trying.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Fiction, Dark Romance

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

Reviews

[Ashley Mural · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ate this one up.

Thoughts:
-🌶️
-2000 FUCKIN YEARS!?!?!
-Minthe is delulu (wished she was in more of the story to make the ending more believable)
-Seph’s personality bloomed, was able to connect to the FMC better than the novella
-I want to know all of Hades trinkets
-Felt like I finished the novella with lots of unanswered questions, but this book helped tie everything together
-I want Hades

Tropes:
-Forced Proximity
-Second Chance
-Slow burn
-Touch her and die
-F/M
-F/M/M
-M/M

TW: talk of SA

[Pricilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hades & Persephone

Tropes:
Second Chance
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn 🔥
MM
MFM
Retelling
⚠️Mentions of SA ‼️

This is the 2nd book in the series and it did not disappoint. I have been so excited to continue this series! Book 1 left me with needing more and book 2 delivers.
I did not want to put this down. I was so happy when Hades & Persephone reunited!
Persephone was taken from Hades and no matter how hard he tried or where he looked he could not find her. For centuries he has lived without the love of his life, his little flower. Until one day his heart beats again and he knows his love has been returned, but his little flower is not the same. There are forces working against them. Will they have their happy ever after? Can Hades protect Persephone before it's too late?

[Jordynn Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Persephone gets to have a life of her own but I will say I just want her back with Hades 😂 I understand he was trying to protect her by lying to her but man was I mad! Medusa telling Persephone her story had me on the brink of tears (triggering chapter) and so touching. I was so happy when Hades and Persephone reunited but I didn’t see that twist coming. Though once it happened it definitely made sense just left me sad for Helios. Aaaaaaaaaaah a baby YES🥳

[ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hades + Persephone

-book 2 of this couple
-greek mythology retelling
-time jump
-second chance
-amnesia
-found family
-shadow dadddyyy

baaahhhhasdl;fjweofiudv after the last cliffhanger my heart viscerally freaking hurt for these two AND all their friends!! but like gahhh this was the perfect conclusion for these two!! while still continuing on the drama that would totally be going on between immortal gods & goddesses. haha

[Melissa Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

best Hades and Persephone retelling hands down

This book and duo was so incredibly good! It was so accurate to mythology, while still being set in the 1990s. It was intense, emotional, spicy and sweet. Hades is perfection and Persephone is every bit a Goddess. TC Kraven really knocked it out of the park with this duology. Can’t wait for the next story!

[Ange · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wish I had read Of Death & Desires right as I finished Of Prophecies & Pomegranates months ago, but hey - just meant I got to do a reread.

I loved how T.C. Kraven tied the ending of book 1 into #2. The story line was fluid and thorough with no plot holes. I'm not going to spoil the ending of book 1 but let's just say there's a 2000 year gap between the 2 novels and we are now set in the 90s with full chapters revolving around the punk/grunge scene and oof! LOVE IT!

Of Death & Desires follows Persephone as she overcomes amnesia, finding herself and piecing together relationships from her past while also learning how to navigate the modern world. We get to see Hades and Persephone fall in love all over again(and boy do they fall in love hard 🥵) while they work as a team to crack the case on who stole Persephone 2000 years ago. Bonds are reawakened, relationships mended, and spices sprinkled liberally throughout.

[Camilla Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. Persephone and hades reunion was infuriating and amazing and the ending was everything I could’ve wished for them.😭 I wish there was a 3rd book just showing their unproblematic future. Ugh I’m so sad their story is over.

[Tencie John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death & Desires


Excellent retelling of Hades and Persephone. Did not want this story to end, this is my 4th time reading both books I can't wait for book 3 to come out.

[Kirsten_BookRants · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I was drawn to this series because it takes place during my birth year (1996). But also because I think New Orleans is the perfect place for gods and goddess to reside in during the modern era.

What a captivating start to Of Death and Desires. I felt Persephone and Hades emotions jump from the page. The longing for memories and physical touch from the one you love.

Therapy representation was everything! Mental health diagnoses weren't just thrown out they were explained and examples given. And treatment planning was addressed. Grounding techniques! Ugh I loved it.

Persephone's character development was beautiful in this story. She really came into her own and was able to establish herself.

The diversity, body positivity and female empowerment flowed from the page. I felt it in my soul, real poetic justice if you will.

I loved TC Kraven's take on how the rise of. Christianity affected the Greek Gods. And I also think it was interesting to read how the God's power relied so heavily on mortal's favors.

"She would cultivate this dirty, ugly thing, and she would give it life, make it grow. Just as she had done to me." Oh my heart 😭

“You bring the spring, Seph. You make things bloom, help them thrive,” Artemis explained. I frowned deeper. “What a useless fucking power in the scheme of things,” I blurted" What a savage 😂.

Medusa's story was heartbreaking, and I appreciate how respectfully it was handled. Also it wasn't just thrown at us for shock value, it added to the progression of the story.

Of Death and Desires is a beautiful story of the power of love. I cried, gasped and swoon all throughout.

The spice was delicious, and helped pace the story. But most importantly it was the key to Persephone and Hades finally fixing their bond. There was just the right amount of suspense that lurked in the background, that added to the overall need to binge read and page turn. Plus the side characters were perfection, and I wished that everyone could have friends like Persephone.

The King and Queen of the underworld are truly back!

[Elliot Mennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

wowowowowowowowowowow


Okay, so this book? I can see why it got all the hype it did. The first one was a little teaser, but she broke her foot off in Death & Desires. I've got all my friends at work reading it. Also, dude the artwork is so cool. My boyfriend wants to get that cover skeleton tattooed on him and I am not even the least bit mad about it.

Hades broke my heart, ripped it out of my chest and set it on fire at that table scene. Then, when he let Helios wail on him? I shattered. The pain these characters were feeling wrapped around me and I could tell that what they were feeling was earth breaking. I couldn't even imagine.

Persephone as a nineties babe really had me. The Gorgonknots, led by medusa and used as a band name? I was ROLLING ON THE GROUND. I found the instagram and there is so much cool art and the playlists! I'm a nineties boy and I loved them!

Medusa's story gutted me from the inside out. FFFFFFFFF Poseidon and I hope he gets crabs FOREVER. Periodt. I also really liked the fact that there were POCs as MCs in this. Hecate with the box braids? The author never once describing her skin tone as the color of food? listen. As a black/latinx person, WE LOVE YOU FOR THAT. If I have to read about "Chocolate" skin one more damn time...

I did not see that twist coming, and that was perhaps the best part. Also, unpopular opinion probably but I wished Helios didn't take them back. I don't know that I agree with the redemption.

Also as the tiktok predicted, Hermes is a lil sh*t and I love it.

[Kate Ziedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more of these books I read, the more I love them. I am and always will be a huge sucker for any type of mythical or legendary God and Goddess sumtty love story. And Hades and Persephone will always and forever be my favorite. Majority, when I read these type of books, mostly it seems very surface level in terms on the actual story of the Gods and Goddesses, not too deep into the actual story of them, how their lives were (so to speak), their responsibilities and everything else that went into these amazing tales.
These books does all of that and more. It feels like Kraven did justice to the people who did and those who still do, believe in them.... and added smut in. The story lines are captivating, the characters and wonderfully well rounded and them chemistry between them all.... wether its friendship or romantic... is amazing and beautifully written. I love when a book gives me all the feels and this book had me laughing, crying, clenching my thighs and dropping my jaw through the whole thing.
I have never been happier that I took a chance on Tiktok shop and got the book because the authors content about the book intrigued me.
I will FOR SURE be reading the rest of the books in this series! And if they all become released in a hard back box set...(hard backs are my fave fave fave) I will be buying it because I know that I will be able to read and re-read all of these stories over and over again.

[katasokolov · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5*

Možné spoilery pro ty, co nečetli předchozí knihu.

Druhý díl byl zajímavější, jelikož se dějová linka posunula kupředu o 2000 let. Pakliže jste fanoušci devadesátkové módy a tehdejší hudební scény, budete nadšeni. Mě opět potěšilo město New Orleans, kam se naši hrdinové z Řecka přesunuli.

Tajemný ničema, který pomalu odkrývá karty a znovushledání po věcnosti od sebe. Seph a Hádes spolu vytvořili geniální dvojici (ani amnézie a PTSD mi tady nevadily). Značně dobře sekundovali i ostatní bohové, kteří jsou křesťanstvím a dalšími náboženstvími vytlačeni na okraj dění. Ještě, že peklo peklíčko je věcné🔥😈.

Doporučuji a pozor na rockovou sílu textů olympských bohů a bájných bytostí 😂👍🏽. Opět to zde jiskří, takže na to taky bacha 🌶️.

Třetí navazující díl by se měl zaměřovat na trojlístek Héfaista, Afrodity a Área.

[Hecate’s Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.5 🌶️3.5

Sooo much better than the first one. Still an insane and angering number of typos and mistakes though which drive me absolutely insane. 3.5 ⭐️ ignoring those and going based on plot. With them 2⭐️. Edit the book my god.

BUT. I got the dark, mean Hades I wanted. I love a broody angry Hades who wants to murder anyone in his way.

However. The ending was trash, I hate that trope. And half the actual action in the book they didn’t even talk about. So that was the worst.

Definitely not my fav Hades/Persephone retelling, but I’m too addicted to retellings that I won’t stope reading them. I’ll just keep being disappointed and wishing these were better. At least it gives me my spice fix.

[Hannah The Awkward · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Such a beautifully tragic story that will have you torn. A story of loss, loneliness, love, and longing is the best way to describe the second book in the series. I loved to see the transformation over time in Persephone and Hades— how time and circumstances changed them, but also highlighting what has remained the same.

Also the amount of tears I have cried… 😭 I remember crying while reading this last year, but I didn’t remember the amount and wow did I sure find out 😅 The love between Hades and Persephone is so poetic and beautiful that it made it difficult to put down my Kindle.

Tropes/vibes:
💙 Hades x Persephone
🖤 Praise
💙 Bada$$ FMC
🖤 MM romance snippet
💙 LGBTQIA+ support and representation 🏳️‍🌈
🖤 Found-family
💙 Slow burn 🔥

[Nerdy.Scientist.Reads || NERDY · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
Wow. I just finished the book, and I’m kinda just sitting here, stunned at all that’s transpired. This book took me through it, y’all. I really can’t say too much because I refuse to spoil something this great even just a little bit. But damn. Damn. It had me going from being sad to giddy and squealing, only to smack me right back in the face with sadness. And on top of the hurt I felt in my soul, there was a lot of whatfuckisthisness! I was in TC Kraven’s inbox CONSTANTLY. She basically held my hand through the entire reading process. And I definitely needed it because no one I know has read these books yet!!! There were times I had to put my kindle down and just process what I’d just read. You guys, it was so good. Please 👏 read 👏 these 👏 books 👏

That is all.

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what I was getting myself into with the Dark Fates Novels. This book torn me down, and then built me back up again. Broke my heart, and then mended it. A slow burn as Persephone works through her trauma. (I’m honestly so glad her and Hades finally reunited fully🥹). I resonate with her in a lot of ways. I have loved every minute of seeing her work through her personal journey. I read this book when I was going through a tough time, and it gave me something to look forward to. It made my day. I absolutely recommend this book, and this series. 🙌🏼🖤

-Also just to note, the version I read on the kindle app had spelling and grammar errors

[Reinna Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate slow burns, especially after the first one was so hot and heavy and spicy out the gate, but the author DID warn us, and I gotta say, she didn't need to. I would have read another 50 pages of slow burn just to get that reunion between Hades and Persephone.

With all that is holy in me, where does this woman come up with her spice? It's incredibly poetic and visceral and real, and I needed several showers after that dinner table scene. Also, after I finished I went back and re-read some parts and man, she lays those tiny threads until their almost imperceptible for the twist. I was guessing right up to the end, but looking back it was like DUH!

Off to book 3! I hear its LE SPICE.

[chellypants_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I literally called in to work because I could not put this down. The twists will have you sad and angry at the same time. I absolutely loved the fact it is set in New Orleans… I also loved the timeline. Seph got to figure herself out but boy don’t lie to the Goddess of Spring 😂😂. I thought I loved the first book, this one is by far my favorite. I now know that shadow play is a thing (I wish in real life…if you know then you understand). Having Medusa tell Seph what happened to her was so emotional. It was well written which made it feel very raw and vulnerable.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up all night and absolutely called out of work because of this book. Let's talk about it.

So, I was so curious to see how she was going to get persephone and Hades into the modern world, and after a slow burn that had me on my knees, she knocked it out of the park. There were small breadcrumbs from the first book and second books early chapters that really spelled it all out once you could look back. I'm a sucker for MM representation and that was EVERYTHING. I'll read everything this author writes, idc.

[Libby Charlotte Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps I'm being harsh, but from the reviews, I expected more from this book.

Firstly, the whole amnesia trope isn't for me, I didn't know that before I read it, but here we are!

I did like how the God's changed over the centuries. That was pretty cool. When Persephone remembered everything, I felt she should have been a bit more crazy.

The 3 stars are mainly for the smut, I think. I love any and all Hades x Persphone vibes, but this one was just average for me I'm afraid. I'd potentially read some of the others as I look all Greek mythology and smutty vibes but I wouldn't rush to them.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don’t know how this book was so insufferably long and yet only ~300 pages.

Over 50% of the book was just boring Persephone learning how to human in the 90’s. Obvious plot points- the necklace, Nick, Minthe.
Someone PLEASE edit this book.
Then we hit about the 80% mark and I swear the author was body snatched. The story was just bleh and yuck at some points. “fleshy spot” just no.

The one thing this book did have going for it was that it had the hottest MMF scene I’ve ever read.

I think I’m going to go throw a ficus at something.

[Elsa Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too long😩😩😩😩 but I loved!!!!!😭😭😭😭

Unnecessary chapters, I was pretty much only reading hades and persephone pieces and helios and nick/narcissus chapters... loved this book don’t get me wrong and she needed to establish ground for the other characters..but...anyways...it was a beautiful book...

“You could. I think. I have a theory and I need to test it. How long has it been for you, Hades? You could use the release yourself. When was the last time?” I leveled him a hard look and his eyes went wide. “You haven't? All these centuries and not once?” He balked. “For me, there has never been another since I laid my eyes on Persephone.”
😭😭😭😭 love Love hades

Loved this book.... I cried when finally Persephone remembered everything
“There are no words or gospels or scriptures ever written that could describe what I feel for you. Every inch of who you are is branded into my soul, and the only thing that kept me out of crawling into a grave all of these years is the far away thought that someday I’d hear your voice. So love? That word isn’t big enough. But if you’re asking specifically, then yes. I do.” She stared at me, eyes shining with angry tears.

[Reina Reina Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop it right now!! This book ! THIS BOOK!!! UGH . so many feelings right now I just cant ! The rollercoaster of emotions that was felt ..and I wasn't charged for admission. why didn't anyone warn me.? shame on you ! no but seriously . the emotions the turmoil really hits you. you see such a change in not one but a couple characters. Medusa... um why? Pers baby you didn't need to leave our man like that glad you came to your senses. This had depth it had flavor it was pure perfection.

[Morgan Alderman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! Being the second in the series, the beginning was a little slow for my taste, but once it sped up, it was so worth it! The new world building was FANTASTIC, and the characters still captured me every step of the way! I love that we moved for the Greek God world to modern day world! The only thing I wish I had more of was the point of view from Nick to maybe connect the story more, but otherwise, it was AMAZING, and I will read it again!

[Calley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The slowest of burns, but the payout was so worth it.

I loved that we got to see the fallout from what happened in that last book. An unhinged, broken Hades that would burn down the world for her had me SWEATING.

I loved the tie in from book one, and that we got to see so many of the small clues she dropped come together. When you look back, it's all there.

On my way to read book three!

[Artemis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a switch up from the fast-paced first novella, but ultimately I think I loved it more. Persephone being given her own agency and learning to fight for herself while processing trauma was difficult to read but in the best way. There were several times when my heart broke for her, and I wanted badly to skip to the happy ending but TC KRAVEN made me look and see. Healing is a process, and it's difficult and uncomfortable and I think she captured that beautifully.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been to New Orleans, but if the men look like the Gods in this book, sign me the Hell up.

Punk rock riot band? The Gorgonknots? I was cracking up at that name for ten minutes. 🤣🤣

HELIOS my maaaann, any scene where I can see him being a daddy I'm here for. King behavior and amazing character arc.

The shadows and the pomegranate scene? Hades. HADES. 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

[Madeline Laughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bringing the characters and the story of the first book into the (mostly) modern age is genius. This book has all the feels, from lost love to reunited soulmates, I absolutely could not put it down. TC Kraven brings the beauty of Ancient Greek gods to the vibrant world of New Orleans in a combination that will live in your mind for years to come.

[Lyndsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Death & Desires

Well that’s a time jump. 2000 years!! 😳😳

Welcome to the 90’s baby. The 1990’s.


This was a quick read and while I wish that there was more time of Hades and Seph together, this one was still really good. Persephone really grew into her own and shall I saw blossomed in this book.

I cannot wait to read more from this world.

[Amanda Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure T.C. Kraven can make buying groceries seductive at this point 🤣 her characters have so much depth to them I was back and forth on who I liked and who I didn't thru out the book. I couldn't put this one down and can't wait to read the next book.