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Hades and Persephone Duology #2
Hades and Persephone: The Golden Blade
Book 2 in the Hades and Persephone duology. An illustrated novel with 10 images. After six long months, Persephone returns to the Underworld to reunite with the God of the Dead, Hades. But the kingdom she knew has changed, and dark secrets cast uncertainty over their love. As a sinister plot unfolds, Hades and Persephone are thrust into a desperate race against time. The answers they seek are shrouded in shadow, and a war for all souls looms on the horizon. As the final battle between good and evil draws near, the King and Queen of the Underworld teeter on the brink of losing everything. Will they triumph over the impending chaos, or will evil unravel their world?
805 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 1, 2024
Headlines:
Angst oozing from the pages
Destructive love
Who really is the villiain?
What a sweeping read of an experience the finale of this duology was. I was glad I re-read book one so that I had the details straight in my mind, but even so, I did not expect the underworld to be as it was on Persephone's return. The hardest thing...what had become of the people there.
I'm going to be vague in this review because the plot is both complex and delicious. It messed with my head and expectations numerous times and neither Persephone nor me reading through her eyes couldn't comprehend the changes in the underworld. It was incredibly hard to understand who the villians were outside of the obvious contenders of Zeus and Minthe. Talking of Zeus, I don't think there's been a retelling where I've hated this god as much; he was so well written in his wickedness.
What was perplexing and sometimes stressful to read were the changes to characters I had formed assumptions about from book one, especially Ares and Hades. I had to do some pondering, side-eyeing and backpeddling with these two. The side characters were rich and I really enjoyed Hecate, Nyx, Cronus (yes, really) and others. I did not know where this plot was heading about a quarter of the way in but it was so engrossing that riding along with the story was great reading amongst the angst. Once a specific reveal came, the angst lessened a bit.
I cannot talk about this book without paying homage to the wonderful artwork. The frequency and quality of this original art that leads you through the story lifts the visualisation of this book to the highest levels. I could picture all the characters quite literally because I'd turn a page and there they were.
This was a heated romantasy-type of greek mythology retelling. But this was Greek mythology so expect the heinous acts those original tales depict as they understandably appear on these pages; there may be triggers for some.
What a beloved duology this has been and one I will be recommending to all around me.
Angst oozing from the pages
Destructive love
Who really is the villiain?
What a sweeping read of an experience the finale of this duology was. I was glad I re-read book one so that I had the details straight in my mind, but even so, I did not expect the underworld to be as it was on Persephone's return. The hardest thing...what had become of the people there.
I'm going to be vague in this review because the plot is both complex and delicious. It messed with my head and expectations numerous times and neither Persephone nor me reading through her eyes couldn't comprehend the changes in the underworld. It was incredibly hard to understand who the villians were outside of the obvious contenders of Zeus and Minthe. Talking of Zeus, I don't think there's been a retelling where I've hated this god as much; he was so well written in his wickedness.
What was perplexing and sometimes stressful to read were the changes to characters I had formed assumptions about from book one, especially Ares and Hades. I had to do some pondering, side-eyeing and backpeddling with these two. The side characters were rich and I really enjoyed Hecate, Nyx, Cronus (yes, really) and others. I did not know where this plot was heading about a quarter of the way in but it was so engrossing that riding along with the story was great reading amongst the angst. Once a specific reveal came, the angst lessened a bit.
I cannot talk about this book without paying homage to the wonderful artwork. The frequency and quality of this original art that leads you through the story lifts the visualisation of this book to the highest levels. I could picture all the characters quite literally because I'd turn a page and there they were.
This was a heated romantasy-type of greek mythology retelling. But this was Greek mythology so expect the heinous acts those original tales depict as they understandably appear on these pages; there may be triggers for some.
What a beloved duology this has been and one I will be recommending to all around me.
August 14, 2024
Where do I even start? Hades and Persephone: The Golden Blade is not just a dark romance—it’s passionate, and their love? It transcends anything I’ve ever read. Their connection is electric, intense, and completely unforgettable.
The supporting cast is phenomenal! Hecate, Nyx, Hypnos, and a few others I won’t spoil—they all add so much richness to the story. And the plot twists? Just when you think you’ve figured it out, BAM! These authors seriously knew what they were doing, and they wrapped everything together in ways that blew my mind.
And the villains—wow. I have never been so consumed with loathing for characters like these. Minthe is so well written, she made my blood boil in the best way. The tension and drama are off the charts.
Plus, I HAVE to mention the illustrations. They’re stunning and add so much to the experience. This book isn’t just a read—it’s a whole vibe. It is such a special book in so many ways. I can’t recommend it enough!
The supporting cast is phenomenal! Hecate, Nyx, Hypnos, and a few others I won’t spoil—they all add so much richness to the story. And the plot twists? Just when you think you’ve figured it out, BAM! These authors seriously knew what they were doing, and they wrapped everything together in ways that blew my mind.
And the villains—wow. I have never been so consumed with loathing for characters like these. Minthe is so well written, she made my blood boil in the best way. The tension and drama are off the charts.
Plus, I HAVE to mention the illustrations. They’re stunning and add so much to the experience. This book isn’t just a read—it’s a whole vibe. It is such a special book in so many ways. I can’t recommend it enough!
October 1, 2024
“I am a casualty of war," he whispered. "Tomorrow, begin again. When the sun rises, know that, in the end, I finally found the courage to let you go.”
💫💫💫💫💫
Get ready, because I’m about to gush. I first discovered this series in 2020, after following the incredibly talented artist Heidi Hastings. I’ve held off writing this review for one simple reason: I didn’t want the series to end. This duology is truly unique, offering a deep dive into the darker, more insidious side of Greek mythology.
Now, let me be clear: when I say dark, I don’t mean it in the way the word is sometimes used to signal "spice" or edgy romance. No, this is dark in the truest sense of ancient mythology—the raw, unsettling kind that explores the cruelty of the gods, the fragility of existence, and the inescapable weight of fate.
What Hades and Persephone endure throughout the series is nothing short of heartbreaking; the darker elements definitely pick up in Book II. Their love is tested not just by external forces, but by the brutal nature of the gods themselves and the weight of their destinies. The authors don’t shy away from the raw and painful emotions that come with being part of such a tragic myth. Watching them struggle, suffer, and ultimately make unimaginable sacrifices for each other will leave you feeling gutted. There is love; there is war; there is loss.
An added bonus are the stunning illustrations in this series. Yes, these books come illustrated, it's almost like reading a graphic novel, and I absolutely loved it.
These authors clearly did a lot of research and knew their stuff. There are so many twists in these books, that will leave you in suspense until the very last word. This is the series that started my love for Greek mythology.
Okay, gushing is over. Read the books lol.
💫💫💫💫💫
Get ready, because I’m about to gush. I first discovered this series in 2020, after following the incredibly talented artist Heidi Hastings. I’ve held off writing this review for one simple reason: I didn’t want the series to end. This duology is truly unique, offering a deep dive into the darker, more insidious side of Greek mythology.
Now, let me be clear: when I say dark, I don’t mean it in the way the word is sometimes used to signal "spice" or edgy romance. No, this is dark in the truest sense of ancient mythology—the raw, unsettling kind that explores the cruelty of the gods, the fragility of existence, and the inescapable weight of fate.
What Hades and Persephone endure throughout the series is nothing short of heartbreaking; the darker elements definitely pick up in Book II. Their love is tested not just by external forces, but by the brutal nature of the gods themselves and the weight of their destinies. The authors don’t shy away from the raw and painful emotions that come with being part of such a tragic myth. Watching them struggle, suffer, and ultimately make unimaginable sacrifices for each other will leave you feeling gutted. There is love; there is war; there is loss.
An added bonus are the stunning illustrations in this series. Yes, these books come illustrated, it's almost like reading a graphic novel, and I absolutely loved it.
These authors clearly did a lot of research and knew their stuff. There are so many twists in these books, that will leave you in suspense until the very last word. This is the series that started my love for Greek mythology.
Okay, gushing is over. Read the books lol.
July 1, 2024
This story is so unique, I have never read a Hades and Persephone retelling quite like this one. The story this one told was so in depth and heart breaking. It took me 16 days to finish this because it hurt so much to read I constantly had to put it down to process what I was reading and how I was feeling, hah.
I have never hated Zeus more than I have while reading this book and I’ve always hated him, but not this intensely; Persephone not being able to see what was truly happening with Hades infuriated me, but I also understood why she couldn’t see past her heartbreak and confusion as to how Hades was acting and the condition of the underworld upon her return.
And Hades, my sweet Hades. The abuse and trauma he endured his entire life and especially during this book was unlike anything I’ve ever read. My heart was in a perpetual state of pain and heartbreak as his story unfolded. I don’t want to spoil the ending so that’s all I’ll say about the book. I’m so happy Hades and Persephone were finally at peace in the end. I selfishly hope the authors of this duology release a novella or short story about their unproblematic future In the underworld with the eventual arrival of Zagreus. Hades and Persephone endured so much pain throughout both books, and how this story all came together was beautiful. Thank you to the authors for such an incredible story.
I have never hated Zeus more than I have while reading this book and I’ve always hated him, but not this intensely; Persephone not being able to see what was truly happening with Hades infuriated me, but I also understood why she couldn’t see past her heartbreak and confusion as to how Hades was acting and the condition of the underworld upon her return.
And Hades, my sweet Hades. The abuse and trauma he endured his entire life and especially during this book was unlike anything I’ve ever read. My heart was in a perpetual state of pain and heartbreak as his story unfolded. I don’t want to spoil the ending so that’s all I’ll say about the book. I’m so happy Hades and Persephone were finally at peace in the end. I selfishly hope the authors of this duology release a novella or short story about their unproblematic future In the underworld with the eventual arrival of Zagreus. Hades and Persephone endured so much pain throughout both books, and how this story all came together was beautiful. Thank you to the authors for such an incredible story.
October 9, 2024
After so many years I never thought there’d be a sequel to first book, so you could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw it was finally available! The speed with which I added it to my amazon cart made me a little dizzy.
This book picks up right where the first one left off and dives even deeper into the dark themes that made the original so gripping. It took me a while to finish, simply because I was so emotionally distraught by everything happening.
As a lover of Greek mythology, it’s amazing to see a book that stays true to the history and myths while adding so much depth to the characters. The inclusion of beautiful drawings once again brings the story to life, making the world feel even more vivid. I especially loved getting to meet more of the gods—some endearing, others truly evil—and each one added a unique layer to the story. I truly did not know what was going to happen until the very last page. It's been a long time since I've stayed up all night to finish a book, but I did with this one.
I applaud the authors for crafting such a masterpiece. It was bittersweet finishing a series I started so long ago, but glad that Hades and Persephone have this retelling that does their love such sweet justice.
This book picks up right where the first one left off and dives even deeper into the dark themes that made the original so gripping. It took me a while to finish, simply because I was so emotionally distraught by everything happening.
As a lover of Greek mythology, it’s amazing to see a book that stays true to the history and myths while adding so much depth to the characters. The inclusion of beautiful drawings once again brings the story to life, making the world feel even more vivid. I especially loved getting to meet more of the gods—some endearing, others truly evil—and each one added a unique layer to the story. I truly did not know what was going to happen until the very last page. It's been a long time since I've stayed up all night to finish a book, but I did with this one.
I applaud the authors for crafting such a masterpiece. It was bittersweet finishing a series I started so long ago, but glad that Hades and Persephone have this retelling that does their love such sweet justice.
August 4, 2024
This book. THIS BOOK! Where to start?
I have gone through literally every emotion possible. Disbelief, anger, despair, joy, despair again, BLISSFUL HAPPINESS, AGONY... you get the idea. This one is not for the faint of heart. It will take you on a journey that is dark and dangerous and sometimes deadly, but it is so, so worth it.
My Gods, Hades and Persephone, my poor darlings, you have been through it. I never imagined when I began this series all that you would suffer with and how you would grow. I love you both.
Hecate, my sweet, wicked Hecate, I love you too. Cerberus and Olive, you are precious. I adored so many of the side characters. There is one side character I grew very much to love that surprised me so very much. Minthe, you are the worst. I don't want to add spoilers, but my Gods, there is one I hate even more than the dreadful Minthe.
Now, my friends, this one is dark, it is spicy, it is filled with a range of emotions. I am overawed with the research that these authors did into Greek mythology. I cannot begin to tell you how gorgeous the illustrations are to this book.
I have gone through literally every emotion possible. Disbelief, anger, despair, joy, despair again, BLISSFUL HAPPINESS, AGONY... you get the idea. This one is not for the faint of heart. It will take you on a journey that is dark and dangerous and sometimes deadly, but it is so, so worth it.
My Gods, Hades and Persephone, my poor darlings, you have been through it. I never imagined when I began this series all that you would suffer with and how you would grow. I love you both.
Hecate, my sweet, wicked Hecate, I love you too. Cerberus and Olive, you are precious. I adored so many of the side characters. There is one side character I grew very much to love that surprised me so very much. Minthe, you are the worst. I don't want to add spoilers, but my Gods, there is one I hate even more than the dreadful Minthe.
Now, my friends, this one is dark, it is spicy, it is filled with a range of emotions. I am overawed with the research that these authors did into Greek mythology. I cannot begin to tell you how gorgeous the illustrations are to this book.
May 4, 2024
Las ilustraciones lo hace tan bonito todo el libro. La historia fue genial, todo está bien planeado que no dejas de leerlo hasta saber que pasa. Hades es lo mejor del libro, siempre. Amé la historia y el tema de familia que le dan importancia, fue extra. La imagen final, muy linda.
Lo que sí algunas cosas, Persephone le faltó más decisión, estuvo perdida en gran parte de la historia, tal vez dar un poco más de crédito, es fuerte y tal, pero solo cerrar con tomar acción. Minthe en la mitología sabemos de que va, pero verla actuar en la novela, ay, no.
De ahí fue una emocionante lectura. Me gusta.
Lo que sí algunas cosas, Persephone le faltó más decisión, estuvo perdida en gran parte de la historia, tal vez dar un poco más de crédito, es fuerte y tal, pero solo cerrar con tomar acción. Minthe en la mitología sabemos de que va, pero verla actuar en la novela, ay, no.
De ahí fue una emocionante lectura. Me gusta.
October 2, 2024
I can’t express how much I adored this book! It deeply resonated with me in ways that are hard to put into words. It had been years since I read the first book, but the authors refreshed my memory on everything that happened in between, which I appreciated. This was the perfect conclusion to the series—packed with emotional intensity, thrilling adventure, and undeniable passion. You can tell the authors poured their hearts and souls into this story, and it paid off. I’m so sad to see the series end, but what an incredible way to finish!
August 8, 2025
Wow. Wow. Wow. The storytelling, descriptions and just overall concept of this duology is just beautiful. I read both books in less than a week, I experienced every emotion possible.
An incredible take on the famous story of Hades and Persephone with the inclusion of some incredible side characters. I cannot praise the authors enough. Angst must be their favourite word cause I was having to drag myself away from the pages
Get the damn books. I’m gonna need a while to get over these (in a good way). Wow.
An incredible take on the famous story of Hades and Persephone with the inclusion of some incredible side characters. I cannot praise the authors enough. Angst must be their favourite word cause I was having to drag myself away from the pages
Get the damn books. I’m gonna need a while to get over these (in a good way). Wow.
August 5, 2024
Just finished this gem, and I'm in awe! I follow the authors on Instagram, and it's mind-blowing that two people self-published, illustrated, and edited such a masterpiece. What started as a delightful Hades and Persephone romance quickly transformed into a complex and gripping story that took me by surprise. Huge congrats to these amazing authors! I'm spreading the word about this book to everyone I know. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a Hades and Persephone read.
May 13, 2024
As with all Greek mythology retellings, this is dark in places, so read with caution. What inloved about the first book was the art work within, this book didn't have half as many images which was disappointing. It started slow and at first I was debating not finishing it as the first few chapters felt more like an outline. But I'm glad I finished it.
February 23, 2025
Bravo! Bellissimo!
Ahhhhh this was incredible!
I gave the first book in the duet a solid 5 stars but this goes beyond that.
The world building was exquisitely crafted while the writing beautifully executed and dreamlike.
There was such a fierceness and intensity to this story.
The best Hades & Persephone retelling I’ve read.
August 21, 2024
Sequel to Curse of the Golden Arrow that goes deeper into the characters with plenty of surprising turns. Ideal for lovers of mythological romance
December 14, 2024
This duet is the best Hades and Persephone re telling hands down.
August 4, 2024
WICKED AND WONDERFUL
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This was swoonworthy. Out of all the Hades and Persephone books I have read (and I have read a lot) this one stole the show.
Now hear me out - it starts off slow. But it does not stay that way. This book is magic personified. I have never hated a villain the way I have in this book. This book is a potent combination of romance and plot. The chapter where Hades ventures into Tartarus is one of my favorite scenes in the book.
READER BEWARE
I found this book on Tiktok but this is NOT a Tiktok book. This is an epic book and is dark. It doesn't hold back. The side characters are rich and plentiful and I hope for spin offs. Persephone is not all powerful and it's refreshing and unpredictable. This is my second reread and the depth and richness of this book is beautiful.
Also there are so many amazing illustrations that I believe one of the authors painted.
This is one of my forever favorites.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This was swoonworthy. Out of all the Hades and Persephone books I have read (and I have read a lot) this one stole the show.
Now hear me out - it starts off slow. But it does not stay that way. This book is magic personified. I have never hated a villain the way I have in this book. This book is a potent combination of romance and plot. The chapter where Hades ventures into Tartarus is one of my favorite scenes in the book.
READER BEWARE
I found this book on Tiktok but this is NOT a Tiktok book. This is an epic book and is dark. It doesn't hold back. The side characters are rich and plentiful and I hope for spin offs. Persephone is not all powerful and it's refreshing and unpredictable. This is my second reread and the depth and richness of this book is beautiful.
Also there are so many amazing illustrations that I believe one of the authors painted.
This is one of my forever favorites.
August 14, 2024
I have waited SO LONG for the second book in this series, and I am blown
away.
Without giving spoilers, I absolutely loved so many things.
1. We get to see so many of the other Gods in this book (and can I say, I
am in love with Hecate).
2. The twists and turns: I stayed up way longer than I should have and
required several coffees to get through the workday.
3. The illustrations are absolutely stunning.
4. The growth of these characters throughout the series was so beautiful.
I loved seeing how Persephone grew.
To sum up, I cried, I laughed (quite a lot, again, thanks, Hecate), and I
screamed. But mostly, I fell in love with this one.
away.
Without giving spoilers, I absolutely loved so many things.
1. We get to see so many of the other Gods in this book (and can I say, I
am in love with Hecate).
2. The twists and turns: I stayed up way longer than I should have and
required several coffees to get through the workday.
3. The illustrations are absolutely stunning.
4. The growth of these characters throughout the series was so beautiful.
I loved seeing how Persephone grew.
To sum up, I cried, I laughed (quite a lot, again, thanks, Hecate), and I
screamed. But mostly, I fell in love with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2024
This book is an epic. Thank you to the authors for such a beautiful retelling. I did not expect what happened in this book. A treasured jewel on my bookshelf. I hope these authors write more books.
August 15, 2024
Great retelling.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews