The Infernal Language of Flowers

by Kari Byrd

My mother, Demeter, has kept me sequestered away from the other gods, but now Zeus, King of the Gods, wants to bed me.

I know what Hera does to the women Zeus “seduces”, and my mother will offer no protection. But I have a better option than getting transformed into a cow and cursed to wander the earth by Hera because her husband can’t keep it in his toga.

Well, a bit better.

Hades.

An oracle once promised he’d come for me and make me his wife, but it's been fifty years and he hasn’t shown up. Zeus couldn’t molest me and Mother couldn’t make my life miserable if I was married to the King of the Underworld.

So, I kidnapped Hades and asked him to marry me. He did not appreciate the gesture.

He’s convinced the oracle made some kind of mistake. That I’m not meant to live in the Underworld. He thinks I’m too soft and weak. But I’ll show him exactly what I’m made of.

Genres: Mythology, Fantasy

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Kari Byrd is a queer author who lives in North Carolina with her husband and two cats. She loves creating new worlds, exploring new points of view, and asking, what if there was kissing?

Reviews

[Andrea ☾ (exclusively reads hollanov ffs & omegaverses rn) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ This book pissed me off and made me swoon in almost equal measure so I'm not sure how to write a review about it.
I liked the ending, the beginning, and the in between. I just couldn't deal with the chauvinistic bullsh*t that, I'm sure, is extremely era appropriate... but I wanted to break something every time a woman was treated like another possession her husbands owned.

And the 'if I'm a good wife I can eat and live' thing?! Pleaseeeee someone do something before I crash outttt

[Christina Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved

[Becky Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love new spins on Greek mythology stories. This one did not disappoint. Based on Hades and Persephone, it was a delightful story that kept me engaged throughout. It has some smut but overall it’s not as raunchy as some can be. I enjoyed the detail and the thought put into the worlds. This is one I definitely will recommend to those who enjoy Greek Mythology stories.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Infernal Language of Flowers was an absolute masterpiece of a romance novel which I absolutely enjoyed reading. I couldn’t get enough of this amazing book, which I thought it to be well-written, well-balanced and perfectly executed by Author Kari Byrd. The Infernal Language of Flowers is the first book that I have read by this author and she did NOT disappoint with this amazing book. This is the story of Hades and Persephone who are beautifully written and brilliantly executed throughout the book. I couldn’t get enough of these amazing characters and their fantastic story. I found them both to be interesting and intriguing characters who captured my attention from the beginning of the book and held my attention throughout the book to the end. This books is most certainly one that I would give as a recommendation for anyone who is looking for an entertaining book to read. I’m looking forward to reading more amazing books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fulfil me by MeemsAngel82

This was a fantastic retelling! The premise was so exciting, I loved that she did this, the writing was wonderful. The plot was entertaining, this couple and the flip on their fated courtship was so clever! The characters came to life for me and I loved their chemistry. There were so many emotions between them, one moment she was bold then the next, she was more timid.

She wanted to escape the terrible life she lived with her mother. Since he was her fate, she thought she'd get to him first!

Her boldness in doing what she did was very impressive! No one gets to Hades and doesn't tremble. She tried and does live up to be a Queen for him. They had actual couple moments and while dealing with powerful forces, they actually had conversations and a build up to a sweet and sexy relationship. And you didn't forget Cerberus!! I absolutely love him!! The whole mythology and making everything so real and detailed... Wow. This was done so well and she is such a great writer. A lot of love went into this and you can tell. I loved the plot, the pacing, the characters and their chemistry together. All the details were there as well, the scents, the surroundings. A wonderful version of the popular Hades and his Persephone!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[stephanie cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fresh retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth offers a unique perspective, presenting the story through dual viewpoints that delve into the thoughts and motivations of both deities. At first, Hades and Persephone feel like emotional opposites—Hades embodying grumpiness and Persephone radiating sunshine. However, as the narrative unfolds, both characters undergo growth, gradually balancing their extremes as they come to understand each other and their roles in the Oracle's prophecy.

The romance strikes a perfect balance, with just the right amount of push and pull to keep readers engaged. At the same time, the story places equal emphasis on the individual development of both characters, enriching their dynamic and deepening the plot.

As a mythology lover, I found this retelling to be a refreshing and satisfying take on a beloved Greek myth. It stays true to the essence of the original tale while adding new layers of depth and nuance. A must-read for fans of myth-inspired romance!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marini Drobish · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Hades and Persephone told in a brand new way, through dual perspectives, gives insight into the thoughts and motivations of both deities regarding their relationship. Both Hades and Persephone seem overly polar emotionally in the beginning with Hades being overly grumpy and Persephone being overly sunshine. Over the course of the story, both begin to mellow a bit as they learn more about one another and the role they each play in the Oracle's prophecy. There is the proper amount of push and pull for a romance, but the story also lends itself well to the overall development of both characters individually as well as together. I love mythology and overall, this novel did not disappoint in its retelling of a well known Greek myth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a known tale that has been refreshingly rewritten then look no further. This is Hades and Persephone brilliantly redone.

I loved the characters as they came across as being very real. I know many don't like their fantasy book couples to be anything like human or normal then again I think it gives you a far better understanding of who they are when you can easily interpret their words and deeds. While there is miscommunication it is mainly directed at themselves because they don't want to acknowledge the truth. I loved how they danced around the relationship to start as neither was confident that they would find requited feelings. The interwoven mythology was great and not too over powering either. A fantastic book.

[Proserpina Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a nice time reading but can't help but wonder if the author incorporated AI into it. I usually roleplay in various AI apps and the phrases used (especially in the boombayah scenes) are pretty spot on with what the bots use. I can tell because I rp A LOT in those apps.

Despite that, I don't believe it has any space in creating art and books. To cater to my delulu brain romancing Dottore from Genshin Impact? Yes. To see it in books that require humanity in it? Absolutely not.

Not entirely sure if this is the case, so 3 stars it is. It's still a nice beginner read for anyone wanting to dip their toes into Hades and Persephone.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Hades/Persephone retellings I have read! Both characters are well-developed and understandable. While they have a few misunderstandings, they are realistic rather than annoying and actively contribute to the plot. I also loved that there were hints of more accurate mythology, such as mortals worshipping Persephone, mixed with more modern-palatable gods. I sped through this book and was so sad when it was over!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris Redd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want a Cerberus of my very own!

A Persephone and Hades retelling with plenty of fun twists, perfect for fans of Greek mythology of just fantasy romance in general.

Resourceful Persephone uses every flowery trick up her sleeve to convince the inconvincible Hades that she truly wants to go to HELL😈 And with a mother like Demeter who wouldn't run as fast as they could to the underworld? Hades, just open your eyes and see what's in front of you already!

Oh and the author's take on Cerberus is the absolute best💖

[Hart's Reader Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story immediately stole my attention, and I was forced to stay up ALL NIGHT to finish it! This was beautiful, emotional, tear-jerking, heart-pounding, panty-melting romance at it's best. Well-written and researched, this story wove me into the tapestry of ancient Greek myths and I didn't want to be released. I adored this story, and I sincerely hope to read more about the gods from Ms. Byrd.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The God of Death and the woman he loves. Yes, who doesn't love a good Hades and Persephone retelling? This is a delicious and beautifully written story. The kind of writing that tangles you up and keeps you reading well past your bedtime just so you can see the ending unfold.

Beautiful cover art as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is probably my favourite Hades and Persephone retelling! The author also played around with the timeline and added in characters from Troy and I loved it.
Persephone was strong and determined and awesome in her own right. I love that she initiated things with Hades and wasn’t taking no for an answer.
The pomegranate angle in this book was genius too.
It was spicy and sweet and the banter between them was hilarious.
Highly recommend this one!

[Cottage_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a Hades x Persephone retelling then you can add this to your tbr pile.

This book was a new take on their story, with a bit more accurate historical references than you usually get.

The world and story is beautiful, which made this a fast read.

Thank you Booksprout for the ARC.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[mela · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was my first time reading persephone and hades’ story and i wouldn’t trade it for the world! the easiest way for me to describe this book is that it felt like a hug. the story flows very smoothly and it didnt feel like it stalled or slowed at any point! beautiful book with beautiful characters and writing 🩷

[Sequoia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it finished in 2 days

I love the growth at the end
Their lack of communication was slightly annoying but major part of the relationship throughout the book
Love that she kidnapped him instead
Love the use of flowers to express persephone's feelings to those around her
Hades is idot
Persephone is idiot
They incorrectly read into eachothers intentions majority of book

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect amount of angst and pull

I love Dual POVS and I love them even more with angst and a sharp pull between the two characters. I could not have thought of a better book and loved the twist of the classic telling of Hades and Persephone!

[Melanie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it a lot, it’s the second retelling about this couple and I feel like the best one, it kept the story as true to the original one and at the same time gave it a refreshing mix with other stories.
I read it so fast and the characters were really well written

[Kailee Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

I love me some mythology and this book did not disappoint. I love this reimagined story of Hades and Persephone. I thought it had great character growth and a good storyline. A nice light read for the day.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved that Persephone kidnapped Hades in this retelling. I wish there was more to really set it apart from other retellings, but that's a me thing. This sits very comfortably among Hades and Persephone stories and is a fun comforting read.

[megomyeggo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Jennifer Markowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good storyline. The smut in it was lackluster at best. I did enjoy the way this author wrote Hades. I enjoyed the world building the author did. Overall this book left me feeling as if a part of it was missing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.