The Ballad of Wrath and Death

by H.T. Mejia

Kora spent her life deep in the mountains, in a sleepy village plagued by tales of Gods and Monsters. The people there were taught the rules from a young don’t go outside at night, don't go into the woods alone, and don’t acknowledge a black dog when you see it. And never, under any circumstances, utter the names of the Gods. They were said to have vanished hundreds of years ago, their faces long forgotten and their names held by only a select few. The legends were used as scary bedtime stories, spoken at night in hushed voices to convince unruly children to behave. Kora could not help but wonder, however; if the Gods were long dead, if they could not really hurt them… Why did they still follow those rules?

As her life is flipped upside down Kora is thrust into the Underworld by the God of the Dead himself, where she must learn to navigate a world of lies and deception. Wrath grows and blooms within her as both her power and her heritage come to light. She yearns to forge her own destiny, but The Fates have long prophesied their plans for her. With her heart and her Wrath at odds, will Kora bend to The Fates’ desires, or will she tear herself free from a life of death and decay?

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2024

About the author

H.T. Mejia has a passion for animals and has worked in Veterinary Medicine for many years. She is a food enthusiast, lover of all things fantasy, and she is fascinated with Greek Mythology. H.T. Mejia is the author of the new novel: The Ballad of Wrath and Death. She started her author journey at the beginning of 2024 and looks forward to completing book two in the duology soon.

Reviews

[Vesta · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH. MY. GOSH.

I was not expecting the chokehold this book would have on me! The prose flowed so well that I sometimes felt I was with Kora on this journey. There wasn't just telling her emotions, there was also showing them in the little details. I enjoyed how the romantic aspect wasn't the biggest plot point and other relationships were being shown!

Kora grew in so many ways and didn't feel all like a sunshine FMC. She felt more morally grey in my opinion and that was refreshing to read. To see her try and make her plans but have a bit of doubt as she went on. Seeing her make friendships more than just trying to seduce Hades was incredible and I wish we had more of that. I hope to see more of that in the next book.

There were so many moments that I was on the edge of my seat and just wondering what was going to happen next. The Ball scene was incredible and there was some spice there! I won't lie I feel as if Eris showing up was stealing the show and gave me some Maleficent vibes. I want to see her more as well.

The ending took me by surprise and I was screaming no the entire time and I am going to be one the edge of my seat until the next book! I am completely in love with this book and I hope to read more from this author!

[Kelsey Jaleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me out of a months long reading slump! I read it basically all in one sitting and I haven't done that in so long. It's just long enough to have you hooked, and just short enough to keep you wanting more. There is a little spice, and it adds to the plot instead of feeling like an awkward forced addition. Highly recommend and I'm really looking forward to the second part of the duology!

[Asher Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not say enough about this book. I love Hades and Persephone retellings, and this one is by far my favorite.
There is a heavy emphasis on the worlds and character development, and the romance is the backseat passenger.
This book is filled with rage and wrath and omg the yearning and tensionnnnn. It's chefs kiss 💋
The way this book ended had me immediately needing to dive into the second book.
Don't walk. RUN to read this one.

[Deanna Caudill · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And you,”. She turned to face me head-on. “You will bring forth so much strife. It will be beautiful.”

Wow. Just wow. Most original Greek mythology tale I’ve read, probably ever. If you’re looking for something fast-paced, with a highly complex main character, and a wild, plot-twist ending, this is it. Add it to your TBR now!

[Beth Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced

I love a book that has no slow spots, this book is action packed from beginning to end and leaves you off on a cliffhanger, making me wish book 2 was already out. Such a refreshing new take on a genre I feel can be overdone at times.

[Distracted Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes it is a retelling but it keeps your attention. The interactions between characters and little twists keeps the story fresh. It isn't insta love between Hades and Persephone which I appreciate. Waiting for the next appearance of the gods is so fun. No notes, fun read, recommend.

[S. Hallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a few months ago and it's STILL stuck in my head. I loved Kora's journey, her growth, and the romance was lovely. I really really enjoyed how wrath was portrayed, and Kora's relationship with it. Also, Hecate was a bad*ss.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

[frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO GOOD!!!! Everything about this story had me sucked in and I cannot wait for this to come out!!

[Nancy Herring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike anything I have read, this is t my typical genre but I definitely enjoyed the ride. It was perfectly written and kept me engaged throughout the whole book

[Kaitlyn Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing take on the myth of Persophone and Hades.

Mythology afficionados will enjoy all the tiny details and easter eggs included in this book, I know I did.

The story itself is a unique blend of romance, and political espionage, with the heroine slowly embracing who she is at her core as the book goes on, and falling for the hero on her own terms.

I, for one, cannot wait for the second book! Definitely pick this one up once it releases!