The Twelfth Daughter of Erstwhile Garden

by Kaytalin Platt

This twist on the Hades and Persephone myth offers a short but incredibly moving tale of love, betrayal, and destined purpose.

On the eve of Esme Fischer's christening as the next Tender of Erstwhile Garden, she is tricked into marrying the God of Eternal Rest by his betrothed—her twin sister. Now, bound to the Infernal, Esme struggles for purpose in the dark and compassion from the husband who doesn't want her. But as she finds her footing in the life meant for her sister, a terrible fate befalls the realm she was born to govern.

35 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2025

About the author

Kaytalin Platt is the author of the genre-bending fantasy series, The Equitas, which follows a powerful time mage trapped in a recurring war with a creature bent on destroying the universe. She is also the author of the dark fantasy romance novel, Of Silver & Sin. Born in Deer Park, AL, Platt now resides just outside Philadelphia, PA with her husband, child, and rescue dog.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Twelfth Daughter of Erstwhile Garden

by Kaytalin Platt
🎧 Narrated by Megan Carver

Such a short but deeply moving retelling of one of my favorite myths. The writing is lovely, but the narration is what makes this shine. Megan Carver’s performance was perfection, she gave life and nuance to every character, capturing the ache and beauty of the story effortlessly. I still can’t believe this was performed by just one person! Sometimes one narrator for so many roles can feel flat, but she made it seamless and believable. Bravo!



⭐️ 4 stars for the story

🎧 5 stars for the narration



Thank you Megan Carver for the gifted audiobook, all opinions are my own

[shyandlonelywriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, so if you like this myth, you should read this book.
It's a small book. It has only 13 chapters, so you can finish it in just a day.

The FMC had a destiny to fulfill, but her sister betrayed her. She ended up with a man who didn't love her. The MMC is the God of Eternal Rest, and he's blind. He ended up falling in love with his wife not because of her beauty but because of what she says.

It's a beautiful love story.





I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a beautiful Hades and Persephone retelling. There are some of the familiar themes associated with the myth, but it’s also about forgiveness, fate, love, death and finding that one person who can sift through the darkness and pull you back into the light.

It made me cry—in a good way.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Hades and Persephone retelling! This is a quick read, an hour in audio or under 57 pages (even shorter for kindle), but it’s a full story with betrayal, love and redemption.

This was my first story by Kaytalin Platt, but I definitely plan to read more! The writing was well done and the story interesting.

I listened to the audio and the narrator did a great job!

I did receive an audio copy of this book from the author, but my review is genuine.

[Paul Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think you could get such a rich story from such a short book but here we are! Esme is an amazing character and a better person than me lol. I loved the pacing. I need more! Not from this story, but from this author!

[Clarissa Frayre · Rating 3 out of 5]

listened to the audio I feel like I would of liked the book better if it was narrated by more than just a female because her doing the male voices was very cringe for me. but for it being so short (1 hour) on audible it was okay,it all tied together but just not something I would read again.

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 3 ⭐️
Spice 🚫
Audiobook 5⭐️

The Twelfth Daughter of Erstwhile Garden by Kaytalin Platt is a very short novella. Narrated by the amazing Megan Carter, this book is a moving retelling of Hades and Persephone myth. What hooked me was the narration, while the writing is good, it is really short and I wish there was bit more, as I think it has a great foundation. Megan delivered a performance with a perfect accent, pouring in her talent she gave us not only beauty, but real turmoil and feelings. On a solo narration, the story and the characters are pushing the boundaries of the range of a narrator, and Megan delivers each of them individually, creating their voice and personality and making it very unique.
Thank you very much for this AXC, the review and opinions are my own.