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Reaper Academy #1
Shattered & Returned: A Hades & Persephone Dark Academia Retelling
99 deaths. 1 final chance.
BLOOM doesn’t know why her dreams drip with blood.
Why the dead scream her name.
Or Nero Ravencrux—Forsaken Academy’s lethally beautiful, morally black heart—watches her like she’s both his salvation and his ruin.
But she knows three
Students who break the rules disappear.
Every redhead who looked like her was buried before twenty.
She has nine days until her birthday—the day the gods have marked for her blood.
NERO is the death god masquerading as a man. For millennia, he’s watched Persephone be reborn, only to be slaughtered by the gods who hunt her for sport.
This time, he built Forsaken Academy to cage her from fate.
But this Persephone is different.
Wilder. Wounded. A storm of thorns and trembling hands, picking through the bones of women who wore her skin.
The Fates demand she remember. If she doesn’t, he’ll lose her forever.
The gods are coming.
Her clock is bleeding out.
And the only thing more dangerous than his love?
Her need to survive it.
And her fury when she discovers the truth.
For readers who love these Dark academia & gothic romancePersephone and Hades retelling Enemies-to-lovers Forbidden teacher/student relationshipReincarnation & ancient curseSecond chance and Fated matesForced proximity and dark obsessionWho hurt you? Murder mysteryVillain does betterHe’ll ruin you This dark academia romance reimagines the Hades and Persephone myth with forbidden desire, deadly secrets, and an epic love that defies fate and curse.
BLOOM doesn’t know why her dreams drip with blood.
Why the dead scream her name.
Or Nero Ravencrux—Forsaken Academy’s lethally beautiful, morally black heart—watches her like she’s both his salvation and his ruin.
But she knows three
Students who break the rules disappear.
Every redhead who looked like her was buried before twenty.
She has nine days until her birthday—the day the gods have marked for her blood.
NERO is the death god masquerading as a man. For millennia, he’s watched Persephone be reborn, only to be slaughtered by the gods who hunt her for sport.
This time, he built Forsaken Academy to cage her from fate.
But this Persephone is different.
Wilder. Wounded. A storm of thorns and trembling hands, picking through the bones of women who wore her skin.
The Fates demand she remember. If she doesn’t, he’ll lose her forever.
The gods are coming.
Her clock is bleeding out.
And the only thing more dangerous than his love?
Her need to survive it.
And her fury when she discovers the truth.
For readers who love these Dark academia & gothic romancePersephone and Hades retelling Enemies-to-lovers Forbidden teacher/student relationshipReincarnation & ancient curseSecond chance and Fated matesForced proximity and dark obsessionWho hurt you? Murder mysteryVillain does betterHe’ll ruin you This dark academia romance reimagines the Hades and Persephone myth with forbidden desire, deadly secrets, and an epic love that defies fate and curse.
374 pages, Paperback
Published July 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 13, 2025
I truly enjoyed this new novel by Meg Xuemei X and L. Lysandra. Book 1 of The Dark God series. It had action, friendship (gotta love a bestie) and a forbidden lust (teacher/student, yet fated mates). I loved this reimagining of Hades and Persephone’s story. It was a modern-day dark-fated-mates-fantasy with all adult characters, no RH. I love a strong female, not a simpering mess (especially when it comes to a man). Ravencrux (Hades) was naturally a strong, dominant male, but Bloom (Persephone) despite being a human with an apparent “medical condition” was her own independent woman. She spoke her mind, kicked butt when she needed to and took charge of the $hitty hand fate had seemingly delt her after the death of her mother.
Sadly, here is where I have a few criticisms.
First, I would’ve liked a bit more of an emotional connection (private conversations) between Bloom and Ravencrux, Bloom and her BFF/roommate, as well as, Bloom and Orren (since he was supposed to adore her like a puppy lol). Also, more glimpses of their past lives together, especially since there’s going to be another book, we could’ve covered the basics and built up their connections that way. Although, the ‘kissy” scenes between the two leads were a whirlwind of anger, passion and lust.
Besides the emotional connection and thirst for more background info, one thing that bugs me is the “weaver” thing. This is from A Discovery of Witches. I had never read any book where a witch was a weaver other than in a Discovery of Witches. Often time’s certain themes revolving around supernatural creatures repeat themselves so since this concept of the main lead having weaver abilities is not your common witch ability, I would've liked a bit more details about how it is a rare witch or supernatural trait or something. I'm a huge fan of Meg Xuemi X so please forgive my criticisms as I often just give it a four or star five with a few comments. However, I'm realizing that in order to help the Author and my fellow readers, giving honest reviews with details will really go a long way.
Sadly, here is where I have a few criticisms.
First, I would’ve liked a bit more of an emotional connection (private conversations) between Bloom and Ravencrux, Bloom and her BFF/roommate, as well as, Bloom and Orren (since he was supposed to adore her like a puppy lol). Also, more glimpses of their past lives together, especially since there’s going to be another book, we could’ve covered the basics and built up their connections that way. Although, the ‘kissy” scenes between the two leads were a whirlwind of anger, passion and lust.
Besides the emotional connection and thirst for more background info, one thing that bugs me is the “weaver” thing. This is from A Discovery of Witches. I had never read any book where a witch was a weaver other than in a Discovery of Witches. Often time’s certain themes revolving around supernatural creatures repeat themselves so since this concept of the main lead having weaver abilities is not your common witch ability, I would've liked a bit more details about how it is a rare witch or supernatural trait or something. I'm a huge fan of Meg Xuemi X so please forgive my criticisms as I often just give it a four or star five with a few comments. However, I'm realizing that in order to help the Author and my fellow readers, giving honest reviews with details will really go a long way.
April 22, 2026
I DNF'd at 40% - I think this is the worst Hades and Persephone retelling I've ever read. I couldn't stand the MMC and it just felt like a poor reskinning of Zodiac Academy. I was truly flabbergasted to see this book rated highly and questioned every chapter if I was reading the same thing.
The writing was VERY repetitive and I couldn't stand the AI-structure that was used constantly. I don't think the book is AI, FWIW, but I think the author used AI to help write and as someone who uses AI to develop content at work EVERY DAY, I'm very attuned to AI-based writing. Once you see "it's not just X. It's also Y", you can't unsee it.
.....spoilers......
As far as spice goes, this spice was bizarre. It was frequent, but verbose? Up to 40%, there had been 3 oral scenes, and god forbid the author use terms like pussy or clit to describe the FMC's bits. The main reason I stopped was bc of the "sex" scene at 40% - he only sticks it in 2 inches, yet he's able to f*ck her deep and hard??? At one point in this scene, the author even mentions that he stayed sheathed in her!! I was like, WTF. It honestly felt like the author forgot he had put it in 2 inches. (No hate to micropenis, but the MMC was described as VERY endowed)
The writing was VERY repetitive and I couldn't stand the AI-structure that was used constantly. I don't think the book is AI, FWIW, but I think the author used AI to help write and as someone who uses AI to develop content at work EVERY DAY, I'm very attuned to AI-based writing. Once you see "it's not just X. It's also Y", you can't unsee it.
.....spoilers......
As far as spice goes, this spice was bizarre. It was frequent, but verbose? Up to 40%, there had been 3 oral scenes, and god forbid the author use terms like pussy or clit to describe the FMC's bits. The main reason I stopped was bc of the "sex" scene at 40% - he only sticks it in 2 inches, yet he's able to f*ck her deep and hard??? At one point in this scene, the author even mentions that he stayed sheathed in her!! I was like, WTF. It honestly felt like the author forgot he had put it in 2 inches. (No hate to micropenis, but the MMC was described as VERY endowed)
August 24, 2025
A Hades/Persephone retelling that I’m intrigued to continue.
November 4, 2026
What an incredible read! I was hooked from the very beginning and thoroughly enjoyed this dark academia retelling of Hades and Persephone.
The story was incredibly well-written, with an engaging plot, intriguing characters and undeniable chemistry between Hades and Persephone. The spice starts almost immediately, but it doesn’t overshadow the storyline. Instead, the romance, mythology and mystery work together beautifully to create a story that kept me completely invested.
I loved the darker elements of the story, particularly the morally grey characters and forbidden professor-student dynamic. There was plenty of tension, passion and intrigue throughout.
And that ending?! As someone who has absolutely no patience for cliffhangers, I was not prepared! However, I have to admit it was brilliantly executed. It ended at just the right moment to leave me desperate for answers and eager to dive straight into the next book.
An addictive, captivating read that delivered on both plot and spice. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
The story was incredibly well-written, with an engaging plot, intriguing characters and undeniable chemistry between Hades and Persephone. The spice starts almost immediately, but it doesn’t overshadow the storyline. Instead, the romance, mythology and mystery work together beautifully to create a story that kept me completely invested.
I loved the darker elements of the story, particularly the morally grey characters and forbidden professor-student dynamic. There was plenty of tension, passion and intrigue throughout.
And that ending?! As someone who has absolutely no patience for cliffhangers, I was not prepared! However, I have to admit it was brilliantly executed. It ended at just the right moment to leave me desperate for answers and eager to dive straight into the next book.
An addictive, captivating read that delivered on both plot and spice. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
October 18, 2025
This was….a lot. So much going on at once. The repetition got old though. Repeating that he’s her professor etc. she’s painted as very weak but at the same time not. Honestly it was frustrating seeing her go back and forth so much over something so glaringly obvious. I did enjoy it to an extent but I don’t know if I’ll continue into the next book. It dragged a bit for me. The devotion and all is great but it’s overshadowed by her ignorance. The constant push and pull was tiresome.
Favorite lines:
but worse was the reverence in his eyes, as if he’d worshipped me this way a thousand times and still hungered.
And you’ll carry this secret like a dagger between your ribs.”
Our gazes clashed, mine defiant and his heated, as if I were his obsession or next sacrifice.
And poverty isn’t a crime—it’s just a starting point.”
“It’s okay to feel bad,” Dante countered. “Dwelling builds character.”
Favorite lines:
but worse was the reverence in his eyes, as if he’d worshipped me this way a thousand times and still hungered.
And you’ll carry this secret like a dagger between your ribs.”
Our gazes clashed, mine defiant and his heated, as if I were his obsession or next sacrifice.
And poverty isn’t a crime—it’s just a starting point.”
“It’s okay to feel bad,” Dante countered. “Dwelling builds character.”
April 9, 2026
omgggg
Oh this story phew!!! Bloom a mortal was living In France with her mom until she died and now all alone. She was in her garden when two men kidnap her and bring her to Reapers Academy where the supernatural attend. She doesn’t understand why she’s there. She meets her roommate Sindy a witch with barely any powers. Brooding Professors , a student that wants her , students that want to hurt her , and immortals trying to kill her. All while she fights her feeling toward one person In particular. Oh man this was good mythical gods , enemies , betrayal , a lot of sexual tension , etc. can’t wait fir books 2 in March
Oh this story phew!!! Bloom a mortal was living In France with her mom until she died and now all alone. She was in her garden when two men kidnap her and bring her to Reapers Academy where the supernatural attend. She doesn’t understand why she’s there. She meets her roommate Sindy a witch with barely any powers. Brooding Professors , a student that wants her , students that want to hurt her , and immortals trying to kill her. All while she fights her feeling toward one person In particular. Oh man this was good mythical gods , enemies , betrayal , a lot of sexual tension , etc. can’t wait fir books 2 in March
September 1, 2025
Never ending
I found it repetitive & would put it down more often than not. I wanted to finish it but it took me awhile. The story of Persephone is well known, although this was a bit different which kept me going to the end. I've read your work before & was surprised to find this one not like the other books I've read Ms. Xuemei.
I found it repetitive & would put it down more often than not. I wanted to finish it but it took me awhile. The story of Persephone is well known, although this was a bit different which kept me going to the end. I've read your work before & was surprised to find this one not like the other books I've read Ms. Xuemei.
October 6, 2025
Shattered!
What a whirlwind with no book 2. How will I breath without this world. What an ending. This book could easily put me in a book slump and I might regret reading it with book 2 so far off. It was great and the world intriguing. The MMc dark and alluring. The Fmc starting to find herself but of course not fast enough to my liking. I need book 2 badly
What a whirlwind with no book 2. How will I breath without this world. What an ending. This book could easily put me in a book slump and I might regret reading it with book 2 so far off. It was great and the world intriguing. The MMc dark and alluring. The Fmc starting to find herself but of course not fast enough to my liking. I need book 2 badly
April 19, 2026
Ive yet to find a persephone that wasnt annoying as hell - ugh!!! Always love the hades, but the persephone is excruciating to read
Love a good hades - great, hot lines - persephone though, still meh
Yep, each & every freaking persephone is read is one heck of a pain in the a**! Ugh! Why, just cant she ever be not annoying & stupid? Maybe this is a part of her stupid a** curse/myth - to be forever the dumba** in each & ever retelling
Love a good hades - great, hot lines - persephone though, still meh
Yep, each & every freaking persephone is read is one heck of a pain in the a**! Ugh! Why, just cant she ever be not annoying & stupid? Maybe this is a part of her stupid a** curse/myth - to be forever the dumba** in each & ever retelling
July 26, 2025
Meg Xuemei Fan!
This was such a great edition to her collection and a little different than her normal reads. I loved the twist on the ancient gods story. This is an eternal love fated mates story with a dark academia twist. Very nice introduction to author L. Lysandra.
This was such a great edition to her collection and a little different than her normal reads. I loved the twist on the ancient gods story. This is an eternal love fated mates story with a dark academia twist. Very nice introduction to author L. Lysandra.
August 2, 2025
Absolutely AMAZING!!!!
This retelling of Hades & Persephone is absolutely EPIC!! Very unique, fast paced and spicy. I enjoyed the mystery and angst…but that cliff hanger was a KILLER!! I can’t wait to read the next book!!
This retelling of Hades & Persephone is absolutely EPIC!! Very unique, fast paced and spicy. I enjoyed the mystery and angst…but that cliff hanger was a KILLER!! I can’t wait to read the next book!!
August 8, 2025
4.5
I really loved this book. So much passion. I feel like they could have explored more of their mental connection vs the amount of sexual connection, but I enjoyed it regardless. I can’t wait until the next one and I’m so happy that it’s only a 2 book series.
I really loved this book. So much passion. I feel like they could have explored more of their mental connection vs the amount of sexual connection, but I enjoyed it regardless. I can’t wait until the next one and I’m so happy that it’s only a 2 book series.
April 25, 2026
I thought this was a good retelling of the Hades and Persephone story. However, I honestly considered not finishing the book because the flow was confusing at times.
One thing that threw me off was the setting. I initially thought the story took place in a more historical or medieval time period, but mentions of vans and airplanes made it feel modern, which didn’t match what I had imagined—especially with things like potion-selling.
There were also moments where scenes shifted too abruptly. For example, during one chase, it suddenly cut away, and I couldn’t tell if she was hallucinating in the shower or having a nightmare. That made parts of the story hard to follow.
One thing I did enjoyed was when we finally get Raven’s POV after focusing on Bloom for so long.
Overall, I’m giving this a 2/5. It was entertaining enough to keep me reading, but the pacing and confusing transitions made it hard to fully enjoy.
One thing that threw me off was the setting. I initially thought the story took place in a more historical or medieval time period, but mentions of vans and airplanes made it feel modern, which didn’t match what I had imagined—especially with things like potion-selling.
There were also moments where scenes shifted too abruptly. For example, during one chase, it suddenly cut away, and I couldn’t tell if she was hallucinating in the shower or having a nightmare. That made parts of the story hard to follow.
One thing I did enjoyed was when we finally get Raven’s POV after focusing on Bloom for so long.
Overall, I’m giving this a 2/5. It was entertaining enough to keep me reading, but the pacing and confusing transitions made it hard to fully enjoy.
May 7, 2026
DNF 27%
I already hate how this is coming together FMC has strong pick me energy (she's not like other girls), and her brain short circuits when a hot guy walks by or touches her, despite being kidnapped less than 24 hours ago?
I already hate how this is coming together FMC has strong pick me energy (she's not like other girls), and her brain short circuits when a hot guy walks by or touches her, despite being kidnapped less than 24 hours ago?
July 4, 2026
This reminds me off the Fallen series mixed with zodiac academy.
It’s not a bad book at all but there is definitely room for improvements.
It quite repetitive which is annoying and I just don’t feel the spark between hades and persephone it’s just purely S*x driven but I do like the storyline.
It’s not a bad book at all but there is definitely room for improvements.
It quite repetitive which is annoying and I just don’t feel the spark between hades and persephone it’s just purely S*x driven but I do like the storyline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2026
Soooo good!
This reimagining of Hades and Persephone was *chef’s kiss*. From the 1st page to the last… it was so good! I don’t want to give anything away so I will just say you have to read it!
This reimagining of Hades and Persephone was *chef’s kiss*. From the 1st page to the last… it was so good! I don’t want to give anything away so I will just say you have to read it!
July 30, 2025
Steamy and raw
I need more. Per usual, Meg delivers with the divine. The story and the fun. I can't wait for the next one
I need more. Per usual, Meg delivers with the divine. The story and the fun. I can't wait for the next one
August 9, 2025
So good
I read it in 2 days. I couldn't put it down. I already set an alarm to remind me to reread it before the next book comes out in March.
I read it in 2 days. I couldn't put it down. I already set an alarm to remind me to reread it before the next book comes out in March.
August 30, 2025
good
So this was a good book if a little predictable at times but I did enjoy the story and the characters and I’m interested to see what happens next 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
So this was a good book if a little predictable at times but I did enjoy the story and the characters and I’m interested to see what happens next 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 1, 2025
The plot was interesting. I think maybe the writing style just wasn't for me.
September 2, 2025
I could vomit up a bowl of spaghetti o’s and it would make a better book than this white hot shit
October 2, 2025
I really enjoyed the story line. He is her professor and if she can't follow the rule of no sleeping with the professor then she will lose everything
October 8, 2025
.
One heck after a cliffhanger and months to go for the next book. This is going to leave one heck of a book hangover.
One heck after a cliffhanger and months to go for the next book. This is going to leave one heck of a book hangover.
November 20, 2025
Pain and pleasure become beautiful
True love, forgotten. Lifetimes of death poised to finally be broken. Dark, perceived as evil MMC you want to win.
True love, forgotten. Lifetimes of death poised to finally be broken. Dark, perceived as evil MMC you want to win.
March 9, 2026
The wrath of Gods
This book was very intense. It leaves you wondering with each page what's coming next. Highly recommend. Well done ladies.
This book was very intense. It leaves you wondering with each page what's coming next. Highly recommend. Well done ladies.
April 3, 2026
😻
Welp! Thus was very spicy! Can't wait for book two. Literally going to go read it as soon as I'm done here!
Welp! Thus was very spicy! Can't wait for book two. Literally going to go read it as soon as I'm done here!
May 3, 2026
Lol, no. DNF'd @ < 10%.
May 9, 2026
Great retelling
This is a great retelling of persephone and hades. When the gods are at war and jealous of each other. The trailer redheads that's a nice touch
This is a great retelling of persephone and hades. When the gods are at war and jealous of each other. The trailer redheads that's a nice touch
May 29, 2026
Le Sigh
What can I say, I'm hooked!! I'm in love with this idea, that perhaps the Love story of Hades and Persephone is better and more enchanting than we could've imagined.
What can I say, I'm hooked!! I'm in love with this idea, that perhaps the Love story of Hades and Persephone is better and more enchanting than we could've imagined.
July 26, 2026
A twist on a Greek Mythological story
I'd guessed the real characters pretty quickly but it didn't detract from the story. I devoured it all!! Definitely worth a read.
I'd guessed the real characters pretty quickly but it didn't detract from the story. I devoured it all!! Definitely worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews