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Wither and Bloom: A sapphic Hades and Persephone retelling
Not yet published
Expected 5 Dec 26The myth of Hades & Persephone, retold from Persephone's point of view and made sapphic.
The goddess of spring boldly choses to not accept a questionable offer from the King of the gods, Zeus. Never one to accept rejection well, Zeus subtly orchestrates her banishement from the mortal realms, forcing her into the underworld.
Disorientated and not knowing where she is or the rules of this new place, Persephone blunders around and unknowingly almost dies repeatedly. A tall, dark and brooding Queen Hades must not only rescue her but must also then keep Persephone safe from all that would do her harm, including herself.
The goddess of spring boldly choses to not accept a questionable offer from the King of the gods, Zeus. Never one to accept rejection well, Zeus subtly orchestrates her banishement from the mortal realms, forcing her into the underworld.
Disorientated and not knowing where she is or the rules of this new place, Persephone blunders around and unknowingly almost dies repeatedly. A tall, dark and brooding Queen Hades must not only rescue her but must also then keep Persephone safe from all that would do her harm, including herself.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love Hades and Persephone but I have to admit that most of the queer retellings I have read left me disappointed…..until this one. I loved it. For the most part this was the story I expected (which, fair). The author took a slightly different approach to most of the other versions I have seen though, and I really appreciated it.
This story focusses on Persephone and is really her story more than anything else. This is more of a story of her coming into herself than anything else; the character development drives the story and the rest of the plotline is largely just other details. The romance was a bit on the light side for what I wanted, but it still worked and was more than satisfying for me. This is a story of Persephone finding her agency and confidence, and then carving out her own place in the world. There were some genuinely satisfying scenes, particularly in the last third of the novel.
If you are looking for a dark romance with an enemies-to-lovers captive/captor vibe, then you should look elsewhere.
In some ways I felt this novel was a bit light on some elements….its hard to put my finger on it but ill say it wasn’t perfect. I am rounding up this rating, as opposed to slamming down a 6/5 and wishing for more stars. The novel was very descriptive, which was great for the atmosphere and storytelling, but at times I felt like so much of the word count was taken up by descriptions of the underworld or journeys across fields that there wasn’t much left for the rest of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
This story focusses on Persephone and is really her story more than anything else. This is more of a story of her coming into herself than anything else; the character development drives the story and the rest of the plotline is largely just other details. The romance was a bit on the light side for what I wanted, but it still worked and was more than satisfying for me. This is a story of Persephone finding her agency and confidence, and then carving out her own place in the world. There were some genuinely satisfying scenes, particularly in the last third of the novel.
If you are looking for a dark romance with an enemies-to-lovers captive/captor vibe, then you should look elsewhere.
In some ways I felt this novel was a bit light on some elements….its hard to put my finger on it but ill say it wasn’t perfect. I am rounding up this rating, as opposed to slamming down a 6/5 and wishing for more stars. The novel was very descriptive, which was great for the atmosphere and storytelling, but at times I felt like so much of the word count was taken up by descriptions of the underworld or journeys across fields that there wasn’t much left for the rest of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
August 4, 2026
4.5⭐️ Rounded Up
I’m an absolute sucker for mythology retellings! I always find it so interesting to see how an author is going to spin a story already told.
As some may know, the original story between Hades and Persephone is that Hades abducted Persephone and bound her to the underworld for part of the year. There were some similarities in the story, but I enjoyed this spin off much more. For this, Zeus banished Persephone from the upper world, trapping her in Hades’ realm.
The attention to detail for Olympus and the underworld was fantastic. Hades was portrayed in a much different light, and I enjoyed the fact that Hades wasn’t the actual “bad guy” this time. As for Persephone, she had such a huge character growth, and I felt thankful to get to be part of it.
My main takeaway from this is to find who you truly are without others trying to tell you, and that not everything (or everyone) is what it seems.
I’m giving this a 4.5 instead of a 5 simply because I wanted a bit more romance/connection between Hades and Persephone, but the writing was well done!
Thank you NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
I’m an absolute sucker for mythology retellings! I always find it so interesting to see how an author is going to spin a story already told.
As some may know, the original story between Hades and Persephone is that Hades abducted Persephone and bound her to the underworld for part of the year. There were some similarities in the story, but I enjoyed this spin off much more. For this, Zeus banished Persephone from the upper world, trapping her in Hades’ realm.
The attention to detail for Olympus and the underworld was fantastic. Hades was portrayed in a much different light, and I enjoyed the fact that Hades wasn’t the actual “bad guy” this time. As for Persephone, she had such a huge character growth, and I felt thankful to get to be part of it.
My main takeaway from this is to find who you truly are without others trying to tell you, and that not everything (or everyone) is what it seems.
I’m giving this a 4.5 instead of a 5 simply because I wanted a bit more romance/connection between Hades and Persephone, but the writing was well done!
Thank you NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
June 9, 2026
I absolutely loved Wither and Bloom. What stood out most to me was Persephone’s character growth throughout the story. Watching her learn who she was, gain confidence, and recognize her own worth made her journey incredibly rewarding to read.
I also loved Hades and the way she supported her. Instead of overshadowing her, she treated her as an equal and encouraged her to see the strength within herself. Their relationship felt built on mutual respect, trust, and genuine support, which made me root for them even more.
The story balanced fantasy, emotion, and character development beautifully, and I found myself completely invested in the characters and their journey. If you enjoy fantasy stories with strong character growth, meaningful relationships, and a heroine who comes into her own, I highly recommend this book.
I also loved Hades and the way she supported her. Instead of overshadowing her, she treated her as an equal and encouraged her to see the strength within herself. Their relationship felt built on mutual respect, trust, and genuine support, which made me root for them even more.
The story balanced fantasy, emotion, and character development beautifully, and I found myself completely invested in the characters and their journey. If you enjoy fantasy stories with strong character growth, meaningful relationships, and a heroine who comes into her own, I highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.75 ⭐
Wither & Bloom is a sapphic reimagining of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone—and it’s one I won’t forget anytime soon. When Persephone refuses Zeus’s offer, she’s banished to the Underworld, where she spends her days trying to escape a realm she was always taught to fear. But the longer she stays, the more she begins to question everything she believed. Maybe the Underworld isn’t the villain of the story. Maybe home isn’t Olympus after all.
As someone who has always loved this myth, I was beyond excited for a sapphic twist! And it truly delivered.
What stood out most to me was the care in Persephone’s characterization. She’s spent her existence being underestimated, constantly measuring herself against Demeter and doubting the value of her own power. When she defies Zeus and is cast into the Underworld, she’s forced to survive on her own for the first time. Watching her slowly grow into herself was one of my favorite parts of the book. And importantly, Persephone isn’t portrayed as overly fragile at the beginning. She’s afraid, yes—but she keeps moving forward anyway. That resilience meant a lot to me, especially since other retellings sometimes diminish her. Her transformation isn’t loud or sudden; it unfolds naturally, shaped by her experiences. It felt authentic, layered, and deeply satisfying.
Hades may not dominate the page, but her presence is steady and meaningful. She begins cold and distant, yet gradually softens; not through dramatic gestures, but through communication and respect. And that’s what makes this retelling stand out. Their relationship is built on patience and equality. Hades never takes advantage of Persephone’s inexperience. Instead, she waits until they meet as equals—and that choice makes their romance feel intentional and earned.
The slow burn worked beautifully for me. Their connection develops in a way that feels natural, and you can genuinely see why they fit together. They balance each other. They challenge each other. And most importantly, they choose each other.
Another aspect I deeply appreciated was the theme of mortality. I adored the way the story plays with the contrast between life and death, showing how similar they truly are. The way O’Connor explores it is tender and reflective. Persephone’s compassion for mortals adds warmth to her character, and Hades mirrors that humanity in subtle ways. I was especially moved by the scene recounting how Hades became Queen of the Underworld; it deepened my understanding of her motivations and made her even more compelling.
The side characters—Hynos, Hekate, Artemis, and especially Demeter—enrich the story. I loved the nuance given to motherhood and how Persephone and Demeter’s relationship evolves into something healthier and more balanced by the end.
The only aspect I struggled with was the pacing. While I admired O’Connor’s lush descriptions and atmospheric worldbuilding, there were moments when the detail felt overwhelming. I understood the intention—to fully immerse the reader—but at times it slowed the narrative too much. The beginning especially felt as though not much was happening, even when technically it was. Thankfully, the second half found its rhythm, and that’s when I became completely absorbed.
Overall, this was a rich and tender retelling where love blooms in the unlikeliest of places. Every character felt alive, and the romance? Absolutely to die for. It’s definitely one I’ll be holding close for a long time.
Huge thanks to Kel from AQH Publications for the eARC—feeling very lucky to have read it early!
Wither & Bloom is a sapphic reimagining of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone—and it’s one I won’t forget anytime soon. When Persephone refuses Zeus’s offer, she’s banished to the Underworld, where she spends her days trying to escape a realm she was always taught to fear. But the longer she stays, the more she begins to question everything she believed. Maybe the Underworld isn’t the villain of the story. Maybe home isn’t Olympus after all.
As someone who has always loved this myth, I was beyond excited for a sapphic twist! And it truly delivered.
What stood out most to me was the care in Persephone’s characterization. She’s spent her existence being underestimated, constantly measuring herself against Demeter and doubting the value of her own power. When she defies Zeus and is cast into the Underworld, she’s forced to survive on her own for the first time. Watching her slowly grow into herself was one of my favorite parts of the book. And importantly, Persephone isn’t portrayed as overly fragile at the beginning. She’s afraid, yes—but she keeps moving forward anyway. That resilience meant a lot to me, especially since other retellings sometimes diminish her. Her transformation isn’t loud or sudden; it unfolds naturally, shaped by her experiences. It felt authentic, layered, and deeply satisfying.
Hades may not dominate the page, but her presence is steady and meaningful. She begins cold and distant, yet gradually softens; not through dramatic gestures, but through communication and respect. And that’s what makes this retelling stand out. Their relationship is built on patience and equality. Hades never takes advantage of Persephone’s inexperience. Instead, she waits until they meet as equals—and that choice makes their romance feel intentional and earned.
The slow burn worked beautifully for me. Their connection develops in a way that feels natural, and you can genuinely see why they fit together. They balance each other. They challenge each other. And most importantly, they choose each other.
Another aspect I deeply appreciated was the theme of mortality. I adored the way the story plays with the contrast between life and death, showing how similar they truly are. The way O’Connor explores it is tender and reflective. Persephone’s compassion for mortals adds warmth to her character, and Hades mirrors that humanity in subtle ways. I was especially moved by the scene recounting how Hades became Queen of the Underworld; it deepened my understanding of her motivations and made her even more compelling.
The side characters—Hynos, Hekate, Artemis, and especially Demeter—enrich the story. I loved the nuance given to motherhood and how Persephone and Demeter’s relationship evolves into something healthier and more balanced by the end.
The only aspect I struggled with was the pacing. While I admired O’Connor’s lush descriptions and atmospheric worldbuilding, there were moments when the detail felt overwhelming. I understood the intention—to fully immerse the reader—but at times it slowed the narrative too much. The beginning especially felt as though not much was happening, even when technically it was. Thankfully, the second half found its rhythm, and that’s when I became completely absorbed.
Overall, this was a rich and tender retelling where love blooms in the unlikeliest of places. Every character felt alive, and the romance? Absolutely to die for. It’s definitely one I’ll be holding close for a long time.
Huge thanks to Kel from AQH Publications for the eARC—feeling very lucky to have read it early!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fantastic story to sink into; top notch storytelling!
It's often the case that you don't notice what's missing from your reading material until it shows up in a book that captures your attention to the extent that you lose track of time and next thing you know you've finished the book in a single day. E.K. O'Connor is a new to me author and one whose work I want to read more of based on Wither and Bloom.
I don't know the Hades/Persephone myth and only knew some character names before I stepped into this retelling so I have no basis of comparison in terms of what changes were made to the original here, beyond Hades being a women in this version. From that perspective, Wither and Bloom is rich storytelling and world building with plenty of detail to immerse the reader in the underworld and other locations with full sensory experience while not bogging down the story in excessive descriptions that interrupt the flow of the narrative and action. It's populated with strong female characters - women of integrity, grit and determination, strength of character and conviction who carve out third options when only presented with two choices and wield power with intelligence and care. The story unfurls as both inner and outer journey for Persephone as a younger goddess who is underestimated by so many, including herself. Hades is outwardly prickly and guarded (for good reason) but never cruel; she is mysterious however there are clues to inform the reader about her thoughts and feelings throughout. Author EK O'Connor trusts the reader pick up telegraphed cues, read between the lines in places, and glean the information there as well as what's said on the surface; I appreciate when an author assumes their readers' intelligence rather than spoon feeding everything to them. The relationships and dynamics between gods, their show of power and revealing of weakness and limitation provide drama and intrigue as the politics of Olympus and pettiness of the gods (some of them) was on full display. Mighty Zeus was the least impressive of the bunch in my view while Demeter, Hekate, Hades and Persephone shone in their more subtle use of power and thoughtful rather than abusive use. The mother/daughter (and grand-daughter) dynamic was emotionally rich and reflective of human concerns of parents for their children, balancing their instinct to be protective of them versus letting them be free to explore and learn thru mistakes to stand on their own. The friendship between Hekate and Hades was entertaining to read as were Persephone's friendships. The romance is slow burn (and technically age gap though not addressed in any way) and worth the wait as other plot threads and themes are explored along the way to keep the reader engaged and invested.
I did want more at the end, not because any plot threads were left dangling, but because I wanted to follow these characters around some more, hang out with them because they're so easy to get attached to. I strongly recommend this book for storytelling that will give you the feels and feed your imagination especially if this is your introduction to the myth. I'll be checking out the author's other books and anything else she publishes in the future and look forward to reading them, seeing what other stories she has to tell with this level of skill.
It's often the case that you don't notice what's missing from your reading material until it shows up in a book that captures your attention to the extent that you lose track of time and next thing you know you've finished the book in a single day. E.K. O'Connor is a new to me author and one whose work I want to read more of based on Wither and Bloom.
I don't know the Hades/Persephone myth and only knew some character names before I stepped into this retelling so I have no basis of comparison in terms of what changes were made to the original here, beyond Hades being a women in this version. From that perspective, Wither and Bloom is rich storytelling and world building with plenty of detail to immerse the reader in the underworld and other locations with full sensory experience while not bogging down the story in excessive descriptions that interrupt the flow of the narrative and action. It's populated with strong female characters - women of integrity, grit and determination, strength of character and conviction who carve out third options when only presented with two choices and wield power with intelligence and care. The story unfurls as both inner and outer journey for Persephone as a younger goddess who is underestimated by so many, including herself. Hades is outwardly prickly and guarded (for good reason) but never cruel; she is mysterious however there are clues to inform the reader about her thoughts and feelings throughout. Author EK O'Connor trusts the reader pick up telegraphed cues, read between the lines in places, and glean the information there as well as what's said on the surface; I appreciate when an author assumes their readers' intelligence rather than spoon feeding everything to them. The relationships and dynamics between gods, their show of power and revealing of weakness and limitation provide drama and intrigue as the politics of Olympus and pettiness of the gods (some of them) was on full display. Mighty Zeus was the least impressive of the bunch in my view while Demeter, Hekate, Hades and Persephone shone in their more subtle use of power and thoughtful rather than abusive use. The mother/daughter (and grand-daughter) dynamic was emotionally rich and reflective of human concerns of parents for their children, balancing their instinct to be protective of them versus letting them be free to explore and learn thru mistakes to stand on their own. The friendship between Hekate and Hades was entertaining to read as were Persephone's friendships. The romance is slow burn (and technically age gap though not addressed in any way) and worth the wait as other plot threads and themes are explored along the way to keep the reader engaged and invested.
I did want more at the end, not because any plot threads were left dangling, but because I wanted to follow these characters around some more, hang out with them because they're so easy to get attached to. I strongly recommend this book for storytelling that will give you the feels and feed your imagination especially if this is your introduction to the myth. I'll be checking out the author's other books and anything else she publishes in the future and look forward to reading them, seeing what other stories she has to tell with this level of skill.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Possible Spoilers*
Turning the story of Persephone and Hades, a tale famous for objectifying women, into a sapphic romance is refreshing and makes Wither and Bloom a fun read. The themes of love, morality, and sacrifice are fairly engaging. Every choice has a consequence, and everyone has to decide which outcomes are worth it.
The story starts with a naive Persephone wanting respect from other Olympians. When Zeus offers her a spot on the council, she says no. In trusting her gut, she falls victim to his wrath. Zeus sends Persephone to his sister’s realm, the Underworld. Scared of change and death, Persephone expects her life to be hell (pun intended). What she doesn’t expect is for Hades to be guarded, kind, and thoughtful. Turns out, Zeus likes telling stories that make himself look better, and put other people/gods down. As the goddess of spring and rebirth, Persephone doesn’t fare well in a death realm. She withers. When she accepts that death is a part of life, and vice versa, she blooms. Omg, that’s where the title comes from!
I found Persephone to be boring but likeable. She never strays from her moral compass, which is great, but coming from a powerful, worshipped immortal, seems unlikely. What I did find interesting was her lineage. Her grandmother, Hecate, goddess of witchcraft and crossroads, decided to have a daughter solo. By creating a new being, she sacrificed the ability to see life begin. Persephone’s mother, Demeter, the goddess of harvest and fertility, sacrifices freedom by residing on Olympus, and life by inflicting a grief-driven winter.
Why did we never get to read Hades’ pov? A huge deal is made about how life and death are “two sides of the same coin,” but the story is told entirely by Persephone. Hades’ story intrigued me. After the Titans are defeated, Hades takes charge of the Underworld. Zeus makes it seem like he forced Hades to reside in darkness. In actuality, she volunteered herself, believing that mortals deserved somebody looking after them in life and in death. Distrustful of Olympian gods, she is suspicious of Persephone. I wish that Hades’ story was told in tandem with Persephone’s. Instead it was dropped during the last quarter of the book.
I liked Hades and Persephone together. It’s a big plus that Persephone consensually chooses to be Hades’ partner. Persephone brings life to Hades’ (under)world, and Hades’ helps Persephone believe in herself. While Hades recovers from a draining battle, Persephone rules the underworld, keeping order and balance. The two have a subtle but loving relationship.
The contents of the book I enjoyed. The actual writing was choppy and distracting. Here’s an example: “It seemed that the queen of the underworld had somehow read her thoughts, and Persephone struggled to hold eye contact with her as the queen of the dead continued speaking in even tones.” Holy redundant and wordy descriptions! I am deducting a star because actually reading the book was annoying. If you’re looking for a light fantasy, with powerful women starring as the leads, Wither and Bloom is great.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will be posting this on Goodreads, and/or Tiktok and Instagram in early August.
Turning the story of Persephone and Hades, a tale famous for objectifying women, into a sapphic romance is refreshing and makes Wither and Bloom a fun read. The themes of love, morality, and sacrifice are fairly engaging. Every choice has a consequence, and everyone has to decide which outcomes are worth it.
The story starts with a naive Persephone wanting respect from other Olympians. When Zeus offers her a spot on the council, she says no. In trusting her gut, she falls victim to his wrath. Zeus sends Persephone to his sister’s realm, the Underworld. Scared of change and death, Persephone expects her life to be hell (pun intended). What she doesn’t expect is for Hades to be guarded, kind, and thoughtful. Turns out, Zeus likes telling stories that make himself look better, and put other people/gods down. As the goddess of spring and rebirth, Persephone doesn’t fare well in a death realm. She withers. When she accepts that death is a part of life, and vice versa, she blooms. Omg, that’s where the title comes from!
I found Persephone to be boring but likeable. She never strays from her moral compass, which is great, but coming from a powerful, worshipped immortal, seems unlikely. What I did find interesting was her lineage. Her grandmother, Hecate, goddess of witchcraft and crossroads, decided to have a daughter solo. By creating a new being, she sacrificed the ability to see life begin. Persephone’s mother, Demeter, the goddess of harvest and fertility, sacrifices freedom by residing on Olympus, and life by inflicting a grief-driven winter.
Why did we never get to read Hades’ pov? A huge deal is made about how life and death are “two sides of the same coin,” but the story is told entirely by Persephone. Hades’ story intrigued me. After the Titans are defeated, Hades takes charge of the Underworld. Zeus makes it seem like he forced Hades to reside in darkness. In actuality, she volunteered herself, believing that mortals deserved somebody looking after them in life and in death. Distrustful of Olympian gods, she is suspicious of Persephone. I wish that Hades’ story was told in tandem with Persephone’s. Instead it was dropped during the last quarter of the book.
I liked Hades and Persephone together. It’s a big plus that Persephone consensually chooses to be Hades’ partner. Persephone brings life to Hades’ (under)world, and Hades’ helps Persephone believe in herself. While Hades recovers from a draining battle, Persephone rules the underworld, keeping order and balance. The two have a subtle but loving relationship.
The contents of the book I enjoyed. The actual writing was choppy and distracting. Here’s an example: “It seemed that the queen of the underworld had somehow read her thoughts, and Persephone struggled to hold eye contact with her as the queen of the dead continued speaking in even tones.” Holy redundant and wordy descriptions! I am deducting a star because actually reading the book was annoying. If you’re looking for a light fantasy, with powerful women starring as the leads, Wither and Bloom is great.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will be posting this on Goodreads, and/or Tiktok and Instagram in early August.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love this book. I love it fiercely. It made me cry many, many times. I cried both tears of sadness and joy as I related to both protagonists deeply, and because reading their story felt like reading an allegory of my own life at the same time.
I've loved Ancient Greek mythology ever since I can remember, and I love retellings and adaptations, and gender-bending and WLW stories, so the moment I saw this book I squealed with joy. I am deeply grateful to the author for letting me read an advanced copy. It did not disappoint.
On the surface, I'm sure most people will consider this book a romance and nothing more. And while the romance part is beautiful, relatable, swoonworthy, and very subtly woven into the background, the focus is on Persephone finding herself, coming into her own power, finding family, and learning the truth about the world around her. She slowly learns not all is as it seems, and that includes beliefs about herself. She is thrust in a world that's dangerous and disorienting, and needs to rely on herself to survive and make sense of her predicament. Yet it is here that she is treated with respect for the first time in her life, where her true potential is recognized even though and even when she herself cannot see it, where she finds out just how strong, resilient, and resourceful she really is, and where the trajectory of her life changes in a way no one could have predicted.
The book also touches on the nature of reality, and especially on the nature, interconnectedness, and cyclicality of life and death. Two sentences stand out to me as the essence of the book:
"Hades was the inevitability that even the divine could not escape. She was the final gate, the only certainty."
I cannot fully and truly explain what a profound impact these sentences had on me and why. They contain the pain of being misunderstood, rejected, and feared, while also providing immense relief and tremendous calm as the realization of the futility of fighting against what is hits, and as we let go of the desire to control and we allow reality to unfold. The personification of death also gives me something concrete to hold on to, someone to talk to and consult when faced with a situation in my life where abstract concepts provide little to no comfort even if I believe them to be true.
Last but not least, the book was a poignant reminder of the power of owning the/one's own narrative. Mythology is something people today often wave off as just stories from the past, as a representation of the imagination of the people of the past. The past is considered fiction and the present fact. But with a little time the current present will become past, and what is thought of as fact and reality will very quickly become fiction told by those who own the narrative. Although I have no doubt some truly awful things happened in the past, reading myths after this book makes me wonder if some of them were passed down in their current form due to misogyny, a desire to avenge a wrong, or because it was a way for people to work through their trauma. It is so much easier to accept things at face value and be horrified and point fingers and pass judgement than to question the veracity of the source and try to find out the truth for oneself. And that is as true in the case of the myths of old as it is for all we hear today from the media and even from trusted friends.
I've loved Ancient Greek mythology ever since I can remember, and I love retellings and adaptations, and gender-bending and WLW stories, so the moment I saw this book I squealed with joy. I am deeply grateful to the author for letting me read an advanced copy. It did not disappoint.
On the surface, I'm sure most people will consider this book a romance and nothing more. And while the romance part is beautiful, relatable, swoonworthy, and very subtly woven into the background, the focus is on Persephone finding herself, coming into her own power, finding family, and learning the truth about the world around her. She slowly learns not all is as it seems, and that includes beliefs about herself. She is thrust in a world that's dangerous and disorienting, and needs to rely on herself to survive and make sense of her predicament. Yet it is here that she is treated with respect for the first time in her life, where her true potential is recognized even though and even when she herself cannot see it, where she finds out just how strong, resilient, and resourceful she really is, and where the trajectory of her life changes in a way no one could have predicted.
The book also touches on the nature of reality, and especially on the nature, interconnectedness, and cyclicality of life and death. Two sentences stand out to me as the essence of the book:
"Hades was the inevitability that even the divine could not escape. She was the final gate, the only certainty."
I cannot fully and truly explain what a profound impact these sentences had on me and why. They contain the pain of being misunderstood, rejected, and feared, while also providing immense relief and tremendous calm as the realization of the futility of fighting against what is hits, and as we let go of the desire to control and we allow reality to unfold. The personification of death also gives me something concrete to hold on to, someone to talk to and consult when faced with a situation in my life where abstract concepts provide little to no comfort even if I believe them to be true.
Last but not least, the book was a poignant reminder of the power of owning the/one's own narrative. Mythology is something people today often wave off as just stories from the past, as a representation of the imagination of the people of the past. The past is considered fiction and the present fact. But with a little time the current present will become past, and what is thought of as fact and reality will very quickly become fiction told by those who own the narrative. Although I have no doubt some truly awful things happened in the past, reading myths after this book makes me wonder if some of them were passed down in their current form due to misogyny, a desire to avenge a wrong, or because it was a way for people to work through their trauma. It is so much easier to accept things at face value and be horrified and point fingers and pass judgement than to question the veracity of the source and try to find out the truth for oneself. And that is as true in the case of the myths of old as it is for all we hear today from the media and even from trusted friends.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy of All Roads in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
More than anything, this is Persephone's story. The romance matters, but the heart of the book is watching Persephone discover her own agency, confidence, and worth and ultimately decide what kind of life she wants for herself. Her character development drives the novel much more than the mythology or action, and some of the most satisfying moments come in the final third when we really begin seeing the woman she's become.
I also really liked this interpretation of Hades. Rather than overpowering Persephone or becoming the person who “saves” her, Hades respects her autonomy and encourages her to recognize her own strength. Their relationship is built much more around mutual respect, trust, and support than the dark captive/captor dynamic that sometimes appears in Hades and Persephone retellings. If that's the version you're looking for, this probably isn't it. This is considerably softer.
My biggest disappointment is that I wanted more Hades. Her history and her reasons for taking responsibility for the Underworld were fascinating, and I kept wishing we'd been given her POV alongside Persephone's. The idea of life and death as two sides of the same coin made me want to understand both women equally, but Hades' side of that story doesn't receive nearly as much attention.
I also wanted more time for Persephone and Hades' relationship to develop. The romance worked for me, but it was lighter than I expected. Some of the time spent with Demeter or on lengthy descriptions of the Underworld could have been used to deepen the relationship between the two women.
That ties into my other major issue: the pacing. The worldbuilding is lush and atmospheric, sometimes beautifully so, but there were stretches where the descriptions became overwhelming. The beginning in particular felt very slow despite things technically happening. Long descriptions of landscapes and journeys occasionally took up so much space that I wanted the story to move on and give that attention back to the characters.
Thankfully, the second half found its rhythm for me, and that's when I became much more invested.
This is ultimately a cozier, character-driven interpretation of Hades and Persephone rather than a dark or action-heavy one. Its greatest strength is watching Persephone come into herself and carve out a place in the world on her own terms. I just wish we'd gotten more of Hades—and more time with the two of them together.
A thoughtful queer retelling with satisfying character growth, a wonderfully supportive Hades, and gorgeous atmosphere, even if sometimes I wanted considerably fewer fields described and considerably more women falling in love.
More than anything, this is Persephone's story. The romance matters, but the heart of the book is watching Persephone discover her own agency, confidence, and worth and ultimately decide what kind of life she wants for herself. Her character development drives the novel much more than the mythology or action, and some of the most satisfying moments come in the final third when we really begin seeing the woman she's become.
I also really liked this interpretation of Hades. Rather than overpowering Persephone or becoming the person who “saves” her, Hades respects her autonomy and encourages her to recognize her own strength. Their relationship is built much more around mutual respect, trust, and support than the dark captive/captor dynamic that sometimes appears in Hades and Persephone retellings. If that's the version you're looking for, this probably isn't it. This is considerably softer.
My biggest disappointment is that I wanted more Hades. Her history and her reasons for taking responsibility for the Underworld were fascinating, and I kept wishing we'd been given her POV alongside Persephone's. The idea of life and death as two sides of the same coin made me want to understand both women equally, but Hades' side of that story doesn't receive nearly as much attention.
I also wanted more time for Persephone and Hades' relationship to develop. The romance worked for me, but it was lighter than I expected. Some of the time spent with Demeter or on lengthy descriptions of the Underworld could have been used to deepen the relationship between the two women.
That ties into my other major issue: the pacing. The worldbuilding is lush and atmospheric, sometimes beautifully so, but there were stretches where the descriptions became overwhelming. The beginning in particular felt very slow despite things technically happening. Long descriptions of landscapes and journeys occasionally took up so much space that I wanted the story to move on and give that attention back to the characters.
Thankfully, the second half found its rhythm for me, and that's when I became much more invested.
This is ultimately a cozier, character-driven interpretation of Hades and Persephone rather than a dark or action-heavy one. Its greatest strength is watching Persephone come into herself and carve out a place in the world on her own terms. I just wish we'd gotten more of Hades—and more time with the two of them together.
A thoughtful queer retelling with satisfying character growth, a wonderfully supportive Hades, and gorgeous atmosphere, even if sometimes I wanted considerably fewer fields described and considerably more women falling in love.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to an e-ARC in exchange for a review.
3 Stars - I overall enjoyed this read, but do have a few small critiques.
This book could have used a lot of editing in my opinion. The story did not flow as well as what I would have liked. My interest was waning as the author went on with very long passages of descriptive language that sounded pretty - but added really nothing to the plot itself or character development. While this was done well and great for people who can visualize scenes in their heads, it was used too much for me. A couple of long descriptive passages do add to a novel - but personally this was half of the book in my opinion.
Positives:
I liked the way the author balances the characters of Hades and Persephone by showing their differences but also emphasizing that one cannot exist without the other. Life and death, 2 sides of the same coin. I also really liked the theme of Persephone finding her own way in a world in which she is dismissed. It was really lovely to see her come into her power and end up as an equal to Hades.
I also loved the library of memories. I could get lost forever in there. It's my idea of heaven in the Underworld. I think the author should have fit a little more of this concept into the book because I absolutely love the idea of such a beautiful library existing - its very beautiful to think about.
Critique:
Demeter's POV was an interesting addition, but I feel like it wasted precious time we needed to develop Persephone's character and plot development. We needed more time with Persephone and Hades to develop their relationship and the long descriptive passages and time with Demeter really took away from that.
This story was cozy but lacked the drama and action I would expect to be in a retelling of a Greek story. The plot moved very slow and not a ton of things happened. The plot was less sinister and more sweet. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for a slower paced, less action-packed story about Persephone and Hades.
Knowing how the book would end deterred me a bit from liking this as much. I have read other retellings and not had this issue. In this case I didn't personally feel Persephone's anxiety and I think that affected my interest in the plot.
Final thoughts:
I would recommend this story for someone looking for a cozy retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth. I also think that young adults who might be less familiar with the tale should pick this up. It is a great way to learn about the myth in an easily digestible and beautifully descriptive way.
TLDR; Less descriptive passages - more plot. Great writing style - cut down the long winded passages.
3 Stars - I overall enjoyed this read, but do have a few small critiques.
This book could have used a lot of editing in my opinion. The story did not flow as well as what I would have liked. My interest was waning as the author went on with very long passages of descriptive language that sounded pretty - but added really nothing to the plot itself or character development. While this was done well and great for people who can visualize scenes in their heads, it was used too much for me. A couple of long descriptive passages do add to a novel - but personally this was half of the book in my opinion.
Positives:
I liked the way the author balances the characters of Hades and Persephone by showing their differences but also emphasizing that one cannot exist without the other. Life and death, 2 sides of the same coin. I also really liked the theme of Persephone finding her own way in a world in which she is dismissed. It was really lovely to see her come into her power and end up as an equal to Hades.
I also loved the library of memories. I could get lost forever in there. It's my idea of heaven in the Underworld. I think the author should have fit a little more of this concept into the book because I absolutely love the idea of such a beautiful library existing - its very beautiful to think about.
Critique:
Demeter's POV was an interesting addition, but I feel like it wasted precious time we needed to develop Persephone's character and plot development. We needed more time with Persephone and Hades to develop their relationship and the long descriptive passages and time with Demeter really took away from that.
This story was cozy but lacked the drama and action I would expect to be in a retelling of a Greek story. The plot moved very slow and not a ton of things happened. The plot was less sinister and more sweet. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for a slower paced, less action-packed story about Persephone and Hades.
Knowing how the book would end deterred me a bit from liking this as much. I have read other retellings and not had this issue. In this case I didn't personally feel Persephone's anxiety and I think that affected my interest in the plot.
Final thoughts:
I would recommend this story for someone looking for a cozy retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth. I also think that young adults who might be less familiar with the tale should pick this up. It is a great way to learn about the myth in an easily digestible and beautifully descriptive way.
TLDR; Less descriptive passages - more plot. Great writing style - cut down the long winded passages.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5⭐️ rounded up
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Wither and Bloom is a sapphic Hades and Persephone retelling. All the standard elements of the story are here; Persephone refusing Zeus, his exiling her to the underworld going better than anyone could've predicted. We're introduced to young, still a little naive Persephone who has always lived in her mother's shadow. She enjoys spending time amongst the mortals and hates how the other Gods/Goddesses for the most part see them as worthless and meaningless. Following a warning from her mother, Persephone was suddenly called upon by Zeus but ended up turning his offer down. This unfortunately and unexpectedly resulted in Persephone's undeserved exile to the underworld.
I really enjoyed the direction of the story. Knowing very little about Persephone going into this book was good as it allowed me to genuinely be surprised when certain things happened. I enjoyed the pace of the book too, I felt like there was always something to keep my attention even if only small. The story didn't drag and any moments that might have seemed slower would have very clear reasons and pay-offs. The writer also did such a wonderful job at really painting pictures with her word choices. I felt so completely absorbed in the world and could easily picture what Persephone was seeing around her.
A moment needs to be taken for female, lesbian Hades because wowww what a character! I love how strong and badass she was, but that as she continued to let her guard down around Persephone more she showed vulnerability, fear, insecurity. She was such a complex and layered character with so much more depth than I expected. Persephone started seeing a different side of Hades, perhaps the truth of who she is rather than the false picture of her the other gods paint. Persephone also makes quite a journey throughout the book and it's so lovely to watch her go from a quiet, naive girl to someone more sure of who they are and proud of who they are. There were so many side characters who popped in and out too. Different Gods and Goddesses, friends, family. Persephone's mother, Demeter, was an incredible character who perfectly exemplified the lengths a mother will go to for her child. The character progression Persephone made throughout the story was amazing, while Hades also had an impressive personal epiphany.
The relationship that blossomed between Hades and Persephone was so genuine and wholesome. It was built off of a genuine respect for each other and how they viewed certain parts of the world. It developed from them spending time together and getting to know each other. I thought the ending worked out well and still contained a couple of fun little twists!
Overall, a really enjoyable book that I would absolutely recommend. Thanks again for allowing me to read the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Wither and Bloom is a sapphic Hades and Persephone retelling. All the standard elements of the story are here; Persephone refusing Zeus, his exiling her to the underworld going better than anyone could've predicted. We're introduced to young, still a little naive Persephone who has always lived in her mother's shadow. She enjoys spending time amongst the mortals and hates how the other Gods/Goddesses for the most part see them as worthless and meaningless. Following a warning from her mother, Persephone was suddenly called upon by Zeus but ended up turning his offer down. This unfortunately and unexpectedly resulted in Persephone's undeserved exile to the underworld.
I really enjoyed the direction of the story. Knowing very little about Persephone going into this book was good as it allowed me to genuinely be surprised when certain things happened. I enjoyed the pace of the book too, I felt like there was always something to keep my attention even if only small. The story didn't drag and any moments that might have seemed slower would have very clear reasons and pay-offs. The writer also did such a wonderful job at really painting pictures with her word choices. I felt so completely absorbed in the world and could easily picture what Persephone was seeing around her.
A moment needs to be taken for female, lesbian Hades because wowww what a character! I love how strong and badass she was, but that as she continued to let her guard down around Persephone more she showed vulnerability, fear, insecurity. She was such a complex and layered character with so much more depth than I expected. Persephone started seeing a different side of Hades, perhaps the truth of who she is rather than the false picture of her the other gods paint. Persephone also makes quite a journey throughout the book and it's so lovely to watch her go from a quiet, naive girl to someone more sure of who they are and proud of who they are. There were so many side characters who popped in and out too. Different Gods and Goddesses, friends, family. Persephone's mother, Demeter, was an incredible character who perfectly exemplified the lengths a mother will go to for her child. The character progression Persephone made throughout the story was amazing, while Hades also had an impressive personal epiphany.
The relationship that blossomed between Hades and Persephone was so genuine and wholesome. It was built off of a genuine respect for each other and how they viewed certain parts of the world. It developed from them spending time together and getting to know each other. I thought the ending worked out well and still contained a couple of fun little twists!
Overall, a really enjoyable book that I would absolutely recommend. Thanks again for allowing me to read the ARC!
Read
September 29, 2026received this ARC from NetGalley and am very thankful. I'm always looking for more sapphic tales.
Wither and Bloom is another amazing sapphic take on Hades and Persephone. It keeps the naivety of Persephone and the dark, brooding Queen aesthetic for Hades, but gives Persephone options and safety within it. That makes it a slightly different approach from other versions. The story focuses on perception and history more than anything else, with Persephone coming into herself and her power. Setting and character development drive the whole plot forward, and the romance sits lightly on the side, though at times it almost feels like it needs to be there.
This is really about Persephone finding the agency and courage she needs, and claiming her place in the world's hierarchy. It's very forward-thinking, a feminist reimagining. Persephone refuses Zeus's offer, is then used as a pawn, and is banished to the underworld. I found her journey from the outset into the castle visceral, though it got repetitive at times, particularly her constantly measuring herself against Demeter and doubting her power. The conversation about what mothers pass on to their daughters was powerful.
There's a difference between the fragile petal motif that often surrounds Persephone, and what happens here. She's afraid, of course, but she keeps moving forward and building resilience. Her transformation isn't rushed. It unfolds naturally as she comes into her power. She doesn't dominate the page. It's her presence and the character work that feel steady and meaningful.
Hades begins as the distant, cold ruler, and the relationship is built on equality and patience. It's a slow burn that works beautifully, and the connection between them is the heart of the book.
Wither and Bloom is another amazing sapphic take on Hades and Persephone. It keeps the naivety of Persephone and the dark, brooding Queen aesthetic for Hades, but gives Persephone options and safety within it. That makes it a slightly different approach from other versions. The story focuses on perception and history more than anything else, with Persephone coming into herself and her power. Setting and character development drive the whole plot forward, and the romance sits lightly on the side, though at times it almost feels like it needs to be there.
This is really about Persephone finding the agency and courage she needs, and claiming her place in the world's hierarchy. It's very forward-thinking, a feminist reimagining. Persephone refuses Zeus's offer, is then used as a pawn, and is banished to the underworld. I found her journey from the outset into the castle visceral, though it got repetitive at times, particularly her constantly measuring herself against Demeter and doubting her power. The conversation about what mothers pass on to their daughters was powerful.
There's a difference between the fragile petal motif that often surrounds Persephone, and what happens here. She's afraid, of course, but she keeps moving forward and building resilience. Her transformation isn't rushed. It unfolds naturally as she comes into her power. She doesn't dominate the page. It's her presence and the character work that feel steady and meaningful.
Hades begins as the distant, cold ruler, and the relationship is built on equality and patience. It's a slow burn that works beautifully, and the connection between them is the heart of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was psyched to get this ARC from NetGalley, but boy howdy; this did not do it for me. Seeing the current reviews, I may be alone in this.
Y'know what? That's great! I'm sure many folks out there are entertained by superfluous descriptions of every character's daily wardrobe choice down to the shine of their eighth accessory, or the exact shade and health of the grass every other square foot, but I am not one of those people.
The concept of this retelling was so good, but so painfully executed. The characters felt flat, there was too little dialogue/action, and I found myself skimming multiple pages in a row just to get past endless repetitive descriptions.
And when I say repetitive, I mean repetitive; there is so much "curiosity" and "surprise" behind everyone's eyes, I genuinely started laughing when the words came up. That, and everyone has a turn winking at one another.
If the repetition of body language was the start and end of it, that would be fine; but in reading the lengthy descriptions of absolutely everything, it became apparent that the author was trying to reach a word count, not just overly dedicated to cramming in depictions of every possible nook and cranny of the scenes in their head:
"She did not need to sleep either, but even a goddess needed rest, and every step seemed to sap her vitality." -p39
"Gods may have had no need of sleep as mortals did, but they took rest from time to time, especially if they expended a great deal of their powers." -p40-41
"Gods had no need for sleep, but if weary or drained, they could take rest as if in slumber, passing time in a dreamless state." -p59-60
I GET IT. GODS DON'T NEED SLEEP.
It's not like the repetition was even always spaced out:
"[Y]ou don't strike me as overly foolish, given what little I have seen of you in your time here. And you would have to be a fool to end up here by accident" p65
" "Definitely not a fool," the goddess muttered" p65
"You may be a bit naïve, but you're not a fool." p65
Yes; ALL on page 65. No, it WASN'T a bit.
I'm not sure if this is woefully unedited or what, but holy guacamole; pick something new.
As the author would put it, I am so pleased for all the people who were so pleased with this book and found it pleasantry, but as I was not one of those pleased people, I cannot recommend this as a pleasing read.
There are many fantastic sapphic Greek retellings coming out right now, but this is unfortunately not one of them.
Y'know what? That's great! I'm sure many folks out there are entertained by superfluous descriptions of every character's daily wardrobe choice down to the shine of their eighth accessory, or the exact shade and health of the grass every other square foot, but I am not one of those people.
The concept of this retelling was so good, but so painfully executed. The characters felt flat, there was too little dialogue/action, and I found myself skimming multiple pages in a row just to get past endless repetitive descriptions.
And when I say repetitive, I mean repetitive; there is so much "curiosity" and "surprise" behind everyone's eyes, I genuinely started laughing when the words came up. That, and everyone has a turn winking at one another.
If the repetition of body language was the start and end of it, that would be fine; but in reading the lengthy descriptions of absolutely everything, it became apparent that the author was trying to reach a word count, not just overly dedicated to cramming in depictions of every possible nook and cranny of the scenes in their head:
"She did not need to sleep either, but even a goddess needed rest, and every step seemed to sap her vitality." -p39
"Gods may have had no need of sleep as mortals did, but they took rest from time to time, especially if they expended a great deal of their powers." -p40-41
"Gods had no need for sleep, but if weary or drained, they could take rest as if in slumber, passing time in a dreamless state." -p59-60
I GET IT. GODS DON'T NEED SLEEP.
It's not like the repetition was even always spaced out:
"[Y]ou don't strike me as overly foolish, given what little I have seen of you in your time here. And you would have to be a fool to end up here by accident" p65
" "Definitely not a fool," the goddess muttered" p65
"You may be a bit naïve, but you're not a fool." p65
Yes; ALL on page 65. No, it WASN'T a bit.
I'm not sure if this is woefully unedited or what, but holy guacamole; pick something new.
As the author would put it, I am so pleased for all the people who were so pleased with this book and found it pleasantry, but as I was not one of those pleased people, I cannot recommend this as a pleasing read.
There are many fantastic sapphic Greek retellings coming out right now, but this is unfortunately not one of them.
August 2, 2026
This was an absolutely gorgeous retelling of Persephone and Hades! I always love when we get sapphic ones of Greek mythology! The world building and descriptions of Olympus and the Underworld had you feeling like you were there yourself! I felt so proud seeing Persephone really grow into herself/her powers, become more confident, and go for what she wanted it! Sometimes you have to choose twilight! Even though we didn’t follow from Hades pov we still got to learn so much about her! What drew her to become queen of the underworld! The way she genuinely cares about the mortals and the kindness she shows! It really made you love her! I enjoyed the way Persephone and Hades mutually had a distrust and seeing it slowly fall away the more time they spent together! It really goes to show you that you can’t always take the word of others as truth! The love story between them was a lovey slow burn and felt very natural in its progression! Also enjoyed getting to see some of the other goddesses and gods! Like her mother and grandmother! They all have such a beautiful bond! And you can tell they are family the way they all don’t blindly follow Zeus and stand up for what they believe! I could have read hundreds of more pages of this story! I can’t wait for the masses to get their hands on this
Thankful to have received an eARC from AQH Publications and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Thankful to have received an eARC from AQH Publications and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun read! Hades and Persephone is just a perfect story to do a sapphic re-telling of. The gender dynamics and adjustments to the story bring a lot of
more agency to Persephone than the traditional myth. The story is so wonderfully female-centric with Demeter and Hekate providing that matriarchal element. All of the characterizations were great.
I do wish we got a little bit of Hades perspective in the book, but I love how the perspective shifted to Demeter at times to give a glimpse as to what was happening up above.
This isn’t the most groundbreaking piece of literature, especially compared to other Greek myth re-tellings, but it’s a very fun twist on the traditional tale that keeps you engaged throughout. The characters really grow and develop throughout in a way that makes the reader truly invested in the outcome.
The reality of knowing the outcome for the traditional myth versions of Hades and Persephone adds an element of interest as you’re reading too, wondering how this version is going to play out differently and how Persephone and Hades will find a way to be together. Demeter’s role as a supportive and loving mother also really brings a fun element that re-writes the traditional story
more agency to Persephone than the traditional myth. The story is so wonderfully female-centric with Demeter and Hekate providing that matriarchal element. All of the characterizations were great.
I do wish we got a little bit of Hades perspective in the book, but I love how the perspective shifted to Demeter at times to give a glimpse as to what was happening up above.
This isn’t the most groundbreaking piece of literature, especially compared to other Greek myth re-tellings, but it’s a very fun twist on the traditional tale that keeps you engaged throughout. The characters really grow and develop throughout in a way that makes the reader truly invested in the outcome.
The reality of knowing the outcome for the traditional myth versions of Hades and Persephone adds an element of interest as you’re reading too, wondering how this version is going to play out differently and how Persephone and Hades will find a way to be together. Demeter’s role as a supportive and loving mother also really brings a fun element that re-writes the traditional story
August 11, 2026
My rating of Wither and Bloom:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley & AQH Publications for providing this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
• Hades x Persephone retelling
• Sapphic
• Slow burn
Say no more I’m hooked!
The book itself is a beautifully written retelling in which an old part of Greek mythology in turned into a modern more feminist interpretation of the story. We are as readers taken along a journey of self discovery, acceptance and love. Hades and Persephone compliments each other so well, with their two different sidens of the same coin. We do not get a lot a romance throughout the book, but the moments we do get are just so perfect and of big significance.
I personally have had a subject in school focusing on Greek mythology (though it’s been years since I had it) which means I already knew about the original characters and their stories. I do not think this has affected my reading, and I definitely think everything is so well explained that you can go into this book with no knowledge beforehand.
The books is very descriptive, hence the beautiful writing, but as someone with concentration issues I had to convince myself to keep going. It was all worth it though!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley & AQH Publications for providing this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
• Hades x Persephone retelling
• Sapphic
• Slow burn
Say no more I’m hooked!
The book itself is a beautifully written retelling in which an old part of Greek mythology in turned into a modern more feminist interpretation of the story. We are as readers taken along a journey of self discovery, acceptance and love. Hades and Persephone compliments each other so well, with their two different sidens of the same coin. We do not get a lot a romance throughout the book, but the moments we do get are just so perfect and of big significance.
I personally have had a subject in school focusing on Greek mythology (though it’s been years since I had it) which means I already knew about the original characters and their stories. I do not think this has affected my reading, and I definitely think everything is so well explained that you can go into this book with no knowledge beforehand.
The books is very descriptive, hence the beautiful writing, but as someone with concentration issues I had to convince myself to keep going. It was all worth it though!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) | Spice: 🌶️ (0–1/5)
As someone who absolutely loves a Hades and Persephone retelling, Wither and Bloom was such a refreshing and beautifully crafted read. E.K. O'Connor manages to capture the core essence of the classic myth while introducing smart, meaningful twists...most notably through a beautiful sapphic lens. One of my favorite changes was that Persephone isn't stolen or forced into anything with Hades, but giving her full autonomy from the start completely changes the dynamic in the best way possible.
Rather than settling for a simple "light versus dark" trope, the story dives deep into the complexities of control, agency, and duty, exploring how power dynamics are tested and balanced. At its heart, this is a story about Persephone finding herself. Watching her step into her own power, claim her voice, and learn what it truly means to take ownership of her life was easily the most rewarding part of the book. The relationship between Hades and Persephone is built on genuine care and mutual growth, with both of them making each other better along the way.
If I had one challenge with the book, it’s that the plot spans an extended timeline, and I found myself wishing we got to sit in the quiet moments with them a bit longer. While their connection was completely believable, having more direct dialogue and shared time between Persephone and Hades as they truly got to know each other would have made their emotional bond feel even richer.
Overall, Wither and Bloom is a thoughtful, empowering, and plot-driven story that puts personal growth, choice, and genuine connection into a beautiful story. It’s a story I think fellow myth lovers will really enjoy!
As someone who absolutely loves a Hades and Persephone retelling, Wither and Bloom was such a refreshing and beautifully crafted read. E.K. O'Connor manages to capture the core essence of the classic myth while introducing smart, meaningful twists...most notably through a beautiful sapphic lens. One of my favorite changes was that Persephone isn't stolen or forced into anything with Hades, but giving her full autonomy from the start completely changes the dynamic in the best way possible.
Rather than settling for a simple "light versus dark" trope, the story dives deep into the complexities of control, agency, and duty, exploring how power dynamics are tested and balanced. At its heart, this is a story about Persephone finding herself. Watching her step into her own power, claim her voice, and learn what it truly means to take ownership of her life was easily the most rewarding part of the book. The relationship between Hades and Persephone is built on genuine care and mutual growth, with both of them making each other better along the way.
If I had one challenge with the book, it’s that the plot spans an extended timeline, and I found myself wishing we got to sit in the quiet moments with them a bit longer. While their connection was completely believable, having more direct dialogue and shared time between Persephone and Hades as they truly got to know each other would have made their emotional bond feel even richer.
Overall, Wither and Bloom is a thoughtful, empowering, and plot-driven story that puts personal growth, choice, and genuine connection into a beautiful story. It’s a story I think fellow myth lovers will really enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a good read.
I’ve always enjoyed stories surrounding mythologies of all kind - Greek, Norse, Egyptian, etc. But my interest in Greek mythology got renewed after I started playing Hades a few years ago.
It really helped me that I was not well versed in the details surrounding the story of Hades and Persephone. It allowed me to enjoy the story for what it was instead of trying to compare with what I knew from before outside of the gist. I understand that part of the story was changed a little so that Persephone is not abducted but rather Zeus banishes her. That also feels more on brand for the god.
I was really happy with the writing overall - the craftsmanship was fantastic. Nothing felt overdone or too little. The story was tightly paced, and the world was vividly detailed. I found it easy to imagine myself in both Olympus and the Underworld.
I was a big fan of the characterization, especially of Persephone. It felt really natural how the different characters developed throughout the story. Mostly, though it was amazing to be part of Persephone’s journey, and see her come into her power and her autonomy. And of course, Hades and her “touch her and die” attitude was fun to see! :D
Really solid book overall. I would highly recommend it.
I’ve always enjoyed stories surrounding mythologies of all kind - Greek, Norse, Egyptian, etc. But my interest in Greek mythology got renewed after I started playing Hades a few years ago.
It really helped me that I was not well versed in the details surrounding the story of Hades and Persephone. It allowed me to enjoy the story for what it was instead of trying to compare with what I knew from before outside of the gist. I understand that part of the story was changed a little so that Persephone is not abducted but rather Zeus banishes her. That also feels more on brand for the god.
I was really happy with the writing overall - the craftsmanship was fantastic. Nothing felt overdone or too little. The story was tightly paced, and the world was vividly detailed. I found it easy to imagine myself in both Olympus and the Underworld.
I was a big fan of the characterization, especially of Persephone. It felt really natural how the different characters developed throughout the story. Mostly, though it was amazing to be part of Persephone’s journey, and see her come into her power and her autonomy. And of course, Hades and her “touch her and die” attitude was fun to see! :D
Really solid book overall. I would highly recommend it.
August 2, 2026
I’ve read a few greek mythology retellings, but not one about Hades and Persephone. When I saw this one was a sapphic version of the story I thought it would be right up my street. I enjoyed the message throughout about the balance between life and death, and of course seeing the development of Persephone’s character and her finding her power. However, I did find the pacing a little bizarre. I felt the first half of the book was very slow and it took me a while to immerse myself in the story. I also found the romance went from 0-100 quite quickly, there was a bit of build up of stolen glances but I didn’t really feel them getting closer until suddenly they were essentially together, though I did enjoy their relationship by the end. I sometimes wished that we had chapters of Hades POV, though I understand why Demeter’s was used instead and I enjoyed seeing the mother-daughter relationship between her and Persephone. Overall, a satisfying read with a lot of thorough description and a sweet romance. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve read so many Hades and Persephone retellings, but making Hades a woman and changing the “abduction” into Zeus exiling Persephone completely shifts the story. Hades isn’t the monster everyone warned her about, and Persephone isn’t some helpless little flower goddess. She’s just never been allowed to find out what she can actually do.
Watching Persephone slowly realize how powerful she is was probably my favorite part. But also… female Hades. 🤤 Brooding, guarded, scary as hell, and still so careful with Persephone. I loved that the romance doesn’t truly begin until they can meet as equals. It made the slow burn feel earned and kept the whole captor to lovers setup from getting weird.
And I really loved what this did with Demeter too. She gets to be a loving, complicated mother instead of just an obstacle between them. Between that, the divine politics, and an Underworld that starts changing right alongside Persephone. This was made for me and an amazing read.
Thank you AQH Publications and NetGalley for the arc!
Watching Persephone slowly realize how powerful she is was probably my favorite part. But also… female Hades. 🤤 Brooding, guarded, scary as hell, and still so careful with Persephone. I loved that the romance doesn’t truly begin until they can meet as equals. It made the slow burn feel earned and kept the whole captor to lovers setup from getting weird.
And I really loved what this did with Demeter too. She gets to be a loving, complicated mother instead of just an obstacle between them. Between that, the divine politics, and an Underworld that starts changing right alongside Persephone. This was made for me and an amazing read.
Thank you AQH Publications and NetGalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wither & Bloom was an absolutely gorgeous sapphic reimagining of the myth of Hades and Persephone - something I’ve been having a hard time finding until now. The author takes care to preserve the heart of the original myth while changing the story in ways that give Persephone far more agency. She is never simply swept along by what happens to her. She makes choices, grows into her power, and becomes increasingly confident in who she is and what she wants. Watching that transformation was absolutely one of my favorite parts of reading this book and definitely made for a captivating read.
Honestly, I could have happily spent hundreds more pages with these characters, especially seeing Hades and Persephone enjoy the happiness they fought for. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves sapphic fantasy, Greek mythology retellings, immersive world-building, and stories about women claiming their own power.
Thank you to E.K. O’Connor, AQH Publications, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I could have happily spent hundreds more pages with these characters, especially seeing Hades and Persephone enjoy the happiness they fought for. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves sapphic fantasy, Greek mythology retellings, immersive world-building, and stories about women claiming their own power.
Thank you to E.K. O’Connor, AQH Publications, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall rating; ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The young goddess of spring, Persephone, is suddenly thrust into the underworld, the shape of a narcissus flower burned into her hand. Struggling to navigate the ever dangerous realm, her energy depleting rapidly. She is suddenly captured by an armored person on a chariot.
Arriving at the spiraling palace, she realizes her captor is none other than the goddess of the underworld, Hades. With a reputation that proceeds her, Persephone is terrified.
Navigating the new world, trying to figure out how she arrived, and the crackling energy between herself and the goddess of the realm will prove taxing. As time passes, her view on the realm and it's queen will change.
I am literally giggling and kicking my feet. This was such a sweet story! I love how the author wrote this retelling. I already enjoyed the original story and having a sapphic rendition blows that clean out of the water! This is a great read for the fall or the beginnings of spring. Very much recommend if you want a warm and fuzzy quick read.
The young goddess of spring, Persephone, is suddenly thrust into the underworld, the shape of a narcissus flower burned into her hand. Struggling to navigate the ever dangerous realm, her energy depleting rapidly. She is suddenly captured by an armored person on a chariot.
Arriving at the spiraling palace, she realizes her captor is none other than the goddess of the underworld, Hades. With a reputation that proceeds her, Persephone is terrified.
Navigating the new world, trying to figure out how she arrived, and the crackling energy between herself and the goddess of the realm will prove taxing. As time passes, her view on the realm and it's queen will change.
I am literally giggling and kicking my feet. This was such a sweet story! I love how the author wrote this retelling. I already enjoyed the original story and having a sapphic rendition blows that clean out of the water! This is a great read for the fall or the beginnings of spring. Very much recommend if you want a warm and fuzzy quick read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was the first time I’ve read a sapphic romance featuring the Persephone and Hades myth—or gods in general.
There was a lovely dynamic between the two main characters. Everything unfolds at a calm, leisurely pace, with just a touch of action and drama.
I really liked Persephone; she is unaware of her own power and just how important she is—and it is her encounter with Hades, of all people, that makes her realize it.
Hades is my favorite character here: so brooding and dark. She seems so unapproachable at first, yet she is fascinated by Persephone.
I enjoyed the slow-burn approach, though I would have liked the romantic aspect to be a bit more pronounced and to have more "on-page" development.
However, those who don't care about that will be rewarded with a good retelling of Hades and Persephone and drawn into the machinations of gods and their intrigues.
Thanks for the arc to the Author E.K. O‘Connor.
There was a lovely dynamic between the two main characters. Everything unfolds at a calm, leisurely pace, with just a touch of action and drama.
I really liked Persephone; she is unaware of her own power and just how important she is—and it is her encounter with Hades, of all people, that makes her realize it.
Hades is my favorite character here: so brooding and dark. She seems so unapproachable at first, yet she is fascinated by Persephone.
I enjoyed the slow-burn approach, though I would have liked the romantic aspect to be a bit more pronounced and to have more "on-page" development.
However, those who don't care about that will be rewarded with a good retelling of Hades and Persephone and drawn into the machinations of gods and their intrigues.
Thanks for the arc to the Author E.K. O‘Connor.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.3, Wither and Bloom is a sapphic Hades and Persephone retelling about finding the power in oneself and the journey it takes to get there. This book was really well done, it does require some previous knowledge of greek mythology but also had it's own twists on the classic stories and characters. The romance between Hades and Persephone is more of a secondary part of the story but what was done with it was believable and made sense. It was a little slow for my personal tastes but I can easily see this being a five star book for people. The interactions with the gods, even the ones without Hades or Persephone there, were just as interesting as the romance. The writing itself felt poetic which matched the feel of Persephone as a character well. All in all I would definitely read another book by this author.
August 5, 2026
I enjoyed this lighthearted sapphic retelling of Persephone and hades. I like that one of the big three is a woman and the one with the most empathy is a woman.
I like that Persephone wasn’t forced into anything, their love felt natural and progressed beautifully.
Now, the negatives, there was a lot of waffling, it felt like it needed to be edited, there wasn’t really a prose, the scenes just were listing what’s happened rather than allowing the reader to make an image. There were alot of repetitive sentences, which just felt a bit clunky and unnecessary.
However I didn’t DNF because I did enjoy the plot and the characters. It’s a fun read.
I like that Persephone wasn’t forced into anything, their love felt natural and progressed beautifully.
Now, the negatives, there was a lot of waffling, it felt like it needed to be edited, there wasn’t really a prose, the scenes just were listing what’s happened rather than allowing the reader to make an image. There were alot of repetitive sentences, which just felt a bit clunky and unnecessary.
However I didn’t DNF because I did enjoy the plot and the characters. It’s a fun read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m obsessed with a good Persephone/Hades story, and this one provided some basic enjoyment in that realm without blowing me away.
Essentially, I really appreciated the two central goddesses, their dispositions and slow but romantic connection with each other. Their scenes and discussions together were easily my favourite part of the book.
Unfortunately, plot-wise I was deeply, deeply bored. Even now I couldn’t really tell you what happens in this book because I feel like the answer is… absolutely nothing. I wish that I could pick up these characters and drop them into a more interesting storyline.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for honest review.
Essentially, I really appreciated the two central goddesses, their dispositions and slow but romantic connection with each other. Their scenes and discussions together were easily my favourite part of the book.
Unfortunately, plot-wise I was deeply, deeply bored. Even now I couldn’t really tell you what happens in this book because I feel like the answer is… absolutely nothing. I wish that I could pick up these characters and drop them into a more interesting storyline.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for honest review.
Review of advance copy
A wonderfully charming take on the mythological story of Hades and Persephone.
I love the unique feel of this world, while being set with characters many know well in one form or another. There is a wonderfully cozy feel while still carrying weight and drama. The growth and development of the characters really shines through.
The story also is amazing at showing the love and lust of Hades & Persephone without delving into overly spicy territory. I appreciate the simplicity of it.
My only issue is I wish we could have gotten some chapters from hades point of view, but that’s very much personal preference.
I love the unique feel of this world, while being set with characters many know well in one form or another. There is a wonderfully cozy feel while still carrying weight and drama. The growth and development of the characters really shines through.
The story also is amazing at showing the love and lust of Hades & Persephone without delving into overly spicy territory. I appreciate the simplicity of it.
My only issue is I wish we could have gotten some chapters from hades point of view, but that’s very much personal preference.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 ⭐️ Thank you to netgalley & publishers for this e arc! I really loved this story and these characters! I haven’t watched / read a lot about greek mythology therefore I don’t know a lot about it, but this was a really good introduction it! I love Persephone as a character so much, she is such a strong main character and getting to see how she evolved was really lovely to read! This was such a vibes read and I really enjoyed my time with this book and would definitely recommend as well as read more from this author!
August 17, 2026
Thank you to netgalley for this ARC! I was so so so excited for this one, but unfortunately it fell a little flat for me. The entire book was a little boring and I kept just waiting to it to pick up. The romance seemed like it came out of nowhere and was just there because it needed to be. It didn’t feel like it was earned at all they just were suddenly in love. I also didn’t connect to any of the characters. Overall if you’re looking for a Greek myth retelling I would still recommend it just didn’t work for me.
August 10, 2026
It does what it says on the tin. I went in expecting a sapphic retelling of Hades and Persephone, and that’s what I got. I love a Greek Mythology retelling, and this one could really only be redeemed by making it sapphic and consensual.
The style was a little “the dark haired goddess”/“the goddess of the spring” epithet-heavy, but that’s consistent with the style of the source story and works from that era.
I noticed a couple of minor typos. I enjoyed the story enough to overlook them.
The style was a little “the dark haired goddess”/“the goddess of the spring” epithet-heavy, but that’s consistent with the style of the source story and works from that era.
I noticed a couple of minor typos. I enjoyed the story enough to overlook them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a delightful retelling, with a unique spin on the story of Hades and Kore/Persephone. Some liberties have been taken with the relationships between the gods, in particular with Demeter. However, it doesn’t distract from the overall story.
Definitely more of a cozy romance, as compared to other retellings. And while that’s at odds with the original tale, it works for the world built in the story.
Definitely more of a cozy romance, as compared to other retellings. And while that’s at odds with the original tale, it works for the world built in the story.
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