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Greek Myths #1
Dazzling Brightness
Emerging from the world of ancient Greece, Hades, Lord of the Underworld, and the mystical Persephone defy the gods of Olympus to defend an eternal love that they share between the sun and the shadows. Original.
From the mists of timeless legend... an enchanting, unforgettable tale of passion, intrigue and adventure that brings two mythical lovers magnificently to life...
HE was Lord of the Underworld, cast down by the gods into a kingdom of everlasting darkness. SHE was born with mystical powers in a place of eternal light. And somewhere between the shadows and the sun was a world of treachery, danger, and unending desire...
Against the savage splendor of Ancient Greece... from the exalted mountaintops of Olympus to a glittering midnight realm... they would defy the gods themselves to make their heaven right here on earth with a love that would blaze forever in... DAZZLING BRIGHTNESS
From the mists of timeless legend... an enchanting, unforgettable tale of passion, intrigue and adventure that brings two mythical lovers magnificently to life...
HE was Lord of the Underworld, cast down by the gods into a kingdom of everlasting darkness. SHE was born with mystical powers in a place of eternal light. And somewhere between the shadows and the sun was a world of treachery, danger, and unending desire...
Against the savage splendor of Ancient Greece... from the exalted mountaintops of Olympus to a glittering midnight realm... they would defy the gods themselves to make their heaven right here on earth with a love that would blaze forever in... DAZZLING BRIGHTNESS
446 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1994
26 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
Roberta Gellis
56 books185 followersRoberta Gellis has been one of the most successful writers of historical fiction of the last few decades, having published about 25 meticulously researched historical novels since 1964. She was married to her husband Charles for over 50 years and they lived together in Lafayette, Indiana with a lively Lakeland terrier called Taffy. She has one child called Mark.
Her page at the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase
Her page at the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 7, 2023
Преразказите на гръцката митология са опасно тънко занимание и винаги издават неизбежната ограниченост на захваналите се автори. Новите авторки са ограничени от емоционалната си слепота за необятните дълбини на човешката природа, и се опитват неудачно да компенсират с разни измислени екзотики и свободни съчинения. Авторите от по-стари времена пък осакатяват историите си с намесата на по-късния християнски морал, като и тук вариациите са много - но винаги във вреда на стария мит.
Заглавието съвсем не е от най-лошите варианти и ми беше приятно за четене.
———
Конкретният мотив е как Хадес, богът на мъртвите, отвлича Персефона - дъщерята на богинята на плодородието Деметра - в подземното си царство. Деметра обаче не стои кротко, а почти изкъртва от ярост целия Олимпийски пантеон, докато накрая се стига до споразумението Персефона да се връща в горния свят с началото на пролетта, и да слиза обратно при Хадес с отминаването и.
Най-симпатичният и разумен герой тук е Хадес. Ветеран от войните на Олимп, отхвърлили господството на Кронос в полза на това на Зевс, той е изградил своето “царство” в дълбините на земята, и е успял да впрегне силите на скалите и водите да сътворят обитаемо и красиво убежище. Амбицията не е водещата го сила, нито завистта или властта. Този владетел на смъртта е доста голям пазител на живота.
Персефона е момиче, насила натикано в клетката на очакванията, задълженията и нормите. Тя е дотолкова откъсната от реалния свят и хората, че отвличането и носи единствено ползи и и позволява най-сетне да се превърне в личност.
Деметра е най-проблематична, и далеч не едностранчива. Тук тя е представена като свръх контролираща, страховито нарцистична майка, която не е в състояние и ожесточено отказва да види детето си като автономно, отделно, различно човешко същество. Тя обсебва това дете до пълно задушаване, превръща го в свой - буквално - безименен придатък и свирепо унищожава всеки признак на индивидуалност.
Затова и отношението на Персефона към майка и от един момент нататък може да изглежда на пръв поглед безсърдечно, но е просто опит за самосъхранение и за предпазване.
———
Подземният свят с неговите заплахи и красота е добре пресъздаден. Последната една трета от книгата обаче загуби размах, а Персефона започна да се държи на моменти твърде нестабилно. Но на фона на новата вълна “преразкази” това заглавие си е просто супер.
3,5⭐️
Заглавието съвсем не е от най-лошите варианти и ми беше приятно за четене.
———
Конкретният мотив е как Хадес, богът на мъртвите, отвлича Персефона - дъщерята на богинята на плодородието Деметра - в подземното си царство. Деметра обаче не стои кротко, а почти изкъртва от ярост целия Олимпийски пантеон, докато накрая се стига до споразумението Персефона да се връща в горния свят с началото на пролетта, и да слиза обратно при Хадес с отминаването и.
Най-симпатичният и разумен герой тук е Хадес. Ветеран от войните на Олимп, отхвърлили господството на Кронос в полза на това на Зевс, той е изградил своето “царство” в дълбините на земята, и е успял да впрегне силите на скалите и водите да сътворят обитаемо и красиво убежище. Амбицията не е водещата го сила, нито завистта или властта. Този владетел на смъртта е доста голям пазител на живота.
Персефона е момиче, насила натикано в клетката на очакванията, задълженията и нормите. Тя е дотолкова откъсната от реалния свят и хората, че отвличането и носи единствено ползи и и позволява най-сетне да се превърне в личност.
Деметра е най-проблематична, и далеч не едностранчива. Тук тя е представена като свръх контролираща, страховито нарцистична майка, която не е в състояние и ожесточено отказва да види детето си като автономно, отделно, различно човешко същество. Тя обсебва това дете до пълно задушаване, превръща го в свой - буквално - безименен придатък и свирепо унищожава всеки признак на индивидуалност.
Затова и отношението на Персефона към майка и от един момент нататък може да изглежда на пръв поглед безсърдечно, но е просто опит за самосъхранение и за предпазване.
———
Подземният свят с неговите заплахи и красота е добре пресъздаден. Последната една трета от книгата обаче загуби размах, а Персефона започна да се държи на моменти твърде нестабилно. Но на фона на новата вълна “преразкази” това заглавие си е просто супер.
3,5⭐️
September 11, 2011
this is the first book that showed me a revisiting of myths or legends. A retelling of Hades and Persephone's story as told from their POV - and a love story. Gellis has always been a wonderful story teller and I have made sure to hold onto this title in particular and it is one of the few I have reread a number of times.
April 29, 2011
I love this take on Greek mythology. It is so refreshing and different. I especially love the spin that she put on the relationship between Hades and Persephone. It is nice to think of Hades in a different light.
June 17, 2013
In this series, historical romance author Roberta Gellis takes on the Greek myths, this book being the story of Hades and Persephone.
Yes, he kidnaps her, with the conniving of Zeus; no, he doesn't rape her. In the Underworld, Persephone, who has long been restless under her domineering mother's thumb, finds purpose, love, and even a name (Demeter has only called her Kore, or "girl," meaning to pass on the name Demeter on her own deathbed).
Gellis's Greek gods aren't, really. They are another race of humans: taller, stronger, much longer-lived - AND they are mages, each with unique inborn Gifts. Hades can pass himself (and anyone he is carrying) through solid rock, as well as melt rock and move it. The people in his Underworld aren't actually dead - they are the outcasts who have been driven away from their villages and homes, for various reasons.
Hades' underground realm is both dazzling and dangerous, full of jewels and crystal, but also wild beasts, a foul ?fungus?, and the threat of cave-ins. There is also the danger of starvation; Hades' people till the ground in some secret valleys, but without a priestess of the Mother to bless the fields, they will not bear the amount of grain required to feed the population.
Demeter has long been blessing the fields of Olympus to similar purpose, but deprived of her daughter, she rebels. Now Olympus is in danger of collapse, and despite his strength and powers, Hades cannot withstand all of the other mages, combined. He has to let Persephone go back to her mother.
This Persephone rules as Queen and equal partner to Hades. Additionally, though her mother Demeter always told her she had no Gift, she finds that she does have a very strong one. Hades teaches her how to use it, and how to shield it from any mage who would try to use it - even himself.
Demeter comes off controlling and overbearing, but in the end, she (somewhat reluctantly) agrees to loosen her demands on her daughter - realizing that the headstrong, grown Persephone is not her little Kore any longer, and cannot be compelled or blackmailed into working as her helper, blessing the fields, but only as a willing partner, on her own terms.
The relationship between Hades and Persephone is such a different take on the old story, and Persephone here is smart and resourceful as well as kind and beautiful. One of my favorites.
Yes, he kidnaps her, with the conniving of Zeus; no, he doesn't rape her. In the Underworld, Persephone, who has long been restless under her domineering mother's thumb, finds purpose, love, and even a name (Demeter has only called her Kore, or "girl," meaning to pass on the name Demeter on her own deathbed).
Gellis's Greek gods aren't, really. They are another race of humans: taller, stronger, much longer-lived - AND they are mages, each with unique inborn Gifts. Hades can pass himself (and anyone he is carrying) through solid rock, as well as melt rock and move it. The people in his Underworld aren't actually dead - they are the outcasts who have been driven away from their villages and homes, for various reasons.
Hades' underground realm is both dazzling and dangerous, full of jewels and crystal, but also wild beasts, a foul ?fungus?, and the threat of cave-ins. There is also the danger of starvation; Hades' people till the ground in some secret valleys, but without a priestess of the Mother to bless the fields, they will not bear the amount of grain required to feed the population.
Demeter has long been blessing the fields of Olympus to similar purpose, but deprived of her daughter, she rebels. Now Olympus is in danger of collapse, and despite his strength and powers, Hades cannot withstand all of the other mages, combined. He has to let Persephone go back to her mother.
This Persephone rules as Queen and equal partner to Hades. Additionally, though her mother Demeter always told her she had no Gift, she finds that she does have a very strong one. Hades teaches her how to use it, and how to shield it from any mage who would try to use it - even himself.
Demeter comes off controlling and overbearing, but in the end, she (somewhat reluctantly) agrees to loosen her demands on her daughter - realizing that the headstrong, grown Persephone is not her little Kore any longer, and cannot be compelled or blackmailed into working as her helper, blessing the fields, but only as a willing partner, on her own terms.
The relationship between Hades and Persephone is such a different take on the old story, and Persephone here is smart and resourceful as well as kind and beautiful. One of my favorites.
March 14, 2009
Greek myth redone as a fantasy romance, with the Olympians really just very long-lived mages. Same set-up as Bull God, but that seems to have been marketed as fantasy and this as romance. I'd like to know what the mages really are: the reference to common people as 'natives' suggests they're aliens, and I think there was something in Bull God about their arrival... But the common people can have mage-gifts, too, and Ariadne was made long-lived. Maybe one of Gellis's other books explains it better.
I really liked the touch of making Demeter a suffocatingly overprotective mother, calling her daughter Kore (girl) instead of naming her, refusing to allow her any independent life. That was implicit in the myth all along, and it's nicely developed here.
I really liked the touch of making Demeter a suffocatingly overprotective mother, calling her daughter Kore (girl) instead of naming her, refusing to allow her any independent life. That was implicit in the myth all along, and it's nicely developed here.
did-not-finish
September 14, 2012Wow. It takes serious skills to make THE UNDERWORLD boring. I tried, I really did (I am a sucker for anything involving Greek myths), but this book was so dull that I finally gave up halfway through. DNF.
dnf
July 29, 2024Dnf at 54%
It is not holding my attention
It is not holding my attention
December 24, 2024
The way these rating read, you either love or hate this interpretation of the myth. I personally enjoyed the story, the repurposed OG mythology roots, and the romance combined with the Persephone's character growth.
In terms of the OG myth, it does in fact open an abduction (My earliest encounter with the myth showed Persephone innocently picking flowers in broad daylight. Suddenly, a chariot, spear-headed by dark horses, rips out from the ground, its drivers scoops her up and disappears back into the ground once more). Here, we see Hades, going unnamed for the first chapter and a half, watching a young woman simply named Kore (we'll get there), mulling over the morality of this deal with Zeus. I like that it's still a shock for Persephone to be with Hades, and she calls out the absurdity of his "could you be my wife and queen?" question. She's right to say it's too much to consider signing her life away to a man she's known for about a day.
The romance is so sweet, with Hades being open with Persephone, and really leans into the interpretation of their marriage being one of fidelity, respect, and equality. Hades needs a competent queen to help feed his Underworld population. One aspect I loved that's been tweaked is unlike OG Hades who is kind of just lonely/seeking companionship, this Hades is that as well, but his kingdom only sprouts jewels from the ground. Lovely as they are, they're not edible. Persephone's the Goddess of Corn and fertility, able to quicken the earth's seed. But she's been under Demeter's thumb for so long, she's not really been able to relish in her hard work. Side note, love the transformation she undergoes after two springs of being Queen Persephone. While searching for Kore, Hermes is watching a woman basically professionally work a room while sitting beside the man he knows is Hades. Hermes is flabbergasted/impressed that Kore could become Persephone, have her and the Underworld thriving in tandem.
The book reads like a trek to get to know each other and get back to each other, which could get tedious... but it is in fact the myth. We get bits and pieces of Persephone thriving as queen, and Demeter's crazed chase to retrieve her daughter. It's also written through the lens that Demeter is a narcissistic mother, given the line "My body was wracked with pain to bring you to life. I deserve your love!" and her refusal to see any man who seeks to love Persephone as hinderance to Demeter/taking Persephone from her, rather than letting Persephone explore a new phase of life. It's also worth noting that Demeter straight-up infantilizes/demeans Persephone; Hades is angered that before him, Persephone is given the name Kore that literally just means "girl", and upon her return, Demeter attempts to comfort Persephone by calling her Kore once more and cuddling her with promises of "mother's here". Meanwhile, Persephone is on the hunt to return to her man/views her mother as a smother.
Really liked the view on "everyone in the underworld is dead"; Hades argues that they're simply not living above ground anymore, but that they're going on about life down here. Gives a less doom and gloom finality of death/himself as a whole. He's not among corpses, nor is he one; they're just in another plane of existence. I kinda like that idea.
Loved that Hades did in fact want Persephone to feel like she had a choice in her stay; he goes "if you want to go home, I can make it so. Though it will break my heart, yours is more important". And he goes to Demeter himself, offering her lace for visiting when it's too hard for Persephone to face her mother. And that by the end, it ends with a firm deal: Persephone will essentially just quicken the upper world's seed/see to the harvest, but really, she lives with Hades. It's a tense "make her shut up" kind of ending that makes sure Demeter doesn't get pacified for throwing a tantrum.
All in all, I'm ready to read this author's take on Eros and Psyche. Still unsure of Orpheus and Eurydice, though...
In terms of the OG myth, it does in fact open an abduction (My earliest encounter with the myth showed Persephone innocently picking flowers in broad daylight. Suddenly, a chariot, spear-headed by dark horses, rips out from the ground, its drivers scoops her up and disappears back into the ground once more). Here, we see Hades, going unnamed for the first chapter and a half, watching a young woman simply named Kore (we'll get there), mulling over the morality of this deal with Zeus. I like that it's still a shock for Persephone to be with Hades, and she calls out the absurdity of his "could you be my wife and queen?" question. She's right to say it's too much to consider signing her life away to a man she's known for about a day.
The romance is so sweet, with Hades being open with Persephone, and really leans into the interpretation of their marriage being one of fidelity, respect, and equality. Hades needs a competent queen to help feed his Underworld population. One aspect I loved that's been tweaked is unlike OG Hades who is kind of just lonely/seeking companionship, this Hades is that as well, but his kingdom only sprouts jewels from the ground. Lovely as they are, they're not edible. Persephone's the Goddess of Corn and fertility, able to quicken the earth's seed. But she's been under Demeter's thumb for so long, she's not really been able to relish in her hard work. Side note, love the transformation she undergoes after two springs of being Queen Persephone. While searching for Kore, Hermes is watching a woman basically professionally work a room while sitting beside the man he knows is Hades. Hermes is flabbergasted/impressed that Kore could become Persephone, have her and the Underworld thriving in tandem.
The book reads like a trek to get to know each other and get back to each other, which could get tedious... but it is in fact the myth. We get bits and pieces of Persephone thriving as queen, and Demeter's crazed chase to retrieve her daughter. It's also written through the lens that Demeter is a narcissistic mother, given the line "My body was wracked with pain to bring you to life. I deserve your love!" and her refusal to see any man who seeks to love Persephone as hinderance to Demeter/taking Persephone from her, rather than letting Persephone explore a new phase of life. It's also worth noting that Demeter straight-up infantilizes/demeans Persephone; Hades is angered that before him, Persephone is given the name Kore that literally just means "girl", and upon her return, Demeter attempts to comfort Persephone by calling her Kore once more and cuddling her with promises of "mother's here". Meanwhile, Persephone is on the hunt to return to her man/views her mother as a smother.
Really liked the view on "everyone in the underworld is dead"; Hades argues that they're simply not living above ground anymore, but that they're going on about life down here. Gives a less doom and gloom finality of death/himself as a whole. He's not among corpses, nor is he one; they're just in another plane of existence. I kinda like that idea.
Loved that Hades did in fact want Persephone to feel like she had a choice in her stay; he goes "if you want to go home, I can make it so. Though it will break my heart, yours is more important". And he goes to Demeter himself, offering her lace for visiting when it's too hard for Persephone to face her mother. And that by the end, it ends with a firm deal: Persephone will essentially just quicken the upper world's seed/see to the harvest, but really, she lives with Hades. It's a tense "make her shut up" kind of ending that makes sure Demeter doesn't get pacified for throwing a tantrum.
All in all, I'm ready to read this author's take on Eros and Psyche. Still unsure of Orpheus and Eurydice, though...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
This is the Greek mythology tale of Hades, lord of the underworld and Persephone, daughter of the goddess of harvest. Adapted to present these famous characters are mages rather than Gods, and changing a few details about how the story went, it’s otherwise pretty faithful to the source material.
Hades, king of the underworld and brother to Zeus and Poseidon, is desperate to find a way to save his starving people. His realm isn’t the world of the dead but rather a world deep underground where most of his people sought a haven from those who cast them out. And they are starving. He can’t grow plants in the dark sunless caves and therefore can’t keep livestock. Instead, he relies on the city of Olympus to accept all his jewels and rubies in exchange for food. But they themselves are running out. So, Hades hatches a plan. With the blessing of Zeus, Hades kidnaps the daughter of the high mage and brings her into his realm so she can grow food for his people.
Kore, as she’s known then, is a simple girl with a famous mother. But Kore holds no power for herself, or so she’s been told. Given no real name for herself, she can see no purpose for why the king of the underworld has chosen her for his bride. But Hades is a kind man, who provides her a name – Persephone- and unleashes in her all the power blessed to her by the Goddess. He is her kidnapper but he is also her lover and friend.
After 2 years, her mother has gone near mad with the loss of her only daughter. Moreover, she has stopped producing food for Olympus. On the threat of war between the three brothers, Zeus and Poseidon agree to help Demeter take her daughter back from the clutches of Hades. So when Persephone agrees to see her mother and try to explain how she’s happy with Hades and her mother must carry on without her, Persephone instead finds herself in Poseidon’s realm. But she is Kore no longer and hold more wit and power than anyone ever imagined and she’ll stop at nothing to find her way back to her husband.
I love Greek mythology, I mean who doesn’t really. However, I don’t think it makes for a good romance read, especially in 2021. Kidnapping, Stockholm syndrome, a possessive mother, an insanely jealous husband. All these things make this book a bit hard to read. Sure, Demeter got a bit of a redemption ark towards the end but until that point, I truly hated her a character. Hades, an otherwise kind man showed violence at times to his wife when his jealousy overtook him and he would accuse her of sleeping with another man. Persephone, was a decent character who grew out of her chains throughout the book to become a strong and capable woman was still a little blind when it came to those around her who didn’t always treat her the best. I don’t know. On one hand, I’ve always loved the story. On the other hand, I didn’t like this book.
Hades, king of the underworld and brother to Zeus and Poseidon, is desperate to find a way to save his starving people. His realm isn’t the world of the dead but rather a world deep underground where most of his people sought a haven from those who cast them out. And they are starving. He can’t grow plants in the dark sunless caves and therefore can’t keep livestock. Instead, he relies on the city of Olympus to accept all his jewels and rubies in exchange for food. But they themselves are running out. So, Hades hatches a plan. With the blessing of Zeus, Hades kidnaps the daughter of the high mage and brings her into his realm so she can grow food for his people.
Kore, as she’s known then, is a simple girl with a famous mother. But Kore holds no power for herself, or so she’s been told. Given no real name for herself, she can see no purpose for why the king of the underworld has chosen her for his bride. But Hades is a kind man, who provides her a name – Persephone- and unleashes in her all the power blessed to her by the Goddess. He is her kidnapper but he is also her lover and friend.
After 2 years, her mother has gone near mad with the loss of her only daughter. Moreover, she has stopped producing food for Olympus. On the threat of war between the three brothers, Zeus and Poseidon agree to help Demeter take her daughter back from the clutches of Hades. So when Persephone agrees to see her mother and try to explain how she’s happy with Hades and her mother must carry on without her, Persephone instead finds herself in Poseidon’s realm. But she is Kore no longer and hold more wit and power than anyone ever imagined and she’ll stop at nothing to find her way back to her husband.
I love Greek mythology, I mean who doesn’t really. However, I don’t think it makes for a good romance read, especially in 2021. Kidnapping, Stockholm syndrome, a possessive mother, an insanely jealous husband. All these things make this book a bit hard to read. Sure, Demeter got a bit of a redemption ark towards the end but until that point, I truly hated her a character. Hades, an otherwise kind man showed violence at times to his wife when his jealousy overtook him and he would accuse her of sleeping with another man. Persephone, was a decent character who grew out of her chains throughout the book to become a strong and capable woman was still a little blind when it came to those around her who didn’t always treat her the best. I don’t know. On one hand, I’ve always loved the story. On the other hand, I didn’t like this book.
December 11, 2012
Much as I adore the Persephone-Hades myth -- indeed, it's one of my favorite stories -- I did not enjoy this this book at all. Twice now I've sat down to read it, twice now I gave up in profound annoyance. Something about Gellis's writing style -- the thick, overly romanticized quality -- bothered me so much that it persistently distracted me from the story. I tried to like this, I really did. Until I accepted that I shouldn't have to try.
June 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book; it was refreshingly different from the host of modern retellings of Persephone/Hades that have cropped up as a popular subject in late. Half the time I was a bit confused on what this universe was--it was almost a revisionist history but then it also seemed to take place in some alternate universe..? But pretty early on I stopped caring about that and just enjoyed the book. The first half is my favorite--the slow crawl through the caves, being introduced to the world of Plutos and getting to know our leads. The second half of the book introduces properly Demeter--who is batshit. Honestly, she's the biggest villain of this book and we had multiply threats of rape towards Persephone--that's kinda a low bar, considering this is her mother. But, Demeter genuinely is portrayed crazy in that second half and so the quick turn around of her admitting defeat once on the boat felt unearned. All she needed to do was look Hades in the face and she gave up? Cause she was delusional as hell when confronted by Persephone for months. Poseidon being that much a bastard wasn't completely unearned, but again we already had a serviceable and enraging villain in Demeter, so adding him for some action scenes in the final third felt unnecessary. I just wish honestly we hadn't time jumped two years, skipping all the development of the couple going from wary patterns to lovingly married, and especially when the alternative was again infuriatingly witnessing a mad Demeter and a bastard Poseidon, but at least Persephone's escape plan was interesting to follow. We just missed all the character development of curious and kind Persephone to horny and kinda vengeful, with how she handled Poseidon in those final scenes--granted, the book was trying to push the whole time that Persephone isn't as sweet and naive as others assume, but she also wasn't the craftiest so sometimes her later portrayal of being so felt out of place.
August 30, 2020
Disappointing
This 1994 paranormal romance is a reimagining of the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades. Persephone is the Greek goddess of vegetation, especially grain, and the wife of Hades, with whom she rules the Underworld. In this version of the story, there are no gods, only powerful “mages,” and Zeus is a “Mage-King.”
This book's central premise is a very popular romance-genre trope, the “captor-captive” story. Disappointingly, though, for the most part it is executed as a rather dull travelogue of the author’s version of Hades’ kingdom, which is nothing like the Underworld of the dead from the original myth.
I really enjoyed this book many years ago when I first read it, because back then I was a big fan of Roberta Gellis. Unfortunately, decades later, as a much more jaded romance reader, I found this book rather uninspired and boring. Though the protagonists have consensual sex within 24 hours of Hades’ kidnapping Persephone, the author’s voice is so flat and prosaic, it leaches all potential passion from their relationship in general and their sexual encounters in particular.
Sadly, I will not be re-reading the rest of the books in this series.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 3 stars
Hero: 3 stars
Subcharacters: 3 stars
Romance Plot: 3 stars
Myth Retelling: 3 stars
Writing: 3 stars
Overall: 3 stars
This 1994 paranormal romance is a reimagining of the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades. Persephone is the Greek goddess of vegetation, especially grain, and the wife of Hades, with whom she rules the Underworld. In this version of the story, there are no gods, only powerful “mages,” and Zeus is a “Mage-King.”
This book's central premise is a very popular romance-genre trope, the “captor-captive” story. Disappointingly, though, for the most part it is executed as a rather dull travelogue of the author’s version of Hades’ kingdom, which is nothing like the Underworld of the dead from the original myth.
I really enjoyed this book many years ago when I first read it, because back then I was a big fan of Roberta Gellis. Unfortunately, decades later, as a much more jaded romance reader, I found this book rather uninspired and boring. Though the protagonists have consensual sex within 24 hours of Hades’ kidnapping Persephone, the author’s voice is so flat and prosaic, it leaches all potential passion from their relationship in general and their sexual encounters in particular.
Sadly, I will not be re-reading the rest of the books in this series.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 3 stars
Hero: 3 stars
Subcharacters: 3 stars
Romance Plot: 3 stars
Myth Retelling: 3 stars
Writing: 3 stars
Overall: 3 stars
April 14, 2025
Loved this one and really thought the exploration of Persephone and Demeter’s toxic dynamic was good.
I also thought it was an interesting take the way Hades “kidnaps” Persephone. He was under the pretext of saving her from a bad situation and she took advantage of it and left of her own accord with him.
I thought their romance was believable and took a natural course. The spicy part were really good and but not as numerous as you’d think.
Persephone is often depicted as a meek figure so to see her take charge and grown into her powers was rewarding. At times her relationship to her mom made me think of Rapunzel and Gothel.
I also really liked this author’s writing style. It was easy to follow and the descriptive prose was just enough for me to fill in the blanks of what was going on without being overwhelmed.
My one complaint was that I wish Persephone actually had more friends in the story but I do understand that the focus was the love story.
Overall really good book.
I also thought it was an interesting take the way Hades “kidnaps” Persephone. He was under the pretext of saving her from a bad situation and she took advantage of it and left of her own accord with him.
I thought their romance was believable and took a natural course. The spicy part were really good and but not as numerous as you’d think.
Persephone is often depicted as a meek figure so to see her take charge and grown into her powers was rewarding. At times her relationship to her mom made me think of Rapunzel and Gothel.
I also really liked this author’s writing style. It was easy to follow and the descriptive prose was just enough for me to fill in the blanks of what was going on without being overwhelmed.
My one complaint was that I wish Persephone actually had more friends in the story but I do understand that the focus was the love story.
Overall really good book.
May 8, 2025
Dazzling Brightness is Dazzling
Gellis' retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone is much more appealing version than the original. Persephone is without even a name until.Hades gives her one. Demeter is overprotective and smothering. It doesn't have much to do with the original myth, but it's a good read, albeit a trifle long.
Gellis' retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone is much more appealing version than the original. Persephone is without even a name until.Hades gives her one. Demeter is overprotective and smothering. It doesn't have much to do with the original myth, but it's a good read, albeit a trifle long.
February 16, 2025
I started out with Bull God and then purchased the rest of the series. This one was difficult to get through at times, mostly because Demeter is so annoying (hello mother wound), but then it got to be a page turner once they plan to escape Posideon's power. By the end I learned that Roberta Gellis borrowed upon early texts, bringing the old gods back to life, thus creating new myths to live by (honor the Great Mother, respect the dead, fight like Hades for the living, etc etc).
June 17, 2021
The book is absolutely fantatic.
October 25, 2025
It was ok, aside from a fundamental lack of knowledge on how islands work (no, they don't actually float on top of the water...) and pages and pages of jealous fits that get old really fast.
November 1, 2020
This is my second round reading this re-telling of Hades and Persephone, and just like the first read, the story is still engrossing and enjoyable. Dazzling Brightness reimagines how the Hades' abduction of Persephone leads to the blossoming of love between two lost, lonely and misunderstood souls.
There was adventure, danger, intrigue and wry humour aplenty to keep me well entertained. For a lover of Greek mythology, I've read various versions of the same myth, but this particular one is a favourite for the romantic yet believable spin that remains true to the basic tenets of the myth but delved into the relationships between mother and daughter, husband and wife, and the three brothers Hades, Poseidon and Zeus. Utterly deserving of the 5-star rating IMO.
More about my fascination with Greek myths: https://inmybooks.wordpress.com/2005/...
There was adventure, danger, intrigue and wry humour aplenty to keep me well entertained. For a lover of Greek mythology, I've read various versions of the same myth, but this particular one is a favourite for the romantic yet believable spin that remains true to the basic tenets of the myth but delved into the relationships between mother and daughter, husband and wife, and the three brothers Hades, Poseidon and Zeus. Utterly deserving of the 5-star rating IMO.
More about my fascination with Greek myths: https://inmybooks.wordpress.com/2005/...
July 30, 2011
Eh. I wanted to love it, but maybe I am just not that into Greek mythology? I've been told that this is a good representation of the Hades/Persephone myth, but it wasn't nearly as good as other historical fiction I've read.
Read
June 2, 2020There was nothing wrong with this book, I just wasn’t into this particular take on the story of Hades and Persephone. I was often bored. I know the original myth, so I don’t feel a pressing desire to finish it to find out what happens.
August 1, 2012
My recommendation is not to read it. Not near as good as it sounds. It's horrible really.
Want to read
June 20, 201925.10.2
February 9, 2013
I found this Book very funny, well done and a good romance. The best of her Greek books, though I liked Thrice Bound a lot, but I enjoy a strong romance and this was not one
October 16, 2013
A friend gave me this book because she knows I have a strong interest in mythology. Suffice to say, it was awful. I could barely make my way through it. Utter drivel.
July 19, 2021
Great book if you love Greek mythology!!
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