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Hades & Persephone #2
Destroyer of Light
The marriage of Hades and Persephone blossoms and their mysterious grove in the world below thrives…
…while the sunlit world withers.
Demeter holds out in Eleusis, pushing both mankind and the gods to frozen starvation in order to reclaim her daughter. The newly married rulers of the dead must reach an accord with Persephone’s mother to stay her deadly course— and come face to face with sacrifice, responsibility, and the balance of power among the gods.
Destroyer of Light concludes the erotic romance begun in Receiver of Many: a battle of wills among the gods is writ large across the dying earth, a cruel sorcerer-king faces his trial, and the King and Queen of the Underworld realize a destiny that the Fates alone could have foreseen.
…while the sunlit world withers.
Demeter holds out in Eleusis, pushing both mankind and the gods to frozen starvation in order to reclaim her daughter. The newly married rulers of the dead must reach an accord with Persephone’s mother to stay her deadly course— and come face to face with sacrifice, responsibility, and the balance of power among the gods.
Destroyer of Light concludes the erotic romance begun in Receiver of Many: a battle of wills among the gods is writ large across the dying earth, a cruel sorcerer-king faces his trial, and the King and Queen of the Underworld realize a destiny that the Fates alone could have foreseen.
492 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2016
125 people are currently reading
2589 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Alexander
10 books500 followersRachel Alexander has been a resident of California all her life and finished her first novel at age 16. She co-wrote a play that won awards from Bill Moyers of PBS and the University of Southern California. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Literary Criticism with an emphasis on creative writing.
When not writing, Rachel can often be found sewing corsets, overstocking her spice cabinet, and petting chickens. She is married and lives in Half Moon Bay, CA with her wonderful husband/editor and their son, William.
When not writing, Rachel can often be found sewing corsets, overstocking her spice cabinet, and petting chickens. She is married and lives in Half Moon Bay, CA with her wonderful husband/editor and their son, William.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
October 21, 2018
Wow wow wow.
Hands down.. one of the BEST series I have EVER read. I actually cried- I never cry while reading, but this had me tearing up. I love all of the characters, even the horrible ones. The love and devotion the H and h had for each other spilled off the page. The H especially was so amazing, ive never read a more humble, endearing, captivating hero in all of my years on Goodreads. Just... wow. God, he was almost TOO PERFECT. I recommend to anyone who wants to read somethign of substance and is willing to sit down and know intricate details of greek mythology.
Favorite quote:
“I was scared. I thought if you knew you’d won me that you would lose interest and abandon me, the way Zeus did to my mother,” she said warily, and saw an incredulous half smile quirking the corner of his mouth.
“Can the sun find its match in anything but the moon? Can the heavens lose interest in the earth?”
Hands down.. one of the BEST series I have EVER read. I actually cried- I never cry while reading, but this had me tearing up. I love all of the characters, even the horrible ones. The love and devotion the H and h had for each other spilled off the page. The H especially was so amazing, ive never read a more humble, endearing, captivating hero in all of my years on Goodreads. Just... wow. God, he was almost TOO PERFECT. I recommend to anyone who wants to read somethign of substance and is willing to sit down and know intricate details of greek mythology.
Favorite quote:
“I was scared. I thought if you knew you’d won me that you would lose interest and abandon me, the way Zeus did to my mother,” she said warily, and saw an incredulous half smile quirking the corner of his mouth.
“Can the sun find its match in anything but the moon? Can the heavens lose interest in the earth?”
July 2, 2018
The best thing about this duology is the world building. It is amazing!
Obviously the romance of Hades and Persephone too, but in this book it felt a little... repetitive. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and it made me want to read more retellings about this couple and about greek mythology in general.
(pd. it says at the end of the book that the story will continue but this ending was perfectly wrapped up, and there is no info on the third book, so I'm assuming this is a completed duology.)
Obviously the romance of Hades and Persephone too, but in this book it felt a little... repetitive. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and it made me want to read more retellings about this couple and about greek mythology in general.
(pd. it says at the end of the book that the story will continue but this ending was perfectly wrapped up, and there is no info on the third book, so I'm assuming this is a completed duology.)
March 29, 2016
Best book series. Ever.
This is an example of well researched and exceptionally well written story telling at its finest, one could almost touch the surroundings and felt like I was peeking in and their lives. I plan on restarting these two books immediately, they have so much detail and vivid descriptions it's impossible to capture all at once. I picked these out for my love of Greek mythology and stories of the Underworld, and fell in love with all the characters. I loved how the stories we all know and love were so well intertwined with the characters' development throughout the series. Hecate has always been a favorite and she is even more now. I hope to one day soon have these books in my bookshelf. Can't wait for the next one, this author has a new fan for life!
This is an example of well researched and exceptionally well written story telling at its finest, one could almost touch the surroundings and felt like I was peeking in and their lives. I plan on restarting these two books immediately, they have so much detail and vivid descriptions it's impossible to capture all at once. I picked these out for my love of Greek mythology and stories of the Underworld, and fell in love with all the characters. I loved how the stories we all know and love were so well intertwined with the characters' development throughout the series. Hecate has always been a favorite and she is even more now. I hope to one day soon have these books in my bookshelf. Can't wait for the next one, this author has a new fan for life!
March 21, 2016
A fantastic series, and the sequel does not disappoint! Absolutely brimming with passion, and overflowing with wonderful world-building, plot, and action. If you love well-researched books, mythology (especially Greek), or the myth of Hades and Persephone, be sure to check this one out!
June 5, 2018
This book is honestly so good. I love how it showed Hades and Persephone's relationship and especially Persephone's role as Queen of the Underworld. I just love it.
The only reason why it took me so long to finish is because of the level of frustration I had for Demeter. She's so selfish, overbearing, close-minded, and irrational! I can't even! Ugh! Although it does makes sense since I read somewhere that she had this obsessive love for her daughter.
But it still made me want to go inside the story and knock some sense into her myself. My eyes literally hurt from the number of eye-rolls I did because of her.
It made me stop reading for a while because I just didn't want to deal with her lol.
The only reason why it took me so long to finish is because of the level of frustration I had for Demeter. She's so selfish, overbearing, close-minded, and irrational! I can't even! Ugh! Although it does makes sense since I read somewhere that she had this obsessive love for her daughter.
But it still made me want to go inside the story and knock some sense into her myself. My eyes literally hurt from the number of eye-rolls I did because of her.
It made me stop reading for a while because I just didn't want to deal with her lol.
August 11, 2019
”Death is not the end”
This might be the best retelling of the Hades/Persephone myth I’ve read so far. I am seriously in love with the take the author had on the story, it’s unlike anything I’ve read before and it made the experience so exciting.
I’ve literally felt a myriad of emotions while going through the pages of this novel, the author managed to grip me so much with her words that I was feeling everything the characters were feeling and I was wanting to murder more than a few during some parts.
It’s been a pleasure to spend my last couple of days with Rachel Alexander’s Hades and Persephone, and I’m a little bummed the third installment hasn’t been published yet because I really need to see this story through.
This might be the best retelling of the Hades/Persephone myth I’ve read so far. I am seriously in love with the take the author had on the story, it’s unlike anything I’ve read before and it made the experience so exciting.
I’ve literally felt a myriad of emotions while going through the pages of this novel, the author managed to grip me so much with her words that I was feeling everything the characters were feeling and I was wanting to murder more than a few during some parts.
It’s been a pleasure to spend my last couple of days with Rachel Alexander’s Hades and Persephone, and I’m a little bummed the third installment hasn’t been published yet because I really need to see this story through.
March 25, 2016
I AM SO HAPPY THAT I FOUND THIS AUTHOR YAYAYAYAYAYAY
May 6, 2016
This was a good sequel to the first one. I can't believe there's going to be another book. But it was at the end so I guess there will be.
December 9, 2020
Practically Flawless. Both books in this series was an absolute joy to read and so very soul satisfying. The immortal love story of Hades and his Persephone told the way it should be with the author presenting the love and passion and tragedy and sacrifice that mark their union with the skill of a traditional greek storyteller. Loved every bit of it.
Can't wait for the third instalment; hope it's out soon.
Can't wait for the third instalment; hope it's out soon.
November 29, 2019
I will write some coherent thoughts as soon as I reestablish my human form
September 14, 2022
okay so I loved receiver of many (A LOT), but I think it should have ended there for me. Things that I could look past when reading receiver of many, started to really annoy me in this book. Multiple grammar mistakes (even though supposedly a editor went over every line twice (I don't think so sir)). Also everybody who knows the tiniest bit about Hades and Persephone knows she eats the goddamn pomegranate seed, so to drag that plotpoint on FOR HALF THE FUCKING BOOK felt really unnecessary and became very annoying. I also started to have a problem with the way the eh- *spicy* scenes were written. They felt so incredibly awkward and uncomfortable to read, the descriptions were terrible. I understand it fits with the very prose type of way this book is written, but it made me cringe. Sometimes Persephones and Aidon their temper tantrums became a bit much as well, and honestly I missed daddy Thanatos for like the last 75% of the book :(. The last thing I want to mention is I didn't like the ending of this book. You're not gonna hype up the hieros gamos as some sacred ritual for two goddamn books only to have it be this insanely weird, cringy thing. No, just no. ALMOST FORGOT: No, Aidon is not the fucking god of the earth? Do you know how unstoppable he would have been if that actually were the case? And Seph is not the queen of the earth either, if anyone that's Gaia or Demeter. Aidon en Persephone ruled the underworld side by side (not with Aidoneus just as her consort, fuck that). Obviously this is Rachel's own story and she can do whatever she want, but everything else is insanely accurate, so why make this different?
I do still stand by the fact that this is the best Hades and Persephone retelling you could find. The research that must have went into this is insane, you can clearly tell Rachel knows what she's writing about. I love it how she kept the whole abduction, kidnapping and everything in there, instead of Persephone willingly travelling down to the underworld (because sadly that was just not how it happened). As a retelling this book scores very high, as just a book, I'd argue not so much :)
I do still stand by the fact that this is the best Hades and Persephone retelling you could find. The research that must have went into this is insane, you can clearly tell Rachel knows what she's writing about. I love it how she kept the whole abduction, kidnapping and everything in there, instead of Persephone willingly travelling down to the underworld (because sadly that was just not how it happened). As a retelling this book scores very high, as just a book, I'd argue not so much :)
May 22, 2018
The Receiver of Many series is a well-researched and feminist take on the Hades/Persephone myth. Alexander puts effort into not just exploring Greek mythology but tying in aspects of Greek culture. This Persephone is given a heavy dose of agency, separating her from other retellings that tend to portray her as meek and at the mercy of circumstance. While the other Gods of Olympus maintain their well-known fickleness and dramatics, they're given some added depth--especially the goddesses. There are so many strong female characters that I look forward to reading about in future books.
Hades tends to be a controversial figure in this particular myth, but he's no domineering brute who forces a Stockholm syndrome situation in this version. Instead, he's more of a Darcy-like character who struggles with pride. I like that he owns up to his mistakes and supports the female characters. He gives Persephone space to work out her issues and allows her to follow through on her own decisions, even when he disagrees.
The sexy bits aren't bad either...
They aren't forced or thrown in just for the sake of having an erotic scene. You could argue that they're physical markers of how their trust evolves.
Once you race through these first two books, you'll be clamoring for the next one.
Hades tends to be a controversial figure in this particular myth, but he's no domineering brute who forces a Stockholm syndrome situation in this version. Instead, he's more of a Darcy-like character who struggles with pride. I like that he owns up to his mistakes and supports the female characters. He gives Persephone space to work out her issues and allows her to follow through on her own decisions, even when he disagrees.
The sexy bits aren't bad either...
They aren't forced or thrown in just for the sake of having an erotic scene. You could argue that they're physical markers of how their trust evolves.
Once you race through these first two books, you'll be clamoring for the next one.
July 1, 2020
THE UNSEEN ONE AND PRAXIDIKE COMING THROUGHHhh
LOVED IT but I personally think I liked the first more than this. For several reasons. (im gonna skip the good parts bcs pretty sure its been mentioned many times in most reviews)
First, some major events in this book could have been written better, because to me it felt short and slightly anti-climatic. So overall, it was just... ok.
Second, I understand that this is Greek mythology, so the writing with big fancy descriptions and riddles are called for but still.. it took some time for me to wrap my head around it. Understandable as this is my first greek series so probably need more time getting used to it.
Third, OK so we all know(after the first book) that hands down Aidon's and Persephone's relationship is off the chArts *cue angelic heaven HAAAA*, you can feel their love for each other to your bone marrow, one I aspire to have in life (LOL) AND actually made me want to reach out to people and shower them with love. Thats how damn powerful it is hagagga but to be frank, their s*x scenes could have been better. It was slightly repetitive and I skimmed some so that tells me that some were too long, repeated and have less variation LMAO
I didnt find any problems with the plot and I enjoyed reading the SCs.
No cliffhangers so we can all breathe and live in peace until the next book :')
LOVED IT but I personally think I liked the first more than this. For several reasons. (im gonna skip the good parts bcs pretty sure its been mentioned many times in most reviews)
First, some major events in this book could have been written better, because to me it felt short and slightly anti-climatic. So overall, it was just... ok.
Second, I understand that this is Greek mythology, so the writing with big fancy descriptions and riddles are called for but still.. it took some time for me to wrap my head around it. Understandable as this is my first greek series so probably need more time getting used to it.
Third, OK so we all know(after the first book) that hands down Aidon's and Persephone's relationship is off the chArts *cue angelic heaven HAAAA*, you can feel their love for each other to your bone marrow, one I aspire to have in life (LOL) AND actually made me want to reach out to people and shower them with love. Thats how damn powerful it is hagagga but to be frank, their s*x scenes could have been better. It was slightly repetitive and I skimmed some so that tells me that some were too long, repeated and have less variation LMAO
I didnt find any problems with the plot and I enjoyed reading the SCs.
No cliffhangers so we can all breathe and live in peace until the next book :')
March 21, 2022
This book was truly amazing (I honesty don't know how else to put it). The stakes were higher, the tension was building to a peak and the pay-off was ... glorious. Again with the empathy, the continuous emotional growth, the organic development of multiple characters (not just the MCs), the palpable love and connection between Aidon (Hades) and Persephone with their culmination was...again, stunning.
I may or may not have cried once or twice at the beautiful, thoughtful language used by this brilliant author. After finishing it (at 4 a.m because it's just so addicting!!), I saw that the third book is in the works and all I can say is that I am SO very happy to have more of these interesting, compelling characters.
October 6, 2021
Now I do not usually write reviews, in fact this is the first written review I have done while on Goodreads. I absolutely loved these two books (RoM and DoL). The world building was incredible and I could envision the places very clearly! These books had me at times sitting on the edge of my seat, crying, laughing, rolling my eyes (at some of the gods/goddesses). I fell in love with characters and got very annoyed with some others. I really felt like I was there in these times with both the gods and the mortals. I already have an interest in Greek mythology and these books just intensified it! i highly recommend these books and I will be impatiently waiting for the next one!
July 14, 2018
This picks up right where Receiver of Many left off, and brings many of the intertwining plot points to a satisfying resolution. It wraps (mostly) everything up nicely, but we are left with a few unresolved questions (and a tease for a third book- The Good Counselor, which I’ve since looked for and been unable to find). Overall, another enjoyable and engaging read. The world building and characters are fully formed and beautifully rendered, and I only wish it were longer. Now to await the third volume (which is hopefully forthcoming!!).
June 9, 2024
Whenever I do my re-read runs of this series, I tend to skip this book because Demeter's selfish motives are hard to deal with. Still, it also includes one of my favorite storylines with Thanatos and Persephone finally stepping into her role with full might.
I love everything about this story. The characters, the myths, the smut.
And did I mention it was picked up to be a TV series sometime in the not-so-far future?!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Meter: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I love everything about this story. The characters, the myths, the smut.
And did I mention it was picked up to be a TV series sometime in the not-so-far future?!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Meter: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
April 3, 2016
Possible spoilers ahead.
A nice conclusion to a beautiful romance. However, the book should have ended earlier when Sisyphus was captured. The minor conflicts that come after just feel like the author is trying to hit a word count.
A nice conclusion to a beautiful romance. However, the book should have ended earlier when Sisyphus was captured. The minor conflicts that come after just feel like the author is trying to hit a word count.
October 24, 2016
One of the best Hades/Persephone novels I have ever read.
July 6, 2017
Loved it.
March 24, 2019
If I devoured Reciever of Many, I INHALED without chewing Destroyer of Light. Then I reread it, and once every month since then. Now I wait with baited breath for the next part of this story.
June 16, 2020
* 4.5 stars
I enjoyed this book SO MUCH and I feel like there’s a little hole in my day now where I’m not reading it.
It improved greatly on the problems I had in the first book; it was less repetitive, with most scenes feeling necessary and tying together coherently, weaving in plots I’d been confused as to the relevance of in the first book, and there was great development. The relationship felt mature, established and strong, and I really appreciated that Alexander didn’t fall into making them argue through misunderstandings or contrived conflict, but instead it acted as the stable core upon which the story revolves around.
If ‘Receiver of Many’ was the set-up, then ‘Destroyer of Light’ was the wonderful pay-off. It was richly detailed and well-researched, with complex characters and many emotive scenes that had me gripped and invested. This romance is so strong and beautiful, and I loved the feminist undercurrents of the story as we explored Persephone’s power and consolidated her desire for her role, and i love how this series portrays Hades, but especially in how their marriage is one of equals, with such a passionate, fierce love between them. The ending was beautiful and hopeful, and felt like a good conclusion to their story, but I’ll still look forward to the next book purely to get to enjoy being in their world again for a while.
I enjoyed this book SO MUCH and I feel like there’s a little hole in my day now where I’m not reading it.
It improved greatly on the problems I had in the first book; it was less repetitive, with most scenes feeling necessary and tying together coherently, weaving in plots I’d been confused as to the relevance of in the first book, and there was great development. The relationship felt mature, established and strong, and I really appreciated that Alexander didn’t fall into making them argue through misunderstandings or contrived conflict, but instead it acted as the stable core upon which the story revolves around.
If ‘Receiver of Many’ was the set-up, then ‘Destroyer of Light’ was the wonderful pay-off. It was richly detailed and well-researched, with complex characters and many emotive scenes that had me gripped and invested. This romance is so strong and beautiful, and I loved the feminist undercurrents of the story as we explored Persephone’s power and consolidated her desire for her role, and i love how this series portrays Hades, but especially in how their marriage is one of equals, with such a passionate, fierce love between them. The ending was beautiful and hopeful, and felt like a good conclusion to their story, but I’ll still look forward to the next book purely to get to enjoy being in their world again for a while.
April 29, 2021
3 ⭐
No sé igual me siento tentada a darle 2.5 estrellas. Tipo el libro anterior me gustó bastante me pareció EL RETELLING de Hades y Persephone pero este libro fue algo que gurl-
El romance se sintió repetitivo, el smut duraba de que 20 páginas y era lo más aburrido de la historia. Hades era re soft, tipo si tomara un shot por cada vez que dice “sweet one” terminaría muerta. Lo mejor de este libro es maybe el world building (aunque igual no hay complicación en eso ya que es algo ya hecho).
Además creo que este es el libro más hetro que he leído en mi vida.
PD: no salió mi novia Eris y me siento decepcionada.
No sé igual me siento tentada a darle 2.5 estrellas. Tipo el libro anterior me gustó bastante me pareció EL RETELLING de Hades y Persephone pero este libro fue algo que gurl-
El romance se sintió repetitivo, el smut duraba de que 20 páginas y era lo más aburrido de la historia. Hades era re soft, tipo si tomara un shot por cada vez que dice “sweet one” terminaría muerta. Lo mejor de este libro es maybe el world building (aunque igual no hay complicación en eso ya que es algo ya hecho).
Además creo que este es el libro más hetro que he leído en mi vida.
PD: no salió mi novia Eris y me siento decepcionada.
May 23, 2020
3.5 rounded up. I already liked these characters before this series, but it has added to my appreciation for them. There was a long-ish part near the end that became tedious, but I mostly enjoyed this telling. I really liked how Persephone came into her own, and Hades was super endearing.
November 10, 2019
Esperaba más del desarrollo de Perséfone como reina pero al menos se solidificó su posición ante evitar la intromisión de Demeter para que ella pueda crecer como mujer y esposa
October 12, 2025
Where is she?” “You glance with you eyes. Look. As I taught you how to look.” Demeter scowled, then acceded, closing her eyes
pattern. And now your whim is to heave us into peril once again.” “You told me to make a choice, and I made it.” “Careless planting delivers a poor harvest.” “What do you mean? We won the war. I did my duty. You didn’t approve of my choices and you abandoned me to utter powerlessness and ruin after that night.” “We took the field that day. But we lost the war. Our king who now sits Olympus follows his father’s crooked road more closely than most would admit, and he allows thos
Hecate paused, taking a slow, even breath. “But I am endowed by Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, and Aidoneus, her divine Consort, with the ability to grant your desire. Name what you will, Demeter, and I will do my utmost to make it so.” For the briefest moment, she considered it. Then she
their menfolk into childbearing as if they were sheep on two legs. Though all the worlds were open to Hecate, it was little wonder that she preferred Chthonia above all others
languages as I speak,” he said, his admission surprising her again. “The writing of Hellas is all I’ve been able to learn.” Persephone smiled at him. “I can only read a few words, mostly what mortals write on the sides of temples. Which reminds me— what are those strange symbols written on the floor in our antechamber?” “Minoan,” he said. “The words themselves are just labels on
hissed sharply at the contact. Persephone nipped at his jaw line, moving her hand down his stomach to splay her palm against his arousal. Aidoneus exhaled sharply and spun her around, holding her from behind as he sat them down on his throne. He thrust his groin against her. Pinning her limbs to her sides with one arm wrapped around
you doing?” Thanatos said dizzily, the pain making him nauseous. “Making sure you don’t crack your teeth,” she muttered, twisting it into a bit. Aidoneus kept his voice calm and motions steady. “You will heal. But the pain—” “Of course I’ll heal! I’m a fucking god, aren’t I?!” He forced a smile around the pain.
Thanatos… I…” “I’m leaving at dawn to kill your husband, Merope.” He took her head in his hands on either side of her temples and pressed his forehead to hers. He spoke low, almost breathless. “But before I go, I’m spending the night
our strengths and weaknesses. And I don’t know what he learned or what he’ll do with that knowledge, much less with the Chains he stole.” “How can he possibly have done that?” Aidon said nothing. “The Titans are infinitely more powerful than he is, so if Sisyphus was able to escape, why haven’t they?”
Because you asked me to. It was the first thing you ever asked of me.” “I recant. Speak your mind.” The gravity of the situation demanded honesty, but Persephone was quietly pleased that her husband had been so loyal to his promise. Aidoneus opened his eyes as wide as the floodgates she had just parted. “There’s so much I’ve held—” he swallowed. Where would he begin?
“She went to Aeacus today to drink the waters of the Lethe.”
thrown back, and she grew lightheaded from the pressure of him against that spot deep within. She shook. The fingers of his other hand circled, strumming
his hand around her wrist. “Don’t.” I am already bound here, Aidoneus. She looked into his eyes; his jaw was set seriously. Persephone held up her left hand, her fingers adorned with the Key. Is this not telling enough, my love? “That is by choice,” he answered aloud and loosened his grip on her. “But this grew in the Underworld. And if it is anything like the asphodel roots that feed the shades
then it’s… final. Those are rules governed by the very order of the cosmos itself, ones that supersede the will of all others— the Gods, the Fates…” I choose to stay
relent.” “When I get back, then?” “When you return, I’ll feed you those seeds myself, if you wish it. But with everything hanging so precariously in the balance, let’s not alter the order of things any more than we already have.” “Alright,” she said, kissing him, his lips made sweet by the pomegranate. “We can
missing because of my own curiosity. I’d never eaten a pomegranate before.” “I was going to,” Persephone added, “but we decided it would be best to wait until after I return from Eleusis.” Hecate paused a moment, her face falling further. Her voice wavered. “I see.”
her around the waist, his cheek pressed against her abdomen. His hands gripped her peplos, then untied her girdle and dropped it to the floor so his cheek was pressed against the soft cloth, not cold stones set in bronze. Persephone
. Their skin was anointed with sacred oil. Six seeds. “…To be your queen.” All went dark.
and shut her eyes. The skin cracked, a small burst of tartness on her tongue followed by sweet pulp. She rolled it along the roof of her mouth, and swallowed.
above. The time that passed from tilling and planting to the harvest of every grain, leaf and fruit was a changeless constant. To maintain the balance, she would have to stay for the duration of the season and protect the mortals’ food from seed to reaping. Half the year. Six seeds.
“My sweet Aidoneus, all will be right. I’ll find a way to return. I‘m wearing an immediate way back to you on my left hand, remember?”
pomegranate, open, missing seeds, right where she had been standing. “No, no, no…” Askalaphos wrung his hands and tried in vain to draw in a full breath. Why did he always have to stumble into these messes? No one could find out about this… not Menoetes, not Hecate or Nyx… no one. Especially not Lord Hades!
both. “What would you know of it?” Demeter hissed. “Only what I can see. We are, none of us, as infinite nor omnipotent as we would like to believe.” She smiled and looked on as the lovers ended their kiss. “And they shall outlast us all.”
suspected she ought to bask in the glory. This was what she had risked so much for— the mortals would be saved, and she had earned a heroine’s welcome. Persephone just wanted to go home. She remained tight lipped and distant throughout the evening festivities
Persephone curled her fingers and produced new leaves and a bright purple bud from the pennyroyal. This wasn’t natural, even with divine intervention. A frightful question settled heavily on her mind. Where was Death?
frustrated by his absence. He’d intimated that he’d come to her. The days were a drudgery, the sun taking forever to set.
losing us. My son’s capture proves what dire consequences await them when our world is thrown out of balance. And Chthonia will have its Queen.” “The Pomegranate Agreement isn’t what I’m concerned about,” he said, thinning his lips. “It’s been three months. Nothing from Hermes— not a word from her.” “You saw the ruin of the world when you came above,
her, as you did the first time you saw her.” “For the same reason I didn’t venture up here myself. Because, my friend,” Aidon said, “if I had gone to her in dreams, I couldn’t have stopped at just one night. And you have your own
Why can't they hear thoughts
in her daughter were irrevocable. Persephone, somber, analytical, and forever tainted by her ravisher, walked beside her now. “This isn’t anything you should be worrying about.” “But it is serious, Mother.”
Iasion was Demeter’s lover, destroyed by Zeus. It happened aeons ago, boy,” Hades stated without emotion. “His soul crossed over. And you are he.” Triptolemus shook his head in disbelief and backed away from Demeter. “So when I told you about my dreams…” “Triptolemus,” she pleaded with him. “…you knew the entire time…”
Sisyphus has captured my son, little one.” Nyx’s voice wavered when she spoke to the earth goddess. “Your daughter must come with us.” Persephone contemplated
impatience. “Why must we wait? And who told you we should, anyway?” “A little bird… with three holes in its breast,” Eris said with a smile.
you can complete one task for me, I will set you free.” “Persephone—” Aidon warned, then stilled when she glanced back at him. Trust me. She continued. “In the Fields of Punishment, there sits a great stone. If you can roll it uphill and out of Tartarus, then we will release you.” “August Persephone, my queen, thank you, I—” “I’m not finished,” she said. “There is a reason
Hundred Handed One. His face, his garments, his body were stripped of light, leaving only a faceless shadow behind. Kottos’s fist lowered itself back beyond the ring of fire and each Ker made a last sweep around their Queen and dove in after it. By her will, the path swirled shut, the flames quenched, and silence filled the room. Persephone stood stock still
into the ether and Voleta with her, bound for Chthonia. Morpheus leaned through the doorway. “My Queen? I fear there’s something amiss outside.” Persephone looked around the room. All were there, save Hecate and… They heard a distant scream. Ares finally had enough voice to speak. “Eris.” “We have to leave. Now,” Persephone commanded
a woman now. A married woman.” “Barely.” He shook his head. “You could have at least written to me.” “I don’t know how to write, Aidon,” she reminded him. “I barely know how to read!” Aidoneus
kissed her forehead. “The state I was in… I would never have let you go if you’d told me you’d eaten the seeds.” “And I gave no thought to how we would keep in contact with each other once it was done.” “How could either of us have? We had no chance to prepare for this.” “I knew I couldn’t use the Key…”
want to fight. She just wanted this to be over so he could hold her, but she needed answers. “You missed me, Aidon, but not enough to come see me?” “I missed you plenty,” he answered, his brow furrowing. “Then why not just once?” “Because I would never have gone back! For Fate’s sake, Persephone. It was
Erebus and I, on our first Rite, believed we would merely unite our souls, but we also received a child. The first child born from our generation. And each subsequent union produced more still. Your mother sought out love. She birthed the Queen that had been foretold since Ouranos’s downfall. You, Persephone, already have love. This rite will create more than the sum of what either of you alone possess. Remember that tonight.”
The rest of her time she’d spent consulting with Hecate and Nyx, and practicing the vows and words of the ritual with Aidon. After discussing the details of the ceremony and the hieros gamos, Aidoneus and Persephone
fingertips. When her nails dug into his flank and pulled him closer, he’d separated from her with a growl and leapt out of bed. Aidon stormed over to the wash basin and quickly doused himself with its contents. Persephone barely
gods you found him, my queen.” “You should really build a better fence for little Rodi,” she said, smiling. He chuckled and took the tiny lamb from the Queen’s arms. “He continues to be nothing but trouble. You know that he was the reason I ran into Askalaphos and discovered your half-eaten
will only grow worse.” “They may,” she said. “But that might depend upon you. Come above. Be who you truly are to them— Plouton— the God of Riches and Fertility. The God of the Earth.”
understand…” “We know,” they answered in lilting, sing-song unison. Lachesis spoke the moment Persephone began to step back. “She is going to leave, now.” “She thinks she’s heard enough.” “Should
speaking.” “We never finish speaking.” “The words, they do not weigh enough. The threads are already heavy.” “Words are words. Threads are threads. And those threads can spoil to felt once more to spin again.” “Please just tell me!” She cried, wavering between hope and oblivion. Hecate was right. She shouldn’t have come here. “Patience
have not finished speaking.” “We never finish speaking.” “So much weight given to words already spoken. Too much weight.” “What do you mean?” Persephone said, quietly wiping her face with her shawl. “There are infinite threads.” “Woven in infinite patterns.” “In our basket lie the threads for Hades
Aidoneus and Persephone, or your journey between this world and the world above…” “…and for so long as the seed rises to the earth to spring forth as new life…” “…that new life cannot take root within you.” Persephone could say nothing. Her head tilted forward and she felt tears fall onto the damp ground. She wept immovably, silently. She felt the black sorrow— the finality— wrapping itself around her heart, but she refused to give in. There
desperately willing herself to bridge the space between them as she ran. She failed. Please tell me! What has happened to you? His lone word made her whole body flare with rage. Minthe. *** The naiad’s hips swayed from side to side, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and breasts. Aidon convulsed, illusion and delirium transported his tortured mind
over his ears, but still the screams echoed. The blood chased after him, spreading across the map of his kingdom, rivers of blood he’d shed during the war. He heard weeping. No… no… Next to the golden poplar tree engraved
Persephone send some servant girl to say something that could be said where no one else can hear?” Hypnos mulled over his brother’s words, then snorted and shook his head. “You’re paranoid and
his arms. They laughed and others joined them in dancing and revelry. No one noticed the pale nymph slip from the room. *** He is a creature of nothingness. Master of all things dead. Taciturn. Cold. Demeter’s words solidified her resolve. He will sap the life from her. All that is warm and good. And she
My queen,” Charon said, “Did you ever hear the tale about the nymph that used to tend the great poplar tree?” Minthe snapped her head in his direction and was met by Charon’s burning gaze. “I have not.” “Remind me to tell you that tale one day,” he said, eyeing the naiad. “Soon.” The tree he spoke of overhung the palace gate, glittering gold in the
with him.” She swirled the wine in her cup. “I know who you are, Praxidike.” Persephone pursed her lips. “I take it you spoke with Ares.” “He… may
Persephone quirked an eyebrow. “Truly?” “He is… not to be trusted,” she said, furrowing her brow. “To be honest, I’m surprised. Aidoneus always has good things to say about him.” Athena snorted. “Perhaps so, but your husband is a man. It’s different when you’re a woman
shouldn’t have to find out on your own— that’s why I’m warning you. It’s not safe— especially if you value your marriage and your privacy. Besides— it’s unwise to journey there alone as a woman.” Persephone barely suppressed an eye roll. She wrapped her pomegranate-colored shawl
stilled. Larkspur, crocuses and small clumps of narcissus grew all around them, spread across the whole of the Plutonion, and even creeping up on the hillside
full bloom, that he would often retreat to its beauty at day’s end to think about her. He spoke about studying the ritual of the hieros gamos; she expressed her desire to write and pondered how they would communicate for the next few months. Aidon muttered about wanting
Ares.” “If he were mortal, he would have soiled himself.” Aidoneus held her as she laughed. Her smile widened
pattern. And now your whim is to heave us into peril once again.” “You told me to make a choice, and I made it.” “Careless planting delivers a poor harvest.” “What do you mean? We won the war. I did my duty. You didn’t approve of my choices and you abandoned me to utter powerlessness and ruin after that night.” “We took the field that day. But we lost the war. Our king who now sits Olympus follows his father’s crooked road more closely than most would admit, and he allows thos
Hecate paused, taking a slow, even breath. “But I am endowed by Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, and Aidoneus, her divine Consort, with the ability to grant your desire. Name what you will, Demeter, and I will do my utmost to make it so.” For the briefest moment, she considered it. Then she
their menfolk into childbearing as if they were sheep on two legs. Though all the worlds were open to Hecate, it was little wonder that she preferred Chthonia above all others
languages as I speak,” he said, his admission surprising her again. “The writing of Hellas is all I’ve been able to learn.” Persephone smiled at him. “I can only read a few words, mostly what mortals write on the sides of temples. Which reminds me— what are those strange symbols written on the floor in our antechamber?” “Minoan,” he said. “The words themselves are just labels on
hissed sharply at the contact. Persephone nipped at his jaw line, moving her hand down his stomach to splay her palm against his arousal. Aidoneus exhaled sharply and spun her around, holding her from behind as he sat them down on his throne. He thrust his groin against her. Pinning her limbs to her sides with one arm wrapped around
you doing?” Thanatos said dizzily, the pain making him nauseous. “Making sure you don’t crack your teeth,” she muttered, twisting it into a bit. Aidoneus kept his voice calm and motions steady. “You will heal. But the pain—” “Of course I’ll heal! I’m a fucking god, aren’t I?!” He forced a smile around the pain.
Thanatos… I…” “I’m leaving at dawn to kill your husband, Merope.” He took her head in his hands on either side of her temples and pressed his forehead to hers. He spoke low, almost breathless. “But before I go, I’m spending the night
our strengths and weaknesses. And I don’t know what he learned or what he’ll do with that knowledge, much less with the Chains he stole.” “How can he possibly have done that?” Aidon said nothing. “The Titans are infinitely more powerful than he is, so if Sisyphus was able to escape, why haven’t they?”
Because you asked me to. It was the first thing you ever asked of me.” “I recant. Speak your mind.” The gravity of the situation demanded honesty, but Persephone was quietly pleased that her husband had been so loyal to his promise. Aidoneus opened his eyes as wide as the floodgates she had just parted. “There’s so much I’ve held—” he swallowed. Where would he begin?
“She went to Aeacus today to drink the waters of the Lethe.”
thrown back, and she grew lightheaded from the pressure of him against that spot deep within. She shook. The fingers of his other hand circled, strumming
his hand around her wrist. “Don’t.” I am already bound here, Aidoneus. She looked into his eyes; his jaw was set seriously. Persephone held up her left hand, her fingers adorned with the Key. Is this not telling enough, my love? “That is by choice,” he answered aloud and loosened his grip on her. “But this grew in the Underworld. And if it is anything like the asphodel roots that feed the shades
then it’s… final. Those are rules governed by the very order of the cosmos itself, ones that supersede the will of all others— the Gods, the Fates…” I choose to stay
relent.” “When I get back, then?” “When you return, I’ll feed you those seeds myself, if you wish it. But with everything hanging so precariously in the balance, let’s not alter the order of things any more than we already have.” “Alright,” she said, kissing him, his lips made sweet by the pomegranate. “We can
missing because of my own curiosity. I’d never eaten a pomegranate before.” “I was going to,” Persephone added, “but we decided it would be best to wait until after I return from Eleusis.” Hecate paused a moment, her face falling further. Her voice wavered. “I see.”
her around the waist, his cheek pressed against her abdomen. His hands gripped her peplos, then untied her girdle and dropped it to the floor so his cheek was pressed against the soft cloth, not cold stones set in bronze. Persephone
. Their skin was anointed with sacred oil. Six seeds. “…To be your queen.” All went dark.
and shut her eyes. The skin cracked, a small burst of tartness on her tongue followed by sweet pulp. She rolled it along the roof of her mouth, and swallowed.
above. The time that passed from tilling and planting to the harvest of every grain, leaf and fruit was a changeless constant. To maintain the balance, she would have to stay for the duration of the season and protect the mortals’ food from seed to reaping. Half the year. Six seeds.
“My sweet Aidoneus, all will be right. I’ll find a way to return. I‘m wearing an immediate way back to you on my left hand, remember?”
pomegranate, open, missing seeds, right where she had been standing. “No, no, no…” Askalaphos wrung his hands and tried in vain to draw in a full breath. Why did he always have to stumble into these messes? No one could find out about this… not Menoetes, not Hecate or Nyx… no one. Especially not Lord Hades!
both. “What would you know of it?” Demeter hissed. “Only what I can see. We are, none of us, as infinite nor omnipotent as we would like to believe.” She smiled and looked on as the lovers ended their kiss. “And they shall outlast us all.”
suspected she ought to bask in the glory. This was what she had risked so much for— the mortals would be saved, and she had earned a heroine’s welcome. Persephone just wanted to go home. She remained tight lipped and distant throughout the evening festivities
Persephone curled her fingers and produced new leaves and a bright purple bud from the pennyroyal. This wasn’t natural, even with divine intervention. A frightful question settled heavily on her mind. Where was Death?
frustrated by his absence. He’d intimated that he’d come to her. The days were a drudgery, the sun taking forever to set.
losing us. My son’s capture proves what dire consequences await them when our world is thrown out of balance. And Chthonia will have its Queen.” “The Pomegranate Agreement isn’t what I’m concerned about,” he said, thinning his lips. “It’s been three months. Nothing from Hermes— not a word from her.” “You saw the ruin of the world when you came above,
her, as you did the first time you saw her.” “For the same reason I didn’t venture up here myself. Because, my friend,” Aidon said, “if I had gone to her in dreams, I couldn’t have stopped at just one night. And you have your own
Why can't they hear thoughts
in her daughter were irrevocable. Persephone, somber, analytical, and forever tainted by her ravisher, walked beside her now. “This isn’t anything you should be worrying about.” “But it is serious, Mother.”
Iasion was Demeter’s lover, destroyed by Zeus. It happened aeons ago, boy,” Hades stated without emotion. “His soul crossed over. And you are he.” Triptolemus shook his head in disbelief and backed away from Demeter. “So when I told you about my dreams…” “Triptolemus,” she pleaded with him. “…you knew the entire time…”
Sisyphus has captured my son, little one.” Nyx’s voice wavered when she spoke to the earth goddess. “Your daughter must come with us.” Persephone contemplated
impatience. “Why must we wait? And who told you we should, anyway?” “A little bird… with three holes in its breast,” Eris said with a smile.
you can complete one task for me, I will set you free.” “Persephone—” Aidon warned, then stilled when she glanced back at him. Trust me. She continued. “In the Fields of Punishment, there sits a great stone. If you can roll it uphill and out of Tartarus, then we will release you.” “August Persephone, my queen, thank you, I—” “I’m not finished,” she said. “There is a reason
Hundred Handed One. His face, his garments, his body were stripped of light, leaving only a faceless shadow behind. Kottos’s fist lowered itself back beyond the ring of fire and each Ker made a last sweep around their Queen and dove in after it. By her will, the path swirled shut, the flames quenched, and silence filled the room. Persephone stood stock still
into the ether and Voleta with her, bound for Chthonia. Morpheus leaned through the doorway. “My Queen? I fear there’s something amiss outside.” Persephone looked around the room. All were there, save Hecate and… They heard a distant scream. Ares finally had enough voice to speak. “Eris.” “We have to leave. Now,” Persephone commanded
a woman now. A married woman.” “Barely.” He shook his head. “You could have at least written to me.” “I don’t know how to write, Aidon,” she reminded him. “I barely know how to read!” Aidoneus
kissed her forehead. “The state I was in… I would never have let you go if you’d told me you’d eaten the seeds.” “And I gave no thought to how we would keep in contact with each other once it was done.” “How could either of us have? We had no chance to prepare for this.” “I knew I couldn’t use the Key…”
want to fight. She just wanted this to be over so he could hold her, but she needed answers. “You missed me, Aidon, but not enough to come see me?” “I missed you plenty,” he answered, his brow furrowing. “Then why not just once?” “Because I would never have gone back! For Fate’s sake, Persephone. It was
Erebus and I, on our first Rite, believed we would merely unite our souls, but we also received a child. The first child born from our generation. And each subsequent union produced more still. Your mother sought out love. She birthed the Queen that had been foretold since Ouranos’s downfall. You, Persephone, already have love. This rite will create more than the sum of what either of you alone possess. Remember that tonight.”
The rest of her time she’d spent consulting with Hecate and Nyx, and practicing the vows and words of the ritual with Aidon. After discussing the details of the ceremony and the hieros gamos, Aidoneus and Persephone
fingertips. When her nails dug into his flank and pulled him closer, he’d separated from her with a growl and leapt out of bed. Aidon stormed over to the wash basin and quickly doused himself with its contents. Persephone barely
gods you found him, my queen.” “You should really build a better fence for little Rodi,” she said, smiling. He chuckled and took the tiny lamb from the Queen’s arms. “He continues to be nothing but trouble. You know that he was the reason I ran into Askalaphos and discovered your half-eaten
will only grow worse.” “They may,” she said. “But that might depend upon you. Come above. Be who you truly are to them— Plouton— the God of Riches and Fertility. The God of the Earth.”
understand…” “We know,” they answered in lilting, sing-song unison. Lachesis spoke the moment Persephone began to step back. “She is going to leave, now.” “She thinks she’s heard enough.” “Should
speaking.” “We never finish speaking.” “The words, they do not weigh enough. The threads are already heavy.” “Words are words. Threads are threads. And those threads can spoil to felt once more to spin again.” “Please just tell me!” She cried, wavering between hope and oblivion. Hecate was right. She shouldn’t have come here. “Patience
have not finished speaking.” “We never finish speaking.” “So much weight given to words already spoken. Too much weight.” “What do you mean?” Persephone said, quietly wiping her face with her shawl. “There are infinite threads.” “Woven in infinite patterns.” “In our basket lie the threads for Hades
Aidoneus and Persephone, or your journey between this world and the world above…” “…and for so long as the seed rises to the earth to spring forth as new life…” “…that new life cannot take root within you.” Persephone could say nothing. Her head tilted forward and she felt tears fall onto the damp ground. She wept immovably, silently. She felt the black sorrow— the finality— wrapping itself around her heart, but she refused to give in. There
desperately willing herself to bridge the space between them as she ran. She failed. Please tell me! What has happened to you? His lone word made her whole body flare with rage. Minthe. *** The naiad’s hips swayed from side to side, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and breasts. Aidon convulsed, illusion and delirium transported his tortured mind
over his ears, but still the screams echoed. The blood chased after him, spreading across the map of his kingdom, rivers of blood he’d shed during the war. He heard weeping. No… no… Next to the golden poplar tree engraved
Persephone send some servant girl to say something that could be said where no one else can hear?” Hypnos mulled over his brother’s words, then snorted and shook his head. “You’re paranoid and
his arms. They laughed and others joined them in dancing and revelry. No one noticed the pale nymph slip from the room. *** He is a creature of nothingness. Master of all things dead. Taciturn. Cold. Demeter’s words solidified her resolve. He will sap the life from her. All that is warm and good. And she
My queen,” Charon said, “Did you ever hear the tale about the nymph that used to tend the great poplar tree?” Minthe snapped her head in his direction and was met by Charon’s burning gaze. “I have not.” “Remind me to tell you that tale one day,” he said, eyeing the naiad. “Soon.” The tree he spoke of overhung the palace gate, glittering gold in the
with him.” She swirled the wine in her cup. “I know who you are, Praxidike.” Persephone pursed her lips. “I take it you spoke with Ares.” “He… may
Persephone quirked an eyebrow. “Truly?” “He is… not to be trusted,” she said, furrowing her brow. “To be honest, I’m surprised. Aidoneus always has good things to say about him.” Athena snorted. “Perhaps so, but your husband is a man. It’s different when you’re a woman
shouldn’t have to find out on your own— that’s why I’m warning you. It’s not safe— especially if you value your marriage and your privacy. Besides— it’s unwise to journey there alone as a woman.” Persephone barely suppressed an eye roll. She wrapped her pomegranate-colored shawl
stilled. Larkspur, crocuses and small clumps of narcissus grew all around them, spread across the whole of the Plutonion, and even creeping up on the hillside
full bloom, that he would often retreat to its beauty at day’s end to think about her. He spoke about studying the ritual of the hieros gamos; she expressed her desire to write and pondered how they would communicate for the next few months. Aidon muttered about wanting
Ares.” “If he were mortal, he would have soiled himself.” Aidoneus held her as she laughed. Her smile widened
August 4, 2022
Couldn’t put it down. My kindle will probably have me bankrupt.
In the second book, it tells the tale of Persephone returning creating the divide between the seasons. Also we get to see why Demeter never brought Persephone to Olympus.
We got see Persephone discovering her power as Queen of the Underworld and Taturas, when taking on Sisyphus and rescuing Death.
I liked how we got see Demeter and how much denial she was in, about her daughters marriage and went to unbelievable lengths to destroy it. Including Minthe, which isn’t told as much in canon. But again there is different variations of that part.
In the second book, it tells the tale of Persephone returning creating the divide between the seasons. Also we get to see why Demeter never brought Persephone to Olympus.
We got see Persephone discovering her power as Queen of the Underworld and Taturas, when taking on Sisyphus and rescuing Death.
I liked how we got see Demeter and how much denial she was in, about her daughters marriage and went to unbelievable lengths to destroy it. Including Minthe, which isn’t told as much in canon. But again there is different variations of that part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2017
4.5 stars
I've always been fascinated by ancient Greek stories but have never had the intrest in reading tales like the Illiad of the Odyssey, I've always assumed that the writing style would be to different to what I'm used to to be entertaining. Because of this I love reading retelling a of classic Greek stories and Rachel Alexander's Destroyer of Light was definetly a sequel worth reading
I loved the way this book complexly unpacked the way women are treated in ancient Greece. Alexander's choice not to make Demeter a two dimensional villan helped this aspect of the story greatly. While Demeter is the antagonist of the story her reasoning for doing everything she does is both understandable and somewhat justifiable. While she is portrayed as selfish and short sighted in her refusal to let her daughter become her own person she often makes harsh comment on the way women are treated especially in regards to the way her daughter was sold as a spoil of war before she was even born and the accepted rape culture cultivated by the male Gods. This maked her a well rounded character and elevated her to more than the woman scorned archetype even if I did want to throttle her at times.
Where I feel Alexander could have improved on this is with Persephone. Showing her perspective on all that happened to her was very important to the story and I feel that having a third person omniscient POV weakened the story character wise. Not only was it often jumbled and confusing read at points but also meant we often lost seeing Persephone's perspective on plot points throughout the story. Persephone's presence needed to be felt more in the story due to the role she played thematically I wished we saw more of her POV overall
I will endlessly be in love with the setting of this book. My love for Greek mythology is deep and widespread and Alexander definitely knows her stuff. The way she breaths life to the Underworld and shows the dynamics between the gods of that realm was much appreciated. Stand out characters I definetly need more of in my life ASAP are Charon and Thanatos. But overall this world is fully realised and intracate reading about it feels like being in the time period because of the details included and solid writing of the setting came to life on the page.
This was a solid story overall. It had a fantastic setting good characters and handled the heavy themes it took on well. I would recommend reading this book as a duology though, the narritive completely wraps up in this book.
I've always been fascinated by ancient Greek stories but have never had the intrest in reading tales like the Illiad of the Odyssey, I've always assumed that the writing style would be to different to what I'm used to to be entertaining. Because of this I love reading retelling a of classic Greek stories and Rachel Alexander's Destroyer of Light was definetly a sequel worth reading
I loved the way this book complexly unpacked the way women are treated in ancient Greece. Alexander's choice not to make Demeter a two dimensional villan helped this aspect of the story greatly. While Demeter is the antagonist of the story her reasoning for doing everything she does is both understandable and somewhat justifiable. While she is portrayed as selfish and short sighted in her refusal to let her daughter become her own person she often makes harsh comment on the way women are treated especially in regards to the way her daughter was sold as a spoil of war before she was even born and the accepted rape culture cultivated by the male Gods. This maked her a well rounded character and elevated her to more than the woman scorned archetype even if I did want to throttle her at times.
Where I feel Alexander could have improved on this is with Persephone. Showing her perspective on all that happened to her was very important to the story and I feel that having a third person omniscient POV weakened the story character wise. Not only was it often jumbled and confusing read at points but also meant we often lost seeing Persephone's perspective on plot points throughout the story. Persephone's presence needed to be felt more in the story due to the role she played thematically I wished we saw more of her POV overall
I will endlessly be in love with the setting of this book. My love for Greek mythology is deep and widespread and Alexander definitely knows her stuff. The way she breaths life to the Underworld and shows the dynamics between the gods of that realm was much appreciated. Stand out characters I definetly need more of in my life ASAP are Charon and Thanatos. But overall this world is fully realised and intracate reading about it feels like being in the time period because of the details included and solid writing of the setting came to life on the page.
This was a solid story overall. It had a fantastic setting good characters and handled the heavy themes it took on well. I would recommend reading this book as a duology though, the narritive completely wraps up in this book.
July 20, 2016
I loved Rachel Alexander's first book, Receiver of Many, so freaking much she could've charged $40 for this sequel. I would have paid it. Happily.
Yes, her first book is that damn good.
And I'm happy to report I loved the sequel just as much.
Plot remains a strong point of these novels. There were a few things I saw coming - a bad guy who needs to be stopped, the seeds of a certain fruit which are pretty damn crucial to the myth. But overall, this book kept me up way too late (again!) because I cared so much about her characters and, while I may have known roughly where they were going to end up, I had no idea how they were going to get there.
Rachel Alexander also continues to delightfully ignore the romance genre's conventions. I recently read that Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series, claims all romance novels are courtship stories. When there's a marriage, she apparently said, the romance ends.
I'm guessing Diana Gabaldon hasn't read Rachel Alexander, because these are romantic, erotic love stories about what comes after the marriage.
If Receiver of Many was about Hades and Persephone learning to live with each other as equal, loving partners, then perhaps Destroyer of Light is about the King and Queen of the Underworld learning to live with the rest of the world.
Hades and Persephone become a bit less human in this book, but their struggles - to trust one another, to work things out with the in-laws, to deal with temptations - remain relatable and deeply moving. Even the secondary characters, like Thanatos and Demeter, grow, deepen, and change during the course of the novel.
There was even one scene that had me crying tears on the Kindle. Yes, actual tears.
And apparently there's a third book in the works. Which I will be ordering the second it comes out.
Yes, her first book is that damn good.
And I'm happy to report I loved the sequel just as much.
Plot remains a strong point of these novels. There were a few things I saw coming - a bad guy who needs to be stopped, the seeds of a certain fruit which are pretty damn crucial to the myth. But overall, this book kept me up way too late (again!) because I cared so much about her characters and, while I may have known roughly where they were going to end up, I had no idea how they were going to get there.
Rachel Alexander also continues to delightfully ignore the romance genre's conventions. I recently read that Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series, claims all romance novels are courtship stories. When there's a marriage, she apparently said, the romance ends.
I'm guessing Diana Gabaldon hasn't read Rachel Alexander, because these are romantic, erotic love stories about what comes after the marriage.
If Receiver of Many was about Hades and Persephone learning to live with each other as equal, loving partners, then perhaps Destroyer of Light is about the King and Queen of the Underworld learning to live with the rest of the world.
Hades and Persephone become a bit less human in this book, but their struggles - to trust one another, to work things out with the in-laws, to deal with temptations - remain relatable and deeply moving. Even the secondary characters, like Thanatos and Demeter, grow, deepen, and change during the course of the novel.
There was even one scene that had me crying tears on the Kindle. Yes, actual tears.
And apparently there's a third book in the works. Which I will be ordering the second it comes out.
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