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Olympian Confessions
Olympian Confessions: Hades and Persephone
Persephone is a Goddess without a title even though her relatives include the Lord of Light, Goddess of Wisdom, and the Queen of the Gods. She's only known as the daughter of her mother, something that leaves her feeling frustrated. She longs to escape Mount Olympus to discover who she truly is.
Hades is the God of the Underworld, and when family obligations force him to attend a festival, he sees Persephone and knows what he's looking a vibrant young Goddess aching to break free.
So begins an unlikely and tentative friendship that allows Persephone to cultivate her curiosity and blossom as a Goddess in her own right. The two escape to the Underworld together, infuriating Persephone's mother, the Goddess Demeter.
Crops die and mortals begin to starve as a consequence of Demeter's wrath, and Persephone has two Take charge of her own life or abandon the person she has become by returning to Olympus.
Passions swirl, violence erupts, and the fate of the world is at stake as Gods and Goddesses let loose in Olympian Confessions.
Hades is the God of the Underworld, and when family obligations force him to attend a festival, he sees Persephone and knows what he's looking a vibrant young Goddess aching to break free.
So begins an unlikely and tentative friendship that allows Persephone to cultivate her curiosity and blossom as a Goddess in her own right. The two escape to the Underworld together, infuriating Persephone's mother, the Goddess Demeter.
Crops die and mortals begin to starve as a consequence of Demeter's wrath, and Persephone has two Take charge of her own life or abandon the person she has become by returning to Olympus.
Passions swirl, violence erupts, and the fate of the world is at stake as Gods and Goddesses let loose in Olympian Confessions.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2016
35 people are currently reading
962 people want to read
About the author
Erin Kinsella
9 books65 followersErin Kinsella is a romance and historical fantasy author dedicated to sharing stories of love, heartbreak, and triumph. You can also find her on YouTube, where she educates writers about the publishing industry, world building, and how to make your readers swoon. She attended the University of Alberta where she studied psychology and history. When she’s not writing or YouTubing she’s hanging out with her husband and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 12, 2019
Yes! Yes! Yes! This was the kind of book about Hades and Persephone that I really wanted to read! This was everything I desperately craved for AND even more. But most of all: This were Hades and Persephone as I really imagined them, based on the original Greek myths. The personalities of ALL the gods were spot on and very well done. And I might have enjoyed Zeus being called out quite a bit too much.
Let me start with writing down that this is not really a retelling. As in, this is not a modern AU or some other twist on the myths that have been passed down for generations. This is actually for the most part the myth as we known, but with some slight touches that fit the modern need of young girls and woman like me, and with some other mythologies, especially Troy, tied into it. But, the language of the book feels a little old fashioned at times, a little much tell and not always show and very flowery. After a while I got used to it and I find it very fitting, but it's not the easy to read YA you might expect.
I however really enjoyed reading this book so much. This is partly because the two perspectives, Hades and Persephone, are both very insightful. We really get to know them both, in all their glory and with all their flaws and strengths. And we get to witness them falling for each other and them making each others lives and worlds better.
But, we most of all experience how Persephone blossoms into an independent woman, taking charge and learning that her suggestions are important, that she can make a difference and that she can really help those who need her most.
At the end of the book I realized that I've been reading a story about female empowerment and calling out the male pigs that prevented us from pursuing it.
Let me start with writing down that this is not really a retelling. As in, this is not a modern AU or some other twist on the myths that have been passed down for generations. This is actually for the most part the myth as we known, but with some slight touches that fit the modern need of young girls and woman like me, and with some other mythologies, especially Troy, tied into it. But, the language of the book feels a little old fashioned at times, a little much tell and not always show and very flowery. After a while I got used to it and I find it very fitting, but it's not the easy to read YA you might expect.
I however really enjoyed reading this book so much. This is partly because the two perspectives, Hades and Persephone, are both very insightful. We really get to know them both, in all their glory and with all their flaws and strengths. And we get to witness them falling for each other and them making each others lives and worlds better.
But, we most of all experience how Persephone blossoms into an independent woman, taking charge and learning that her suggestions are important, that she can make a difference and that she can really help those who need her most.
At the end of the book I realized that I've been reading a story about female empowerment and calling out the male pigs that prevented us from pursuing it.
September 19, 2020
A solid retelling of Greece myths as they pertain to the titular gods.
August 4, 2025
I annotated this with my whole soul (in my mind), swooned every time Hades opened his mouth, Persephone had me ready to start a revolution and Zeus can choke - 10/10, officially dethroned every other version I’ve ever read.
June 23, 2020
I've found the Greek myths interesting from a young age and my favourite is currently Hades and Persephone.
I was interested to read this retelling where Hades and Persephone fall in love gradually (without any abductions or pomegranates)
There were elements I liked - Hades's characterisation, a different take on Hera etc.)
However, everything felt very bland and tame (considering the material, this was a surprise.) It was just a bit dull.
And then about 3 quarters of the way through
*spoilers and trigger warnings*
There's a rape and an attempted abortion.
I get that it might've been drawn straight from the mythology. But in such a tame retelling, this felt like a very necessary and tasteless choice to include.
And the ending was a bit too on the nose with a 'Strong women!' 'So feminist!' message clearly being pushed. It could've been way more subtle.
I was interested to read this retelling where Hades and Persephone fall in love gradually (without any abductions or pomegranates)
There were elements I liked - Hades's characterisation, a different take on Hera etc.)
However, everything felt very bland and tame (considering the material, this was a surprise.) It was just a bit dull.
And then about 3 quarters of the way through
*spoilers and trigger warnings*
There's a rape and an attempted abortion.
I get that it might've been drawn straight from the mythology. But in such a tame retelling, this felt like a very necessary and tasteless choice to include.
And the ending was a bit too on the nose with a 'Strong women!' 'So feminist!' message clearly being pushed. It could've been way more subtle.
July 9, 2021
Ever since starting the Lore Olympus series, I have been absolutely obsessed with the story of Hades and Persephone. I saw this and had to get it with the highest hopes. Unfortunately, I was really disappointed. I was in five chapters and it felt like nothing had happened in the story. The author seemed to be focusing her time on the more unimportant details instead of progressing the story. I'm pretty patient and will see a story through in order to get to the conclusion, but it didn't meet my expectations.
December 14, 2021
I appreciated that the author stayed true to the original mythology. She clearly did her research well. Nevertheless I didn't feel that I was reading a Hades and Persephone retelling until the last 10% of the book. The story started of with unnecessary plot points. I'm just astonished as to why Erin Kinsella thought is was a good idea to include the Trojan War, the birth of Dionysos and the story of Tantalus all in a 250 page book about Hades and Persephone. It just made the story feel rushed. I was looking for a slow-burn romance with a morally grey Hades but all I got was love-at-first sight with a cheesy, kind, almost joyfull Hades. It just didn't fit in my head. The writing style was also not my cup of tea and sometimes I even laughed out loud due to the phrasing of some things (aka the 'intimate' scenes). But I will say, I did like the character of Persephone and the underlying message of female empowerment. It was entertaining enough to give it 2 stars.
March 17, 2016
This book is freaking amazing! Erin Kinsella is a brand new author, and this is her debut book. And I can tell you that I will be reading more of her books if she decides to write more. Which I really do hope so as she is phenomenal.
I came across this book on Indigo initially because I was looking for books on Persephone and Hades. I’m Wiccan and Hades and Persephone are two of my patron deities. So, you can only imagine how ecstatic I was when I came across the book before it’s release. When I finally went to pick it up after it was shipped to my local bookstore I saw the thickness of the book. “This is going to be fantastic for me to get back into my reading” I had thought. And, it was! The book covers so much of the myths in a re-telling but is not super thick.
Olympian Confessions: Hades and Persephone paint the pictures of the two deities for me fairly clearly. Persephone is a young soul wanting to spread her wings, even though her mother keeps her under tight supervision. Hades is simply misunderstood because of the mythology we have heard and learned in today’s society. Hera…how I shall not doubt you again…I can see your position a bit better now. See what I did there? A goddess that we learn about I had a picture of a shallow being painted in my mind. But she really isn’t that…Zeus…he stays the same…let’s just put it at that.
Let’s look at Persephone. Erin has made her a very relatable character. What young woman does not want to spread her wings? A lot of us, male or female, can relate to Persephone on the level of her relationship with her mother, and herself. Persephone goes through such a character development. She goes to a meek girl looking for adventure - to a woman who stands up for what she believes in. Even standing up to those that she does hold dear and does love. As a goddess, she ascends from a simple Olympian to a Goddess in her own right as Persephone Goddess of Spring, Daughter of Demeter, Queen of the Underworld, and Wife of Hades. Quite the title isn’t it?
Hades, on the other hand, is a bit more of a more subtle character development. He progresses from a god who has given up hope of anyone wanting to be companions with him, save for Thanatos, Hermes, and the daemons. He instead shows how one can change when they are determined to protect those closest to them. He shows that it is never too late for hope for yourself, and changing how things are done and/or accepting change.
This book is primarily a love story between Hades and Persephone. So, other than those two you will not see much development in the other characters. Now, having said that I do hope Erin Kinsella is hoping to explore more of the Olympians.
Now as for plot…it actually goes at the pacing of how the gods must feel time go. I mean centuries pass in a blur, but it will tell you if it has. Which for any immortal, it kind of would. So I give that a major green light!
Setting. It’s there.The setting is not over the top. It gives you hints so that your mind can conjure the rest for you. After just like Elysium, the experience will vary depending on the individual soul.
The only thing I would have REALLY liked to see a bit more of to simply experience the connections between the characters. This would consist of the relationship between Persephone and both Gaia and Hera. Just simply for the fact that Persephone views them both a bit more of maternal figures, without disregarding her own mother of course. But, in terms of the more positive maternal aspects, and how they help develop her.
I came across this book on Indigo initially because I was looking for books on Persephone and Hades. I’m Wiccan and Hades and Persephone are two of my patron deities. So, you can only imagine how ecstatic I was when I came across the book before it’s release. When I finally went to pick it up after it was shipped to my local bookstore I saw the thickness of the book. “This is going to be fantastic for me to get back into my reading” I had thought. And, it was! The book covers so much of the myths in a re-telling but is not super thick.
Olympian Confessions: Hades and Persephone paint the pictures of the two deities for me fairly clearly. Persephone is a young soul wanting to spread her wings, even though her mother keeps her under tight supervision. Hades is simply misunderstood because of the mythology we have heard and learned in today’s society. Hera…how I shall not doubt you again…I can see your position a bit better now. See what I did there? A goddess that we learn about I had a picture of a shallow being painted in my mind. But she really isn’t that…Zeus…he stays the same…let’s just put it at that.
Let’s look at Persephone. Erin has made her a very relatable character. What young woman does not want to spread her wings? A lot of us, male or female, can relate to Persephone on the level of her relationship with her mother, and herself. Persephone goes through such a character development. She goes to a meek girl looking for adventure - to a woman who stands up for what she believes in. Even standing up to those that she does hold dear and does love. As a goddess, she ascends from a simple Olympian to a Goddess in her own right as Persephone Goddess of Spring, Daughter of Demeter, Queen of the Underworld, and Wife of Hades. Quite the title isn’t it?
Hades, on the other hand, is a bit more of a more subtle character development. He progresses from a god who has given up hope of anyone wanting to be companions with him, save for Thanatos, Hermes, and the daemons. He instead shows how one can change when they are determined to protect those closest to them. He shows that it is never too late for hope for yourself, and changing how things are done and/or accepting change.
This book is primarily a love story between Hades and Persephone. So, other than those two you will not see much development in the other characters. Now, having said that I do hope Erin Kinsella is hoping to explore more of the Olympians.
Now as for plot…it actually goes at the pacing of how the gods must feel time go. I mean centuries pass in a blur, but it will tell you if it has. Which for any immortal, it kind of would. So I give that a major green light!
Setting. It’s there.The setting is not over the top. It gives you hints so that your mind can conjure the rest for you. After just like Elysium, the experience will vary depending on the individual soul.
The only thing I would have REALLY liked to see a bit more of to simply experience the connections between the characters. This would consist of the relationship between Persephone and both Gaia and Hera. Just simply for the fact that Persephone views them both a bit more of maternal figures, without disregarding her own mother of course. But, in terms of the more positive maternal aspects, and how they help develop her.
May 19, 2016
So I've always liked the story of Hades and Persephone. Well the retelling anyway, because when i think about it too closely i have to cringe. Actually I cringe through most of the Greek myths, particularly when they're focused on the gods themselves. I mean seriously generally I have to say EEEEEEWWWWWW for most of them. ( I don't care if gods are suppose to be different they're still considered siblings and that's just gross.)
Anyway back to this book. It's a solid story, Hades isn't particularly wimpy (thank goodness) yes he's tormented and a tad bit insecure but he has reasons for that and it doesn't affect his rule of the underworld overly much. Thankfully he's no where near Edward Cullen in the brooding department. ( Although I don't think anyone is near Edward in the brooding self loathing department.) Still though I think he's a viable ruler of the underworld.
Persephone I could feel her desire to spread her wings and fly but being stifled by expectations. I loved that she and Hades started off as friends. (I love the fact he could communicate via gemstones and such. I've never encountered that particular power in a Hades retelling so that's new.)
Demeter and Zeus, i feel for Demeter, as a parent she wants to protect her child and give her what's best for her. However sometimes what a Parent wants isn't always whats' best or what their kid wants. Also she'd been abused by family so I can see why she wanted to wrap Persephone up in bubble wrap and never let her out of the house.It's hard to let go but Demeter took it to far way too far. and Zeus, I have never liked Zeus. Never I wish someone would over throw him already or at least cut if off. but then it would probably grow back and then we would be right back where we started.
Overall I enjoyed reading this story, it was a quick and easy an engaging read. The only time I really had a problem was that sometimes I didn't realize a great deal of time had passed until someone mentioned years had passed by already. I didn't mind the switching point of views between Persephone and Hades. And i love how various other Greek myths were woven into the background of the story, such as the golden apple fiasco leading to the Trojan war and Mine showing up in the underworld and the birth of Dionysus. The main story was of Hades and Persephone and how these events affected their relationship not to mention the actions of Demeter and Zeus.(I'm really really glad he never came right out and said she was his niece because the ick factor would have killed the story for me. I know she was but he never said it.)
If you like Greek mythology then this isn't a bad book to pick up and read through. Fairly clean language wise. although there may be rape triggers because of Zeus and that one nymph.
Anyway back to this book. It's a solid story, Hades isn't particularly wimpy (thank goodness) yes he's tormented and a tad bit insecure but he has reasons for that and it doesn't affect his rule of the underworld overly much. Thankfully he's no where near Edward Cullen in the brooding department. ( Although I don't think anyone is near Edward in the brooding self loathing department.) Still though I think he's a viable ruler of the underworld.
Persephone I could feel her desire to spread her wings and fly but being stifled by expectations. I loved that she and Hades started off as friends. (I love the fact he could communicate via gemstones and such. I've never encountered that particular power in a Hades retelling so that's new.)
Demeter and Zeus, i feel for Demeter, as a parent she wants to protect her child and give her what's best for her. However sometimes what a Parent wants isn't always whats' best or what their kid wants. Also she'd been abused by family so I can see why she wanted to wrap Persephone up in bubble wrap and never let her out of the house.It's hard to let go but Demeter took it to far way too far. and Zeus, I have never liked Zeus. Never I wish someone would over throw him already or at least cut if off. but then it would probably grow back and then we would be right back where we started.
Overall I enjoyed reading this story, it was a quick and easy an engaging read. The only time I really had a problem was that sometimes I didn't realize a great deal of time had passed until someone mentioned years had passed by already. I didn't mind the switching point of views between Persephone and Hades. And i love how various other Greek myths were woven into the background of the story, such as the golden apple fiasco leading to the Trojan war and Mine showing up in the underworld and the birth of Dionysus. The main story was of Hades and Persephone and how these events affected their relationship not to mention the actions of Demeter and Zeus.(I'm really really glad he never came right out and said she was his niece because the ick factor would have killed the story for me. I know she was but he never said it.)
If you like Greek mythology then this isn't a bad book to pick up and read through. Fairly clean language wise. although there may be rape triggers because of Zeus and that one nymph.
September 11, 2016
I really like this book! It was a nice retelling of the gods and the author definitely did her research. The historical events of Ancient Greece set as a background for the characters motivations and it was nice to get a god's perspective of the wars and the events that happened. I loved when Persephone showed her teeth and proved she wasn't to be taken lightly. She's starting to become one of my favorite goddesses. Very well written!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2017
Amazing
I love Hades and Persephone stories a lot. I like how you get to see Persephone and Hades point of view.
I love Hades and Persephone stories a lot. I like how you get to see Persephone and Hades point of view.
November 15, 2021
This is a story of a girl who found herself and a boy who found his heart. This is why I love the Hades and Persephone myth in its modern romanticized retelling. I love every tender moment when Hades and Persephone bathed in their one true love.
This book is an extensive retelling of the Greek myth on the original of Spring, so a big part of the book happened after Persephone became Queen of the Underworld. It tries to encompass a lot of little myths related to the Underworld, also gives us a brief glimpse of the Trojan war. The book presents a strong feminist voice, first, by mentioning many female characters in Greek mythology who suffered horribly through the Trojan war, or by the hand of various male Gods and Kings, second, by developing Persephone from an almost invisible, insignificant immortal into a Goddess fit for the title Queen of the Underworld.
Trigger warning, after reading so many versions of Hades and Persephone myth, this is the only book that addresses the myth of Dionysus's parentage, i.e. the rape of Persephone committed by Zeus. Generally, any feminist retelling of Greek mythology will recognise Zeus as a predator male character. But Zeus is the absolute asshole in this book and his punishment at the end is nowhere near enough.
Rather than that, this is a clean romance.
My only disappointment is that Hades takes on the role of a shy schoolboy in this story, without the appropriate power and authority when dealing with the Olympians. Not impressed.
This book is an extensive retelling of the Greek myth on the original of Spring, so a big part of the book happened after Persephone became Queen of the Underworld. It tries to encompass a lot of little myths related to the Underworld, also gives us a brief glimpse of the Trojan war. The book presents a strong feminist voice, first, by mentioning many female characters in Greek mythology who suffered horribly through the Trojan war, or by the hand of various male Gods and Kings, second, by developing Persephone from an almost invisible, insignificant immortal into a Goddess fit for the title Queen of the Underworld.
Trigger warning, after reading so many versions of Hades and Persephone myth, this is the only book that addresses the myth of Dionysus's parentage, i.e. the rape of Persephone committed by Zeus. Generally, any feminist retelling of Greek mythology will recognise Zeus as a predator male character. But Zeus is the absolute asshole in this book and his punishment at the end is nowhere near enough.
Rather than that, this is a clean romance.
My only disappointment is that Hades takes on the role of a shy schoolboy in this story, without the appropriate power and authority when dealing with the Olympians. Not impressed.
February 21, 2020
I've pondered for a while on how I wanted to approach this review. I love most stories about Greek mythology, especially Hades and Persephone. So when I found this one and read the synopsis I thought it'd be a great read. Now, it wasn't horrible, but it just fell so flat. I wasn't engaged in the characters, they just felt so 2-D. I've read better character development and story progression from fanfiction (and I love me a good fanfic, so definitely not knocking it). I didn't feel like there was any real conflict to overcome until the very end, meaning maybe a good 1/3 of this book could've been edited out. It just went back and forth and didn't do it for me.
Persephone progresses slowly, as do the rest of the characters. But there was nothing to keep me rooting for her and Hades. I didn't feel their connection. Hell, I didn't feel any emotions between them. The writing style is poetic and beautiful, but we don't need constant flowery words. Certain scenes would have been so much better if the writing wasn't so fluffy. Maybe that's just me, though. I felt like we could've done without the whole Trojan war sequence of events. I understand that it helped Persephone realize the actions of the gods and their impact on humanity, but it could have been approached way differently.
I guess overall I can't believe how... Bored I was with this. I wouldn't recommend 🤷🏼♀️
Persephone progresses slowly, as do the rest of the characters. But there was nothing to keep me rooting for her and Hades. I didn't feel their connection. Hell, I didn't feel any emotions between them. The writing style is poetic and beautiful, but we don't need constant flowery words. Certain scenes would have been so much better if the writing wasn't so fluffy. Maybe that's just me, though. I felt like we could've done without the whole Trojan war sequence of events. I understand that it helped Persephone realize the actions of the gods and their impact on humanity, but it could have been approached way differently.
I guess overall I can't believe how... Bored I was with this. I wouldn't recommend 🤷🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2022
I love Greek mythology. Discovering this author was a happy accident. I was searching for a book about Persephone and found this book quite by accident when I did a search online. I thought it was a great retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone. I very much enjoyed how the story was told from the perspectives of Hades, Persephone and eventually Hera. I have told a few folks about this story over the last few days. Since I am currently living through the planting season where I live, this book has inspired me to plant a small area of my garden dedicated to the memory of both Hades and Persephone. I look forward to reading more books from this author in my little Greek inspired garden.
The only reason I rated this book as a 4 and not a 5 is due to the editing, which is not a reflection of the author's talent. The paperback copy is filled with several bad typos, which was distracting at times. I think a better job editing, prior to printing, was needed. That all having been said, I very much look forward to reading more from this author. As I mentioned, discovering this author was a very happy accident.
The only reason I rated this book as a 4 and not a 5 is due to the editing, which is not a reflection of the author's talent. The paperback copy is filled with several bad typos, which was distracting at times. I think a better job editing, prior to printing, was needed. That all having been said, I very much look forward to reading more from this author. As I mentioned, discovering this author was a very happy accident.
January 16, 2020
This book goes the most by the actual mythology of the Greek gods than others I have read. The gods are selfish, ruthless, and at times downright evil. The only ones that are redeeming here are a selected few. While, this was a quick and easy read I felt it lacked in the romance department. I expected there to be a lot more romance since the lore of Hades and Persephone is the most pure, romantic relationship in all of the greek gods. (ie there's no cheating, raping or manipulation involved in their coupling). If you're wanting to read a quick greek mythology fiction this is a great one to bide time with, but it is not one I would find myself re-reading.
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Young Adult
▪ Steam Caliber: N/A
▪ Romance: Slow-building
▪ Characters: mix between pure, kind, and downright evil.
▪ Plot: slow building, showcases abuse, finding your own identity and freedom.
▪ Writing: Easy to read
▪ POV: First person : Hades and Persephone (divided by chapters)
▪ Cliffhanger: None/Standalone
▪ HEA? Yes
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Young Adult
▪ Steam Caliber: N/A
▪ Romance: Slow-building
▪ Characters: mix between pure, kind, and downright evil.
▪ Plot: slow building, showcases abuse, finding your own identity and freedom.
▪ Writing: Easy to read
▪ POV: First person : Hades and Persephone (divided by chapters)
▪ Cliffhanger: None/Standalone
▪ HEA? Yes
August 29, 2021
While the book plays with the myths in some interesting ways, it fails as a story. First of all, the writing is extremely simplistic, which can be great in a shorter story being told efficiently. Unfortunately this is a very long, slow story that seems childish due to the writing style. Secondly, the tone is very moralistic. It feels like the tale is being told for the sake of the lessons rather than being a great story that gives you some things to think about. Lastly, the focus of the story is the relationship of Hades and Persephone but it is just flat. There is mutual admiration but no warmth or sense of joy, and definitely no passion. I picked this book up and put it down many times. I really wanted to like it because I love the earlier versions of the myth that gives Persephone more agency, but it just isn’t well written.
February 24, 2019
Spoilers are below. Read at your own risk.
The styling of the author's writing style took me a while to get used to, but once I did, I was hooked. There's a lot in this book to enjoy for fans of Greek mythology, or just the casual reader. However, what takes this book from a solid 4 star to a 3 star is a (SPOILER) assault that happens 3/4 or so through the book. The author writes it in a tactful way, the actual attack is skirted over in limited detail and subsequently portrayed as a horrible thing, and the perpetrator portrayed as an awful person, but I can't help thinking that the story could have worked around it, and it ruined my enjoyment of the rest of the story.
The styling of the author's writing style took me a while to get used to, but once I did, I was hooked. There's a lot in this book to enjoy for fans of Greek mythology, or just the casual reader. However, what takes this book from a solid 4 star to a 3 star is a (SPOILER) assault that happens 3/4 or so through the book. The author writes it in a tactful way, the actual attack is skirted over in limited detail and subsequently portrayed as a horrible thing, and the perpetrator portrayed as an awful person, but I can't help thinking that the story could have worked around it, and it ruined my enjoyment of the rest of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2020
I enjoyed this retelling a lot. The story of Hades and Persephone has always been a favourite of mine and it never felt right to think of a Goddess being kidnapped, I mean surely she'd be powerful enough to put up a fight? As a woman trapped by her mother and craving freedom I felt the relationship of Persephone and Hades worked really well. Yes it's graphic in some parts but it makes sense to the story and the Greek myths it's taken from.
In some parts there were long pieces of description which weren't strictly necessary but for me it didn't take away from the story. I liked the book and look forward to reading more from the author.
In some parts there were long pieces of description which weren't strictly necessary but for me it didn't take away from the story. I liked the book and look forward to reading more from the author.
June 22, 2021
It's a solid retelling and Kinsella's ability to weave in other myths from the Pantheon and Greek history was well done. However, I was just... bored. There's not a lot of spice or action or anything that really keeps you engaged unless you're a massive fan of Greek mythology, and even then, it reads more like fanfiction rather than having a unique spin or hook into the myth. Still it jumps the shark wayyyyyy less than the Scarlett St.Clair series which is just weird and whiny.
July 23, 2019
I thought that this was a good retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth. It really embraced the idea that Persephone is not just Goddess of Spring, but a goddess of life. Her growth as a character worked really well throughout the book as she broke free from her mother's grasp. I love the romance and empowerment to this story and look forward to reading the sequel, Hera, as well :D
July 12, 2020
Persephone & Hades
This is more like 3 1/2 ⭐️. The story was nice, the love story sweet, but I was disappointed that Hades seemed so much less on the power scale. And some of the dialogue was a bit too syrupy. Those pouts definitely took me out of the story. But if you want a sweet, albeit tame, love story this is it.
This is more like 3 1/2 ⭐️. The story was nice, the love story sweet, but I was disappointed that Hades seemed so much less on the power scale. And some of the dialogue was a bit too syrupy. Those pouts definitely took me out of the story. But if you want a sweet, albeit tame, love story this is it.
October 28, 2020
What i liked:
P standing up to everyone, fixing her mother's mess, getting recognition from mortals; few lines of Hades' inner monologue that seemed in character; tiny bit of a role that Helios played in all of this
What i didnt like:
lot of things but mostly weird dialogues, Hades being a pushover(!), no chemistry and out of sudden love.
P standing up to everyone, fixing her mother's mess, getting recognition from mortals; few lines of Hades' inner monologue that seemed in character; tiny bit of a role that Helios played in all of this
What i didnt like:
lot of things but mostly weird dialogues, Hades being a pushover(!), no chemistry and out of sudden love.
January 29, 2019
A retelling of a myth
I love the myth of Hades and Persphone and this is what I wanted from a retelling. Loneliness ,respect and love. There is a scene that involves sexual assault that I didnt love. But overall beautiful.
I love the myth of Hades and Persphone and this is what I wanted from a retelling. Loneliness ,respect and love. There is a scene that involves sexual assault that I didnt love. But overall beautiful.
April 11, 2020
Recommend
Beautifully written. Could have used more detail in some parts and expanded on their relationship but an absolute pleasure to read. The love story of Hades and Persephone is by far my favourite
Beautifully written. Could have used more detail in some parts and expanded on their relationship but an absolute pleasure to read. The love story of Hades and Persephone is by far my favourite
May 13, 2021
A bit long and the language was kind of "old" (mostly when you're not an English native speaker). it wasn't maybe the habit before but some trigger warnings would have been a good thing.
But I really like this one, Hades was a cutie and Persephone a badass at the end.
But I really like this one, Hades was a cutie and Persephone a badass at the end.
April 6, 2022
EXCELLENT! One of the BEST books about Hades and Persephone I have ever read. So very detailed and Hades and Persephone are so very heartfelt. I LOVE this book!!! This is my favourite myth of all time. Incredibly well done and well written.
June 3, 2025
Me encanta los tipo retteling de esta pareja mitológica, y su versión me ha gustado. Los temas de los personajes que aparece en el Inframundo como historia conocida por ahí que es lento, pero de ahí a la segunda mitad es más interesante y emotivo. Este Hades todo correcto me gustó.
May 27, 2019
Quite an interesting take on the myth. I enjoyed reading this book.
January 21, 2019
3.5 Stars - solid was some things i felt unnecessary but ending bought it back
January 27, 2019
Review to come!
December 27, 2019
Loved it. The timeline, the story, characters. Reminded me (in the beginning) of Lore Olympus on Webtoon.
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