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Summer Maiden: Persephone's Fall
A dark erotic retelling of the story of Persephone and Hades.
Someday, Kore will become Persephone, Dread Queen of the Underworld. For today, she is a summer maiden, coming into the ripe flower of her womanhood, innocently flirting with lighthearted gods like Apollo and Hermes, and exploring her new powers of seduction. But a darker god has his eyes on the beautiful young goddess, and his desires are far from innocent.
This BDSM-flavored novella reimagines the classic Greek myth exactly as it is traditionally told—with her famed abduction and rape—but it isn't the tale you think you know.
Instead it turns the myth around, illuminating the forbidden desires and conflicted loyalties that may have really driven that tragic story, and turning it into one of seduction, power and—ultimately—love.
Someday, Kore will become Persephone, Dread Queen of the Underworld. For today, she is a summer maiden, coming into the ripe flower of her womanhood, innocently flirting with lighthearted gods like Apollo and Hermes, and exploring her new powers of seduction. But a darker god has his eyes on the beautiful young goddess, and his desires are far from innocent.
This BDSM-flavored novella reimagines the classic Greek myth exactly as it is traditionally told—with her famed abduction and rape—but it isn't the tale you think you know.
Instead it turns the myth around, illuminating the forbidden desires and conflicted loyalties that may have really driven that tragic story, and turning it into one of seduction, power and—ultimately—love.
- GenresBDSM
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2017
About the author
Eva Darcy
1 book14 followersI am a writer of erotica with a grad degree in history, who used to teach Western Civ. (I may have secretly spent too much time teaching time dreaming about the stories behind the ancient stories...)
I began with Persephone because her myth has always resonated so strongly with me. When I saw Bernini's "Rape of Proserpina" statue in the Borghese Gallery in Rome, I knew I had to write her story.
I intend to tell more stories in this world I've built, so expect more cross-over characters in other (stand-alone) BDSM-flavoured romance novellas.
Next up? Apollo and Daphne.
PS: If I add you as a friend, I have probably read a review you've written and think that by following your reviews and reads I can better learn what readers like you want to see in a story. =)
I began with Persephone because her myth has always resonated so strongly with me. When I saw Bernini's "Rape of Proserpina" statue in the Borghese Gallery in Rome, I knew I had to write her story.
I intend to tell more stories in this world I've built, so expect more cross-over characters in other (stand-alone) BDSM-flavoured romance novellas.
Next up? Apollo and Daphne.
PS: If I add you as a friend, I have probably read a review you've written and think that by following your reviews and reads I can better learn what readers like you want to see in a story. =)
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 13, 2019
I love retellings and I love mythology, so enjoying Summer Maiden was a no-brainer. I've always believed that each story has three sides - one side, the other side, and the truth. So I liked that the author wanted to tackle the "truth" behind the story of what happened between Persephone and Aidon (Hades). There are so many theories out there and since I was a kid, I've encountered plenty of parables based on this story, but none quite like this.
Eva Darcy gave us a story about a young woman who lacked self-awareness, sheltered by an overprotective mother, and casually thrust into a game of keep away. Persephone was naive, silly, spoiled, and desperate to please. She put herself in situations with men without understanding or finding out the sincerity of their motives. I loved how Aidon called her out on it!
Being the ruler of Hell, Aidon was darkness personified and Persephone was irresistibly drawn to him. But he believed a daughter of the sun had no place in the dark. She couldn't possibly desire his proclivities, could she? After being commanded by Zeus himself to take her as his own, Aidon shows her exactly who he is. BDSM-lite moments take flight and Persephone learns to find herself. Can love bloom without light?
Eva Darcy gave us a story about a young woman who lacked self-awareness, sheltered by an overprotective mother, and casually thrust into a game of keep away. Persephone was naive, silly, spoiled, and desperate to please. She put herself in situations with men without understanding or finding out the sincerity of their motives. I loved how Aidon called her out on it!
"... what makes you think I have any interest in a young slut of a girl? And an unskilled one at that?"
Being the ruler of Hell, Aidon was darkness personified and Persephone was irresistibly drawn to him. But he believed a daughter of the sun had no place in the dark. She couldn't possibly desire his proclivities, could she? After being commanded by Zeus himself to take her as his own, Aidon shows her exactly who he is. BDSM-lite moments take flight and Persephone learns to find herself. Can love bloom without light?
September 15, 2017
50 Shades meets Greek Gods? Um, yes please!
I’ll admit – I didn’t pay much attention to Greek mythology in school but I did know the story of Persephone and how her descent into the Underworld equated to what we know as the season of winter. So to read “her version” of it was very cool. How creative of Ms. Darcy to turn a story like this into a completely different one with a new point of view.
Persephone, or Kore, as her family and friends called her, is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. Demeter keeps Kore sheltered from the “real world” – let’s just call Demeter an overprotective momma bear. Kore’s exposure to “adult” things is limited to only the stories she hears from others.
At a banquet of the Gods, Kore meets Aidonus, or Hades, the God of the Underworld, and she is immediately drawn to him. She lusts after him but doesn’t understand what she is feeling. Aidon, however, disregards Persephone as a silly, spoiled brat. During dinner one night, Aidon cautions Zeus on the innocence of his daughter basically suggesting Zeus find her a husband before she gets herself into trouble. Zeus fires back commanding Aidon take Persephone himself even though Aidon insists they do not want each other.
However, a command from Zeus cannot be ignored and Aidon takes Persephone to the Underworld. I’m gonna let you read the book for all the juicy details but while she’s there, Persephone finds herself – her independence, her sexuality and her purpose. Aidon still views Persephone as a silly girl who does not know what she wants. He does not think she can be what he needs her to be but Persephone is determined to prove to him wrong. Persephone choses to stay with Aidon and proves this by eating the pomegranate from the tree in the Twilight Garden sealing her fate.
Summer’s Maiden is a creative twist on an ancient story. It was fun to read a different perspective on what might have happened. I liked the power Persephone was given in this version – she created her own destiny rather than one being created for her.
I’ll admit – I didn’t pay much attention to Greek mythology in school but I did know the story of Persephone and how her descent into the Underworld equated to what we know as the season of winter. So to read “her version” of it was very cool. How creative of Ms. Darcy to turn a story like this into a completely different one with a new point of view.
Persephone, or Kore, as her family and friends called her, is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. Demeter keeps Kore sheltered from the “real world” – let’s just call Demeter an overprotective momma bear. Kore’s exposure to “adult” things is limited to only the stories she hears from others.
At a banquet of the Gods, Kore meets Aidonus, or Hades, the God of the Underworld, and she is immediately drawn to him. She lusts after him but doesn’t understand what she is feeling. Aidon, however, disregards Persephone as a silly, spoiled brat. During dinner one night, Aidon cautions Zeus on the innocence of his daughter basically suggesting Zeus find her a husband before she gets herself into trouble. Zeus fires back commanding Aidon take Persephone himself even though Aidon insists they do not want each other.
However, a command from Zeus cannot be ignored and Aidon takes Persephone to the Underworld. I’m gonna let you read the book for all the juicy details but while she’s there, Persephone finds herself – her independence, her sexuality and her purpose. Aidon still views Persephone as a silly girl who does not know what she wants. He does not think she can be what he needs her to be but Persephone is determined to prove to him wrong. Persephone choses to stay with Aidon and proves this by eating the pomegranate from the tree in the Twilight Garden sealing her fate.
Summer’s Maiden is a creative twist on an ancient story. It was fun to read a different perspective on what might have happened. I liked the power Persephone was given in this version – she created her own destiny rather than one being created for her.
April 1, 2021
4.5
The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it wasn't long enough!
The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it wasn't long enough!
November 21, 2017
Amount of sex 5 / 5
How explicit 4.5 / 5
Amount of BDSM/Fetish 4.5 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5 (Rounded to 5 / 5)
Review: What if the Rape of Persephone was instead a dominant/submissive relationship between Persephone and Hades? That is the question asked by Summer Maiden: Persephone's Fall by Eva Darcy. Persephone is a young maiden on the edge of her sexual awakening - attracting all the gods with her beauty, innocence, and curiosity. Despite the interests of these gods, it is Hades she is most attracted. Following her lustful instincts, she purses Hades and ends up being taken as his wife - which leads her to feel a little mixed about the situation. Understandably the god of hell doesn't have much skill in wooing women and he doesn't care - he likes it rougher (think BDSM).
Written from the perspective of slightly confused Persephone, she wonders both what she's gotten herself into and when the next time Hades will whip her into a frenzy (both figuratively and literally with a switch). She is torn between her desire and fear, while Hades is clear about what he wants with her submission. His only concern is that his base desires are too much for her.
This erotic retelling of the Rape of Persephone is a sexy delight with a lot of naughty bits. I resonated with Persephone's mixed feels of any innocent thrown into a relationship that is a little too hot to handle and her ultimate acceptance of her own desires in Hades' world.
Summer Maiden: Persephone's Fall is a delightful steamy, panty melting quick read
*Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy*
How explicit 4.5 / 5
Amount of BDSM/Fetish 4.5 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5 (Rounded to 5 / 5)
Review: What if the Rape of Persephone was instead a dominant/submissive relationship between Persephone and Hades? That is the question asked by Summer Maiden: Persephone's Fall by Eva Darcy. Persephone is a young maiden on the edge of her sexual awakening - attracting all the gods with her beauty, innocence, and curiosity. Despite the interests of these gods, it is Hades she is most attracted. Following her lustful instincts, she purses Hades and ends up being taken as his wife - which leads her to feel a little mixed about the situation. Understandably the god of hell doesn't have much skill in wooing women and he doesn't care - he likes it rougher (think BDSM).
Written from the perspective of slightly confused Persephone, she wonders both what she's gotten herself into and when the next time Hades will whip her into a frenzy (both figuratively and literally with a switch). She is torn between her desire and fear, while Hades is clear about what he wants with her submission. His only concern is that his base desires are too much for her.
This erotic retelling of the Rape of Persephone is a sexy delight with a lot of naughty bits. I resonated with Persephone's mixed feels of any innocent thrown into a relationship that is a little too hot to handle and her ultimate acceptance of her own desires in Hades' world.
Summer Maiden: Persephone's Fall is a delightful steamy, panty melting quick read
*Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy*
October 3, 2017
Summer Maiden: Persephone’s Fall is a standalone erotic charged retelling of a classic Greek myth. Persephone daughter of Demeter Goddess of harvest and agriculture is taken by Hades the God of the underworld, Ms. Darcy puts spicy spin on a much loved classic. This book is not for the faint of heart, this story contain scenes that some might find uncomfortable. If you have a great appreciation for dark erotic romance and can keep an open mind, this will be a satisfying short read.
The story opens with Kore a young woman eager to see the world and falls in love with the idea of being desired. She soon learns that seduction is a dangerous game with costly consequences. Aidoneus is a tortured soul and God who does not believe in love, when his eyes lands on the beautiful Kore he is drawn to her innocence and her naivete. Kore learns that being in love is not all roses and sunshine when your love interest is the God of the Underworld. Erotic romance writer and history scholar Eva Darcy weaves her extensive knowledge of the Greek Gods into a tasty morsel of forbidden romance. The only growth area in this story is it was too short, it leaves an ache to read more and to know more.
The characters were complex, well developed and believeable. The scenes were painted exquisitely on each page, pulling the reader from reality and into a world created by Ms. Darcy. If I had to describe this story in a few words it would be fresh, enticing and electrifying. This is a story told by maiden Kore and then by Persephone the Queen of the Underworld. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Darcy.
The story opens with Kore a young woman eager to see the world and falls in love with the idea of being desired. She soon learns that seduction is a dangerous game with costly consequences. Aidoneus is a tortured soul and God who does not believe in love, when his eyes lands on the beautiful Kore he is drawn to her innocence and her naivete. Kore learns that being in love is not all roses and sunshine when your love interest is the God of the Underworld. Erotic romance writer and history scholar Eva Darcy weaves her extensive knowledge of the Greek Gods into a tasty morsel of forbidden romance. The only growth area in this story is it was too short, it leaves an ache to read more and to know more.
The characters were complex, well developed and believeable. The scenes were painted exquisitely on each page, pulling the reader from reality and into a world created by Ms. Darcy. If I had to describe this story in a few words it would be fresh, enticing and electrifying. This is a story told by maiden Kore and then by Persephone the Queen of the Underworld. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Darcy.
December 20, 2017
Most people do not know this, but I studied classical literature back in University, so I have a definite fondness for interesting new takes on our oldest myths. It has to be about more than just retelling them in modern English, though. To catch my interest, authors have to find an angle, a way into the story, some hook that they can exploit to make something new and exciting of it.
That is precisely what Eva Darcy has done with Summer Maiden: Persephone's Fall.
Next to the stories of Hermaphroditus and Agdistis/Attis/Cybele, that of Persephone is probably my favorite. Darcy follows the original myth fairly closely, and does not shy away from its darkness - after all, her story is often referred to as Rape of Persephone - but she places some interesting twists on it that make this a book well worth reading.
The biggest change is probably that of Persephone herself, shifting her from the realm of rape and into that of dubious consent. She is a real girl here, with real passions, trapped in a confusing situation that she is not mature enough to handle. As infatuated as she is with Aidon (Hades), and as much as she wants him to claim her virginity, she is angry with him, and fights his taking of her. Afterwards, however, she makes the important distinction that it was not his taking of her that amounted to rape, but his leaving her afterward. I loved that she was elevated above mere victim here, and thought it was interesting to see her granted control over her fate here, choosing to eat of the pomegranate rather than being tricked into it.
Less of a change and more of an addition is the aggressive sexuality of Aidon. He is angry and dark, a violently passionate lover who puts the S&M into BDSM. It makes for an uncomfortable read at times, and I can see how some readers might have an issue with that issue of dubious consent, but I think Darcy did a fantastic job of making him more than the rapist and trickster the original myths would have us believe. I would hardly call their relationship a romance, but it is sensual, erotic, and approaches a happily-ever-after rather than sad tragedy.
One last comment, I loved the inclusion of Charon as a character. I was not expecting his presence, but it is rather fitting that the ferryman be there to ease our passage into the Underworld.
Summer Maiden: Persephone's Fall is a book that is probably best appreciated by those familiar with the original myth, but that is no reason to hesitate. Give the original myth a quick read on Wikipedia if you have to, so you can understand how and where it is flawed, and you will better appreciate how Darcy has chiselled away at some of those flaws and given Persephone her due.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
That is precisely what Eva Darcy has done with Summer Maiden: Persephone's Fall.
Next to the stories of Hermaphroditus and Agdistis/Attis/Cybele, that of Persephone is probably my favorite. Darcy follows the original myth fairly closely, and does not shy away from its darkness - after all, her story is often referred to as Rape of Persephone - but she places some interesting twists on it that make this a book well worth reading.
The biggest change is probably that of Persephone herself, shifting her from the realm of rape and into that of dubious consent. She is a real girl here, with real passions, trapped in a confusing situation that she is not mature enough to handle. As infatuated as she is with Aidon (Hades), and as much as she wants him to claim her virginity, she is angry with him, and fights his taking of her. Afterwards, however, she makes the important distinction that it was not his taking of her that amounted to rape, but his leaving her afterward. I loved that she was elevated above mere victim here, and thought it was interesting to see her granted control over her fate here, choosing to eat of the pomegranate rather than being tricked into it.
Less of a change and more of an addition is the aggressive sexuality of Aidon. He is angry and dark, a violently passionate lover who puts the S&M into BDSM. It makes for an uncomfortable read at times, and I can see how some readers might have an issue with that issue of dubious consent, but I think Darcy did a fantastic job of making him more than the rapist and trickster the original myths would have us believe. I would hardly call their relationship a romance, but it is sensual, erotic, and approaches a happily-ever-after rather than sad tragedy.
One last comment, I loved the inclusion of Charon as a character. I was not expecting his presence, but it is rather fitting that the ferryman be there to ease our passage into the Underworld.
Summer Maiden: Persephone's Fall is a book that is probably best appreciated by those familiar with the original myth, but that is no reason to hesitate. Give the original myth a quick read on Wikipedia if you have to, so you can understand how and where it is flawed, and you will better appreciate how Darcy has chiselled away at some of those flaws and given Persephone her due.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
January 3, 2019
This was an interesting retelling of the tale of Persephone. Definitely more enjoyable if you know a bit about mythology, this is is an intriguing re-imagining of an ageless story.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews