Unrest brews among gods and mortals alike when Hades makes a deal with the Fates to end his loneliness in the Underworld. But when Persephone proposes to conspire with him in a plot against Demeter, things get out of hand.
Find out the truth of how Hades and Persephone met and fell in love and the impact it had on the rest of the pantheon in the throes of the Trojan War. Learn how their children--Hypnos, Thanatos, Megaera, Tisiphone, Alecto, and Melinoe--came into being. Discover why they were assigned their respective duties as Sleep, Death, the Furies, and the goddess of ghosts. Find out the real reason why the Olympians possessed such profound disdain for these Underworld gods.
This prequel to The Gatekeeper's Saga is more than a retelling of the Persephone myth. Many more of the ancient myths are woven together to reveal the conflict, tension, and relationships among the gods in one of the most beloved pantheons in human history.The Gatekeeper's Bride can be read before or after The Gatekeeper's Saga.
Eva Pohler is a USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels in multiple genres, including mysteries, thrillers, and young adult paranormal romance based. Her books have been described as "addictive" and "sure to thrill"--Kirkus Reviews.
Given the high ratings and praise, I'd have expected this book to deliver something better than the rubbish story it did. Like most atempts at retelling the Hades & Persephone myth, this lands in one of the two extremes authors go to park their car in an effort to deal with the "problematic" storyline in a manner that pleases modern audiences: they either tamper with the abduction/non-consensual portions or they embrace it and rework it into a tale for the kinky market.
Pohler's is the first position. And it's so poorly retold that it's not the same story beyond the fact that Hades and Persephone end up together. It takes too long to list all the ways this book got it wrong, so I'll just name the main issues: the author's made their relationship fully and completely consensual, to the point they meet several times before the abduction and it's Persephone who begs Hades to go with him instead of him outright taking her against her will as per every Classical source in existence. Secondly, it's profoundly inaccurate history-wise, from the too modern language to the mentality to the shallow setting. The book may please some in the romance readership, but for me it's been another failed retelling of this myth.
This one create a mess in my head. Or should I say it create questions in the things I know about mythology during my childhood days. (Until I read the disclaimer at the back).
Its a good read, though its a fiction of mythology or a writers point of view about the mythology. But for a prequel it's too long. It can pass as a new novel or a supplement novel of the series. Some chapters can be deleted or can be cut off but some chapters can be combine to one chapter. (But I'm not the writer. Lol).
The story tell us the beginning of the everlasting love of Persephone to Hades and vice versa. Their children stories and beginnings - the furies, Hypnos and Thanatos. (Like what I told you its a fiction of mythology, it will mess in your head).
3 stars because the world has many problems, this book just add some. Thank you for the mess and see you at the next ride.
What an enticing prequel to Pohler’s Gatekeeper’s Saga. She returns to the underworld with the same flair and solid writing that I’ve come to know and love from her. I like how this twist on Greek mythology was put in a historical context, allowing history buffs an inside track while also creating a story that readers of all ages will love. The way that the demigods and their quests are portrayed made me laugh. It was mythology with a twist. That said, this twist never negated the realities that were.
Pohler allows readers to see Hades as a real person. I enjoyed seeing what shaped him in his earlier years. I liked getting to know not only how he thinks, but also what he looks like. Persephone’s adventures revealed a great deal about the world in which Pohler’s characters thrive. They also allowed Persephone’s heart to shine through. I fell in love with her just as Hades did.
Demeter’s views on the world were intriguing, and explained many of Persephone’s actions and reactions. That said, I know I really shouldn’t hate one of the god(desse)s, but I seriously can’t tolerate Demeter. I really enjoyed the way that Pohler can develop a character that I dislike so much, without detracting from the story. It added an extra dimension to the plot for me.
This novel is definitely Greek mythology with a kick. It was a fun & exciting story that I couldn’t get enough of. I’d recommend it to readers one & all.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
It seems downloading books from Amazon just because they are free AND not dropping them like hot potatoes once you realize they are not what you hoped they would be is... one of my many faults.
I am a fan of all Mythologies, whether it´s Greek or Norse or Egyptian etc.
This, I was not a fan of. For several reasons. But I want to mention here only one: how the mythology was portrayed.
It is not the fact the author changed it to suit her needs - it´s that she focused too much on the "gods and goddesses are the worse of human traits". This seemed like a really harsh reality for everyone involved. You must remember this was once an integral part of a great culture - they did not believe in stupid things, really, they did not. I took a class on Ancient Greek Myths and this is not what I was taught about how this works.
- the goddesses - everyone one of them, were pathetic, freaking afraid of their own shadows, so "traumatized" by being swallowed by a Titan they now act like 12, no, 7 years old girls that can hold a grudge like a pro. Hera was especially terrible and her extreme jealousy seemed EXTREME which brings me to...
-Zeus and his infidelity, yeah, yeah, I know, everyone likes to make a whore of him and not in the neutral or nice sense of the word. And it´s such a RUBBISH - as the expert in this field on our university explained it, Zeus was The Guy for many groups of people at that time, as in, many smaller groups of people in Greece took Zeau as their own little deity and assigned him some unique properties and, naturally, they gave him a bride! So when people tried to merge these smaller beliefs of certain groups into the bigger one, Zeus was suddenly saddled with a LOT of women. He was no womanizer. He was the most important guy out there. So making Hera the de facto victim - the jealous wife, is, especially in this book, really infuriating me. Why can´t we get Hera to be kind and compassionate? Hell, put them in an open relationship, or make them swingers, whatever, just give them, for once, a harmonious relationship, that may look unusual but is not simply about Zeus being a pervert and Hera impersonating the modern and ancient concept of a harpy. - The End - that really screwed it up for me. The majority of the book was like... okay. Like, sure, why not. It seemed like everything the book build was completely swept away because the author needed to set a beginning for her other books. And it showed. And it was terrible. The 90% and 10% felt like different books. It was like: well, I wanna write a prequel. *writes a prequel, forget she is making the whole book just a setup*. No! How can I explain my new order? *absolutely twists the narrative so it somehow explains why are things how they are*. The final moments really drove in the point of how wrong the gods are, in this book. It was just... NO. Just, NO.
I did give it four stars - written well enough, researched without going to tedious adherence to detail. But, it is kind of a downer. Have not read the rest of the series to know if it sticks with the 'life isn’t fair' theme.
Unrest brews among gods and mortals alike when Hades makes a deal with the Fates to end his loneliness in the Underworld. But when Persephone proposes to conspire with him in a plot against Demeter, things get out of hand.
Find out the truth of how Hades and Persephone met and fell in love and the impact it had on the rest of the pantheon in the throes of the Trojan War. Learn how their children--Hypnos, Thanatos, Megaera, Tisiphone, Alecto, and Melinoe--came into being. Discover why they were assigned their respective duties as Sleep, Death, the Furies, and the goddess of ghosts. Find out the real reason why the Olympians possessed such profound disdain for these Underworld gods. This prequel to The Gatekeeper's Saga is more than a retelling of the Persephone myth. Many more of the ancient myths are woven together to reveal the conflict, tension, and relationships among the gods in one of the most beloved pantheons in human history.The Gatekeeper's Bride can be read before or after The Gatekeeper's Saga, but readers might find more enjoyment from it after having met the characters by reading the saga first.
Heather's Notes I liked this story, right until the very end. Then Hades and Persephone end up unhappy, and sad...for centuries. I don't even know if it ends, because to find out you have to read the series. I am not sure I want to read the series, so this ending really made me unhappy. The series is actually about the children. I would want to read it from Hades and Persephone's perspective. I also dislike the fact a lot of it could have been avoid, if Persephone had just told her mom the truth. Yes, I get it is based on mythology but considering the other things the author changed, she could have changed that too. Also why didn't Hades tell the other gods about the other part of her vision. I don't think that the true villain was not caught. I disliked the end enough the rest of the book just cannot make up for it. I also didn't like the way the kids were changed, the sins of the father should not fall on the children, and I think more of the gods would have gotten that. Plus several of the gods liked the children. I think they would have put up more of a fight about the punishment. I still don't know if I will read more in this series or not. I do know that I will be thoroughly investigating any further stories by this author to verify the ending before I read them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’ve read the Underworld series and have to say, I think I’m glad I saved this one for last. Of course, it would be good before the series also. I have gotten so attached to this couple and their children. It’s hard to write a review without spoiling the parts in the series about the couple. We learn more about how this all turns out in the other books. I was very moved by how much in love Persephone and Hades were then a tragic deed is done to Persephone and Hades gets the blame. But is he guilty? The evidence seems pretty clear. Persephone isn’t sure and when her children are affected, she can’t help but seem to become sort of distant to him. And with gods and goddesses surrounding you it seems hopeless. After all, they can be so harsh and wicked.
If you like audiobooks, pick this one up. The narrator is wonderful and very talented with the voices.
"Hades decided to pray to the Fates. He prayed to them every day. His request? Bring me change. Anything is better than this".
I adore this particular myth. Mostly, this book's treatment of it is fascinating. It does take a lot of liberties. I would have thought that was fun, if not for the agonizingly sad ending to what had thus far been a fittingly dark, but optimistic love story. I am led to understand this to be a set up for a following modern story, but leaving the characters so broken is a bit much for me, especially in a otherwise sweet, teenager friendly version.
This was a quick and easy read--a prequel story to a series. I picked it up free because it looked interesting.
It is basically a romantic retelling of Greek mythology about Hades and Persephone, although the author takes many liberties for the sake of her story line--which is fine with me. The big mystery at the heart of the book is never solved, which is frustrating.
The book is simply written, as for a middle-school audience, and the characters are basic. There are no graphic bedroom or battle scenes . . . however, the subject matter is largely adult. As in, this is Greek mythology, with amoral gods, goddesses, and humans, and the Greek/Trojan War.
A freebie book that exceeded my expectations. I've always liked Greek mythology and the way Eva Pohler tells the story of Hades and Persephone was both heart warming and heart breaking. The hint of what's to come in the next book has me eager to start it.
I've always like the retelling of myths and stories, especially anything to do with the Greek Gods. The mixing and retelling of Persephone is very fascinating and a fun read.
I love Greek Mythology and I was so happy when I found this series that I had to read the first book right away. This is the story about Hades and his love for Persephone. Of course this isn’t the real story but it was still fun to read. Lots of ups and downs and a different spin on how Demeter treated Persephone and how she was so tired of her mother smothering her all the time! I’m sad it’s over!!
I really love Persephone because I truly love Hades and I love how Eva brought them together along with their family. Hades and Persephone do go through their own trials with their family that make them the gods they are but love how they came together.
I love the Underworld Saga. I'm pleasantly pleased with this addition. She's gotten me rooting for Hades. I couldn't put it down. The story was enchanting to read.
The Gatekeeper's Bride Blurb: This is the story of how Hades and Persephone met, became lovers, and bore godlings into being. An odd little romp through Greek mythos. Trigger Warnings: Bastardization of Culture, Bastardization of Mythology, Blood, Bullying, Death, Food, Gore, Murder, Non-Consensual Sex, Off Screen Infidelity, Off Screen Sex, Plot Holes the Size of a Canadian Province, Sexual Assault, Toxic Masculinity, Violence, Violent Imagery, War Body Count: Oodles, he's the God of Death The Specs: • Series o Series Name: Gatekeeper Saga o Book Number: 0 • Genre o Technical Genre: Teen and Young Adult Greek and Roman Myths and Legends, Teen and Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy o Theo Genre: Mythology Rewrite, Greek and Roman Mythology, YA Fantasy • Page count: 289 pages/2036 KB • POV: Limited 1st • Publication information: o Publisher: Amazon Digital Services o Language: English o ASIN: B01AFT7MF6 Other Fun Stuff: To Read or Not To Read (Again): Furniture Support Rating out of five: 1.0 out of 5 Representation, Morality, and Sexism Tests: • Bechdel–Wallace Test: o Purpose: to establish actual female characters that act independently of male characters in a story. Do two female characters talk about something other than a male character? No o Pass or Fail: Fail • DuVernay Test: o Purpose: to establish characters of color in a story. Are there fully actualized characters of color? No o Pass or Fail: Fail • Ellen Willis Test: o Purpose: to show balance in characters regardless of gender. Would two related characters still work to carry the story if their genders were reversed? Yes o Pass or Fail: Pass • Hays Code Test: o Purpose: to ignore outdated and queer-degrading/punishing standards that once were the standard for produced mass media. o Part One: outdated moral guidelines Are there any outdated "moral content" rules gloriously kicked in the teeth by this story? Are there people of color allowed a happy ending? Is there an interracial couple? Is there profanity used at all? Is there one or more homicidal acts and/or murder? o Part Two: queer representation Are there queer characters that get a happy ending? Is there an illegal or otherwise distasteful age gap between characters, queer or otherwise? Do the queer characters die tragically, violently, or at all? o Pass or Fail: Fail • Mako Mori Test: o Purpose: to assure that in the story there is at least one female character independent of a male character's story. Is there a female character? Yes Does she get her own arc? No Does it do anything other than serve to support a man’s story? No o Pass or Fail: Fail • Sexy Lamp Test: o Purpose: to assure that a female character in the story serves as an active protagonist, not just a device to be used by the male main character. Would the plot fall apart if the female character was replaced by a sexy looking lamp? Maybe? o Post-It Note Caveat: Would the character be able to be replaced by a Sexy Lamp with a sticky note on it for information conveyance? No o Pass or Fail: Half-Pass • Tauriel Test: o Purpose: to help support the existence of competent, independent female characters regardless of a romantic sub-plot. Is there at least one woman in the story? Is this woman competent in her chosen occupation and not immediately shown up by a newcomer male character? If she has or develops a love interest during the story, either implied or explicitly stated, does she suddenly abandon her job and/or chosen path to support or pursue said love interest? o Pass or Fail: Fail • Vito Russo Test: o Purpose: to establish more characters that are on the SAGA (Sexuality And Gender Acceptance), QTPOC (Queer and Trans People of Color) or LGBTQIAP+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual/Biromantic/Bigender, Transgender, Queer/Genderqueer, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic/Agender, Pansexual/Panromantic, and others not listed here) spectrum. Is there a character on the queer spectrum? Are they a character beyond their orientation? Do they actually affect the plot? Is the character something beyond a punchline? o Pass or Fail: Fail Overall review: Thoughts: Tepid retelling of the classic myth. Literally so strangely written I squinted at least four times in confusion. There are formatting errors in the book itself, font issues and the like, which make it hard to read. I would not read this again, though I would give the author another chance. Was it engaging? At times Favorite Character: Hermes Review format updated 4 June 2019
This is one of the best interpretations I have read about the love story between Hades, God of the underworld, and Persephone, daughter of Demeter. We get to see the possessiveness of Demeter who was curbing the chance of an adult independent life for Persephone who she loved but stifled, so much so that Persephone did her utmost to escape her mother's clutches and happened upon Hades. He in turn did not even know a mother's love, and was desperate for companionship, having lived for eons in the underworld with just Charon, Hermes and his beloved Cerberus for company. Hades immediately fell in love, but thought that he was not deserving of someone like Persephone. However their love grew, but it was built on a massive lie, which Demeter never forgave Hades for and tried to subotage her daughter's relationship whenever she could. The Fates had told Hades he would take Persephone for his wife and the Fates where never wrong. During the great turmoil of the Trojan wars, whilst all the gods on Mount Olympus were taking sides and interfering in the lives of humans, our couple are trying to keep out of the intricacies and building their family. I loved Hades story, it is heartbreaking considering what a good and kind god he was, and that all he wanted was to live in peace, carrying out his duties as god of the underworld, and enjoying his wife and kids. I really hate Zeus the allfather who is a cheater, and has no respect for anyone especially the women he uses to sate his sexual appetites. This is a story all readers who love Greek myth and tales of the Pantheon should not miss reading.
I love Greek mythology and retellings of the myths always draw my attention. This book was alright, and despite its flaws I am still interested in reading the continuation of the author's Gatekeeper series. My biggest issues with this book are the writing, which is largely childish, and the excessive history and add-ins about myths. It almost seemed like the author was trying to pack in as much information about Greek mythology as possible, whether it fit with the story or not. If I didn't know any better, I would guess that this story was a highschooler's short story project for a class about Greek myths. The thing that saves the story slightly is the characterization of Hades and Persephone. I could have done without the faux feminine outrage that cropped up occasionally and seemed to be underdeveloped at best, but the ideas were solid. This read like a sort of intro to Greek myths book, which I think is slightly pandering considering the target audience is 13-year-olds. I would say the writing is maybe 1.5 stars and the story is about 2, but the fact that it's a Greek myth retelling and the premise kept me intrigued enough to finish gave it an additional star. 3/5, definitely not the worst book I've read, but very unrefined and in need of some serious editing.
I received this book to read on the premise I give an honest review. Here it goes! This book was a fantastic and entertaining read. I really loved how she tied in the conception of Hades and Persephone's relationship, into what is gleamed throughout The Gatekeeper's Saga. Ms. Pohler's version of how it happened is my favorite retelling. Like any great Greek story it has it's exciting moments, and moments of tragedy. One thing I greatly enjoyed was how she wove them through a few other stories. It was like taking a backstage view of the goings-on of what I read in high school literature class during the section of Greek Mythology nearly everyone has to take. A few bits of "creative license" was used here and there. But that just helped the story flow and make them all better. Just remember; Hades is always misunderstood and picked on, Zeus is a sleazy horn-dog with no limits to his depravity, and Hera is a conniving jealous harpy, and then you'll understand the building blocks of most Myth stories surrounding the gods, including this one!
As it says at the beginning of the book if you have not read The Gatekeeper's Son Saga you could start with this as it give a little more in site to the children of the Underworld. I had already read the saga and was able to follow along what happens in The Gatekeeper's Bride. Eva brings another side to Hades that most authors don't do. Every other time o read about him he is an evil God and I have never seen him that way. I have always like Hades and what he does. In this story you learn how he and his wife got together. I'm so pleased that it was by far better than any other way for them to get married, love and become great parents. If you love Greek Mythology pick up this Saga and get ready for the excitement of your life. You won't be let down at all. Tons of greatness through the story.
This series starter/prequel was the perfect way to get in the Greek mythology mood. Though there are some creative liberties that take place in this story, I felt that despite that it truly felt like the myths that we all know and love. In addition I loved the ties to the iliad and the odyssey from the gods' perspective and how that occurred. In addition, I truly think if you want to read this series from Eva Pohler to read this story first before Gatekeepers' sons because I felt this gave me a fantastic foundation to help understand where the sons come from etc. My only qualm I guess I would have rather had the 1st person perspective alternate with hades and persephone's pov but of course that is just personal taste. Because of these points I have to give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars I am truly excited to read the rest of the series and excited to see what Eva Pohler does next.
Eva Pohler seems to have written a number of well-received YA books based around Greek mythology retellings. I discovered this prequel (#0 of the Underworld Saga) as a free eBook. Finally got around to reading it and almost wish I hadn’t. Some prequels seem to exist simply for the author’s own whims. This one lacked structure, the plot was flaky at best. It was clearly meant to set up The Gatekeeper Saga, which has favourable reviews. I might give those books a chance! First of all, I already know the characters which are familiar gods, goddesses, titans, and their offspring. Secondly, I have to hope that the plot and suspense will be better developed in the actual saga. Thirdly, I’m curious about the author’s allusions to sexism and rights of female goddesses. Perhaps her re-tellings will be familiar stories with more progressive explanations!
This was a freebie from Amazon. The prequel to the series. I thought it would be a interesting take on the Hades/Persephone saga. In a way it was, but it wasn't a great story.
The Greek & Roman gods are jealous, vindictive, petty & incestuous. Persephone actually marries Hades, her uncle. There's side stories dealing with Cupid & Demeter. Hades does some dumb things. There's a huge lack of communication between a lot of characters. The language is more modern than ancient. The dialogue is stiff. The end of the story is depressing & there's no resolution to what happened with Persephone's rape & the child she bore too early. Hades & his children are punished, but Persephone never confronts her mother or the rest of the gods with their choices. Not going on with series since I have better reading to do!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I got this free on Bookbub and that was the only reason I read it. I know it's aimed at a younger audience or probably someone with a passing knowledge of Greek mythology, neither of which describes me, but I did quite like the whimsical narrative of people being eaten by their parents and growing up in their bellies and the way they can god-travel and conjure up magical objects and even I realise someone had it in for Hades and knocked up Persephone. The plotting and conniving was also well thought out with some humour like dressing Poseidon's horses up and the children being born and flying away to their allotted purpose without greeting their mother. Bad choice of name for the last one, Melinoe sounds like skin cancer but it probably describes her best sobeit. An entertaining read and quite happy I read it.
It’s an interesting retelling of the story of the Greek gods and their children. It claims to be written for the middle school age audience but it speaks a little more freely about lovemaking/child creation than I expected. It also reads like Persephone is a very young girl who Hades marries. It does skip through portions of their story over the years. I liked it overall. But I’m not going looking for the rest of the books in the series. If you are looking for a retelling that more closely matches traditional “personalities” of the gods I would recommend the Percy Jackson series instead. If you’re looking for an interesting love story with god drama then this one might fit the bill.
A very interesting, well written read. This is a which reimagining of the Persephone and Greek myth, we see Hades his earlier years and get a better understanding of his character. We also see Persephone’s adventures which I also loved. I fell I love with these character which is what often what happens when I read Pohlers books. Overall I would highly recommend for anyone looking to read a great reimagining of the Persephone and Greek or if you have read the other books in the Gatekeeper’s Saga.
Hades always got a bad rap in today’s society. He isn’t Satan, but more like Paul at the Pearly Gates. He directs souls of the dead to whatever area they need the most. Just trying to what’s best for the dead’s afterlife. Here we get a glimpse into what his family life could have possibly been like. We know he loves Persephone because he allows her to spend half of her time at Mount Olympus. Only a loving husband would be willing to his wife’s happiness before his own. Even if not true to the ancients it is still an insightful and pleasing story.
I wasn't sure how to rate The Gatekeeper's Bride. On the one hand it was very well done. The way the myths weave in and out, painting a whole picture that makes the different parts make sense was unlike any other myth retelling I have read before. On the other hand I was so frustrated at Hades treatment that I had a hard time enjoying this book. Greek mythology has always been hard for me to read because of how selfish the characters are and this book is no exception. But still, it's well done.
You ever have one of those books that are hard to get into? Then you get into it and don't want it to stop! That's this book for me! Very well written and even though some of the God's are a little different from what you have read before it works so well. Hades loved Persephone and his children...it also shows him as a just God...one who knew right from wrong and did a good job. Definitely recommend this book.
It's been awhile since I visited the world of the Gatekeeper as written by Eva Pohler. I loved this story about Hades and Persephone. It is well written and exciting. There is lots of action and the storyline moves along gracefully. This can be read as the first book, or at any point during reading the Gatekeeper's series she has written. Eva is very creative and her love of Greek Mythology is evident.