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At the Academy of the Gods, winner takes all and the games are about to begin.

The name’s Kore, daughter of Demeter, crown goddess of spring, but you can call me Kory.

Along with my invitation to attend the elite Olympus Academy where all the top deities send their brats for training, comes the news that I’m betrothed to Hades, tall, dark and brooding god of the underworld.

I’d much rather be Queen Bee of my girl gang back home, slinging Panaceas to spoiled rich Olympians, but I have three years to enjoy my life before I’m ruling the denizens of hell at Hades’ side and I refuse to waste it making him look good.

Turns out, my betrothed has a gang of his own. The Triad, made up of Hades, Loki and Fenrir, rules the school and they expect me to bow down like everyone else.

Sure, Janus. Cue eyeroll.

The three of them share everything, and when I humiliate Hades my first night at the Academy by making the tiniest immortal faux pas, their lust turns to cruelty and they start to edge in on my side hustle, but that’s fine with me. Four can play at that game.

This is the first book in the Academy of the Gods series, a Paranormal Bully Academy Romance retelling of Hades and Persephone. Slow burn, all characters are 18+.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2019

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1176 people want to read

About the author

River Ramsey

25 books15 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
Profile Image for Marguerite (M).
767 reviews654 followers
September 21, 2023
Rating: 4.5 stars

I keep saying I am not into bully romance, and really, I am not, but I loved loved loved the book!

Dark Gods is a reverse harem paranormal version of Hana Yori Dango, except that we have a godly Triad instead of F4. Like in Hana Yori Dango, the big bosses only supervise the bullying and let their minions do the dirty work. To be honest, they don't really have to ask as 99% of the students worship the ground they walk on. Gods worshiping gods, that's how the world goes.

Dark Gods is also a retelling of the tale of Hades and Persephone, but it does not go much further than the names and a future underworld wedding. Hades did not fall in love with Persephone and kidnap her to be his Bride and Demeter does not pamper her little girl like an uber mama-bear; Demeter is probably glad to have gotten rid of her and Hades cannot stand her. Instead of a creepo stalkery kidnapping dude, we get a bratty sociopath version of Hades and two of his cronies to complete his Triad: Fenrir and Loki did not have much time to be developed yet.

What I particularly loved about the book was Kory. Kory was effing badass and strong, too hotheaded and impulsive to really be a smart character but with too much backbone to contain. Joining the Olympus Academy wasn't her idea and she is in way over her head; she is the bullying victim for the semester, she learns secret about her lineage that seem to be quite well guarded, she knows nothing on how the God Council work and has to deal with a destiny she knows nothing about, powers she doesn't really understand and maybe -maybe- some lingering problems due do having her drug operation busted back in Manhattan. If a girl has her plate full, that's her, but she somehow manages to keep adding food on it every now and then.

Dark Gods was far too fast for my liking. I really enjoyed it and I cannot wait to read the next one, and, well, get some romance and grovelling going on!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

You might also like:
+ Magic Trials
+ Surviving Year One



booked.unicorn
Profile Image for Sally.
42 reviews15 followers
July 8, 2021
It has M/M relationship and didn't warns. It was a good story.

It always feels such a sexism to find a Reverse Harem with M/M romantic involvement. I never came across a Harem, even in Anime, where the male character has to deal with his girls over each other.

I don't know who likes this, no girl fantasies about her guy with another guy, i mean maybe someone does (big world, lots of people). But is not common enough to make my struggle trying to escape this narrative realistic or plausible. If you want to make a gay book, you do you, i'm not homophobic and for so long i restrain myself from saying anything because of the fear of coming across as one. But this is BS.

I can't imagine a gay man reading this and finding amazing to have a "representation" as background story, barely there, of a woman centered book. Used as a justification as why her polyamory works. This is also homophobic.

In a woman centered book, why can't she just be the center and done. Is like man harem are very realistic, so there is no need to put " more reasons" for the woman be with him in a polyamory relationship. But when is reverse, is not realistic enough, so they have to also share each other. That's not a Reverse Harem, that's just a Harem with the woman POV.

I know bisexuality should have a place, and be respected. Although, Gay men don't like of the idea of his man with a woman, and vice versa. It's so complicated for bis in real life, such a struggle. So why anyone thought it will be a nice trend in books for female public? The only answer i have is sexism.

Why this topic is getting this amount of space in woman stories? Don't we have enough sexism already? When a space just for us will be just for us? Can bisexuals create their own space? Force gay men topics in woman books will not make anyone sympathetic. I really doubt heterosexual men find struggle running from gay woman in the middle of their love stories, so it only works against woman and never in their favor.

At least warns us! Part of my anger is that i lost time with this shit.

BTW i like Yaoi, but it is implied, and boys stays with boys, this is not the same thing.

Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].
1,432 reviews3,762 followers
August 13, 2019
This book was actually surprisingly great. Against all odds, I've discovered two new GOOD authors two days in a row! This almost never happens to me.

At first I was wary when I discovered the book features Hades, since I'm a huge Hades/Persephone shipper, but then I learnt the heroine IS Persephone so that was perfectly alright. This Persephone (or Kore, her Greek name) is a pretty funny badass with a smart mouth that hasn't irritated me yet, which is a win. The bullying is extremely minimal and the burn is slow.

One final note: there's a sexual scene with an OM (yes, you read that right) who won't be part of Kore's harem. I enjoyed this role reversal from the usual OW drama but stay away if you only want the heroine to be intimate with harem members.

[Blog] - [Bookstagram]

 photo c l i m b C2A0e v e r y C2A0m o u n t a i n 2_zpsykn9gbgr.png
Profile Image for Brianna Belbin.
478 reviews15 followers
November 16, 2020
This was an awesome start to a new series and such a twist on mythology! After getting busted for selling Panacea, the wonder drug, Kore, aka Persephone, is sent off to Atlantis for Olympus Academy. She’s been pushing it off for as long as she could because she didn’t want to meet or be near her dreaded betrothed, Hades, and he’s worse than she thought he could be. He’s part of the academy’s triad along with Loki and Fenrir and they rule the school. I love that Kore doesn’t take anyone’s crap and knows how to stand up for herself even if she puts her foot in her mouth many, many times. Her friendship with Dionysus is perfect, but even though she doesn’t think anything more will come from it, I hope it does. I liked watching her slow, but growing relationships with the triad form and I can’t wait for it to become a complete harem. The gods and goddesses in this book are on different timelines and not how you know them to be. I enjoyed all of the twists and turns, secrets, snarky banter, and this unique portrayal of Greek and Norse mythology in a modern setting.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,796 reviews30 followers
July 24, 2019
Too short and so good. Took a while to get into but I’m finding that with all bully romances. Once it gets going, it’s a fast build with a lot going on. A mix of Greek and Norse gods at school. The story is interesting and I’m already craving the next one.

Multiple POVs which made me happy. Mainly focuses on Hades. I can’t tell if I like the guys or not, they’re a complicated trio.

Kory was kick ass and nice to see she has some thorns. You wouldn’t say she’s Persephone, trouble and gives as good as she gets. Great start with so many questions left unanswered.
Profile Image for Bec.
603 reviews80 followers
September 9, 2019
This is a retelling of Hades and Persephone and it was a miss for me. The biggest issue I had right from the start is that these are all Gods and Goddesses so they really shouldn't get impressed by things like basic magic i.e. the doors opening on their own... This is set in a modern era but I thought it was pretty odd that she didn't think there is a name for her nature magic, especially since she was raised by her mother... There was just a lot of inconsistencies like that and I just couldn't get into the story.
Profile Image for Jessica *The Lovely Books*.
1,265 reviews650 followers
July 20, 2019
I love when a book surprises me. I’ll be honest and say that I saw that author offering up arcs for a paranormal bully romance. That’s all I saw! I’m a sucker for a bully romance and this one didn’t disappoint in the least. On top of that deliciousness, this is a retelling of Hades and Persephone. Greek mythology, Norse gods, and reverse harem? I’m here for it.

Kore, aka Persephone, is one of the spunkiest and coolest characters I’ve read this year. I loved her sass and how she didn’t take any crap from anyone. Especially not the elusive and dickish, Hades, and his boys; Loki and Fenrir. Hades is hot...no pun intended. I can’t help but love the jerks and he’s a huge one. The moment Kore steps in the academy and makes a fool of him, she’s the target of a longtime tradition.

Kore won’t go down without a fight and Hades wasn’t really anticipating that kind of fight from her. When I say I loved the banter and the plot (which was perfectly paced) it means I think you will too. The bully romance genre can at times feel stifling and repetitive. I’m happy to say that Dark Gods holds its own. It’s the first in a series but it’s totally worth it and doesn’t end on a terrible cliffy. I know how much some hate those. If you’re looking to feed your addiction with the latest academy bully book, look no further!

*Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for 4foxsake.
892 reviews14 followers
August 4, 2019
Great bully Romance book!

I enjoyed this authors book and writing. It was a bit of a slow burn but witty and intriguing - and definitely not the standard ‘gods/goddess’ trope. Will definitely read the next book!
Profile Image for Millie.
1,013 reviews34 followers
December 26, 2019
It was an ok start (a bit short) but if you want to play with Greek mythology, you better write something epic, filled with drama, betrayal and lust because Greek gods don't play fair.
I liked Kore, she was funny and badass, and I loved Dionysus.
Not a huge fan of The Triad.
Profile Image for ROMEOISNOTFUNNY.
813 reviews13 followers
June 29, 2025
FMC is 18 and not the usual Heroine, she could be on her way to running her own drug gang if she wasn't a teen Goddess and hadn't been caught and suddenly accepted into the academy Gods go to learn to be rulers, fighters or nurturers.... Also where the fiancé is, arranged not chosen.

Anyway, the book was entertaining, and the many guys around make me wonder if the blub is covering up more than 3 guys. Then again she has a moment with a guy who isn't in the soon-to-be harem. Talking about the harem, the guys are not the usual found brothers, instead, they are like those made boy bands, put together to be stronger. Even so, they have their own made bond, but there seem to be hidden motives that could pull them apart too. Their characters are pretty basic right now, alluring one, quiet inner beast and leader with more going on than no one knows, either way, he's an alpha hole. Basic and not exactly different so far.

There are lots of interesting things, interesting powers, relationships and then you add the bullying by declaring the FMC the rabbit to be hunted. It's an okay read. Two narrators but not a duel which is a shame.

There is spice, bullying, the power of God's and a murder. I think I will give the series a try one day. Book 1 is worth a read piqued my interest...but I'm in no hurry to finish the series.... happy to come back to this one

3.5 stars
Profile Image for Nerdy Housewifey.
445 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2019
Dark Gods is a very interesting take on the different Mythos we’ve all read about. The description doesn’t say anything about it being a reverse harem but it definitely read like one. I also would disagree with the ‘slow burn’ tag (just because intimate moments didn’t happen between the two main mc’s doesn’t mean they don’t happen).

So in this world all the gods exists and The Academy is like uni or a finishing school for them and their progeny. The set up kind of reminded me of Boys Over Flowers or Monochrome Shounen. A group of ‘elite’ guys deciding the fmc is the target or ‘rabbit’ and the rest of the school goes after them. It’s very well written and is a fairly quick read. I really enjoyed it and Kore the Mc, if it does end up being Rh I definitely plan on reading more of the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathy L..
801 reviews16 followers
July 20, 2019
Kora is one of my favorite heroines! I love that she doesn't let anyone walk all over her. She knows how to standup for herself, which is a relief since most heroines lately tend to give up so easily. Although she is betrothed to Hades, I sort of want her with Dionysus. I know she's assuming he doesn't swing her way, but I have my doubts. He should definitely be included in her little not-yet-but-will-be harem!! He's awesome! And Hades needs a kick in the rear. He is probably the most infuriating one of them all. He seems to still want to keep her as his future queen, but yet wants to bully her and allow the rest of the school to join in too. Loki and Fenrir are both strange but mysterious in a good way. I am hoping possessive Hades understands the importance of sharing...

This was a really great story with amazing characters! Loved every second of this, though the bullying was giving me anxiety.
I was so wrapped up in the story that I did not realized I reached the end until I read the words "The story continues in..." Yeah, I was a little disappointed when I reached the end. That ending left an ominous feeling...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ada.
455 reviews46 followers
August 29, 2019
Dark Gods sucked me in with it's promise of Hades and Persephone retelling and it was enough temptation to overlook the bully aspect of this book. The bullying thankfully doesn't feel emotionally draining with a tough FMC lead.

I was skeptical about this mixing of different pantheons. I just find it weird to have Greeks Gods with the Norse ones when there is plenty of stuff to explore separately itself. I didn't find that the mixing made sense other than the "council of Gods" thing but then again I would expect more than just two pantheons if it's a council. I feel like there needs to be an acceptable reason to have Loki and Fenrir with Hades on a mythological level, ya know?

Kore was one of those "badass" type heroine and her reactions to the bullying reflect that personality. It's better Kore is characterised way differently than the typical image you would expect when you think of Persephone otherwise it would have sucked to be stuck in her POV. Hades is the typical brooding dude you expect. I'm honestly not that wowed by the guys in this book. By the end, I felt like the guys had only guest starred with their direct presence lacking in scenes in a relatively short book. I mean Fenrir felt like a freaking cameo with only two tiny scenes. I just need more face-to-face interactions with the guys to feel they are more involved. I don't even know what is happening with Dionysus.

The plot itself is kinda basic but I'm intrigued by the brief mentions of Kore's future endeavours she would have to face. I find that more engaging than the whole academy stuff. I hope there is more exploring around her powers, parentage and her role in the grander scheme of things in the next books.
Profile Image for Soph .
246 reviews39 followers
August 4, 2019



I’m such a sucker.... just when I have hit my limit with academy books, just when I can’t read another bullyverse story of juvenile immature ridiculous stupidity ...: I dive straight in and devour the book and sit impatiently for the next one.

It ticked boxes ... I want the next book NOW.


4.5⭐️/5

Norse and Greek gods ✔️
Hades and Persephone story theme ✔️(happens to be one of my favourite stories)
Bullyverse✔️ (nothing actually really bad happens it’s pretty tame in the bully department)
Slow burn ✔️
Mysterious powers ✔️
MC is a goddess ✔️
Loved it 💜💜💜🧡🧡💛💚💛💛💙💙💙
Profile Image for Tamie-lee.
25 reviews10 followers
September 25, 2020
To begin with I found the gods quite jarring, as I was somehow expecting demigods as opposed to the actual Greek and Norse gods re-written as petty teenagers/adolescents in an academy setting. But the concept certainly grew on me.
It took a while for me to gel with the main character (Kore/Persephone) and there hasn't been a lot of character development yet that I've noticed. The characters just don't seem very well fleshed out, a bit one-dimensional. But it's the first book in the series, so hopefully there is some character development in the future that isn't just the stock-standard "bullies somehow fall in love/lust with protagonist and she immediately forgives them their shitty behaviour to jump in the sack." But I'm not holding out too much hope...
Profile Image for Siri.
1,219 reviews69 followers
July 31, 2019
3,5
interesting looking forward to the next one
Profile Image for Gundega (Rouzmary).
340 reviews90 followers
October 5, 2019
3.5* or 4*, can't decide.
But what I do know is this - my reaction after I finished it in one go:
whaaaat? The book is over already? Darn, it was way too short! Is the next one released??

(It really was too short. And thankfully the 2nd book was out, thou the 3rd is not T_T)

I was craving some fantasy academy setting and somehow came upon this book.
A new variation on Hades & Persephone's tale? Hmmm...
description

Thus, I went into it hopeful it'll be passable and good-ish, however, it took me by surprise - it's no gem, but it does have a shine!
I really liked, no - loved, this retelling and spin on the old tale and the Olympians. It's interesting. And I use the word interesting in it's original positive meaning.

It's on the border of YA/NA.
And I'm not sure I'd quite call it a reverse harem...doesn't quite give that feel to me.

But what I kinda loved the most? The FL's attitude regarding kissing/sex/etc. Or more like - the author's way of portraying it.
For once it's actually realistic. Like, whoa, could they even do that?
The girl was no overpriced virgin (thou she is a virgin...I think, but it doesn't even matter, and you'll see why) who thinks to save herself for true lurrrve or what not other bullshit AND neither was she a self-deprecating slut aka she likes sex, but thinks of herself automatically as a slut. Those are the 2 versions we usually get - either oh so pure virgin or a slut. And I hate that. That's so stupid, unrealistic and annoying.
Our FL is single. (the engagement doesn't count) Not in a relationship of any kind with anyone. And she has no problems with kissing one guy and some months later another...and that's perfectly normal! Things change. She's not going between them back and forth and has a reason - either like or attraction. And not like she's kissing them one after the other, it takes time and for feelings/attraction to change - perfectly normal!
She doesn't sleep around, but neither is she shy of kissing and stuff, nor does she slut shame other girls. I think I just might have a girl crush here.
Why do we not have more normal FL's with such attitude in modern literature?

Ahem.
So yes, I liked the books spin on Olympians and H&P tale (though it has only began), definitely love the attitude of the FL and am intrigued about the plot in general - there are secrets and I'm oh so curious what they are!
It has it's bullying and, sigh, I'm not even gonna go into it, because the book pretty much addresses it itself, sooo.
Do read it ;p

description



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Book 2 review: Wild Hunt
139 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2019
Look what's River Ramsey did y'all! This was a complete surprise release to me and for a Christmas in July, it was a goody!

I quite enjoy books about the gods on high and the many, often bordering-on-infantile and almost always bordering-on-incentuous interactions between them and I admit freely that I am not the best at keeping them straight - I'm the girl who lost the plot watching Disney's Hercules (pre Dwayne Johnson) coz I couldn't figure out who his mother was and what she did and when Zeus became so dedicated. But I digress.

As I was trying to say before I rudely interrupted myself,  is that I love the mythological history and the stories, especially when they are written in a way that makes them easy to follow and still manages to maintain the intrigue.

So this one is a bit of a potluck of mythological gems; Loki, Hades and Fenrir - whodathunkit???? And Thor! I'd say body of normal Thor and dad-bod Thor attitude and behavior. Tsk tsk...

Initially, I spent time going back and forth through the pages to acclimatise myself to the who's who and the who fits where so I could have a flowchart in my mind. This wasn't anything against the quality of the writing or any confusion about the story but rather was just about me and my grasp and interest because I didn't want to know anything just superficially.

I love these characters! I love the a-holey triad whom I find quite interesting individually; I so very much enjoyed Kore and everything about her smart and sassy attitude (she totally backs it up!); and I'm really finding the process of separating the wheat from the chaff in terms of secondary characters, very intriguing.

I am especially appreciative of the fact that I think I know what the mystery is but that I'm also pretty positive that I know nothing yet!

I look forward to book 2 in the series and all that it has to offer!
Profile Image for Emma Katherine.
271 reviews15 followers
July 27, 2019
Read my full review here: https://lifesanovelty.blogspot.com/20...



Opinions: If you haven't noticed from my other blocks of writing, I am thoroughly impressed with Dark Gods. It is a breakthrough and I expect it to become a bestseller. From the beginning, I was able to understand and connect with the characters, which is something I require for a book to be considered worthwhile. The conflict is evident and believable (for a YA fantasy novel) and the ending is lawless and electrifying. I am excited to read the next book when it comes out!

My Favourite Thing: This may be a cheesy or cheap answer, but I enjoyed reading the book. Not only was the story exciting, but the words Ramsey used to describe the excitement, the hostility, the disputes, etc. were appealing. She is also aware of Chekhov's Gun: each character had an important role, each location was used more than once, and every detail given contributed to the bigger picture. This was an easy read because it made sense: there were no random, useless characters, settings, or scenes.

My Least Favourite Thing: I can't really complain about this, it is just something I would like more of: time with the Triad! We got a lot of time with Hades, but what about Loki, Fenrir, and honorary Triad member Thor? They were my favourite characters because they were powerful, authoritarian, and seductive. I hope we get more time with these characters in the sequel!

Per FTC regulations, please know that I received this title for free for review from the original author, the publisher, publicist, or a third party. I am honest in my reviews, meaning the fact I received the book for free does not alter the rating I give it.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,783 reviews72 followers
July 27, 2019
At the Academy of the Gods, winner takes all and the games are about to begin.
The name’s Kore, daughter of Demeter, crown goddess of spring, but you can call me Kory.
Along with my invitation to attend the elite Olympus Academy where all the top deities send their brats for training, comes the news that I’m betrothed to Hades, tall, dark and brooding god of the underworld.
I’d much rather be Queen Bee of my girl gang back home, slinging Panaceas to spoiled rich Olympians, but I have three years to enjoy my life before I’m ruling the denizens of hell at Hades’ side and I refuse to waste it making him look good.
Turns out, my betrothed has a gang of his own. The Triad, made up of Hades, Loki and Fenrir, rules the school and they expect me to bow down like everyone else.
Sure, Janus. Cue eyeroll.
The three of them share everything, and when I humiliate Hades my first night at the Academy by making the tiniest immortal faux pas, their lust turns to cruelty and they start to edge in on my side hustle, but that’s fine with me. Four can play at that game.
This is the first book in the Academy of the Gods series, a Paranormal Bully Academy Romance. Slow burn, all characters are 18+.

This is a brilliant read.
The novel has a new take on Hades and Persephone; which I loved!
Best of all we have more demi gods,shifters and greek mythology.
Loved the world building in this.
Wonderful characters that have been created and can't wait to see them grow.
Amazing plot and storyline and wonderful start to series.
Can't wat to read more in this series.
Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mary Brannian.
1,068 reviews19 followers
August 12, 2019
Kore Persephone Ademone was a bad girl; well, she THOUGHT she was. That is until she was accepted into Olympic Academy. Kore was already frustrated at being forced into attending the academy; to make matters worse, so was her fiancée Hades. Yes, THAT Hades.

Kore wasn’t finding it simple or easy to fit in, but she tried... for about twenty-four hours. Then she committed a faux pas that has her on everyone’s “hit list”, and NOT in a good way. Led by Hades and his cohorts Loki and Fenrir, Kore is now prey for every god, goddess and godlet at the academy....

“Sure, Olympus Academy was adorned in luxury from top to bottom, but the student body was rotten to the core and at the very pit of that rotten core were three bad seeds, one of whom I hadn’t even met.” - Kore

After a Training class goes wrong, Kore ends up in the infirmary with a broken arm. Kore knows now, without a doubt, that the game is not only dangerous, it can become deadly. It’s time for Kore to up her game as well and become the predator instead of the prey...

“Something told me this was the first time a Rabbit had actually stood up to the bullying everyone else seemed to view as fate, and they were in for a treat. I wasn't about to bow my head to the Triad anytime soon, and when I finally did, they were in trouble.” – Kore

Nothing's as dangerous as an animal in a cage. Especially one who let herself get caught. - Kore

Oh my.... what a ride! Sassy and sexy Kore may not have known what she was in for when she met Hades for the first time, but she certainly figured it out! And Hades, Loki and Fenrir were clueless when they tagged Kore as the “White Rabbit”! A rollicking good read!
Profile Image for Air.
6 reviews
August 15, 2025
Dark Gods is a retelling of Hades and Persephone, I usually enjoy series about mythological legends. Sadly this series fell flat, the first issue is the setting and the second is the character.
The setting of the story is another Academy school, the problem with these school stories the author’s never seem to world build properly. There is very little on the purpose of the school, how the different grade levels, the classes and how the different gods collate with each other. Example Hades, Odin, Zeus and Thor all different mythology and no explanation on why they attend the Academy. The only thing about the academy that is explained is the most hated in the school basically gets enter in this author version of the hunger games.
The world building in its very vastness is not even explained. From the other gods to how the government of the world works.
The main character which is named kora aka Persephone is basically a drug lord who gets caught and is set to the Academy as punishment or to be straightened out it not clear which. Her personality is horrible, it’s like the author tried to make her out like Ellen Ripley, Sarah Conner or a Buffy Summers. This is attempt to be off set making kora become friendly with a gay character who is closeted and bully like it the 1950. Which is weird because the series is set in modern times, it’s 2000’s where nobody cares if you’re gay or straight anymore. As far as the rest of the characters they all lack chemistry. It’s hard to sympathize with any of the characters due to their lack of chemistry.
The way the series started I find it hard to believe the rest of the series will improve.
Profile Image for Stephanie Terpstra.
240 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2024
Ooof. Well that was… a story! I will say the 5⭐️ reviews had me exited as I am a SUCKER for hades x persephone stories. This was definitely a big miss for me. I should have dnf’d it but at least it was short 🤷‍♀️
The writing was quite wattpad-y/juvenile (which is fine if you don’t mind it. I sure as hell can’t write a book, so who am I to say anything, I suppose haha 😅)

The thing is.. nothing really happens in this book. Like a few small things happen here and there but for only 3 books (and it being an RH), literally NOTHING, of importance, happens haha. Like she goes to school and gets bullied. That’s it. Something kinda gets lauded at the end, but that just shows me the author needs to cram a buncha shit into 2 books (and both are under 200 pages too), which usually equals a discombobulated/disappointing plot and series… especially if this book is anything to go by.

Kore is very much written as ‘I am not like other girls’, and all the other characters are super flat and one-dimensional. Example: Hades is a grump. And that’s it. No reason, or depth as to it (even in his POV), we just.... Have to accept that I guess?
Profile Image for Sarah.
243 reviews49 followers
July 23, 2019
This was given to me as an ARC for Review.

So to start off this was great. Recently I got into the Academy genre heavily. This was a great book and I cannot wait for the next. I am on my toes with excitement.

The story started off a bit slow, but it really brought the story together. I am already SHIPPING Hades and Kore (Persephone), which is wrong in the context of the book, but I really want it. I need to see what will happen with those two and others we have only just gotten hints of.

My only negative is that I was really confused by the Gods and timeline that is created in the story. So, I recommend that if you know much about the Gods (Greek, Norse, or other) that you be more lacks about keeping the historical timeline in mind.

If I had one question though it would be: "Why did you make her name Kore?" if it was explained is the story, I'm sorry.

All in all I was super happy about this book and I cannot wait for the next.

Please Mrs. Ramsey be quick, in need info, I am now invested.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
July 24, 2019
I’m an urban fantasy (really any kind of fantasy) and paranormal fiction junkie. As such, I’m always on the look out for a new (or new to me) author who shows real talent. I’ve read three books by River Ramsey at this point, and it’s clear to me that this author definitely fits into that category. Dark Gods: An Academy Bully Romance (Academy of the Gods, Book 1) was the third of these books. Read the publisher’s blurb for a good summary that doesn’t spoil anything. Kory (Kore) is one strong, feisty gal. She has a lot to face in this “Paranormal Bully Academy Romance” but I have total faith in her, and I’m looking forward to following along as the slow burn romance gathers heat. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
April 17, 2020
Audio book review


Book 1 in the story. River Ramsey wrote a great attention grabbing story . Love how she mixed the Greek Gods with some Viking gods . The gods were at an academy , they were only allowed to join as a favour to them and their parents.
The heroine is Persy . Heros are Loki , Hades , Cerebus and Dionysus. This is a reverse harem story.
Persy mother is Demetra. Hades father is Cronos .
When Persy gets to the school Hades sets her off , his high handed , I’m it attitude. Persy actually slaps him . Hades with his group, Loki and Cerebus decide to teach her a lesson. They make her the rabbit, which means she’s free for anyone to do anything to her . You see Hades and Persy are promised to each other . River Ramsey took the Greek version and gave it a twist . River Ramsey threw doubts of who Persy father is , Poseidon , Ares . Grab it and see how Persy handles Hades .

The performance of Erik Bloomquist, Amelie Griffin were great. Loved how they changed their tone for the characters
Profile Image for A_MOTUS.
415 reviews47 followers
July 27, 2019
I hesitated between 3 and 4 stars. Because most of the book I was kind of annoyed at all the clichés and the daddy issues of the characters. The lack of originality had me pouting at first. But toward the end something changed, something promising for the following books that gave a darker side to the plot. And the characters went beyond my expectations. I liked how the main character refuse to back down in front of the bullying. Because if the minds games are bad it's even worse when the "adults" are in it too and that it goes wayyyy beyond that. And despite her loneliness she doesn’t hesitate to admit it to herself and even understand her “friends” fears. I am not sure I like the Triad but they seem to have an interesting part in the story and more than just being the big bad bullies. Finally, these sentiments were quite humans for the gods. And let’s be honest: that is what we love about this kind of story.
Profile Image for Nik.
239 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2023
Really short but kinda entertaining read.

I tend to steer away from Hades/Persephone retellings cause they are really really repetitive but this hit the spot. I really wish Kore just went by Persephone - would have fitted better with everyone else. I liked Kore but I did want her to lash out more with anger to those bullying her. It has some good dialogue which I liked but the romance was lacking. I really wanted more tension filled scenes with Hades and the other boys. I was really wanting Hades to have this underlying pining for Kore, despite despising her. Kore's friendship with Dionysus did confuse me at times and I really hope it stays purely platonic. I also don't know how to feel about Dionysus and Loki. I really wanted the romance between them to be purely Dionysus having a school girl crush, not an actual sexual relationship with Loki. I just think it will make Kore and Dionysus' friendship awkward.
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