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Myths and Monsters #1
Tempting Hades
He offered her more than a throne.
More than the Underworld.
He offered her a love that would withstand the test of time.
Maiden, Daughter, Goddess of Spring. She has many names and none of them fit. Kore lives her life in a gilded cage, loved by all but understood by none.
When Hades appears out of the darkness with promises of midnight and glory on his tongue, he offers her a kingdom. Lays eternity at her feet. Bids her eat and drink from the land of the dead. The ichor tastes bitter, but she's never felt such a thrilling sting.
Then he calls her a new name. Persephone.
Bringer of Death.
But the gods want them separated, and few can trick the Olympians. Of course she eats the pomegranate. He offers it to her with a promise to lay the world at her feet. But she only wants him...
For fans of Circe, Shadow & Bone, and Serpent & Dove, you'll fall head over heels with this twist on the classic myth.
More than the Underworld.
He offered her a love that would withstand the test of time.
Maiden, Daughter, Goddess of Spring. She has many names and none of them fit. Kore lives her life in a gilded cage, loved by all but understood by none.
When Hades appears out of the darkness with promises of midnight and glory on his tongue, he offers her a kingdom. Lays eternity at her feet. Bids her eat and drink from the land of the dead. The ichor tastes bitter, but she's never felt such a thrilling sting.
Then he calls her a new name. Persephone.
Bringer of Death.
But the gods want them separated, and few can trick the Olympians. Of course she eats the pomegranate. He offers it to her with a promise to lay the world at her feet. But she only wants him...
For fans of Circe, Shadow & Bone, and Serpent & Dove, you'll fall head over heels with this twist on the classic myth.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2020
456 people are currently reading
3931 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hamm
75 books4,487 followers
We all know you don't really care about reading my background. Enjoy Cap instead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
January 18, 2021
1.5 Stars
DNF @ 22%
Boring, bland, no chemistry, and nothing special about the characters or their "love". I wish the author would have stuck to the original myth more regarding their relationship and less about her relationship with Demeter, because there was zero tension, and I could care less about their story the further I read.
Hades was too nice for me and it seemed like all he cared about was her power. The heroine had no backbone and was a bit too ditzy. She constantly complained about her mother keeping her in a cage but then she listens and does everything Demeter wants. Definitely wasn't a fan of any of the characters.
Overall, this was a disappointment because I was actually looking forward to Hamm's retelling. I should have known though that I wouldn't have liked it, because this is now the third time I've read and DNFed her books, one of which was under a different pen name and I didn't know that, so I'm pretty sure this author's writing just doesn't do it for me. I will give one last try for her Labyrinth inspired books before I totally give up on her books.
DNF @ 22%
Boring, bland, no chemistry, and nothing special about the characters or their "love". I wish the author would have stuck to the original myth more regarding their relationship and less about her relationship with Demeter, because there was zero tension, and I could care less about their story the further I read.
Hades was too nice for me and it seemed like all he cared about was her power. The heroine had no backbone and was a bit too ditzy. She constantly complained about her mother keeping her in a cage but then she listens and does everything Demeter wants. Definitely wasn't a fan of any of the characters.
Overall, this was a disappointment because I was actually looking forward to Hamm's retelling. I should have known though that I wouldn't have liked it, because this is now the third time I've read and DNFed her books, one of which was under a different pen name and I didn't know that, so I'm pretty sure this author's writing just doesn't do it for me. I will give one last try for her Labyrinth inspired books before I totally give up on her books.
October 15, 2020
Beta reading ❤️❤️
October 26, 2020
Oh my gosh! This was epic! I’ve never met Persephone and Hades like this!
From the first page I was captivated with Kore and her struggle to be more than what she is. Watching her transform from that virginal young goddess into the Queen of the Underworld was a journey I couldn’t step away from. I absolutely loved how she learned to listen to the dark side of herself and while Hades’ presence in her life is what instigated her change, she was strong enough without him to complete those changes.
This is mostly written from Persephone’s point of view, but we do have some very insightful moments with Hades. Ms. Hamm’s Hades was nothing like I expected and so much better because of it. I loved that his character was so unique and yet perfect for a romantic hero.
Tempting Hades is beautifully written and instantly pulled me into its mythological world. The format this was written added to the overall charm of the book and when I reached the last page I found myself smiling as I cried.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
From the first page I was captivated with Kore and her struggle to be more than what she is. Watching her transform from that virginal young goddess into the Queen of the Underworld was a journey I couldn’t step away from. I absolutely loved how she learned to listen to the dark side of herself and while Hades’ presence in her life is what instigated her change, she was strong enough without him to complete those changes.
This is mostly written from Persephone’s point of view, but we do have some very insightful moments with Hades. Ms. Hamm’s Hades was nothing like I expected and so much better because of it. I loved that his character was so unique and yet perfect for a romantic hero.
Tempting Hades is beautifully written and instantly pulled me into its mythological world. The format this was written added to the overall charm of the book and when I reached the last page I found myself smiling as I cried.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
November 1, 2020
I'd been looking forward to this for awhile, I really enjoyed Emma Hamm's Heart of the Fae books, and I am obsessed with Persephone/Hades. But I wasn't a huge fan of this. I didn't connect with the characters, it felt like they had zero chemistry, and it was kind of meandering, like what even was the plot?
As much as I love Persephone and Hades, I have yet to find a retelling that actually works for me. Maybe one day.
As much as I love Persephone and Hades, I have yet to find a retelling that actually works for me. Maybe one day.
March 7, 2021
DFN @30%, it was so dull to the point of being embarrassing.
There's no real plot and the characters felt completely dry and paper cut. They lacked any real substance and chemistry. We start with Hades seeing Kore (Persephone) for the first time and oh-she-is-so-beautiful (of course!) and perfect aaand--that's it! That sums up everything that Hades has to say about her.
As for Persephone, please don't get me started, she's her mother's puppet and aside from being beautiful (according to Hades) and powerful (apparently) there isn't much else to it.
The monotonous writing style didn't help the case either.
Tempting Hades IS A BIG MISS.
I'll rejoice for a full day when I'll finally manage to find a decent and exciting Hades & Persephone retelling BUT this is not the day.
There's no real plot and the characters felt completely dry and paper cut. They lacked any real substance and chemistry. We start with Hades seeing Kore (Persephone) for the first time and oh-she-is-so-beautiful (of course!) and perfect aaand--that's it! That sums up everything that Hades has to say about her.
As for Persephone, please don't get me started, she's her mother's puppet and aside from being beautiful (according to Hades) and powerful (apparently) there isn't much else to it.
The monotonous writing style didn't help the case either.
Tempting Hades IS A BIG MISS.
I'll rejoice for a full day when I'll finally manage to find a decent and exciting Hades & Persephone retelling BUT this is not the day.
December 26, 2020
1.star if I'm honest
dnf at 15% perhaps? At chapter 9, lol.
I just couldn't stand it. This is the very first time I dnf a book and I thought I was going to feel terrible, but I don't. Y'all know I'm a slut for Hades and Persephone myth, and I said "this retelling looks promising, good and oh my gods, I can't wait to read it", but, guess who's wrong? yes, I'm such a clown.
We found Kore, the daughter of Demeter, who is her puppet too. Demeter basically has Kore in a damn cage and tells her that everything and everyone are mean. So, to prove her point, Demeter takes Kore (by her petition) to the Olympus... She is humilliated but Hades saves the day (influenced by Hermes, ok) and it's insta love. :D I hate insta love, but here it's like ??? what. To resume Hades thoughts about Kore, here are some:
"Kore is so powerful."
"Kore is so beautiful."
"She doesn't know her power."
Kore was so manipulated by everyone and that made me sick.
I was sick, so GODDAMN sick. I'm sorry, but this book it's just not for me. :(
dnf at 15% perhaps? At chapter 9, lol.
I just couldn't stand it. This is the very first time I dnf a book and I thought I was going to feel terrible, but I don't. Y'all know I'm a slut for Hades and Persephone myth, and I said "this retelling looks promising, good and oh my gods, I can't wait to read it", but, guess who's wrong? yes, I'm such a clown.
We found Kore, the daughter of Demeter, who is her puppet too. Demeter basically has Kore in a damn cage and tells her that everything and everyone are mean. So, to prove her point, Demeter takes Kore (by her petition) to the Olympus... She is humilliated but Hades saves the day (influenced by Hermes, ok) and it's insta love. :D I hate insta love, but here it's like ??? what. To resume Hades thoughts about Kore, here are some:
"Kore is so powerful."
"Kore is so beautiful."
"She doesn't know her power."
Kore was so manipulated by everyone and that made me sick.
I was sick, so GODDAMN sick. I'm sorry, but this book it's just not for me. :(
November 3, 2020
Love Hades and Persephone!! This follows the tradition story of Persephone and Hades; I like when there’s a few more liberties taken with their story, but this one is still entertaining, passionate and sweet.
Kore aka Persephone has a super controlling, over protective, smothering mother, Demeter; her mother is so stifling that Persephone can’t wait to get away and grow into her own person. Luckily, she meets Hades, who understands her and feels a kindred spirit in her; they are good for each other, but people keep trying to meddle in their lives. The connection between them is so sweet! I would’ve loved to see a tougher side to Hades, but I love how accepting of Persephone he is. Persephone can be a bit of a brat at times, but with how she grew up, I’m surprised she’s not worse. I wish she would stand up to her mother more; her mother didn’t deserve to have 1 month let alone 6 months of Persephone’s time. I hate when people that don’t deserve to get their way end up getting their way; that’s not a full happy ending for me. Also, I don’t get why there can’t be more visitation during that 6 months of separation; they are Gods for goodness sake, they can get to places really quickly, there should be plenty of opportunity for visits. It’s just all so stupid to me that an adult woman can’t just live her life.
Overall, this is a well-written story that delves a bit deeper into the the story of Hades and Persephone, but I would’ve liked for there to be a little more plot besides the obvious to the story. A few more surprises would’ve been good, but this book did hit the main elements of the story; just needed that something extra to make it pop. I just love the chemistry between Hades and Persephone, so I appreciate any stories I can get about them.
Kore aka Persephone has a super controlling, over protective, smothering mother, Demeter; her mother is so stifling that Persephone can’t wait to get away and grow into her own person. Luckily, she meets Hades, who understands her and feels a kindred spirit in her; they are good for each other, but people keep trying to meddle in their lives. The connection between them is so sweet! I would’ve loved to see a tougher side to Hades, but I love how accepting of Persephone he is. Persephone can be a bit of a brat at times, but with how she grew up, I’m surprised she’s not worse. I wish she would stand up to her mother more; her mother didn’t deserve to have 1 month let alone 6 months of Persephone’s time. I hate when people that don’t deserve to get their way end up getting their way; that’s not a full happy ending for me. Also, I don’t get why there can’t be more visitation during that 6 months of separation; they are Gods for goodness sake, they can get to places really quickly, there should be plenty of opportunity for visits. It’s just all so stupid to me that an adult woman can’t just live her life.
Overall, this is a well-written story that delves a bit deeper into the the story of Hades and Persephone, but I would’ve liked for there to be a little more plot besides the obvious to the story. A few more surprises would’ve been good, but this book did hit the main elements of the story; just needed that something extra to make it pop. I just love the chemistry between Hades and Persephone, so I appreciate any stories I can get about them.
December 29, 2020
I really liked this story, Hades and Persephone have always been my favorites from Greek mythology and this story is so cute Hades I love him! Persephone is represented as something more than just a good and pretty goddess, I really liked that. I don't think it's the best retelling of these mythological characters but, I really enjoyed it.
In conclusion, this book reminded me why I like Greek mythology.
Español
Me gustó mucho esta historia, Hades y Persefone siempre han sido mis favoritos de la mitología griega y esta historia es tan linda Hades lo amo! Persefone es representada como algo más que solo una diosa buena y bonita, eso me gustó mucho. No creo que sea el mejor retelling de estos personajes mitológicos pero, lo disfruté mucho
En conclusión, este libro me recordó porque me gusta la mitología griega
In conclusion, this book reminded me why I like Greek mythology.
Español
Me gustó mucho esta historia, Hades y Persefone siempre han sido mis favoritos de la mitología griega y esta historia es tan linda Hades lo amo! Persefone es representada como algo más que solo una diosa buena y bonita, eso me gustó mucho. No creo que sea el mejor retelling de estos personajes mitológicos pero, lo disfruté mucho
En conclusión, este libro me recordó porque me gusta la mitología griega
October 18, 2021
Relectura 2021✨
Este fue el primer libro retelling de Persephone y Hades que leí y de verdad no recordaba muchas cosas, de un tiempo para aca he estado obsesionada con leer retellings de mitología griega y dioses olímpicos y todo eso, y obviamente tenía que releer este libro si que si.
De verdad que amo a Emma y amo la historia alternativa que nos da sobre esta pareja que de verdad es de mis favoritas hablando de dioses griegos 🤩🖤🔥✨
Este fue el primer libro retelling de Persephone y Hades que leí y de verdad no recordaba muchas cosas, de un tiempo para aca he estado obsesionada con leer retellings de mitología griega y dioses olímpicos y todo eso, y obviamente tenía que releer este libro si que si.
De verdad que amo a Emma y amo la historia alternativa que nos da sobre esta pareja que de verdad es de mis favoritas hablando de dioses griegos 🤩🖤🔥✨
October 29, 2020
Oh. My. God. This book. Wild ride from start to finish.
The worldbuilding was excellent, as I've come to expect from Emma Hamm. My expectations were high for this story. Emma Hamm is one of my absolute favorite authors. The story of Hades and Persephone is my favorite story from Greek mythology. I have read a LOT of spin off / retelling / etc. stories of Hades and Persephone. This one takes the cake. The dark chocolate cake with dark chocolate frosting.
I think authors criminally underestimate Persephone in general, but Emma did her justice. Persephone is a force unto herself. Emma Hamm excels at creating complex characters that do not fit in tidy "good vs. evil" boxes. It is positively delicious.
Hecate is another of my all time favorite goddesses, and she features heavily in this story. Emma's interpretation of Demeter also aligns more closely with my impression of her than other modern interpretations. I enjoyed it immensely.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to absolutely everyone.
https://ssshwearereading.wordpress.com/
The worldbuilding was excellent, as I've come to expect from Emma Hamm. My expectations were high for this story. Emma Hamm is one of my absolute favorite authors. The story of Hades and Persephone is my favorite story from Greek mythology. I have read a LOT of spin off / retelling / etc. stories of Hades and Persephone. This one takes the cake. The dark chocolate cake with dark chocolate frosting.
I think authors criminally underestimate Persephone in general, but Emma did her justice. Persephone is a force unto herself. Emma Hamm excels at creating complex characters that do not fit in tidy "good vs. evil" boxes. It is positively delicious.
Hecate is another of my all time favorite goddesses, and she features heavily in this story. Emma's interpretation of Demeter also aligns more closely with my impression of her than other modern interpretations. I enjoyed it immensely.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to absolutely everyone.
https://ssshwearereading.wordpress.com/
November 4, 2020
not my favorite retelling and definitely needed more editing.
April 25, 2022
Estuvo bien. Muy romántico, no tenia foki foki pero muy interesante de igual manera. Muy bien escrito 👍🏻
October 29, 2020
(Received an e-arc from the lovely Emma Hamm herself)
This is the story I wish the myth of Hades and Persephone was. The kidnapping and rape is just so sad (but then I guess all Greek tragedies are 😉). Also, of a mother - who does love her daughter very much - but has lived soo long has really forgotten what affection and feelings are (even to her own daughter) that just leaves her duty to the earth and the people who worship her (which is what she loved).
I love that Emma brought the atmosphere of ancient time to life (believe me, I dreamt of Ancient Greece last night). I love the dynamic protective mother to her maiden daughter and trying to keep her always her “little girl” (all moms at some point are guilty of this) and keep her safe. But, a child will always find a way to grow out from her mother’s shadow. And, Emma does just that - shows us the strong woman hiding in the little girl waiting to come out to her own.
I love Hades (that poor guy always gets the bad rap cause he’s the “king of the underworld” 🙄). He starts like the “I hate my family” but turns into something that is a better version of what a god is (even a mortal).
All in all - I was sucked into this story and didn’t want it to end, didn’t want to leave Hades and Persephone and the Underworld. I also know - I really need to dust off the rust of my knowledge of my ancient gods again (this getting older sucks - lol 😂).
Thank you Emma Hamm for letting me read this amazing story! Thank you for setting the story to paper and making them alive!
This is the story I wish the myth of Hades and Persephone was. The kidnapping and rape is just so sad (but then I guess all Greek tragedies are 😉). Also, of a mother - who does love her daughter very much - but has lived soo long has really forgotten what affection and feelings are (even to her own daughter) that just leaves her duty to the earth and the people who worship her (which is what she loved).
I love that Emma brought the atmosphere of ancient time to life (believe me, I dreamt of Ancient Greece last night). I love the dynamic protective mother to her maiden daughter and trying to keep her always her “little girl” (all moms at some point are guilty of this) and keep her safe. But, a child will always find a way to grow out from her mother’s shadow. And, Emma does just that - shows us the strong woman hiding in the little girl waiting to come out to her own.
I love Hades (that poor guy always gets the bad rap cause he’s the “king of the underworld” 🙄). He starts like the “I hate my family” but turns into something that is a better version of what a god is (even a mortal).
All in all - I was sucked into this story and didn’t want it to end, didn’t want to leave Hades and Persephone and the Underworld. I also know - I really need to dust off the rust of my knowledge of my ancient gods again (this getting older sucks - lol 😂).
Thank you Emma Hamm for letting me read this amazing story! Thank you for setting the story to paper and making them alive!
November 30, 2020
I found this to be a very romantic but cute Hades and Persephone retelling. It was nice to read one that includes Demeter and the other gods more. Typically we get a little Demeter and then I feel like her part of the story gets glossed over. I loved that the humans that worshipped the gods are involved. This was also a clean romance where it was more fade to black than others.
November 28, 2020
I’m such a huge hades and Persephone fan. SOO when I heard my favorite author was planning on this retelling you could have knocked me over with a feather! We are getting so close to release day and I. Cannot. Wait!!! *insert girlish scream* I will be updating when I finish it but come on, you and I both know I’m gonna love it! Did I mention favorite author???? You know it’s gonna be epic!
Okay okay so I finished this book in 24 hours! I was flying through so fast! So here is my official review! ❤️
Where do I even begin with this? First off I want to say that Emma could write soup can labels and I would read them. Does that make me biased? Possibly.... BUT I have not read a book by her that has ever let me down (and I have read a bunch) That being said when I saw she was writing a Hades and Persephone retelling I could feel my reading senses tingling. Hades and Persephone retellings are absolutely my favorite. (Right along beauty and the beast retellings that is)
I could have guessed before I read this book that I was going to like it. But what I didn’t predict is the heart wrenching feelings this book got me with. I know I know, I should have seen it coming... but I didn’t and I was utterly blown away by this book. It was so clever how it was a retelling of the barest bones. It wasn’t a story that was “inspired by” or had a bunch of details changed. Instead it brought the untold parts of their story to life in a way that held onto the original myth.
I would also like to point out that Emma is the queen of angst. She just writes it so well that even though this story didn’t have as much as others, it still grabbed me in the chest every time. I could feel exactly what the characters were going through as they struggled to just be happy. And Hades inner voice about killed me when he talked about how unworthy and lonely he was. Arrow. To. The. Chest.
I cannot write a review and not mention Emma’s writing style. There is something to be said by the utter eloquence of her words. I’m not joking when I say that several lines I read I had to pause and think about because they were so deep and so beautiful. Seriously, remember I would read soup cans this woman writes.
All in all I am not merely recommending this book... I am commanding that you read it. I just know you will love it as much as I did!
Okay okay so I finished this book in 24 hours! I was flying through so fast! So here is my official review! ❤️
Where do I even begin with this? First off I want to say that Emma could write soup can labels and I would read them. Does that make me biased? Possibly.... BUT I have not read a book by her that has ever let me down (and I have read a bunch) That being said when I saw she was writing a Hades and Persephone retelling I could feel my reading senses tingling. Hades and Persephone retellings are absolutely my favorite. (Right along beauty and the beast retellings that is)
I could have guessed before I read this book that I was going to like it. But what I didn’t predict is the heart wrenching feelings this book got me with. I know I know, I should have seen it coming... but I didn’t and I was utterly blown away by this book. It was so clever how it was a retelling of the barest bones. It wasn’t a story that was “inspired by” or had a bunch of details changed. Instead it brought the untold parts of their story to life in a way that held onto the original myth.
I would also like to point out that Emma is the queen of angst. She just writes it so well that even though this story didn’t have as much as others, it still grabbed me in the chest every time. I could feel exactly what the characters were going through as they struggled to just be happy. And Hades inner voice about killed me when he talked about how unworthy and lonely he was. Arrow. To. The. Chest.
I cannot write a review and not mention Emma’s writing style. There is something to be said by the utter eloquence of her words. I’m not joking when I say that several lines I read I had to pause and think about because they were so deep and so beautiful. Seriously, remember I would read soup cans this woman writes.
All in all I am not merely recommending this book... I am commanding that you read it. I just know you will love it as much as I did!
March 7, 2021
Oof, this book is rough.
First of all, major miss with the editing. “Per say”? “His eyes bored into her”??? For an author who’s published 19 books according to Google, I was floored by the amount of grammatical errors. Not to mention just general repetitive writing style that read very much “it’s 3 am before the due date of my paper and all of the words have turned into mush in my brain.” What about other things, like tense consistency? These are basic things that 10th graders know. If I had a penny for every sentence that ended in a preposition, I’d probably have those same six figures that the author boasts on Twitter.
The world building is zilch, which seems impossible considering it’s based on an ancient myth, yet here we are. The dialogues between the characters often trailed into nothingness and ended up making zero sense. Demeter was made to be some kind of boozy and mentally abusive old cow; Persephone was just all over the place and seemed like she barely had two brain cells to rub together. Hades to me came off as a total creep. He was supposed to be this lonesome guy, yet he really pulls out the moves and old-timey compliments the second he sees her. I refuse to believe that a god who’s been around since the beginning of time is taken with Persephone within 2 seconds of seeing her just bc she’s *hot to him*, and later further enamored because she’s *~*so misunderstood like him bc death & goth-ness*~*. I was really hoping that this story would give more depth to him, and to everyone. But I was left disappointed.
I am wondering if maybe I’m just not the demographic for this author. I think that 14-year-old me would’ve probably enjoyed this book, because of all of the angst and all-powerfulness, etc. But it just didn’t do it for me. Even the writing is extremely simplistic, full of very banal sentence structure and statements. I actually pre-ordered this book and was hoping that it would be the segue into more of Hamm’s novels for me. Needless to say I doubt I will be reading anything else written by her in the near future...
First of all, major miss with the editing. “Per say”? “His eyes bored into her”??? For an author who’s published 19 books according to Google, I was floored by the amount of grammatical errors. Not to mention just general repetitive writing style that read very much “it’s 3 am before the due date of my paper and all of the words have turned into mush in my brain.” What about other things, like tense consistency? These are basic things that 10th graders know. If I had a penny for every sentence that ended in a preposition, I’d probably have those same six figures that the author boasts on Twitter.
The world building is zilch, which seems impossible considering it’s based on an ancient myth, yet here we are. The dialogues between the characters often trailed into nothingness and ended up making zero sense. Demeter was made to be some kind of boozy and mentally abusive old cow; Persephone was just all over the place and seemed like she barely had two brain cells to rub together. Hades to me came off as a total creep. He was supposed to be this lonesome guy, yet he really pulls out the moves and old-timey compliments the second he sees her. I refuse to believe that a god who’s been around since the beginning of time is taken with Persephone within 2 seconds of seeing her just bc she’s *hot to him*, and later further enamored because she’s *~*so misunderstood like him bc death & goth-ness*~*. I was really hoping that this story would give more depth to him, and to everyone. But I was left disappointed.
I am wondering if maybe I’m just not the demographic for this author. I think that 14-year-old me would’ve probably enjoyed this book, because of all of the angst and all-powerfulness, etc. But it just didn’t do it for me. Even the writing is extremely simplistic, full of very banal sentence structure and statements. I actually pre-ordered this book and was hoping that it would be the segue into more of Hamm’s novels for me. Needless to say I doubt I will be reading anything else written by her in the near future...
October 27, 2020
Maiden, Daughter, Goddess of Spring. She has many names and none of them fit. Kore lives her life in a gilded cage, loved by all but understood by none.
___
Tempting Hades by Emma Hamm is a mythical retelling of Hades & Persephone and in my opinion is the only retelling you need to read about them.
EVER.
Seriously I loved everything about this book, all the gods are portrayed perfectly with little quirks the author added to make them unique to her story - Hades is dark and brooding as he should be but has this hint of adorable awkwardness whenever he’s dealing with Kore/Persephone which makes the book so fun to read. AND he loves Cerberus to pieces which to me makes him absolutely perfect.
Another thing I really loved in this book was how Kore this delicate goddess of spring grew into her role throughout the story until she was no longer just the goddess of spring but Persephone queen of the underworld.
Like with all her books Emma brought the world and characters of Tempting Hades to life and I was so sad to say goodbye to them as I read the last pages. This is a must read.
___
Tempting Hades by Emma Hamm is a mythical retelling of Hades & Persephone and in my opinion is the only retelling you need to read about them.
EVER.
Seriously I loved everything about this book, all the gods are portrayed perfectly with little quirks the author added to make them unique to her story - Hades is dark and brooding as he should be but has this hint of adorable awkwardness whenever he’s dealing with Kore/Persephone which makes the book so fun to read. AND he loves Cerberus to pieces which to me makes him absolutely perfect.
Another thing I really loved in this book was how Kore this delicate goddess of spring grew into her role throughout the story until she was no longer just the goddess of spring but Persephone queen of the underworld.
Like with all her books Emma brought the world and characters of Tempting Hades to life and I was so sad to say goodbye to them as I read the last pages. This is a must read.
December 31, 2020
This is such a brilliant take on Hades and Persephone's tale. It taught me that not every myth we hear holds the truth and makes me curious about other mythologies too. Hades and Persephone's story has always been my favorite from Greek Mythology and I'm so glad to read this masterpiece.
March 9, 2021
3.5 stars
October 27, 2021
2.5 ⭐
Somehow this is the third Hades & Persephone retelling i’ve read this year.
this one very meh to me.
Somehow this is the third Hades & Persephone retelling i’ve read this year.
this one very meh to me.
September 2, 2023
Tempting Hades - Emma Hamm
¿Qué puedo decir aparte de que necesitas leer este libro?
O sea, son HADES y PERSÉFONE.
HADES.
PERSÉFONE.
No existe una mejor pareja en toda la historia que la de estos dos y… ¿Qué más puedes desear que un retelling lleno de respuestas esclarecedoras ávidas de ser tomadas por aquellas personas que no creen en el cuento barato de que Hades secuestró a Perséfone y la alejó de todo lo que amaba?
Algo que me encanta de este libro es que habla de una hipotética oscuridad que habitaba dentro de Perséfone. ¿Una oscuridad que nadie entendía y por tanto nadie quería ser el detonante, porque claro que Perséfone tenía oscuridad dentro de ella o acaso creías que solo era la víctima dentro de esta historia?
Perséfone fácilmente podría ser el monstruo que solo encontró su libertad en un mundo de lleno de oscuridad y almas en pena, haciendo amistad que dioses igual de oscuros y melancólicos que ella.
La historia gira en torno a Kore, la doncella. La diosa hija de Deméter condenada a ser virgen por toda la eternidad solo para que su madre; obsesionada con la pureza, la castidad y el mantenerla como una niña estuviese feliz y no tomara decisiones egoístas como congelar la tierra durante la ausencia de su hija alegando el falso dolor de no tenerla a su lado.
Kore, está prisionera, dentro de su ser. La niña que no puede crecer. La niña que no puede ir al olimpo. Hasta que su madre cede y la lleva y es ahí donde conoce a Hades, el único Dios que vale la pena entre tanta basura.
Hades va a consolarla bajo la idea de que es una ninfa, pero luego descubre que es una diosa, como él y joder si no queda enamorado de ella y ella de él a primera vista.
Las visitas se vuelven regulares hasta que Hades planea darle el lugar que se merece: A su lado, como su reina. Es ahí donde viene el falso drama del secuestro y la locura de Deméter a la cual odio con todo mi ser.
En serio, es una perra loca.
Kore se convierte en Perséfone, Portadora de la muerte y abraza la oscuridad dentro de sí, algo que Hades sintió desde el principio como un pedazo de él. Dos almas destinadas a estar juntos y no me hagas hablar sobre la pobre alma que se cree capaz de usurpar a Perséfone.
La pobre terminó como papilla.
Adoro los finales felices.
Todo es felicidad, adoración y mucho amor hasta que Hermes trae la noticia de que Perséfone debe regresar con su madre. El corazón de Hades se parte en pedazos, pero cuando Perséfone se come las seis semillas de granada la cosa toma una nueva perspectiva.
Seis meses en la tierra.
Seis meses en el inframundo.
Cada vez es más difícil para Perséfone dejar a su familia en el inframundo; pero ella ama a los humanos y sabe que si ella decide no acudir a su tiempo con su madre, esta destruirá los cultivos, creará nieve y matará de hambre a sus súbditos sin importar el costo.
¿Qué puede hacer una diosa tan misericordiosa y llena de amor más que sacrificarse y llorar lágrimas de sangre por el dolor de separarse de su familia, de su casa, de su hogar?
November 2, 2020
As a big Emma Hamm fangirl I couldn't be more excited when I received the news that she was writing a retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone (fav OTP) and Tempting Hades don't let me down.
In the first pages, I found myself completely captivated by Persephone and her struggle to be more than "mama's little girl". Even though she was innocent and inexperienced, she was a grown woman who wanted more and I loved watching her grow with each chapter.
Hades. What can I say about him? Unexpected, may be a good word to describe him, but in a good way. Like most of Emma's heroes, I fell in love with him, but my favorite part was seeing the kind of god he is.
The whole development of the story was captivating. The format as we are introduced to the narrative in the prologue and how everything is tied in the epilogue left me enchanted and I found myself hugged with my Kindle with a smile on my face, still without believing that it was over.
Since the first time I read the myth of Hades and Persephone, many questions and fantasies pop up in my mind and I couldn't be more grateful that Emma Hamm brought these fantasies to life with this book.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
In the first pages, I found myself completely captivated by Persephone and her struggle to be more than "mama's little girl". Even though she was innocent and inexperienced, she was a grown woman who wanted more and I loved watching her grow with each chapter.
Hades. What can I say about him? Unexpected, may be a good word to describe him, but in a good way. Like most of Emma's heroes, I fell in love with him, but my favorite part was seeing the kind of god he is.
The whole development of the story was captivating. The format as we are introduced to the narrative in the prologue and how everything is tied in the epilogue left me enchanted and I found myself hugged with my Kindle with a smile on my face, still without believing that it was over.
Since the first time I read the myth of Hades and Persephone, many questions and fantasies pop up in my mind and I couldn't be more grateful that Emma Hamm brought these fantasies to life with this book.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
May 3, 2021
The romance in this book is off the charts!!! (Though the smut rating I would give 1/5) BUT! The amount of chemistry and love shared between Hades and Persephone is undeniable and my heart was so happy the whole time I was reading this book. Obviously there are complications to make the story interesting, but that didn't defer from the amount of romance in this book! I was swooning at the words used and how their relationship became this beautiful thing. Ugh! I love this book! Please, if you love Hades and Persephone, this book was a great retelling!
Some of my favorite quotes from the book!
“You don’t know how much I want to be by your side with each breath.”
“Never in my life have I met someone who glowed from deep within their soul. You are the light to my darkness. The beacon in my never ending night. I know that can be difficult to understand or believe.”
“How did you know?” she whispered, her breath fanning across his lips. “Know what?” “That I was
different?” Hades clenched his fingers in the fabric of her himation, drawing her tight against him once again. “Because the thought of you consumes me.”
Some of my favorite quotes from the book!
“You don’t know how much I want to be by your side with each breath.”
“Never in my life have I met someone who glowed from deep within their soul. You are the light to my darkness. The beacon in my never ending night. I know that can be difficult to understand or believe.”
“How did you know?” she whispered, her breath fanning across his lips. “Know what?” “That I was
different?” Hades clenched his fingers in the fabric of her himation, drawing her tight against him once again. “Because the thought of you consumes me.”
November 2, 2020
I am so disappointed. This was a very anticipated release for me, I recently read “the heart of the fae” duology by Emma Hamm and I loved it. So when I seen that she was doing a Hades and Persephone retelling I was excited, however, this was downright dull. Nothing really happens in the story and I felt like the love story between Hades and Persephone wasn’t really developed. We spend a lot of time hearing about the darkness in Persephone but we never really see her using it except once. I don’t feel like she ever really “fought” for Hades at least not in public anyway. But the part of this book that irritates me the most is that she never really got out from under her mothers thumb despite what the book wants us to believe. Yes she got married and had a child but in the end her mother is still controlling her. She is literally still doing what her mother wants and pretending to enjoying it at the end of the book the same as she was at the beginning and she never even tells her mother off. Overall, this was an okay but really disappointing read.
November 27, 2020
As a long time lover of greek myths, Hades and Persephone retellings are my personal favorites.
However, Tempting Hades was not it for me.
The story lagged in various parts, a quicker pace would've have made it more enjoyable for me.
Despite being written in a dual pov, I felt like the chemistry between the characters was forced.
However, there we're some things that I found surprising and that I enjoyed.
The way Hades character was written, the man blushes and becomes flustered around his wife.
c-u-t-e.
The unexpected addition that is made was a plot twist I had never encountered while reading a Hades and Persephone retelling and I didn't completely love it, but I also didn't hate it. I was mostly just surprised.
However, Tempting Hades was not it for me.
The story lagged in various parts, a quicker pace would've have made it more enjoyable for me.
Despite being written in a dual pov, I felt like the chemistry between the characters was forced.
However, there we're some things that I found surprising and that I enjoyed.
The way Hades character was written, the man blushes and becomes flustered around his wife.
c-u-t-e.
The unexpected addition that is made was a plot twist I had never encountered while reading a Hades and Persephone retelling and I didn't completely love it, but I also didn't hate it. I was mostly just surprised.
August 7, 2022
«they want to think of him as a monster, even though they are both monsters who have found each other.»
it was the most remarkable retailing close to the canon! there was sweet kore, and jealousy, and the story with minta, and even the eldest daughter melinoy! I really liked this version! especially that hades was not a typical alpha male, but a caring and sweet husband, although not without mistakes!
if you want to get acquainted with the history of hades and persephone - this is the most wonderful book for this.
it was the most remarkable retailing close to the canon! there was sweet kore, and jealousy, and the story with minta, and even the eldest daughter melinoy! I really liked this version! especially that hades was not a typical alpha male, but a caring and sweet husband, although not without mistakes!
if you want to get acquainted with the history of hades and persephone - this is the most wonderful book for this.
November 6, 2020
Oh thank god that's over.
So this surprised me in that I did not like it. I did read another book by Hamm, under Elizabeth Frost, which was whimsical and kinda cool but this has a lot of problems. RTC
So this surprised me in that I did not like it. I did read another book by Hamm, under Elizabeth Frost, which was whimsical and kinda cool but this has a lot of problems. RTC
April 6, 2021
Dnf at 72%
December 7, 2020
DNF
I have always loved a good Persephone and Hades romance. Ever since I was a kid I was obsessed with this story and wanted to read things more like it.
I so wanted to enjoy this book. Emma Hamm is not necessarily my favorite author, but I have enjoyed multiple books for her, but I’ve also put down quite a few of her books midway through and never picked them up. She’s prolific, so it’s natural some of her books won’t be great. I got to about 55% before stopping so I feel like I can give a somewhat comprehensible review.
The good
Some of the writing is really beautiful. The first chapter was so compelling, so I was excited to keep reading.
I appreciated the depiction of the gods as fallible, flawed and occasionally cruel beings.
There were some moments where the visuals painted by her descriptions were so fascinating and beautiful.
The bad
Kore (Persephone) and Hades had no chemistry. I get that it was a rushed romance and that they were getting to know each other, but married at second sight just doesn’t seem as romantic or reasonable when the characters choose to do it. Any sexual tension between them was killed by their complete lack of sensible attraction.
Kore acted like an annoying child. She was naive and obnoxious and I couldn’t force myself to like her.
Plot? What plot? At 55% I should know what the plot is. Maybe it got there eventually, but not fast enough to keep me interested in this lackluster pairing.
Someday I will find my perfect Hades/Persephone romance but this is not it.
I have always loved a good Persephone and Hades romance. Ever since I was a kid I was obsessed with this story and wanted to read things more like it.
I so wanted to enjoy this book. Emma Hamm is not necessarily my favorite author, but I have enjoyed multiple books for her, but I’ve also put down quite a few of her books midway through and never picked them up. She’s prolific, so it’s natural some of her books won’t be great. I got to about 55% before stopping so I feel like I can give a somewhat comprehensible review.
The good
Some of the writing is really beautiful. The first chapter was so compelling, so I was excited to keep reading.
I appreciated the depiction of the gods as fallible, flawed and occasionally cruel beings.
There were some moments where the visuals painted by her descriptions were so fascinating and beautiful.
The bad
Kore (Persephone) and Hades had no chemistry. I get that it was a rushed romance and that they were getting to know each other, but married at second sight just doesn’t seem as romantic or reasonable when the characters choose to do it. Any sexual tension between them was killed by their complete lack of sensible attraction.
Kore acted like an annoying child. She was naive and obnoxious and I couldn’t force myself to like her.
Plot? What plot? At 55% I should know what the plot is. Maybe it got there eventually, but not fast enough to keep me interested in this lackluster pairing.
Someday I will find my perfect Hades/Persephone romance but this is not it.
November 3, 2020
I received an advance reading copy of this book as I was too excited to wait for my copy to arrive and I’m so delighted I did.
Tempting Hades is ABSOLUTELY amazing!!! I love Greek myth retellings and this was by far one of my favourites. A refreshing new take on such a famous story, seen through the eyes of both Persephone and Hades. The characters are explored in such a way that you can empathise (apart from the magic and immortality) with their struggles. Emma Hamm gives Persephone and Hades humanity in a world where gods feel little human emotions. I definitely fell in love with Hades character and how Emma Hamm portrays the ruler of the Underworld. As a reader you can really sympathise with their plight and are rooting for them from the beginning.
I found this retelling to be completely captivating. Everything from the depth of the characters, the detailed description of landscape, the mystical dwellings of the gods, everything was meticulously researched and delivered to the reader in such a way to make it utterly additive.
I was drawn in from the first couple of lines and I loved every minute of it. I will be rereading it as soon as I can and am begging for a sequel to continue on this mesmerising story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tempting Hades is ABSOLUTELY amazing!!! I love Greek myth retellings and this was by far one of my favourites. A refreshing new take on such a famous story, seen through the eyes of both Persephone and Hades. The characters are explored in such a way that you can empathise (apart from the magic and immortality) with their struggles. Emma Hamm gives Persephone and Hades humanity in a world where gods feel little human emotions. I definitely fell in love with Hades character and how Emma Hamm portrays the ruler of the Underworld. As a reader you can really sympathise with their plight and are rooting for them from the beginning.
I found this retelling to be completely captivating. Everything from the depth of the characters, the detailed description of landscape, the mystical dwellings of the gods, everything was meticulously researched and delivered to the reader in such a way to make it utterly additive.
I was drawn in from the first couple of lines and I loved every minute of it. I will be rereading it as soon as I can and am begging for a sequel to continue on this mesmerising story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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