For the Love of Hades

For the Love of the Gods #1

by Freida Kilmari

“I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be staring at her like she’s mine. And I definitely shouldn’t be considering whisking her away to The Underworld with me. But I might.” - Hades

Hades has visited Kore for centuries while remaining invisible, so when he’s given the chance to reveal himself and save her from the imprisoned life Zeus provides, he doesn’t hesitate. He’ll show her what life can feel like if you let it. And he’ll never let her go. But can she give up her life as a goddess to become Queen of The Underworld?

“I was alone for two thousand years. Watching everyone else live their life from the confines of my forced innocence. Until he came along. Until Hades showed me the stars amid the darkness.” - Persephone

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Retellings, Greek Mythology, Fantasy Romance, Ebooks

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2021

About the author

Freida Kilmari is an author and editor from the southwest of England, and lives with her fiancé in the peaceful county of Wiltshire. She spends her days editing various works of fiction, and her nights writing her own fantastical pieces. She's the author of Man VS Happiness (book one of the Versus Collection), and the soon-to-be-released Ennéa Vasíleia Universe (a multi-series science-fantasy universe based on her own take of Greek mythology).

To stay up-to-date with the latest news from Freida Kilmari and join in the author fun, follow [Freida Kilmari - Writer and Editor] on Facebook.

Join the magic of the Ennéa Vasíleia Universe, grab free signed copies, stay up-to-date on the latest news and events by joining her reading group:

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Reviews

[Charlotte King · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so darn sweet and cute. I loved this Hades and Persephone retelling!!

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Isn't that the point of a home? For it to be a place where you can exist without expectation?"

Hades has visited Kore for centuries while remaining invisible, so when he’s given the chance to reveal himself and save her from the imprisoned life Zeus provides, he doesn’t hesitate. He’ll show her what life can feel like if you let it. And he’ll never let her go. But can she give up her life as a goddess to become Queen of The Underworld?

Hades is a character that is grumpy, an outsider and quick to anger. That is certainly the case here but he also felt … off for how he should have been? It’s hard to describe but there were many moments where he didn’t feel like Hades to me. Yes, getting to see a softer side to him was brilliant and I love the fact he is not the monster he is made out to be. But I have never considered him as someone who is brash and so quick to bend to the will of others. He has a tight grip on himself and his emotions but here he feels rather blasé. It just felt like he wasn’t a proper Hades but perhaps a fanfiction version of who he should be - one very OOC.
Kore I did like as a character but she seemed rather naive and quick to change. She wants freedom more than anything else, yet next thing you know she is begging for unsavoury things to be done to her - completely out of blue I might add! And then there is no focus on freedom but remaining by the side of someone she has only truly known for the shortest time possible. Kore is definitely sheltered but this didn’t flow well with her character for me.

I am a big lover of Hades and Persephone stories. There are so many out there that I want to read! Stumbling across this story on a “Stuff Your Kindle” day, being dismayed that its promotion had ended and then being gifted it from a lovely Booktok friend, I was very excited to dive in! However, frustratingly, this didn’t live up to my expectations. The plot wasn’t terrible and had some good points but I just felt no connection to it which is upsetting with how eager I was to read this. Perhaps it was the pacing being off, or the fact this is a shorter story, but it seemed to lack true emotion and an essence of life to it. The characters felt similar. I absolutely adore seeing Hades and Kore/Persephone growing in themselves and growing closer yet it felt there was a lack of growth in their characters. They jumped from one thing to another instead of flowing. It just felt too jarring. Unfortunately, even the romance wasn’t up to scratch. There were some sweet moments, that I cannot deny. But when feelings turn from admiration to love in the snap of your fingers, that turns me off. This is meant to be a sweeping love story. Not a lust fuelled pairing. The spice wasn’t too bad but like with the plot, I felt little emotion. It just felt a bit clinical to me - and incredibly sudden. Also, how does someone so innocent and sheltered literally swallow a sausage instantly?

Overall, For the Love of Hades is a book where the execution felt very lacking for me.

⭐️⭐️/5

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 - Really sweet retelling of Hades and Persephone.

Note to author: I am so happy that you wrote your story, with Hades' and Kore's help and that you "found the words" that you needed to heal, but most of all that you won and found yourself out of the darkness. 😘

[Kerry Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than expected

Not gonna lie I wasn't expecting much from this but it was well thought out. The fire between the characters apparent. There was a slight bit of a rushed feel but it gives the reader a chance to imagine beyond and around the story. Great would read another in a heartbeat.

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ Hades x Kore Novella.

As short as this was, I feel like this book brought something to the table that other 'HadesxPersephone' reimaginings don't: the cruelty and mistreatment of Kore brought on by Zeus, not by Demeter.

I feel like I haven't read a single retelling of this story where Demeter wasn't the one holding Persephone back, keeping her hostage in one way or another. Here, Demeter wasn't a champion for her daughter, but she supported her choices and wanted her to be happy.

The writing and pacing of the story felt clunky at best, but it made for an entertaining afternoon!

🌶🌶.5 / 5- I wouldn't say this is super spicy, but it is open-door with a handful of scenes here and there ramping up the steam.

[Lilli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Went into this with zero expectations since it’s super short—and it read exactly like that.

For the Love of Hades focuses on the Hades & Persephone dynamic and Persephone’s shift from goddess of spring to queen of the Underworld. I liked seeing her growth, and the romance was sweet, but everything felt a bit rushed. It had potential to be more impactful with just a little more depth.

Still, it’s an enjoyable, quick read if you’re into mythology (which I am), but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.

[entela · Rating 1 out of 5]

what the hell man😭

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/29/2021)! 🎁

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Freida book and I wanted to love this because I support her massively as an author. I really like the way she communicates and the subjects she writes about.

But having come out the other side of this book it felt somewhat light, the pace was fast and felt like it could have lasted another 100-200 pages and been fleshed out more to really give it some depth and world building.

I LOVED the characters from the Pantheon and how that all came about and the overarching storyline was great. It was just there and gone so quickly that it was hard to believe.

there were also a fair few moments of missing words or a misspelling that took me out of what I was reading.

Having said that it won't stop me reading more nor from continuing to support Freida and her journey. Everyone starts somewhere and learns and grows along the way. I can't wait to see what more comes from her and her worlds.

[lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!!

Oh my!
This book was not what I was expecting
But I think that made me love it more
Plenty of love
Plenty of kindness
Plenty of drama
Plenty of sex appeal
It was amazing!
And i truly wish it was longer!

[♡ᓚᘏᗢⲊⲒⲚⲒⲊⲦⲄⲈᗢᘏᓗ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, it was both sexy and adorable and I thought it was great to read a version where Zeus is the more evil God and wow was he ever in this one! He has kept his daughter a prisoner for over two thousand years since her birth because she is the Goddess of Spring and it is her innocence regarding everything that gives her her powers (Or so he thinks) He even knows that she is suffering and miserable and doesn't care or try to do anything to fix it. She is kept locked away and gets to look at the other Gods and all of the humans actually living life and she has reached a point in her immortal life where she would almost rather be dead than to continue on like this.

The only bright spot in her life is the disembodied voice that has kept her company all these lonely years. He lets her speak freely, express her emotions and desires and is just there to support her and unbeknownst to her, he loves her completely and deeply but she does not know who the voice belongs to as he has never revealed himself to her. If only she knew that the voice belongs to Hades, God of the Underworld. He loves her so much and cannot stand to see her locked away as a prisoner so when she asks for his help, he whisks her away to the Underworld where Zeus had previously banished him.

Hades loves the Underworld and has taken such care to create a home there and freedom for the demonic race he created where they can laugh, get up to mischief and have a safe place. He has also designed the most calming journey through death and the final resting places for spirits was truly beautiful.

The chemistry between these two was SPICY but it was not overly done, the story focused on so many beautiful aspects and it was gorgeous and heartwarming to watch these two become the King and Queen of the Underworld and how they decided to rule together. Such an awesome book, I cannot say enough about it and I will definitely be reading it again. Oh and also could I please have Cerberus as my pet, how cute was he!!

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this was a story about Hades and the underworld, I figured this would be a good book to read during Halloween month. Oh boy was I right.

Hades was banished to the underworld by his brother Zeus. Zeus is the father of Kore, the Goddess of Spring. Zeus is very heavy handed in how Kore lives so that she will remain pure so she can keep her powers and help the humans each year with their fertility and crops. Kore is 2000 years old but Zeus keeps her locked away and away from anyone or anything that might bring her negativity or challenge her innocence. Kore is tired of being kept a prisoner but doesn't know how to escape.

Hades has been secretly talking to Kore for years. He's usually invisible to her so she can't see who he actually is because Hades doesn't want to scare her. This year at Kore's party, Hades decides to show up to the party and Zeus finally acquiesces and let's him join as long as he behaves. Kore doesn't know he is actually her friend she's been talking to and feels sorry for him since everyone is scared to even approach him. So she does, and asks him to dance. Hades is surprised and excited as from that moment on they are inseparable.

Hades whisks her away to the underworld once he realizes she wants to escape her home and life. Zeus is incredibly mad but Hades is just as strong as him so they don't fight right away.

Watching Kore and Hades fall for each other was so much fun. Hades is nothing like what everyone told her he was. He's such a good guy, which even surprised me.

I knew from the title that this was a Hades and Persephone retelling but I was not expecting the transformation that Kore went through or why. That was so much fun to read. I cannot say enough good things about this book. It was such a fun, quick read with a fun twist in Greek Mythology.

[OneDayI'll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting retelling

I love mythology. I enjoy seeing how it both evolved with the culture and how culture changes it. And modern retellings can be absolutely fascinating. This one deviates from the original altogether. Kore, after becoming Persephone, doesn't live her dual lives. And I'm not sure how I feel about that. Because her time spent away from Hades shapes who she is as a being and without that she isn't really Persephone. Hence the 3 stars. Also, because, yes she's 2000yrs old she's also never had a chance to live. And even if it's her best friend, it's a new side to them she hasn't ever seen before... literally lol. As in this person has been invisible to her her whole existence. Which, at least, since she was created fully formed (not mentioned in the story but is from the myths) means he wasn't a creeper stalking her since she was a kid. Because those stories are just creepy not romantic. So her immediate change in behavior, without any transition time just doesn't feel right. Props for no inebriated hookups, though. Another peeve of mine. Consent is big with me, so sober, conscious, non pressured yeses are huge. And while the author got very close to an inebriated scene they backed off it. Thankfully. The story has its original sweetness with the darker elements, but tries to take it too far in steam I think to gel with the rest of the story. But I did like that it was Kore asking for freedom instead of Hades kidnapping her. Because no one asked her if a gilded cage was a good substitute for freedom. And being powerful doesn't count when everyone keeping you penned is just as powerful.

[Alessia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to say, this is the first Hades and Persephone retelling that I was completely dissapointed by because of how inaccurate to the original mythology is.

1. Persephone would never call her mother Demeter

2. Hades is NOT a torturer, and he acts like it in the beginning

3. Zeus never keeps Persephone locked away, that's Demeter

4. Speaking of Demeter ....she's totally out of character. She isn't mad that her daughter is gone and is just toally fine she ran off with Hades, and doesn't demand to have Hades give her back for half the year, so the entire concept of seasons is just non-existent in this book

5. Unsure why she was scared of Cerberus the first time she saw him. Cerberus only tried to stop people from leaving the underworld. NOT those who try and enter.

6. The description of Elysium fields was also not correct all all.....this is probably the most dissapointing of all

Overall, I was not happy with this book. This read more like "Babies first mythology book" for someone who really knows nothing about Greek Mythology so they don't care about accuracy, they just wanna read about the romance part.

I can only give this a 1/5. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Sorry

Read Receiver of Many....it's way better and the author actually did research during the writing process

[mel. ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to reiterate that, regardless of the three star rating, this book is good and I would recommend it. The thing that I absolutely adore about retellings, especially with something as vast and complex as Greek mythology, is that there is always something that you learn with each one, even if the storylines are very similar as they all follow the same general plot.

For example, until reading For The Love of Hades, I never knew that Hades had what is called a Bident? Which was a really cool piece of information I didn't know before, regardless of the fact that I practically read a new Hades and Persephone retelling on a monthly basis.

I loved how Hades had been there throughout Persephone's life as a supportive presence, even if she wasn't aware of who he was. It was certainly an interesting spin on things that worked really well, and I did like how both Hades and Persephone were written in Kilmari's adaptation, the only issue I had was the pacing of the book. There were days or hours that were skipped in between chapters and I felt as if they needed to be included in order to support the narrative; other than that, it had a wholesome conclusion and it was an enjoyable, quick read for lovers of Hades and Persephone.

[Jade Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was refreshing to see the sweet side of Hades, where he was the one fixated on Persephone, and how their relationship developed from friendship, to first proper meet, to relationship. It was a short read, but the absolute perfect length - it was just what I needed, and not too over-the-top cute (note: I'm not a romance girly, so the fact that I devoured this, says how well-written it was!).

Persephone also had a great personal growth with her going from being a minor Goddess, to the Queen of the Underworld. That last scene was absolutely perfect, and it great to end on her being such a boss, standing up to Zeus and not needing Hades (although you totally know he's got her back!) to step in for her.

I've read ALOT of novels featuring Persephone and Hades, and this has to go up there as one of my faves! I will definately be following this author for more!

It was a great start to my Febuary (I'm a mood reader, and get a strange craving to read outside of my normal genres and find romances in Feb).

[Lilith Maes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I genuinely love when authors just put in nicknames for the sake of it, but don’t make it ultimately cringey so that’s a plus point

Hades was super cute in this, but he was kind of bland and Persephone was kind of blegh when it came to character build up. I normally like it when it’s a little bit more in-depth with side characters, but it makes sense that she didn’t make that choice.

This book sort of seemed a bit rushed and kind of like a fever dream. These kind of stories are not exactly plot based but more character based, and while I loved the writing, the author didn’t really delve into the characters that much.

Cute story but I had higher expectations

[Melissa {I’m All Booked Up Reviews} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Retelling

I love stories of Hades and Persephone and always looking for different retellings of them. I stumbled upon this novella and new to me author and I’m glad I did.

For the Love of Hades is a short, quick read that really focuses on the relationship of Hades and Persephone. Not only that, but the development of Persephone and the transition from being goddess of spring to the queen of the Underworld.

Hades and Persephone’s story was fast paced, cute, and romantic. I recommend this retelling to anyone who enjoys these two or Greek mythology.

[Elisha Bugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good retelling whether it be a fairytale or a myth like this one, and this did not disappoint.
I like how the author took the tale and gave it life, giving Kore more of a say and making her a strong character. She didn't just get stolen away by Hades, she willingly went, unhappy being a prisoner any longer. I also like how Demeter was a positive mother figure in this version and not another of those just trying to keep her prisoner.
This novella was packed with sweet moments, spice, laughter, myth and drama.

[Charity Ritzma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love!

I can't even begin to tell you all how this book is! It's amazing that the characters are all wonderful, and Hades does have a soft side. Kore is a trapped God of Spring who just wants to be free, but Zues doesn't want her to find her trueself.

Her mom, Demeter, is a wonderful Harvest God and absolutely adores her daughter. You will encounter many obstacles and many humans. This book is 100000/10. I couldn't be happier with this book! Can't wait to read more!!!

P.S. kore does get her freedom, and her HEA

[Jasmine Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet and tender retelling of Hades and Persephone. I enjoyed the way in which these two gods were friends long before they ever became rulers together. I also found it lovely that Hades was depicted as sweet and devoted to Kore/Persephone and her growth and freedom as a goddess. If you are obsessed with the goddess of spring and king of the underworld, this is a perfect short story to read.

[Karenmatsu - Monbebookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

No esperaba nada... pero me encantó.
Noté que algunas cosas no iban de acuerdo a los hechos mitológicos, pero la verdad es que es una novela y un retelling, no me molestó demasiado porque no venía con interés de criticar cada detalle que fuera diferente.

Lo disfruté mucho en realidad, fue un Hades con algo más de corazón que lo normal y perfecto para Kore/Perséfone.

simplemente amo las historias de este par.
si quieren algo corto y entretenido, es buen libro para leerlo.

[Rhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella. I think it had such a good storyline and a lot going on for such a short story. I really liked both Kore and Hades, their characters were so interesting and contrasting but they worked so well together. I loved seeing Kore’s character development as the story went on. The romance and the spicy was also very enjoyable. I will definitely be reading more from Freida Kilmari!

[Jen Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hades has a sweet side

This was stupid cute. I really enjoyed the sweet sensitive version of a normally dark And depraved underworld god. Persephone was writtten sweetly until she needed to be a little darker and it worked. Sometimes we need authors to re write stories of our well known gods for a breath of fresh air. This little novella was just that. Not extremely spicy, but just a hint for what the story entailed.

[Angelinawim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all things Hades and Persephone

This book was really good and I really enjoyed the read. I’m obsessed with anything about Hades and Persephone. I find their relationship fascinating. This author did a really good job and I’m looking forward to finding other books that she’s written.

[Julie]

This was a sweet story but it was a FAST story. I think it takes place in like a day or two? A lot of things weren't clear, so I'm not 100% sure, but that was my read on it. It had some good steam to it, but it also felt super rushed. I know it's a novella, but it really should've been fleshed out more.

[lifeasmegs_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite but not the worst hades xpersephone story I’ve read. I felt Persephone was rather childish but did like how her and hades accepted each other for who they were. The ending also felt rather abrupt. More insight into what happened after Persephone takes down Zeus would’ve been cool to read.

[Leigh Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Retelling

I enjoyed the take that Zeus wants to contain Persephone instead of Demeter. The spice was good and I loved the relationship that developed with Hades showing Kore new things. I did think that the story had some plot holes and missed opportunities, but it was still a decent read.

[Kerrigan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This delivers on being a Hades + Persephone retelling. It was short and sweet but I wish the author had been able to expand on the relationship between the characters a bit more. There was a lot of "telling" the reader about things that happened off-page. Overall an enjoyable rendition of the myth, but I wouldn't re-read