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Femme Fatale #2
A Lifetime Kind of Love: A Modern-Day Greek Mythology Retelling
A breathtaking and emotional standalone poetry collection, based in Greek mythology, perfect for fans of Madeline Miller's A Song of Achilles, Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey, or Rupi Kaur's Milk and Honey.
They say unrequited love is the worst kind of love, but what of past loves that come to this lifetime? What of a connection that is deeper than one lifetime can allow?
What do you do when they appear?
When you tear each other's wounds anew, not recognising how to reconcile in this lifetime?
What then?
How do you move on from a lifetime love that was eons in the making and forever in your future?
Explore the first ninety days of a past love affair through the ancestry of Hades & Persephone in the pages of this poetry in the hopes that it will ease your longing and offer discernment.
Gwyneth Lesley's "A Lifetime Kind of Love" is the second standalone book in the Femme Fatale series, between Hades & Persephone when they both roamed the Earth as mortals. The myth says it was but a moment, but what is a moment to an immortal if not a lifetime to a mortal?
"A Lifetime Kind of Love" is a modern-day Greek mythology retelling of poetry containing themes of suicide.
They say unrequited love is the worst kind of love, but what of past loves that come to this lifetime? What of a connection that is deeper than one lifetime can allow?
What do you do when they appear?
When you tear each other's wounds anew, not recognising how to reconcile in this lifetime?
What then?
How do you move on from a lifetime love that was eons in the making and forever in your future?
Explore the first ninety days of a past love affair through the ancestry of Hades & Persephone in the pages of this poetry in the hopes that it will ease your longing and offer discernment.
Gwyneth Lesley's "A Lifetime Kind of Love" is the second standalone book in the Femme Fatale series, between Hades & Persephone when they both roamed the Earth as mortals. The myth says it was but a moment, but what is a moment to an immortal if not a lifetime to a mortal?
"A Lifetime Kind of Love" is a modern-day Greek mythology retelling of poetry containing themes of suicide.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2022
17 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Gwyneth Lesley
12 books131 followersGwyneth Lesley is the author of the Femme Fatale series and the Underworld Novellas, containing modern-day Greek mythology retellings. Expect heartbreaking, steamy romances or cosy feel-good vibes in her books (depending on which series you pick up). When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking in her kitchen or going on bush walks in her home country of New Zealand. You can keep up with her adventures on Instagram at @gwenthegreekmythgirl and her books at www.gwynethlesley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 25, 2022
For starters I want to say I loved this book! I love Hades and Persephone retellings! I loved this take so much on them! I loved EVERY single page of this book. I didn’t put it down once! It does have dark parts to it but even then I still loved this book, cause it’s Hades so why wouldn’t it be dark at times?
May 25, 2022
“Sometimes, it is only when we float alone that we are forced to look within.”
I connected with this author on TikTok. I am a true lover of Hades and Persephone’s story, and once I saw that Gwyneth was releasing a retelling of their story, I had to have it. She sent me the ARC in exchange for an honest review; so here I go:
I first thought to myself, ‘I don’t know how we are going to get the beauty of the story in poem form’. I was pleasantly surprised.
I am not a usual reader of poetry, but as I read on, I understood why the story was written this way. Gwyneth has captured not only the heartbreaking tale of Hades and Persephone but allows us to delve deep within our own souls. I found myself being taken away from reality with every question asked.
I especially loved the way that Persephone is perceived and how we’re made to think of her femininity as strength.
I will say however - even though Gwyneth states that we will not be spoon fed answers - I still need more! If Gwyneth came out with a novel, I would definitely buy it!
I have never read a retelling like this and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This work is one I will be revisiting many times more!
I connected with this author on TikTok. I am a true lover of Hades and Persephone’s story, and once I saw that Gwyneth was releasing a retelling of their story, I had to have it. She sent me the ARC in exchange for an honest review; so here I go:
I first thought to myself, ‘I don’t know how we are going to get the beauty of the story in poem form’. I was pleasantly surprised.
I am not a usual reader of poetry, but as I read on, I understood why the story was written this way. Gwyneth has captured not only the heartbreaking tale of Hades and Persephone but allows us to delve deep within our own souls. I found myself being taken away from reality with every question asked.
I especially loved the way that Persephone is perceived and how we’re made to think of her femininity as strength.
I will say however - even though Gwyneth states that we will not be spoon fed answers - I still need more! If Gwyneth came out with a novel, I would definitely buy it!
I have never read a retelling like this and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This work is one I will be revisiting many times more!
May 24, 2022
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review ✨
Hades & Persephone’s story has been a favorite of mine since I remember learning Greek Mythology. I read many retellings of their story but I can say without a doubt that Gwyneth’s “A Lifetime Kind of Love” created something so incredibly refreshing and emotional; I was unprepared for it. I have read it twice and I’m sure I’ll be reading it again soon. I’ve learned something new each time whether it pertains to the story or a reflection of myself.
I can’t wait for the next journey in the Femme Fatale series.
Please read authors notes in the beginning before diving in.
Hades & Persephone’s story has been a favorite of mine since I remember learning Greek Mythology. I read many retellings of their story but I can say without a doubt that Gwyneth’s “A Lifetime Kind of Love” created something so incredibly refreshing and emotional; I was unprepared for it. I have read it twice and I’m sure I’ll be reading it again soon. I’ve learned something new each time whether it pertains to the story or a reflection of myself.
I can’t wait for the next journey in the Femme Fatale series.
Please read authors notes in the beginning before diving in.
May 27, 2022
I received this book as an ARC copy from the author. I've read her other book (loved it) and I was excited to read this book. Who doesn't like a retelling of a story. Especially about Persephone and Hades. I normally don't read poetry but I'm not opposed to it. I enjoyed reading this book of a retelling but in a poetry format.
May 20, 2022
This is something I would not typically pick out for myself to read, but I am glad I did. It was very enjoyable from beginning to end, with parts being dark and others being more relatable than I would have thought. I will always love a Hades and Persephone retelling and will always try to finish it in one day! My favorite part is just after page 103.
Thank you to Gwyneth Lesley for the Advanced Reader Copy and the chance to read your novel.
Thank you to Gwyneth Lesley for the Advanced Reader Copy and the chance to read your novel.
May 21, 2022
I usually dont read poetry. So I was on the fence on liking this but I had enjoyed this. It is different compared to the other Hades and Persphone retellings. I thought that this was beautifully written and simple. The way that this book just flowed together was great. I read this in one day.
Book comes out 5/25/22
Book comes out 5/25/22
May 25, 2022
I was very kindly sent an ARC of this to review. I have only ever read one other Poetry book/ collection so I am still very new to this type of writing. I think this was beautifully written, Gwen put so much emotion into her writing and you can’t help but feel when you read this. I think if I was in a different state of mind or had different experiences I would have been more moved by the contents, I did find quite a few parts/quotes very moving because they hit really close to home. I still enjoyed reading this either way. If you want to give poetry a try or you like poetry and also like Hades and Persephone retellings, I think you would really enjoy this. It is a quick read, I read it in one sitting. It is a beautifully written collection and it will not disappoint.
May 26, 2022
"Beautiful things don’t ask for attention. Beautiful minds don’t need direction.
And beautiful people, rare as they are Aren’t always perfect, but perfectly scarred."
- A Lifetime Kind of Love - Pg. 40
This is the second book of The Femme Fatale series Yet, this book isn’t a continuation of the first one. In the first book, the story revolves around the Priestess Amara who tells her story. The second book is a collection of poems that through them tells the story of Hades and Persephone.
Below, I will be talking and the things I like and dislike about this book:
Things I Like:
The book in general is a masterpiece. It will easily sit among the best poetry books that I’ve read. The word choice (So many unique and poetic words) and the flowing in are awesome. It is true that the book is related to the Greek Mythology but you can still pretty much enjoy the poems even if you have zero knowledge or interest in the Greek Mythology and you can still read this book if you haven’t read the first one (But I do really recommend you read the first one first). Just like what I said in my review of the first book, Gwyneth does show a great understanding of Greek Mythology and as a Greek Mythology lover, I’m so pleased to see that.
Things I Dislike:
There weren’t many things to dislike about this book except two things and honestly they aren’t that annoying but since this is an honest review, it means I will have to be completely honest. The book takes around 30 pages until the actual content starts, which somehow I found strange because I kept reading page after page without any content. Secondly, this is more like a personal preference is that I always prefer the short poems (A sentence or two) because I always find them stronger and in this book, there was some lack in the number of the short poems.
And beautiful people, rare as they are Aren’t always perfect, but perfectly scarred."
- A Lifetime Kind of Love - Pg. 40
This is the second book of The Femme Fatale series Yet, this book isn’t a continuation of the first one. In the first book, the story revolves around the Priestess Amara who tells her story. The second book is a collection of poems that through them tells the story of Hades and Persephone.
Below, I will be talking and the things I like and dislike about this book:
Things I Like:
The book in general is a masterpiece. It will easily sit among the best poetry books that I’ve read. The word choice (So many unique and poetic words) and the flowing in are awesome. It is true that the book is related to the Greek Mythology but you can still pretty much enjoy the poems even if you have zero knowledge or interest in the Greek Mythology and you can still read this book if you haven’t read the first one (But I do really recommend you read the first one first). Just like what I said in my review of the first book, Gwyneth does show a great understanding of Greek Mythology and as a Greek Mythology lover, I’m so pleased to see that.
Things I Dislike:
There weren’t many things to dislike about this book except two things and honestly they aren’t that annoying but since this is an honest review, it means I will have to be completely honest. The book takes around 30 pages until the actual content starts, which somehow I found strange because I kept reading page after page without any content. Secondly, this is more like a personal preference is that I always prefer the short poems (A sentence or two) because I always find them stronger and in this book, there was some lack in the number of the short poems.
May 25, 2022
WOW. This author has blown me away, again!
(I was given an ARC copy for an honest review by the author)
I've always been a fan of poetry, took a couple classes during school, and I can say with complete honesty that this collection of poems is one of the best I've read.
I wasn't sure how this book would fit in the series after her first Femme Fatale novel.
But as I read through the pages I was overwhelmed with the emotions, with the lines of text that made me contemplate life itself. I felt like a poet myself, just by reading this collection.
I couldn't ever begin to pick a favorite poem or line, not until I've read it a hundred more times. Below I will list a few anyway:
"All I did was love her / With reckless abandon / For that was the only way she knew / How to love herself."
"If nothing breaks, nothing moves. / So you began to build it anew / Creating a space just for you."
"Don't you know claiming martyrdom / without good cause / is merely cowardice claiming nobility?"
"No one writes love stories / About the ones that come easy."
(I was given an ARC copy for an honest review by the author)
I've always been a fan of poetry, took a couple classes during school, and I can say with complete honesty that this collection of poems is one of the best I've read.
I wasn't sure how this book would fit in the series after her first Femme Fatale novel.
But as I read through the pages I was overwhelmed with the emotions, with the lines of text that made me contemplate life itself. I felt like a poet myself, just by reading this collection.
I couldn't ever begin to pick a favorite poem or line, not until I've read it a hundred more times. Below I will list a few anyway:
"All I did was love her / With reckless abandon / For that was the only way she knew / How to love herself."
"If nothing breaks, nothing moves. / So you began to build it anew / Creating a space just for you."
"Don't you know claiming martyrdom / without good cause / is merely cowardice claiming nobility?"
"No one writes love stories / About the ones that come easy."
June 15, 2022
GL - this book held my attention from start to finish in a single sitting. While Greek mythology is a passion, I’ve always been indifferent to poetry however after reading this book I have a new obsession! Evocative, relatable, intriguing and at times soul wrenching when you absorb the power of her written words. You will not be disappointed reading this one of a kind book, A Lifetime Kind of Love.
May 28, 2022
I love a Hades and Persephone retelling, and this didn’t disappoint! I could hardly put it down! This is a totally different spin on their story, but I loved it because of that! If your a fan of Hades and Persephone this is a must read! It does get a little dark, but considering it’s talking of the God of the Underworld it didn’t shock me!
May 26, 2022
I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for an honest review ❤️
“Burnt earth tastes a little sweeter”
I like poetry, but it isn’t my normal read. That being said, I had tears in my eyes by the end of this book.
“A Lifetime Kind of Love” doesn’t match the first book in terms of formatting and at first I thought that would be a hindrance. However, Gwyneth Lesley’s writing style translates even better to poetry than to narrative and the same rhythm was there, just clearer.
The story of Hades and Persephone is told quite a bit, which was another worry of mine at the start. The combination of real narrative (see Author’s Note) and their story made it all the more raw and I applaud Gwyneth for managing to achieve this.
4 ⭐️ and I look forward to the next book in the series.
“Burnt earth tastes a little sweeter”
I like poetry, but it isn’t my normal read. That being said, I had tears in my eyes by the end of this book.
“A Lifetime Kind of Love” doesn’t match the first book in terms of formatting and at first I thought that would be a hindrance. However, Gwyneth Lesley’s writing style translates even better to poetry than to narrative and the same rhythm was there, just clearer.
The story of Hades and Persephone is told quite a bit, which was another worry of mine at the start. The combination of real narrative (see Author’s Note) and their story made it all the more raw and I applaud Gwyneth for managing to achieve this.
4 ⭐️ and I look forward to the next book in the series.
February 13, 2023
First, let me start with.. Persephone is my favorite goddess. The idea that she is the goddess of spring and also the queen of the Underworld speaks to the duality and power of women. I’m obsessed with her.
This book was a very quick read because it was poetry. While it involved Persephone and Hades throughout, it tackled bigger topics like abandonment, love, and balance. I just wish it had more Persephone and Hades!
This book was a very quick read because it was poetry. While it involved Persephone and Hades throughout, it tackled bigger topics like abandonment, love, and balance. I just wish it had more Persephone and Hades!
May 25, 2022
I received this as an ARC, I connected with the author on tiktok and though I don’t normally read poetry I felt called to read this. I was not disappointed! The writing is beautiful, I am a huge fan of Persephone and Hades, this book speaks their a story in a truly unique way.
“Sometimes, in the echo of your memory I briefly return to innocence.”
“Sometimes, in the echo of your memory I briefly return to innocence.”
May 26, 2022
I received an ARC for an honest review. I usually don't read much poetry, but I'm glad I did. I love retellings of Persephone and Hades. This book gives a different view and connection to the characters. I love how it flowed easily together through the whole book.
May 22, 2022
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I enjoyed this collection of poetry by Gwyneth Lesley that encompasses the myth of Hades & Persephone. Such a different take on the many retellings that are out there today, and the heart of the author is obviously behind the passion and heartbreak woven in the lines of these poems. I want more though. I want more details. I want more explanations. I love their story and want more! This is probably her intent, but Gwyneth, write me the book! :)
I enjoyed this collection of poetry by Gwyneth Lesley that encompasses the myth of Hades & Persephone. Such a different take on the many retellings that are out there today, and the heart of the author is obviously behind the passion and heartbreak woven in the lines of these poems. I want more though. I want more details. I want more explanations. I love their story and want more! This is probably her intent, but Gwyneth, write me the book! :)
March 20, 2023
I’m so annoyed at myself that it took me this long to read this after Prometheus’ Priestess!
Gwyneth Lesley created magic with her words and I’m utterly obsessed! As a lover of poetry as well as Greek mythology this was a match made in heaven for me and I was not disappointed!
This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone poetry book even if Greek mythology isn’t your thing as well!!
Can’t wait to read the next one!
Gwyneth Lesley created magic with her words and I’m utterly obsessed! As a lover of poetry as well as Greek mythology this was a match made in heaven for me and I was not disappointed!
This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone poetry book even if Greek mythology isn’t your thing as well!!
Can’t wait to read the next one!
November 12, 2023
You want my heart? You got it. I don't need it anymore.
I am a down right sucker for Persephone and Hades retellings. These two are my Roman Empire (right next to Darcy and Liz). I took so much time to truly sit and read this because after the first few poems I couldn't just /read/ this, I had to feel it. I spent an entire week reading each poem out loud because that was the only way to do it justice. I felt each one in my soul. The best part about this is that you don't even need to know the story of Persephone and Hades to enjoy these writings and interpret them for yourself and your life.
I am a down right sucker for Persephone and Hades retellings. These two are my Roman Empire (right next to Darcy and Liz). I took so much time to truly sit and read this because after the first few poems I couldn't just /read/ this, I had to feel it. I spent an entire week reading each poem out loud because that was the only way to do it justice. I felt each one in my soul. The best part about this is that you don't even need to know the story of Persephone and Hades to enjoy these writings and interpret them for yourself and your life.
December 24, 2022
“What if no one else comes to love me?”
Ah you did such a good job at putting their love on paper. It dragged me along like I was watching a movie.
Here a few of my favs:
“You always make it sound like such final goodbyes
Forgetting that you find me in every lifetime.”
And the epilogue is just so &:@2@/&:&:!:€:&/&
“I think you saw the void as a chasm. Whereas all I saw was chaos before life began. I don’t think you ever knew the dark parts you loathed to climb out of were the parts I fell in love with. I don’t think you knew you were the light in the darkness.”
May 30, 2022
***I received and ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review***
I feel like I need to preface this review with a little disclaimer: I absolutely can not stand books written in verse. I have nothing against them, but I typically struggle to follow what is happening and prefer narration.
"You cannot find what you refuse to look for."
Well, when it comes to this book I couldn't be more wrong in my opinion. From the very beginning Gwyneth grabs you with her command of the written word. The images she creates are vivid, luring the reader into a sensory thrill ride they perhaps didn't even know they were getting on.
"But then why, oh Daughter of Demeter,
Does hell hath no fury like a woman scorned?"
This amazing retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone takes you through a whirlwind of emotions. Head the warning in the Author's Note regarding mental state before reading. I, myself, had to stop a few times during reading as the sheer depths this book goes to struck a chord I was not ready to have plucked.
"Perhaps you should feed your demons what they need not what they crave."
If you are like me and tend to shy away from books written in verse, this one may be the one to change your mind. I didn't know I needed what A Lifetime Kind of Love was offering, but now that I have it I want more. Gwyneth Lesley gets to the visceral reality of emotion in a way that is poetic and heart wrenching at the same time.
"For I may be blind
But I'm no fool."
I began my journey with Ms. Lesley in the Femme Fatale series book 1: Prometheus' Priestess and was eager to read more. When she offered the opportunity to read book 2 I jumped on it. At the time I had no idea it was written in verse. She may have told me, but I honestly can't remember. All I know was that I loved the first installment I just had to have the 2nd. Well, after I overcame my original hesitation I am happy to say I will be eagerly awaiting Book 3!
I feel like I need to preface this review with a little disclaimer: I absolutely can not stand books written in verse. I have nothing against them, but I typically struggle to follow what is happening and prefer narration.
"You cannot find what you refuse to look for."
Well, when it comes to this book I couldn't be more wrong in my opinion. From the very beginning Gwyneth grabs you with her command of the written word. The images she creates are vivid, luring the reader into a sensory thrill ride they perhaps didn't even know they were getting on.
"But then why, oh Daughter of Demeter,
Does hell hath no fury like a woman scorned?"
This amazing retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone takes you through a whirlwind of emotions. Head the warning in the Author's Note regarding mental state before reading. I, myself, had to stop a few times during reading as the sheer depths this book goes to struck a chord I was not ready to have plucked.
"Perhaps you should feed your demons what they need not what they crave."
If you are like me and tend to shy away from books written in verse, this one may be the one to change your mind. I didn't know I needed what A Lifetime Kind of Love was offering, but now that I have it I want more. Gwyneth Lesley gets to the visceral reality of emotion in a way that is poetic and heart wrenching at the same time.
"For I may be blind
But I'm no fool."
I began my journey with Ms. Lesley in the Femme Fatale series book 1: Prometheus' Priestess and was eager to read more. When she offered the opportunity to read book 2 I jumped on it. At the time I had no idea it was written in verse. She may have told me, but I honestly can't remember. All I know was that I loved the first installment I just had to have the 2nd. Well, after I overcame my original hesitation I am happy to say I will be eagerly awaiting Book 3!
July 17, 2022
Finally had the time to finish "A Lifetime Kind of Love" by Gwyneth Lesley which is book two of her Femme Fatale series and an indirect sequel of Prometheus' Priestess. However, unlike the first book in the series, "A Lifetime Kind of Love" takes the form of a poetry collection and mainly revolves around the myth of Hades and Persephone.
I didn't read the blurb or description of the book so I went into it only knowing that it revolves around Hades and Persephone and just made my own interpretations of the poems which I'm not sure is the same with the author's intent. I read it as some sort of a recurring cursed love story which almost always ends in tragedy. I found it so interesting to imagine Hades & Persephone taking different forms and being reincarnated into lifetime after lifetime, somehow always finding and falling in love with each other. So for me, this collection felt like several retellings of Hades & Persephone which I really loved.
I also commend Gwyneth Lesley for her evocative writing. I may not be as well-versed in Greek mythology as I wished to be in order to understand all the nuances of her poems but nevertheless, I could genuinely say that I FELT them. There are verses which I highlighted because they are so vivid and emotional that I found myself thinking about even after I finished reading the book. One specific example would be the 5th stanza of the poem entitled "Hades & Persephone". I just felt like there's so much to unpack on that single stanza alone.
Poetry collections are usually not my thing which is why I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. I'm sure that many Hades & Persephone fans and those who are generally into Greek mythology would love this too.
Some of my favorite poems from the collection include the following: Garden of Eden, Hades & Persephone, Disguise, Purpose, Synonymous, The Fisherwoman, This Sinking Feeling, Company to Keep, So Say the Greek Playwrights, When the Dead Talk, Epilogue: Melancholy
I didn't read the blurb or description of the book so I went into it only knowing that it revolves around Hades and Persephone and just made my own interpretations of the poems which I'm not sure is the same with the author's intent. I read it as some sort of a recurring cursed love story which almost always ends in tragedy. I found it so interesting to imagine Hades & Persephone taking different forms and being reincarnated into lifetime after lifetime, somehow always finding and falling in love with each other. So for me, this collection felt like several retellings of Hades & Persephone which I really loved.
I also commend Gwyneth Lesley for her evocative writing. I may not be as well-versed in Greek mythology as I wished to be in order to understand all the nuances of her poems but nevertheless, I could genuinely say that I FELT them. There are verses which I highlighted because they are so vivid and emotional that I found myself thinking about even after I finished reading the book. One specific example would be the 5th stanza of the poem entitled "Hades & Persephone". I just felt like there's so much to unpack on that single stanza alone.
Poetry collections are usually not my thing which is why I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. I'm sure that many Hades & Persephone fans and those who are generally into Greek mythology would love this too.
Some of my favorite poems from the collection include the following: Garden of Eden, Hades & Persephone, Disguise, Purpose, Synonymous, The Fisherwoman, This Sinking Feeling, Company to Keep, So Say the Greek Playwrights, When the Dead Talk, Epilogue: Melancholy
June 6, 2022
"Sometimes it is only when we float alone that we are forced to look within."
One of my favourite stories from greek mythology has always been the story of Hades and Persephone (even if it was more child friendly versions) so I was definitely looking forward to reading this book. A Lifetime Kind Of Love tells the story from the two perspectives using a wide and varied range of poems. While I normally don't read books that are written in verse because I absolutely love worldbuilding, this worked so much for this book and seemed to me like it was the perfect format. These poems have stayed with me since reading them and I am sure they will remain with me for a long time after. Some of these poems really made me emotional so I would definitely recommend reading the authors note before the poems as some parts get a little dark and it may not be the right time for you to read this book.
Below I will list some of my favourite lines from poems in this book but if I were to list all of them, this review would be way too long.
"All I did was love her With reckless abandon For that was the only way she knew How to love herself" - The Untold Tale Of Hades
"Don't you know claiming martyrdom Without good cause Is merely cowardice claiming nobility" - Martyrdom
"Sometimes it is only when we float alone That we are forced to look within." - Water and Release
"I don't think you ever knew The dark parts you loathed to climb out of Were the parts I fell in love with" - Epilogue: Melancholy
After reading Prometheus' Priestess I was so excited to read the next installment of the Femme Fatale series and this did definitely not disappoint me. I will definitely be reading book 3 when it comes out next year.
I received a free ARC in return for an honest review.
One of my favourite stories from greek mythology has always been the story of Hades and Persephone (even if it was more child friendly versions) so I was definitely looking forward to reading this book. A Lifetime Kind Of Love tells the story from the two perspectives using a wide and varied range of poems. While I normally don't read books that are written in verse because I absolutely love worldbuilding, this worked so much for this book and seemed to me like it was the perfect format. These poems have stayed with me since reading them and I am sure they will remain with me for a long time after. Some of these poems really made me emotional so I would definitely recommend reading the authors note before the poems as some parts get a little dark and it may not be the right time for you to read this book.
Below I will list some of my favourite lines from poems in this book but if I were to list all of them, this review would be way too long.
"All I did was love her With reckless abandon For that was the only way she knew How to love herself" - The Untold Tale Of Hades
"Don't you know claiming martyrdom Without good cause Is merely cowardice claiming nobility" - Martyrdom
"Sometimes it is only when we float alone That we are forced to look within." - Water and Release
"I don't think you ever knew The dark parts you loathed to climb out of Were the parts I fell in love with" - Epilogue: Melancholy
After reading Prometheus' Priestess I was so excited to read the next installment of the Femme Fatale series and this did definitely not disappoint me. I will definitely be reading book 3 when it comes out next year.
I received a free ARC in return for an honest review.
May 29, 2022
So I’m not usually a person to pick up a poetry book over a novel but Gwyneth has converted me once again. The second book in her ‘Femme Fatale’ series is another immaculate retelling of Greek mythology - the love story of Hades and Persephone. So this book doesn’t involve characters from the first book but you’re told that the women in the series will ‘reappear together in sisterhood as this series progresses’ which I’m really looking forward to
I knew nothing about Hades really, all I knew was the Hades in Disney’s version of Hercules, so I had no idea that he had a love story. So I was very grateful of having a short summary of their love story explained before the book began
I would recommend reading the author’s notes at the beginning of the book before starting, but this book is beautifully written and the poems stay with you long after reading them. Especially as I didn’t know the full story before this book, I thought it was really cleverly written to be told through the sole use of poetry
I knew nothing about Hades really, all I knew was the Hades in Disney’s version of Hercules, so I had no idea that he had a love story. So I was very grateful of having a short summary of their love story explained before the book began
I would recommend reading the author’s notes at the beginning of the book before starting, but this book is beautifully written and the poems stay with you long after reading them. Especially as I didn’t know the full story before this book, I thought it was really cleverly written to be told through the sole use of poetry
August 20, 2022
After reading Prometheus priestess and loving it I was very excited to see what this author would produce next and I was not disappointed.
This is not a novel but a collection of poetry and almost two or three paragraph stories. I am currently going through a difficult break up after a 5 year relationship and a lot of these poems actually helped. There's works about tumultuous love, not being able to be with the ones we want, anger, betrayal,loss but also discovering self and growth.
The collection still manages to revolve around the Greek Gods mentioned in the previous book but the author cleverly manages to weave both God's and mortals together as the poetry really could be about either and both simultaneously. There is also a helpful glossary and explanation of Hades and Persephone at the beginning so you know who everyone is.
Eagerly anticipating the next book in whatever form it may take!
This is not a novel but a collection of poetry and almost two or three paragraph stories. I am currently going through a difficult break up after a 5 year relationship and a lot of these poems actually helped. There's works about tumultuous love, not being able to be with the ones we want, anger, betrayal,loss but also discovering self and growth.
The collection still manages to revolve around the Greek Gods mentioned in the previous book but the author cleverly manages to weave both God's and mortals together as the poetry really could be about either and both simultaneously. There is also a helpful glossary and explanation of Hades and Persephone at the beginning so you know who everyone is.
Eagerly anticipating the next book in whatever form it may take!
June 7, 2022
This book was not what I expected when I picked it up. I am so glad I did. It’s an amazing set of poems/prose that takes you through an over arching story of Hades and Persephone. That being said I am one to pick through and read poems as they fit my mood going back again and again to revisit just my favorites, with just and occasional reread fully. I am happy to say this book can be read either way and I will definitely be picking up a second copy in print just so I can do my preferred flip through. If you love mythology this is a must, however, it speaks to you on almost a personal level as well. I think just about any poetry lover could enjoy it.
June 30, 2022
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
I am not a huge poetry fan but the author's first book was so good, I had to try the second book. It is a retelling of Hades and Persephone through poetry. This book was hard for me because it was an emotional roller coaster. It took me awhile to read due to the feelings being generated. The poems are moving but there is much darkness within them as well.
I highly recommend this book. I would caution reading this if you're at a low point though.
I am not a huge poetry fan but the author's first book was so good, I had to try the second book. It is a retelling of Hades and Persephone through poetry. This book was hard for me because it was an emotional roller coaster. It took me awhile to read due to the feelings being generated. The poems are moving but there is much darkness within them as well.
I highly recommend this book. I would caution reading this if you're at a low point though.
August 2, 2022
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a review.
“Beautiful things don’t ask for attention”
This book is simply beautiful. The writing style, the story, the layout. It’s one of those books once you get started, you can’t stop until you’ve finished it. This has been the most beautiful retelling.
“You cannot find what you refuse to look for”
My goodness!!! This author knows exactly to keep you hanging on every word and needing more and more! I absolutely cannot wait for the third installment.
“Beautiful things don’t ask for attention”
This book is simply beautiful. The writing style, the story, the layout. It’s one of those books once you get started, you can’t stop until you’ve finished it. This has been the most beautiful retelling.
“You cannot find what you refuse to look for”
My goodness!!! This author knows exactly to keep you hanging on every word and needing more and more! I absolutely cannot wait for the third installment.
May 26, 2022
I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
There have been very few books I DNF and I'm sad to say this is one, I was looking forward to this because Hades & Persephone is one of my all time favorites.
But between the poetry nature and reading the author notes I will not be able to read this book at this time.
There have been very few books I DNF and I'm sad to say this is one, I was looking forward to this because Hades & Persephone is one of my all time favorites.
But between the poetry nature and reading the author notes I will not be able to read this book at this time.
June 22, 2022
This was a great book and I enjoyed her take on Hades and Persephone. It was well written, with the characters emotions coming through, through all the hardships. I absolutely loved it and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
April 20, 2023
Beautiful poetry - such a tale of love, loss and longing
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