I LOVE Hades x Persephone retellings and this was no exception. The world that Cabot creates is captivating and original. I listened to the audiobook the second time around and the narrator captures Pierce perfectly! I wanted more of John and I hope that the next book shows a little bit of growth between Pierce and John where they learn to trust one another more. There are some starling revelations that shook me, and I want some more of those too in the upcoming books!

I honestly cannot wait to continue this series and I may listen to the rest of the trilogy on my commute to work.

DNF

I got about 40% into the novel before I categorized as DID NOT FINISH. The book just wasn't for me. The pacing was incredibly slow and the characters were hard to relate to or even care about.

Please don't feel discourage to pick up this book after reading this. If you find it interesting, give it a try!

I really enjoyed following Pierce’s adventure to the Underworld as she learns more of John’s past, and the pomegranate symbolism, which is taken to a whole new level of context in this retelling. What I wanted most of all - I didn’t get. I wanted Pierce and John to have a better relationship - one rooted in trust. I also wanted less miscommunication.

I have mixed feelings about John and Pierce’s relationship as that is a central storyline. On one hand, it is toxic and machismo driven - on the other, I can see the romantic and sensitive nature within John to protect Pierce. It just ...it definitely does not stand the test of time.

The story is still relatively told in a past-reflection tone as Pierce is recalling the moments that led her to be with John Hayden. The style of writing is different and engaging. I also LOVED the motifs in this installment.

I look forward to the last book in the series. I am hoping that it is better when it comes to the romance that has ignited a new power within the two main characters.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that when one is in possession of a wonderful book, the person instantaneously feels the wonder on the first page.

There’s a thing about grief - that everyone grieves differently. Rachel shut out the world. I put my mind and body to work - to not feel the crushing weight of sadness and disbelief.

This is a story of healing, of coming to terms with death. Sometimes, the ache doesn’t leave and that’s okay.

I adored Rachel and Henry as they tried to find there way back to one another, a friendship that was restored by the trust they had in one another.

I loved that this was a story about books and how books hold the essence of people.

I highly recommend this powerful story. You’ll utterly fall in love with the characters and words on the page.

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this installment as it was packed with never ending hurdles for the characters to surpass. One of my biggest issues (and I may have missed the answer because I listened to this on audio) is that we never find out HOW Alex was revived. I figured that it was due to Pierce and Hayden’s love, that it was awakened towards the end of the second book but NOPE.

Things I Liked:

Pierce’s crystal being used and her skills with a whip - that was pretty badass.

John being gone for half of the novel as it allowed Pierce to be strong and take matters into her own hands.

Alex’s plan to redeem his father’s name.

The Fates and how they offer guidance.

Justice for Jade’s death.

Things I Didn’t Like:

Pierce’s heritage which is mentioned in the last book but holds no significance to her character. I wish there would have been more to it - more traits to indicate she was of Spanish descent.

Pierce and John’s relationship; there are times were it is sweet and caring, but he is possessive and wild. I understand it ...he’s a death deity and up until a week ago, he did not socialize with people much.

There were times when the plot didn’t move forward ...this entire series takes place in a matter of DAYS - a lot of stuff happens but then doesn’t because characters spend so much time formulating plans, etc. with no action. It is a pacing issue.

The writing style was told in a reflective tone as if Pierce was looking back at this specific time of her life, and telling us about it. That is completely fine BUT we never find out why she tells us the story in this manner. For example, when John tries to veer the boats from crashing in the underworld, Pierce says something along the lines of “it was the last words I’d say to him” as if she has already LIVED through this moment. So, why don’t we see that she’s telling someone the story in the end?

If you like Greek modern retellings, this may be a really fun read! I like how Cabot weaves a truly original tale of death, love, and fate.

This book means so much to me. Not only is it written by one of the first blogger friends I made on Wordpress all those many years ago, Juniper Lemon’s story has helped me grieve and find solace after a loved one’s death.

I didn’t know what I expected from Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index, but it exceeded whatever expectations I did have. I loved how Juniper focused all her time and energy on helping other while still feeling the ache of her sister’s absence. I loved her friends, and how each other them had their own secrets of identity, of feeling alone and yearning for something more. I loved Brand with all my heart and soul. I cried, I laughed, I swooned so HARD.

I highly recommend this beautiful story of love, loss, friendship, and happiness <3