***Mild spoilers!***

I needed a bit to process just how much I loved this book. I have been in somewhat of a reading slump for a very long time and have slowly been reconnecting with my love for books and the worlds created by the authors. And this, this was the one that finally said "you're home again." I read the first chapter one day, knew it was going to be good and had to put it off and wait for a night when I could just blast through it in one go. It was worth every single minute that I lost in this world instead of with sleep.

I already love Greek mythology and Hades & Persephone have always been my favorite couple, and for the reality of their story and not the altered versions. Anyway, not to digress away from this book, but I say that to say, Scarlett did such a wonderful job of embodying my two favorites and bringing them into a modern, magical Greece.



one of my fave arts of Hades and Persphone. Artist Micheline Ryckman at Whimsical Publishing.

Spoiler

Without getting too spoiler-y, understanding at a deep, personal level, the struggles Persephone has while attempting to grow and maintain her own independence away from her mother is what really drew me into this story. Obviously, her love for and relationship with Hades is a HUGE BONUS. But I felt like there was a lot to be said about the growth Persephone goes through and will still have to go through as a driving part of this story in the long run, IMO. Which then leads to the growth of Hades to the reader. There are things about him under the surface that we don't learn until Persephone herself learns, though we have our own suspicions and what not. And that just made me love this all the more, to be able to go on the journey with her in her growth and learning who Hades really is.

Also HERMES ANYONE? Ugh. I absolutely ADORE him. And Adonis can step on a LEGO.

I have not read any of the others, though I am glad that I found this series now and can attempt to read them mostly in the order Scarlett intends. So on to A Game of Fate to spend more quality time with my favorite man, Hades. <3

Okay. I needed a few days to process, yet again. Because I just.... I LOVE SCARLETT AND HER BOOKS.

I am glad I chose to read this before officially opening A Touch of Ruin (even though my profile says I started it before this one... we'll pretend like we don't see that.) I do think that if you, like me, want to be able to understand all the ins and outs, all the motivations, all the quirks, etc., of a character, then it's important to have all the information available. With that being said, having an entire book from Hades POV?! A+, man, A. Plus.

Without getting spoiler-y, Scarlett gave us the ability to understand Hades thoughts and emotions more in depth than what we saw in ATOD. Since ATOD came from Persephone's lens, which is very tainted by her mother, we missed some of the nuances of Hades and his actions. On top of this, we also begin to explore the going-ons of New Athens outside of Persephone's bubble, which, to be honest, is a very small bubble.

My one and only complaint was that Hades did come across very toxic boyfriend to me at times, and I do believe that is meant to be part of his story arc, so I guess I get it? It's just a bit difficult for me personally to fully love from the jump. Hence 4 out of 5 stars.

And also. HERMES. My love. My light. Thief of my heart. I need more of him. He brings so much joy to me when I read his scenes, and you get so much more of him in this than in ATOD. I am so pleased.

I do highly recommend this book overall. I don't know that I could read all of the Persephone POVs without also reading the Hades ones, especially after having now read this first installment.

Let me know your thoughts! <3