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shellballenger's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: The story of Hades and Persophone is one of my absolute favorites and I love it when stories are rethought and retold.
Overall rating: "Are you well?" No, Hades, I am not well. I don't know what I think of 'A Touch of Darkness' and it's about as frustrating as that sexual tension between you and Persophone. Here's the thing, I absolutely love the story of Hades and Persophone - like the actual Greek myth of the two gods and how they became, quite literally, one of mythology's power couples. And I think that is absolutely why I have a love/hate relationship with 'A Touch of Darkness.' I LOVED how Hades was portrayed and the layers and complexity we saw within him; however, Persophone was nauseating and lackluster. She was a whiny child that needed to grow a pair of pomegranates (which she does at the end of the book, but damn...that was a painful journey to get there) .
I think one of the things I also struggled with in 'A Touch of Darkness' was the human/god dichotomy and how they lived together but separately. I didn't feel like that was fully fleshed out. There were parts where it was normal to see a god on the street or in a bar, but then there were other parts where it was like they were held to this crazy celebrity status and the informality didn't make sense. I'm not rushing to pick up the second book in the series anytime soon.
Reader's Note: 'A Touch of Darkness' includes themes of consensual sex, consensual first-time sex, brief instances of sexual assault, torture, and death. Also, fair warning, after you get about 1/3 of the way through the book, until a few chapters from the end, there are some <i> detailed </i> spicy scenes. Although, I did think they were tasteful...for being straight-up smut.
What made me pick it up: The story of Hades and Persophone is one of my absolute favorites and I love it when stories are rethought and retold.
Overall rating: "Are you well?" No, Hades, I am not well. I don't know what I think of 'A Touch of Darkness' and it's about as frustrating as that sexual tension between you and Persophone. Here's the thing, I absolutely love the story of Hades and Persophone - like the actual Greek myth of the two gods and how they became, quite literally, one of mythology's power couples. And I think that is absolutely why I have a love/hate relationship with 'A Touch of Darkness.' I LOVED how Hades was portrayed and the layers and complexity we saw within him; however, Persophone was nauseating and lackluster. She was a whiny child that needed to grow a pair of pomegranates
I think one of the things I also struggled with in 'A Touch of Darkness' was the human/god dichotomy and how they lived together but separately. I didn't feel like that was fully fleshed out. There were parts where it was normal to see a god on the street or in a bar, but then there were other parts where it was like they were held to this crazy celebrity status and the informality didn't make sense. I'm not rushing to pick up the second book in the series anytime soon.
Reader's Note: 'A Touch of Darkness' includes themes of consensual sex, consensual first-time sex, brief instances of sexual assault, torture, and death. Also, fair warning, after you get about 1/3 of the way through the book, until a few chapters from the end, there are some <i> detailed </i> spicy scenes. Although, I did think they were tasteful...for being straight-up smut.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Sexual assault
Minor: Torture
nonotyoshi's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Torture, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
emilywemily6's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a very easy adult read that I got through extremely quickly. Many (many many) spicy scenes and lusty comments/thoughts. There wasn’t a lot of plot or backstory in this book, and Persephone annoyed me with how deliberately she distrusted Hades even when he answered her questions. And her jealousy towards Minthe was ridiculous and very contrived. This book was a fun time, but not a well-written time (though it wasn’t poorly written, it was just average). Bumped up to a 4 because I couldn’t wait to read the next book and absolutely devoured this one. I did really enjoy the world of this book- a modern day Greece with gods/goddesses being the famous people of the world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Torture, Violence, and Medical content
ninahuynh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Another Greek mythology modernization for my bucket list! I like the inclusion of other characters in Greek Mythology and not just sticking with the (main) Gods. I like the exploration of identity and self we have through Persephone. Everything is technically new to her since she was sheltered all her life. Romantic relationship, standing up for herself, understanding her powers and what it means to be a Goddess. It was done well. I like that she stands her ground on her boundaries with Hades too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, and Alcohol
kcfedy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
The writing here is not superb but dang is it addicting. I was drawn in right away and could have read the whole book in one sitting.
I found this adaptation of Greek mythology to be a really fun break from other fantasy / romance books. If you know the stories about the gods discussed then you likely know what is to come in this book, to an extent. If you don’t know Greek mythology and want to be surprised, don’t research the characters beforehand. Despite my previous knowledge I ate this up and really enjoyed the read.
Key themes:
I found this adaptation of Greek mythology to be a really fun break from other fantasy / romance books. If you know the stories about the gods discussed then you likely know what is to come in this book, to an extent. If you don’t know Greek mythology and want to be surprised, don’t research the characters beforehand. Despite my previous knowledge I ate this up and really enjoyed the read.
Key themes:
- Rule breaking and forbidden relationships
- Conflict between mother and daughter
- Secret identities
- Changing perceptions
- Discovering your own power
- Journalism
- Relationships amongst characters - friendships and romantic relationships
- Greek mythology, of course
- Magic
It’s a smutty one so if you’re not into that, this isn’t your book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Torture, Violence, and Abandonment
yasaman's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Torture, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Terminal illness
puck_jay's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Not for me. Good hate-listen tho
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Torture, Religious bigotry, and Alcohol
rchulin1's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Blood, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism
savage_book_review's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
In a modernised retelling of the Hades and Persephone story, the Goddess of Spring's power has never developed. Rather than stay cooped up under her mother's watchful eye, she enrols on a journalism course at New Athens University, achieving an internship with a prestigious newspaper. When her friend takes her out to celebrate, they end up at Nevernight, the gambling den owned by the God of the Underworld, where money isn't the only thing at stake.
This has been on my list to read for a while as I love the Hades and Persephone story, but when I found it was included in my Audible membership it jumped to the top of the queue. Immediately, I loved the way it brought the Ancient Greek world up to date without losing any of its mystique; it pulls in the classic motifs and symbols of the Gods, while making sure they fit into a modern world. It also makes sure to include those more mythical creatures like ogres, nymphs and oracles to really balance the aspects of a technologically advanced society and a society that can only exist in legend.
The narrator of this audiobook did a great job at bringing the characters to life; her narration is well paced and she is able to give each character a voice without sounding ridiculous. I will admit that I wasn't overly enamoured with her Hades inflection, but I recognise that that's probably down to my having devoured a load of graphic audios just lately with actors playing roles, rather than straight audiobooks, so it just felt a bit 'off' to me. I also like the fact that she got into the story; you could hear the tension, excitement etc. build in her voice at various points, which definitely assisted in painting images in my mind.
As always with stories like this, it's the 'domestic' moments that really hook me in and make me root for the couple. In this case, the all powerful God of the Underworld baking cookies and attending movie night just made me grin so broadly! To me, these scenes break down the all powerful facade of these brooding all powerful males and allow you to glimpse their 'humanity' and desire for something normal. This makes them all the more relatable, whilst allowing you to remain in awe of their magnificence.
Similarly, I found the fact that the author has teased out different characteristics of some of the Gods really refreshing. For example, Demeter being a control freak of epic proportions is not how she is normally painted. In the audio version I have, there was also a bonus scene of Hades and Aphrodite entering into a bet, which paints her and her marriage to Hephestus in a very different light.
There were aspects that I wasn't as impressed with; I struggled with Persephone's split-second changes in attitude for one. One minute she can be completely enthralled by Hades, then in the next breath she's enraged over something. It does do well to build their chemistry and connection, but the device is used multiple times and I found myself getting frustrated by it. Likewise, while I enjoyed the overall subplot led by Adonis, the latter part of it made very little sense to me... and Minthe just got on my nerves throughout - she wasn't a necessary character and seems only to have been included as an extra obstacle, with no other real purpose. There are a few elements in here that don't feel like they were given quite enough thought, but I am hoping that as the world and characters develop as the series progresses, some if these kinks will be worked out.
I am so excited and happy that the majority of this series appears to be available on Kindle Unlimited (even if the rest of the audiobooks have to be paid for), so I'll definitely be adding those to my subscription shortly!
This has been on my list to read for a while as I love the Hades and Persephone story, but when I found it was included in my Audible membership it jumped to the top of the queue. Immediately, I loved the way it brought the Ancient Greek world up to date without losing any of its mystique; it pulls in the classic motifs and symbols of the Gods, while making sure they fit into a modern world. It also makes sure to include those more mythical creatures like ogres, nymphs and oracles to really balance the aspects of a technologically advanced society and a society that can only exist in legend.
The narrator of this audiobook did a great job at bringing the characters to life; her narration is well paced and she is able to give each character a voice without sounding ridiculous. I will admit that I wasn't overly enamoured with her Hades inflection, but I recognise that that's probably down to my having devoured a load of graphic audios just lately with actors playing roles, rather than straight audiobooks, so it just felt a bit 'off' to me. I also like the fact that she got into the story; you could hear the tension, excitement etc. build in her voice at various points, which definitely assisted in painting images in my mind.
As always with stories like this, it's the 'domestic' moments that really hook me in and make me root for the couple. In this case, the all powerful God of the Underworld baking cookies and attending movie night just made me grin so broadly! To me, these scenes break down the all powerful facade of these brooding all powerful males and allow you to glimpse their 'humanity' and desire for something normal. This makes them all the more relatable, whilst allowing you to remain in awe of their magnificence.
Similarly, I found the fact that the author has teased out different characteristics of some of the Gods really refreshing. For example, Demeter being a control freak of epic proportions is not how she is normally painted. In the audio version I have, there was also a bonus scene of Hades and Aphrodite entering into a bet, which paints her and her marriage to Hephestus in a very different light.
There were aspects that I wasn't as impressed with; I struggled with Persephone's split-second changes in attitude for one. One minute she can be completely enthralled by Hades, then in the next breath she's enraged over something. It does do well to build their chemistry and connection, but the device is used multiple times and I found myself getting frustrated by it. Likewise, while I enjoyed the overall subplot led by Adonis, the latter part of it made very little sense to me... and Minthe just got on my nerves throughout - she wasn't a necessary character and seems only to have been included as an extra obstacle, with no other real purpose. There are a few elements in here that don't feel like they were given quite enough thought, but I am hoping that as the world and characters develop as the series progresses, some if these kinks will be worked out.
I am so excited and happy that the majority of this series appears to be available on Kindle Unlimited (even if the rest of the audiobooks have to be paid for), so I'll definitely be adding those to my subscription shortly!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infidelity, Death of parent, and War
samflowerv6's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
I honestly loved this. My guilty pleasure books are usually dark romance or some sort of smutty retelling. I enjoyed this. Half because of the story and just the vibes. My inner Wattpad teenager was screaming. I enjoyed the side characters, especially Hecate and Hermes. But Persephone and Hades have always been a favorite fictional couple of mine. It was more funny that I thought. I also enjoyed that even in a contemporary version, "New Greece" they spoke more like how you could expect, Hades and Persephone. I really enjoyed the dialogue and banter, just the relationship in general and I am a fan of Hades. I can't wait to read his version but I am not a huge fan of the third person writing style. I got used to it overtime but not my favorite. Also, the college storyline I feel like didn't have much of a point, as I have seen it discussed in other reviews but towards the end made more sense. The spicy scenes were enjoyable but not exactly what I had expected but still fun. Last thought is that I had an After flashback when the bet plot was revealed but Hades is so husband I got over it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Sexual harassment