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A review by olivialandryxo
Neon Gods by Katee Robert
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
[second read, October 2022]
Currently cackling at past me saying I was ‘uncomfortable with the smut.’ Oh, how things have changed. Throughout the year, I’ve been seeking out various Katee Robert books because I’ve wanted smut. I never, ever thought I’d say that, but here I am. I love it here. It’s fun. XD
It was so good to be back with Persephone and Hades. Fierce clever girl x soft simp boy will forever be a superior trope, and they deliver it in spades. I think this is my favorite retelling of their story—it’s new and unique while still bringing in some classic details, it’s cute and funny and spicy. It’s perfect. They’re perfect. 🖤
We might be getting 10 Dark Olympus books, but there’s no ‘saving the best for last’ here. Katee Robert really decided to start this series with a bang, and honestly, I don’t think she can top this. (No innuendos intended. ;))
[first read, January 2022]
I DNFed this book back in August 2021 because, while I really liked the characters, I was uncomfortable with the smut and BDSM elements. However, Neon Gods has been in the back of my mind since then, and finally I decided to give it a second chance and just skip the explicit scenes. I really wanted to finish it, and figured it deserved a fair chance.
I didn’t expect to absolutely adore the book, or for it to be my first five-star read of 2022. I didn’t expect to find an adorable couple on the other side of the smut, one that delivered both grumpy/sunshine and obsessed boy, or for Persephone and Hades to completely steal my heart. I certainly didn’t expect the final quarter of the book to be so damn intense and make my emotions skyrocket as I sped through the final chapters even faster than I had the rest of the story.
I found the fraught politics of Olympus both disgusting and fascinating. I don’t entirely understand how Olympus fits into the modern world or where it is, but whatever. I can overlook that.
Also, I’d like to take a moment to say I freaking love Persephone’s sisters. I especially love Callisto and Psyche; I’m very excited for the latter’s book, and lowkey disappointed we’re not getting one for the former. This is absolutely me projecting, but I could see the eldest Dimitriou as an angry lesbian and getting a cute, soft girlfriend. Just saying, Ms. Robert. Just saying….. (Update: we are, in fact, getting a Callisto book, and even if it’s not going to be what I imagined, I’m very excited for it.)
So, overall, this book majorly surprised me. I stayed up all night to marathon it in its entirety and don’t regret a single thing. I’m glad Katee Robert has an extensive backlog and several upcoming releases, because I’m now insatiably curious. Although I have a feeling that none of her other books can top this one, because Persephone, Hades and their adorable puppies have stolen my heart. 🖤 (No, “puppies” isn’t a euphemism. It’s not one I’ve heard of, but just clarifying, just in case, hahah.)
Representation
Currently cackling at past me saying I was ‘uncomfortable with the smut.’ Oh, how things have changed. Throughout the year, I’ve been seeking out various Katee Robert books because I’ve wanted smut. I never, ever thought I’d say that, but here I am. I love it here. It’s fun. XD
It was so good to be back with Persephone and Hades. Fierce clever girl x soft simp boy will forever be a superior trope, and they deliver it in spades. I think this is my favorite retelling of their story—it’s new and unique while still bringing in some classic details, it’s cute and funny and spicy. It’s perfect. They’re perfect. 🖤
We might be getting 10 Dark Olympus books, but there’s no ‘saving the best for last’ here. Katee Robert really decided to start this series with a bang, and honestly, I don’t think she can top this. (No innuendos intended. ;))
[first read, January 2022]
I DNFed this book back in August 2021 because, while I really liked the characters, I was uncomfortable with the smut and BDSM elements. However, Neon Gods has been in the back of my mind since then, and finally I decided to give it a second chance and just skip the explicit scenes. I really wanted to finish it, and figured it deserved a fair chance.
I didn’t expect to absolutely adore the book, or for it to be my first five-star read of 2022. I didn’t expect to find an adorable couple on the other side of the smut, one that delivered both grumpy/sunshine and obsessed boy, or for Persephone and Hades to completely steal my heart. I certainly didn’t expect the final quarter of the book to be so damn intense and make my emotions skyrocket as I sped through the final chapters even faster than I had the rest of the story.
I found the fraught politics of Olympus both disgusting and fascinating. I don’t entirely understand how Olympus fits into the modern world or where it is, but whatever. I can overlook that.
Also, I’d like to take a moment to say I freaking love Persephone’s sisters. I especially love Callisto and Psyche; I’m very excited for the latter’s book, and lowkey disappointed we’re not getting one for the former. This is absolutely me projecting, but I could see the eldest Dimitriou as an angry lesbian and getting a cute, soft girlfriend. Just saying, Ms. Robert. Just saying….. (Update: we are, in fact, getting a Callisto book, and even if it’s not going to be what I imagined, I’m very excited for it.)
So, overall, this book majorly surprised me. I stayed up all night to marathon it in its entirety and don’t regret a single thing. I’m glad Katee Robert has an extensive backlog and several upcoming releases, because I’m now insatiably curious. Although I have a feeling that none of her other books can top this one, because Persephone, Hades and their adorable puppies have stolen my heart. 🖤 (No, “puppies” isn’t a euphemism. It’s not one I’ve heard of, but just clarifying, just in case, hahah.)
Representation
- queer protagonists (both are attracted to multiple genders)
- side characters of color
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
All things tagged minor occurred prior to the story and are briefly discussed throughout the book. One protagonist has a couple of panic attacks, but they’re not long or in any way prominent.