Title: A Touch of Darkness
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Series: Persephone x Hades #1
Genre: Fantasy-Romance
Categories: Romance, Fantasy fiction, Romantic-Fantasy
I am not really a fan of Greek Mythology, but if it is Hades and Persephone, count me in. I'm a sucker for every Hades and Persephone retellings, it's impossible if I missed one. And If I did, please for the sake of my sanity, tell me.
UNEXPECTED RETELLING OF PERSEPHONE
A Touch of Darkness is a modern retelling of Greek Mythology. Namely, Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, and Hades, the God of the Underworld. First of all, I'm not really a Greek myth fan, but Hades and Persephone story is my favorite! (Well, because I think they're overhyped, but worth the hype.)
I don't know where to start, but let's talk about Persephone first. The Persephone in this story is not what I expected. She was depicted as this independent woman, but her decisions and naiveness say otherwise. Persephone is a journalism student disguised as a mortal, having an internship in New Athens.
Persephone's character here did not sit right with me and it dissappointed me. My expectations were too high and the sudden let down kinda hurt.
Demeter, the Goddess of Harvest, and Persephone's mother, are depicted here as the antagonist. The mother-daughter relationship is not something I particularly like; it's kind of toxic for me. Demeter is a strict and overprotective mother. She doesn't like Persephone having any contact with the Gods and Goddesses.
Persephone decided to rebel against her mother for the first time and agreed with her friend to go to the club Hades owned. In this club, where the famous God and his almost impossible bargain take place.
PERSEPHONE IN UNDERWORLD
And me, suffering the second embarrassment, started. She never moves like the goddess she is because she acts without thinking. She kept holding on to that thought that Hades is the worst God, even though clearly it's not, and Hades has proved himself a lot of times already.
Persephone lost the bargain with Hades. In return, Hades wants her to make a life in the Underworld.
I like how the Underworld was shown, instead of this dark, creepy, and eerie world. The world of the dead was actually the opposite; it was a world with alive and contented souls. However, the world-building was a bit weak, not well-described and diverse enough.
As the story progresses, a few Gods and Goddesses are introduced, which clearly helps those who are unfamiliar with Greek Mythologies. But also on the downside itself, I find it lacking. I want other gods to enter the picture without distracting and ruining the plot and story.
No souls has ever healed by dwelling on the past.
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
A Touch of Darkness is steamy and hot. Highly recommended for all those who likes Hades and Persephone retelling. A lighthearted, funny, and adventurous story.
Respect could build an empire. Trust could make it unbreakable. Love could make it last forever.
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