Pomegranate

I have a thing for the Persephone and hades story. It's like the ultimate enemies to lovers/bully romance. So when I saw that there was a version where Persephone was Hades, and Hades was a woman, I was like sign me up!There was so many times during this book that was on the edge of my seat and screaming. I'm writing this immediately after reading-- like I just ended, and I'm trying to form coherent thoughts after that climax! How do you top that?! So many times we are promised a strong female lead, but this one is up there with some of the best literary female leads--while still having that perfect amount of vulnerability.The story had such perfect rises and falls in story- the development of Hades was so well executed. Taking all of these mythical characters we know so well, and twisted the mytho into something new and fresh was something that we really needed.And can I just say that I loved that it was closed door romance scenes.If you are looking for Spice, this isn't spice. But the love was undeniable.I can't wait to read book 2! What a beautiful debut novel for this author.

The author Nicole Scarano tells a beautiful story about the Greek Gods. Her writing flows just like music, and poetry. I found I couldn't put it down.

It wasn't quite what I expected and i kinda had hoped to have an actual male Persephone, but it was thoroughly entertaining. I appreciate that it had romance in it but was still pretty clean.

<i>"You say you love me, but with only your mouth."</i>As soon as I hear "gender-swapped" anything, I'm in. To be honest, I'm not too familiar with the original story of Hades, but I loved this version. Hades is an immortal who lives on Olympus with Zeus and the other gods. She and Zeus are lovers up until the point he has to marry Hera, and Hera in her usual vengeful way, wants to get rid of Hades by making her a god and exiling her to the underworld.However, Hades fits right in there, befriending the locals and making the 3-headed Kerberos her little lapdog. She goes to Earth to make a mortal fall in love with her to make Zeus jealous, and by chance, actually falls in love with the mortal and learns what it means to be truly loved in return. However, this wounds Zeus' pride and he starts a war between gods to get Hades back. If she can't earn the prayers of the people and find her weapon, Zeus will destroy everyone she loves.This is sort of an alternate origin story for Hades combined with romance, found family, and the usual plotting, backstabbing, and violence of Greek mythology. I love Hades because she isn't a clear cut good or bad character. She reminded me a lot of Daenarys; she can be incredibly benevolent and incredibly cruel. It all depends on what she is trying to achieve. But her love for her friends and Alkaios is pure, which is why we can forgive her for some of the wicked things she does.This was a gripping and unique Greek myth retelling with a believable romance and a deeply flawed and interesting lead. If any of that sounds good to you, get this book immediately.

This book is AMAZING! If you love Greek mythology, romance, (no spice in any of the books, although the romance is written beautifully) and strong female leads then this book is for you! Don’t hesitate like I did and wait to buy it because I guarantee you won’t be able to put the book down! It’s been a long time since a book kept me on the edge of my seat, made me cry, or made me stay up for hours to finish it… but this book did all three and is probably one of my top 5 now! An amazing book from start to finish and I would give it 10 stars if I could!!

The story starts off with Hades, an immortal of Olympus. She is in love with Zeus, but he chooses to side with the other Gods and marry Hera instead in a ploy for power. With Hades already devastated, Hera forces Zeus to find a way to exile her from Olympus. Zeus convinces the council to make Hades a God, before they cast her into the Underworld. She releases God-killers and spirits alike, before coming up with a ruse to make Zeus jealous.I loved the premise. Like I said, Big Nerd. Plus Hades is a WOMAN? I am HERE for it. When I was reading this I could barely put it down to go to sleep at a reasonable time. I just kept wanting more! Hades’ physical description reminded me of Lust from Fullmetal Alchemist. I always liked her as a character so it helped me feel more connected with this version of Hades.I really enjoyed the idea of Hades being Zeus’ fallen lover. The author took that idea and ran with it, and it worked so perfectly for this story. The characters have their own believable personalities as well. I love me some realistic reactions to drama, and I love that there was a little bit of good and evil in everyone. It's a wonderful twist on the myths I loved growing up.The only things that I didn’t like were technical issues unrelated to the story. I came across a few punctuation errors and filter words that could have been trimmed. Overall, I still give this book 5 stars. I recommend this to anyone that enjoys Greek/Roman inspired stories, Clash of the Titans, etc.

This book has been on my TBR for the longest time after finding her on social media. I thought it was going to good going in but was I surprised. The character development is astonishing which is saying something since most of them are already established. STRONG strong female main character, and well developed relationships. I couldn’t have been more pleased to finish this book and I can’t wait to get the second.

I love Hades and Persephone retellings and have shelves full of them, this one shocked me! I love this new twist! I won’t give a way any spoilers 😊 I started reading it and have been unable to put it down, I loved the ending and I have just ordered the second in the series!

I loved this story. Hades, Zeus and the entire setting of the Greek mythology come to life was amazing. Onto the the next book immediately.

AMAZING!Greek mythology inspired books are my favorites of all time, but I'm picky about the writing style and Nicole does not disappoint.The story of Hades and Persephone is so dear to me and this retelling is just beautiful!A must read

Rating: G, no graphic descriptions just kissing and poetic referencesFirst off I really loved the concept of the gender swapped Hades and Persephone myth and I was excited by the potential for world building and exploration once we got to the underworld but unfortunately the story wasn't interested in that. There was so much of my catnip in this idea, I would have loved to roll around in the underworld following the antics of Hades of her adoring monster dog kerberos. There was also potential for some truly great female rage and vengeance, which unfortunately manifests as angst and making the man who scorned her jealous with another man (surely that's not the only idea Hades could have come up with). Plot points kind of just happen at the characters instead of emerging from a world of characters and interactions, for example Hades' four horses just appear, one moment the characters are sitting around next there's horses then they're transported around in and out as needed. Unfortunately I don't think the story would pass a Bechtel test either, Hades' side kick character Keres for example is only used when she wants to talk to someone about men not in the scene and doesn't seem to do much else apart from be turned into a goddess so Hades can keep visiting the hero on earth. It's romance genre yes but having characters just talk about men in scenes or interacting with men is very limiting in terms of character development. After all Hades just became the new God of the underworld, maybe she should do some working out her new powers and how to rule aside from the first few chapters when she arrives and just randomly puts in place the myths we know like throwing a coin to the ferryman she just installed and saying hey people pay you now (but why?). Most of the book focuses on Hades and her hero but there's not much that's actually compelling about their romance, he loves her on first sight, doesn't talk much and will throw himself in harms way for her and sacrifice everything for her love (ok but again why?). They don't really seem to be partners, he doesn't bring a lot to the table apart from devotion which is does help a small amount of character development for Hades (seeing real love) they just react to each other.

This book is truly a homage to true love. Hade and Alkaios’ love is tested with trails and tribulations. It is the most inspiring love story of our age with such healthy morals shown. Love isn’t always good and no fights, but it does require communication and the want to put work in. It is a role model for young teenagers and adults that love and family come in all different ideas. It promotes healthy relationships and has a great storyline to boot. Hades as a strong and confident, yet merciful woman? Yes please.