Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist. Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible. After a chance encounter with Hades, … with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.
The bet does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows—and it’s forbidden.
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I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down! I finished it in two days as it kept me entertained! I enjoyed the way the book was written and how the two worlds where described. Also, there was an unpredictable plot twist, but don’t want to give it away!!
I loved this book! Admittedly my first retelling in Greek mythology but will not be my last!! I loved Persephone. I loved Lexa. I loved Hades. I also enjoyed the relationship between Persephone and Demeter (her mother)- it was relatable for me for sure. I loved the take on Hades and the Underworld!
So, as I was tooling through Kindle, looking for a new book to read, this one popped up into my feed. I am a HUGE FAN of the Hades/Persephone myth. One really does need to stop and break down the original(s) to see that both characters were victims who eventually fell in love with one another. Moreover, of all the God/Goddess pairings, Hades/Persephone is probably the least dysfunctional and most loyal.
So anyway – Touch of Darkness is the first in a series about Hades and Persephone by author Scarlett St. Clair. I have only read this one, though I have Book Two cued up. Take the legend, now drop it into the modern world and keep all the supernatural elements. This is a great reimaging of the tale (it gets steamy in a few areas, so be ready for that as well). We get to see the push/pull of Persephone’s relationship with her mother, how the other Gods/Goddess relate to each other and the mortal world, and see the Underworld (as St.Clair envisions it). Hades in this is a nightclub owner, a gambler, and a patron of the arts. Persephone is a journalism student/intern who has a tight leash on her (mom). They fall in with each other by accident and then have to see things through (Fate and Obligation are a thing) – along the way both fighting against this undeniable desire they have for each other.
If you like Lore Olympus, you are really going to enjoy this.
“Touch of Darkness” by Scarlett St.Clair
“Respect could build an empire. Trust could make it unbreakable. Love could make it last forever”
Wooowwwww! Oh. My. Gods did I love this book. This book is New Adult/Adult Fantasy. 18+
It was so hot, sexy, passionate and happy.
I didn’t know a lot about Greek mythology before I started reading this so I did end up doing some research to have a better understanding and I’m glad i did. So many more things made sense.
The love story retelling between Persephone and Hades was so beautiful and HOT. At the beginning Persephone was her very own prisoner and her growth in the book was phenomenal. I loved seeing her become to know herself and learn from her mistakes.
One thing I really liked was that she knew how she was supposed to be treated by man and not to praise the small things that were ‘romantic and kind’ for something rather than basic human decency. ~~ “Don’t you think it’s romantic?”
Persephone paused and turned to face the girl “he listened. There’s nothing romantic about that”
the girl blinked, confused.
“I’m not interested in romanticising Hades for doing something all men should be doing” queen shit right there
The sex in this book holy moly. /5
I was extremely satisfied with this book and the amount in it. It was something I’ve been desperately trying to find, a fantasy book that has similarities to YA but with the smut.(your girls needs smut.) there was sexual tension, angry, passionate, loving sex.
The plot wasn’t a big, life altering one like a typical fantasy book but it was one that suited the world setting and genre. It was not super face paced but still kept me interested.
I would definitely recommend this to someone who wants more New Adult Fantasy books with spice. 5/5
This book is so beyond amazing. I love hoe Persephone and Hades are portrayed in this book. Sephy has already grown so much from the start of the book to the end. She is so strong with finally standing up to her mom and finally coming into her powers.
Persephone and Hades are so freaking cute.. I mean.. they bake together How can you not like them after that alone? Plus how he supports her throughout the entire book? Where can I find me a Hades?
I loved this book! The retelling of the tale of Persephone and Hades is ON POINT! Once you start this series you won’t want to out it down! The author is wonderful and is very responsive to her fans on social media.
I wanted to love it and it’s good I just felt more annoyed by Persephone’s character to fully immerse myself in this story. She’s a brat and while I can sympathize and understand her behavior I was left rolling my eyes a lot.
I loved the idea behind this retelling. The premise for it is enjoyable and curious to see where the story goes for them.
I wished we had gotten more screen time with Hades, though I just noticed that we do get this story from Hades POV so I’m excited. He saves the story for me he’s the prefect brooding hero we all love. lol
Persephone has every intention of keeping her deal with her mother and staying away from other gods while masking her own identity as a godess. When Fate intervenes, however, she finds herself not only in Hades very own club but also tricked into a deal with Hades himself. In order to fulfill the deal, she must spend time in the Underworld and every second she spends with Hades is another second she learns that he may not be as bad as he lets everyone believe.
This book was a wonderful retelling of the Hades and Persephone that incorporated lots of of classic Greek mythology in a more modern setting. The pacing and flow were excellent and did well holding my attention. I honestly loved this book!
Would you believe this is my first Hades & Persephone retelling? I am still dabbling in the world of fantasy and what I like about this one is that it does happen in places I can relate to, even if they do travel back and forth to the underworld. I realize some books I have read have been a lot like this, but this has been the only one that I have read that has been with actual Gods and Godesses, and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
I knew the love story of Hades and Persephone, but I didn’t expect that I would fall in love with it as much as I have. I will definitely be continuing with this series.
I am such a sucker for anything Hades & Persephone inspired so when it’s a book that is just Hades & Persephone but make it more romance I AM SOLD. This was so addictive and so fun and just Teresa catnip. The character dynamics were great and this modernized version of the mythology was a fun twist. There was angst and drama and stupid misunderstandings that could have been solved by communicating, and I ate up every second. Can’t wait to read more from this series.
Somehow I stumbled upon this story while reading a young adult novel and craving more. Let’s face it, sometimes the little touches and moon eyes are not enough to depict an actual romance. I crave a strong plot to make the romance spark that effusive feeling of lusty desire, but most books either lack a strong plot or strong romance.
This was just wonderful. Persephone is the underdog Goddess. Attempting to make her own way in a modern world as a reporter, the only freedom her mother Demeter gives her, she essentially acts out like a rebellious teen and attends a party that could have Gods in attendance….specifically, Hades. Reporting on him turns into a dance of willpower, a Game of Poker, and a daring romance.
The games of cards are games of chance, and Hades tasks her with the “impossible.” I don’t really see how she managed to lose a bet she did not make, but I quickly forgot while following Persephone’s exploration of the underworld. It may all be illusion. It may all be memories, or a world that could be. But the Hellhounds who just like to chase balls, Hecate the goddess with her sweet torturing of souls, and the festivals of fireworks all were lovingly described.
I could mention more of the supporting characters like Adonis and Lexi, or Minthe. Minthe and Adonis just make me cry, because they seem to have loveless, unrequited love. It reminds me of my mother, who really needed a reincarnation to address her love issues.
This is a game where everyone wins and everyone loses.
Just to warn you, the sex is appropriate but explicit. I loved it but you may not. It is passionate, desperate, and sometimes angry make-up sex.
Review – A Touch of Darkness (Hades & Persephone, #1) by Scarlett St. Clair
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I recently got into Greek retellings and so I was on the hunt for my fav couples story Hades & Persephone and Scarlett has done such a phenomenal job. I was completely enthralled throughout this entire story. Scarlett has such a way with her words where she evokes just the right amount of angst, steam, action, hatred, sadness, and plot. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series!
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Persephone is working for a local newspaper and trying to live a normal life with the mortals as best she can. One night her friend asks her to come to the best club in town, a club owned by none other than Hades himself. Her mom has warned her to stay away from Hades. He is bad news, he is the God of the Underworld. Persephone heeds her mother’s warning and ventures to Hade’s club anyway assured by her friends he won’t be there, but once she gets there, she feels an immediate sense she is being watched and when she looks up and makes eye contact with Hades there is a connection immediately, she wasn’t expecting him to be this hauntingly beautiful and she wants to uncover all his secrets, but getting close to Hades always comes with a price and she is about to uncover just what that price is. Persephone is caring, loving, submissive, and strong.
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Hades wasn’t expecting to be absolutely taken with the beautiful women in the pink dress at his club, he feels a tether to her, and he needs to be near her. Once she ventures her way up into one his private games area, he makes it his mission to speak to her and once she enters into one of his games unwillingly, he has her right where he wants her. He will uncover her deepest desires, her beauty, her body, and she will be his no matter the cost. Hades is possessive, jealous, controlling, and sinful.
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Rating; 5
Steam; 5
This was my first book by Scarlett StClaire. I had heard mixed reviews of this book but I have always been a huge fan of the stories of Greek Gods. I really enjoyed this book. It is a very unique take on the story of Persephone and Hades. I am eager to see where the next book takes them.
Oh I love a good Hades/Persephone retelling. This was perfection. Perfect mix of sweet and sexy, with a good dose of revenge that brings me joy
This book was given to me by my friend. I hadn’t read the summary at the time, but was told by my friend it was a modern telling of Hades/Persephone. Hades/Persephone is by far my favorite of the old myths, and I was intrigued to see it explored in a modern setting. I actually really enjoyed this book. So much so I read it all in one sitting. Obviously there were inconsistencies when it came to both the myth and some finer parts of the culture, but I didn’t find myself minding. Which I usually do.
Although the book dealt with some deeper issues, to me this book felt like light reading. Its a romance novel with paranormal elements, which was evident to me right away, and it reads as such. It’s true to it’s genre, and gives readers what they would be looking for. Enemies to lovers, conflict, quality pining, a sizzling connection, and hot hot hot hot hawwwwwt sex.
It was well written, didn’t drag at any point, and kept my attention the entire time. When I finished the book I felt satisfied by the story I’d read and didn’t feel like there were any major points that weren’t left hanging. I know there is a sequel but am not sure what they intend to explore. The only reason I didn’t give the book five stars was because there were some points, even considering it’s a supernatural retelling, I just couldn’t get behind. Specifically, extended conflict that can be solved by a simple conversation bothers me, but that’s a personal preference.
What a refreshing Hades + Persephone take!
This is the best take on Hades and Persephone that I have ever come across. I was blown away with the amount of passion the flowed through the pages! Persephone just wants to live a mortal life away from her over-bearing mother but somehow gets tricked into, what she thinks, prison for at least 6 months. Will she see that her half of the bargain is complete? Or will she fall for her insanely sexy jailer?
I love how dedicated and obsessive Hades is written and how independent and sassy Persephone is. Meeting him shot for shot at every turn. I have absolutely zero guesses what will happen next in their story but I can not wait to jump in! I need more of this steamy couple!
Hades and Persephone and a pseudo=contemporary version of the Greek setting and the romance? It legit felt like Christmas came early when I picked this book up. However, that feeling quickly deflated.
The characters fell flat (imagine Hades’ character falling flat when that man has more layers than an onion and atmosphere combined) and while the overall idea of the story was great, the execution just didn’t live up to that idea.
The characters were one-dimensional and the story of this calibre failed to be developed properly.
There is a second book but I am pretty content, even with all the hang-ups, with how this one ended. However, there is another book that is this story, A Touch of Darkness, but from Hades’ POV and I am one curious cat, so there I go reading that one!
2 Stars.
“I can taste lies, Persephone. And yours are as sweet as your skin.”
This modern Hades and Persephone retelling was fantastic. Hades was yummy and he could call me Darling anytime. The slowburn and steam of this one was *chef’s kiss* I loved the way that the author made the world and the conflicts with the gods and religion in an original way. I think that’s going to play out awesomely in the rest of the series.
All Persephone wanted was to graduate and start work as a journalist seeing as she has never been able to live up to her title as the goddess of spring, as every bit of foliage she touches dies. She has been able to live in the mortal world at the benevolence of her mother Demeter but she has to follow some rules number one being to stay away from the other gods. Things are about to get complicated.
Hades makes deals with mortals and is known for his ruthlessness and tricks Persephone into a bargain that she cannot hope to win, to create life in the underworld. In doing so Hades has more in mind for his bargain.
The sexual tension between the two and their slow road to understanding one another was great. I loved how Persephone got to know who Hades really was and how their love grew. The way she embraced herself and grew was amazing. The book does end on a Happily for now for book two in the series and I am ready for more.
Persephone, Goddess of Spring, unfortunately has lost to Hades and now owes him. His demand? Make life grow in the Underworld in 6 months or be trapped there forever. The teeny tiny problem? Everything Persephone touches wilts and dies. A battle of wills, steamy flirtations, a goddess that feels powerless, and a god ready to prove that that isn’t the case. A Touch of Darkness was a fun take on the classic Persephone/Hades love story. I loved their banter and their chemistry.
However I wish this had been in an adult setting and not a new adult setting. I found myself not really caring about Persephone’s life in the mortal world (except for her friendship with Lexa) and I honestly found her to be kind of annoying. She’s supposed to be a reporter/journalist but that whole side plot felt weak. As for the God of the Dead….I wanted him to be darker. I wanted this whole romance to be darker. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed seeing his softer side when it came to Persephone but I was expecting him to be more egotistical and Alpha asshole. I loved seeing all the side gods, goddesses, and the Underworld. I just think this would have been a five star read for me had it been darker and more erotic.
Overall rating 3 stars
Steaminess 2.5 stars
This is an enjoyable different take on the Hades/Persephone myth. I liked the alternate world where the gods exist and the new history behind it. The gods came down, fighting ensued, and eventually they decided to make Pangea 2.0 for everyone to get along. One thing that I particularly enjoyed was the other myths that were incorporated into the story.
I liked Persephone’s curiosity and tenacity; she is studying journalism and wants to be an investigative reporter, so she is asking questions that would make others balk. One drawback is that she seems a little naive considering she is a goddess and her mother probably should have taught her more to keep her safe around other gods.
I plan on reading the next book in the series.