Review: The Underworld
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 24, 2012
I loved this world Penot created. It was dark, dreary, gothic, and depressing. The type of world often romanticized in other stories and poems was beautifully mastered in this book.The blend of  lost spirits, damned souls, mythological and powerful gods (Isis for example), demons, vampires, and more makes the reader glad they are trapped in this after life underworld and NOT here on earth.It took me a bit of time to appreciate our main character Cera. She was your typical no questions asked, follow every rule and letter to a "T, type gal. Once she got to the underworld her personality did a 180, and it was such an abrupt personality switch up I was thrown for a loop. She became a tad bit annoying. She questioned everything and was very rash in her decision making. Thankfully that wore off. Once her destiny was made known a much stronger and more likable Cera emerged.Her soul mate Arawyn (in every definition of the word) was there to guide her on her journey and help her fulfill her true destiny. Her life on earth, while not meaningless, wasn't where she was meant to make the biggest impact. This underworld was where she was meant to be.This story blends mythology, paranormal, fantasy, even a bit of romance beautifully together. At times it was quite heavy, but the author knew when to lighten it up again.Overall the story was very creative and entertaining.I loved the cast of characters. They weren't your typical "monsters". The Gods, Goddess's, Demons, etc. really made the story something special. I loved the mythology in it too.Deaths Dream Kingdom was a fresh look on the underworld and the dichotomy of the beings that rule it.