Review: an excellent series!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 5, 2013
I have read quite a few retellings of the Hades and Persephone story in various novels, short stories, and etc because it remains one of my favorite myths. Some stories have been set in historical time, others in modern day, some were more romantic or erotic, others not so much.One of my favorite genres of books is novels based off retellings and twists on not just the myth of Hades and Persephone, but mythology, fairy tales, and folklore in general. Being a history buff, I really enjoy seeing what authors do with these old tales as a base for a new story. Some authors can get really creative and original while respecting and researching the myth, and Kaitlin Bevis does this well.I don't want to give away too much, especially as this is the final book in the trilogy, but I can say that Zeus is a huge jerk. If you've read the previous two books, this is not news, but he takes being a douchebag to a whole new level in this book.Though this series is YA-rated, it's not light and fluffy, and this is not news either to those who've already read books 1 and 2. However, this book is darker, and there were a few moments that will jerk on your heartstrings. There's also a twist that I totally did not see coming.I liked the shifting perspectives in this book. Some others didn't like it, but I actually found this to be quite helpful, as we get more of the story through Hades and Aphrodite's POV's, and for this volume, it was necessary, given poor Persephone's situation. The H and P moments are bittersweet and a welcome respite amidst what is going on with the other gods.I only wish there was a Book 4. The situation with Zeus is resolved at the end, as you would expect, but there is still much left to be explored. I absolutely loved this series, it remains one of my favorite H and P retellings because it is so thoughtful, creative, and well-researched. I sincerely hope that the author revisits this much-loved couple, and I can only praise her for this excellent series. While it is geared towards a YA audience, older readers will still enjoy this.