Review: Fast-paced, entertaining sequel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 24, 2012
I loved the first book of this series, Persephone, so I had high hopes for the sequel.  I wasn't disappointed.  This series is such a fun read!  It combines interesting teenage drama with the fantastical and fascinating world of the Greek gods.  Even if you aren't a fan of the old Greek stories like The Odyssey (I teach it, and...shhh...it's not my favorite), this is different.  Like the Percy Jackson series (which I loved), this series allows you to experience the wonder and intrigue of the gods - all of their powers, their charisma, their own drama, their unique personalities - but in a modern setting, which makes the plot and characters easier to read, more understandable, and even more likable.For this book specifically, part of what I loved was the fast-paced drama and action.  After the first few chapters I didn't want to put it down!  The first book left us at a cliff-hanger, so it wasn't hard to get back into the suspense of waiting for it to resolve.  But in the meantime, the way Kaitlin Bevis writes is very easy to read.  One of her strengths, I think, is her dialogue.  It's believable, witty, and oftentimes cracked me up.  Besides her writing, the plot is very captivating.  It was fun figuring things out as Persephone did and following her in her adventures.  It was also rewarding to go through her relationship drama with her and then be there with her when it was resolved.I also loved how the message of honesty was very prevalent throughout the book.  She struggles so much with her mother not being honest with her, and then not being able to be honest with her husband about a very important matter caused a lot of problems as well as her own inner turmoil.  But in the end, the way she and Hades are completely honest with each other and completely trust each other was a beautiful picture of a marriage.  I'm not saying their relationship is ideal or something we should emulate (they're gods after all, not human), but it was very neat to see and very special.  I know some people may have some issues with Hades being older than Persephone and that being weird.  To that, all I have to say is 1) Hades has more than proved himself as a good guy, not wanting to take advantage of Persephone but actually pushing her away out of love and respect until she convinced him she knew what she was doing, 2) Back when the Greek myths were told (and actually not even that long ago), people married as young as Persephone and nobody thought it was weird, and 3) It's fiction...so get over it.The only thing I didn't like was how it wasn't long enough!  I wanted more!  Not to mention one of the biggest cliff-hangers known to man!  It's okay, though.  I'll just have to wait until next spring.  I think I can manage...  I think...