Publishers Weekly
★ 04/12/2021
With this deliciously inventive retelling of Greek mythology, the Dark Olympus series launch, Robert (the Bloodline Vampires series) thrusts familiar figures into the present to intoxicating effect. There’s nothing explicitly supernatural here; instead, the gods’ powers are political. When socialite Persephone Dimitriou’s mother, Demeter, tries to force her into a strategic marriage to the much-older, alleged wife killer Zeus, Persephone flees the upper city of Olympus across the River Styx—and straight into the arms of Hades, the infamous ruler of the lower city. Strong, brooding Hades has shouldered the crushing responsibility of protecting the lower city ever since Zeus killed his parents, and very nearly him, when he was a boy. In Persephone he sees an opportunity for revenge—and in Hades, Persephone sees the chance to have an affair so wild and public that Zeus will no longer want her. After agreeing to spend the winter together, Hades introduces Persephone to kink she’s only dreamed of. But as their irresistible erotic connection deepens to love, Zeus will stop at nothing to reclaim his intended wife. Robert brings every element of a must-read dark romance to the table: high stakes, taut pacing, enticing characters, and sizzling chemistry. This red-hot romance is a winner. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary. (June)
From the Publisher
"Deliciously inventive…This red-hot romance is a winner." — Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
"This smart re-imagining of the Persephone and Hades myth is an intriguing love story and amust-buy." — Booklist
"This modern-day retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone has lots to offer for romance fans looking for a slightly darker romance." — Library Journal
Library Journal
06/04/2021
Persephone Dimitriou lives in the shining modern city of Olympus. Her mother Demeter is one of the Thirteen who rule over the city, and she wants Persephone to marry dangerous, powerful Zeus. Persephone flees to the lower city and finds herself caught in Hades's world. He agrees to help Persephone—for a price. The romance develops quickly with explicit sex and light BDSM elements; there's plenty of variation and strong emotional connection in the sex scenes. Readers with an existing interest in Greek mythology may find the story compelling, but those without that background might find it hard to believe the characters' instant connection and immediate strong feelings. However, Roberts works to develop the romance, so that even doubters will believe before the end. The many side characters, drawn from Greek mythology, mark this book as the start of a new series set in an exciting world. VERDICT Though the worldbuilding is sparse, and a few of the pop culture references might feel out of place, this modern-day retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone has lots to offer for romance fans looking for a slightly darker romance.—Brigid Black, Lucius Beebe Memorial Lib., Wakefield, MA
AUGUST 2021 - AudioFile
Zara Hampton-Brown and Alex Moorcock narrate an erotic romance inspired by Greek mythology. When Persephone Dimitriou is unexpectedly engaged to Zeus, the de facto ruler of Olympus, she flees across the River Styx into the arms of Hades. Will their tentative alliance last once spring arrives? Persephone could easily be portrayed simply as a naïve socialite, but Hampton-Brown gives her backbone and courage, making it easy to see why both Hades and Zeus are attracted to her. Hades considers himself to be a hard man, and Moorcock plays up his gruff and brooding exterior, which so often hides a soft and caring interior. The somewhat mythologically disappointing plot is improved by the solid dual narration. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
