Review of A Touch of Darkness (Hades & Persephone #1) by Scarlett St. Clair
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I listened to the audiobook and followed along in the ebook!
DESCRIPTION
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, 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.
REVIEW
Tantalizing and rich and sensual and absolutely gripping.
Whew, yeah. *fans self* This one was good. I’ve always been drawn to stories that have elements of Hades and Persephone, but this is the first book I’ve read that is actually about those characters themselves, albeit with a modern spin to the story.
And let me tell you, after just a few chapters I was completely hooked and didn’t want to put it down. The banter between all of the characters in this book is funny and witty. I love the decision to give this story a modern setting, because let’s face it – Greek gods and goddesses are messy and dramatic and vindictive and of course people would be willing to worship at their feet, revel in their favor and the media would be ravenous to cover them. Not only are we treated to the story of Hades and Persephone but we are given a full share of other Greek gods and goddesses as well as a host of other Greek myths and tragedies – all of which have been given a fresh, modern retelling.
“Respect could build an empire. Trust could make it unbreakable. Love could make it last forever.”
But even more so than the setting, I loved the fire between Hades and Persephone. In this story, St. Clair has taken the original story of Hades and Persephone and molded it into something seductive and tempting. The chemistry between characters is off the charts and St. Clair does not hold back once the gasoline has been poured and the match lit. When I finished this, I definitely felt the high of reading a satisfying book rolling off me.
Hades as a character btw? *chefs kiss* I cannot get enough of the way he is written in this. Closed off, yet compassionate. Hardened, yet seeking the good in people. His character is so multi-faceted I truly appreciate the depth we are given and how much of his character is unraveled as the story progresses. I’m thoroughly looking forward to seeing his character continue to be unveiled and grow as the story progresses.
Also – I cannot decide if I want to be Hermes, Hecate or Lexa’s BFF. Can I have all three?
Definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a fast paced, steamy read that will leave your mouth watering for more. Also – no cliffhanger, just a euphoric yearning to see what comes next!
Order A Touch of Darkness from these booksellers
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository| Indie Bound
Library in the Country 
I’m definitely intrigued. I recently read ‘Circe’ by Madeline Miller and have been wanting to read more mythology-inspired stories. This one sounds really good.
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