Book Review: For the Love of Hades: (A Hades and Persephone Retelling) by Freida Kilmari

 

Book Description

“I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be staring at her like she’s mine. And I definitely shouldn’t be considering whisking her away to The Underworld with me. But I might.” - Hades

Hades has visited Kore for centuries while remaining invisible, so when he’s given the chance to reveal himself and save her from the imprisoned life Zeus provides, he doesn’t hesitate. He’ll show her what life can feel like if you let it. And he’ll never let her go. But can she give up her life as a goddess to become Queen of The Underworld?

“I was alone for two thousand years. Watching everyone else live their life from the confines of my forced innocence. Until he came along. Until Hades showed me the stars amid the darkness.” - Persephone

***

This is a 30,000-word simple MF Persephone and Hades romantic retelling. This is a standalone novella. Themes of entrapment and freedom are explored throughout, as well as what it means to make your own choices. This is a character-driven story that is intentionally simple and will form part of a larger collection that will, as a whole, show you the entire world.

My Review

When I saw this was a story about Hades and the underworld, I figured this would be a good book to read during Halloween month. Oh boy was I right. 

Hades was banished to the underworld by his brother Zeus. Zeus is the father of Kore, the Goddess of Spring. Zeus is very heavy handed in how Kore lives so that she will remain pure so she can keep her powers and help the humans each year with their fertility and crops. Kore is 2000 years old but Zeus keeps her locked away and away from anyone or anything that might bring her negativity or challenge her innocence. Kore is tired of being kept a prisoner but doesn't know how to escape. 

Hades has been secretly talking to Kore for years. He's usually invisible to her so she can't see who he actually is because Hades doesn't want to scare her. This year at Kore's party, Hades decides to show up to the party and Zeus finally acquiesces and let's him join as long as he behaves. Kore doesn't know he is actually her friend she's been talking to and feels sorry for him since everyone is scared to even approach him. So she does, and asks him to dance. Hades is surprised and excited as from that moment on they are inseparable. 

Hades whisks her away to the underworld once he realizes she wants to escape her home and life. Zeus is incredibly mad but Hades is just as strong as him so they don't fight right away. 

Watching Kore and Hades fall for each other was so much fun. Hades is nothing like what everyone told her he was. He's such a good guy, which even surprised me. 

I knew from the title that this was a Hades and Persephone retelling but I was not expecting the transformation that Kore went through or why. That was so much fun to read. I cannot say enough good things about this book. It was such a fun, quick read with a fun twist in Greek Mythology. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  

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