by Abigail Owen

A Fantasy, 2024 by Entangled Red Tower Books, 512 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

• There are some sort of cliche romance phrases in here, things that are overdone and overused. They’re infrequent, which is good, but they do exist.
• Hades and Persephone is such a classic myth. I didn’t particularly like the author here playing around with that and changing things. Granted that’s not the focus of this story but it does have bearing here.
• The ending felt a bit predictable, all things considered. It also leaves you on a bit of a cliffhanger.

What I Did Like:

• Excellent opener! You are instantly enthralled in the story and ready for more. The content warning and the opening combine to give you a sort of grown up Percy Jackson vibe.
• I LOVED the way Hades was depicted in this book. He’s always a favorite but there are definitely books where I haven’t liked the way he’s presented. Here, NOT the case. He’s so well written! Hades fans will be pleased.
• The action scenes in this one were INTENSE and well written. Each task of the Crucible came alive on the page and was so easy to picture.

Who Should Read This One:

• If the idea of a grown up, slightly spicy Percy Jackson appeals to you — this is your book!

My Rating: 4 Stars