[Skye’s Review]: Neon Gods (Dark Olympus #1) by Katee Robert

He was supposed to be a myth.
But from the moment I crossed the River Styx and fell under his dark spell…
…he was, quite simply, mine.

Society darling Persephone Dimitriou plans to flee the ultra-modern city of Olympus and start over far from the backstabbing politics of the Thirteen Houses. But all that’s ripped away when her mother ambushes her with an engagement to Zeus, the dangerous power behind their glittering city’s dark facade.

With no options left, Persephone flees to the forbidden undercity and makes a devil’s bargain with a man she once believed a myth...a man who awakens her to a world she never knew existed.

Hades has spent his life in the shadows, and he has no intention of stepping into the light. But when he finds that Persephone can offer a little slice of the revenge he’s spent years craving, it’s all the excuse he needs to help her—for a price. Yet every breathless night spent tangled together has given Hades a taste for Persephone, and he’ll go to war with Olympus itself to keep her close…

A modern retelling of Hades and Persephone that’s as sinful as it is sweet.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Wow. That’s all I can say. This book took me by surprise in the best way. Retellings can be hit or miss. This book was most definitely a hit. In fact, I think this is my favorite Hades and Persephone retelling that I’ve read! This book drew me in from the very first page. It was hard to put it down and make myself go to sleep. All I wanted to do was keep reading!

I’m a huge fan of Greek mythology and retellings, so I knew this book was right up my alley. It’s always fun to see how each author interprets the original story and crafts a new one out of it. Katee Roberts did a great job. I love that this was a modern retelling yet she still kept Olympus as this magical, special place. In this story, Olympus is cut off from the rest of the world (our world). It’s basically in a magical bubble hidden away from those who don’t live there. In Olympus, the Thirteen rule the city, though Zeus considers himself the leader of the Thirteen. A fun twist the author created is that the Thirteen are positions; each Greek God or Goddess is considered a position that is filled after a predecessor dies or gives up their role. Most of the positions are legacy positions meaning they are passed down through bloodlines.

Our story starts with Persephone, a media darling and the second eldest daughter of Demeter, attending a party at her mother’s request. Unbeknownst to her, this party is an engagement party for Zeus and his bride-to-be. It’s not until Zeus and her mother ambush her that Persephone realizes her mother has made a deal with Zeus for Persephone’s hand in marriage. Put on the spot, Persephone has no choice but to accept Zeus’s proposal.  Zeus has already been married 3 times; all 3 of his wives are dead. No one knows for sure, but they’re all fairly certain he killed them. Persephone has no plans of becoming number 4. Soon after the proposal, she runs. This decision is what leads her to Hades, a man she believed to be a myth.

The romance between Hades and Persephone was everything I wanted. Their chemistry–emotionally and physically–together was off the charts. I loved seeing their relationship progress. Watching them both lower their guards and be vulnerable with each other was heartwarming. Their relationship was so sweet.

If you’re a fan of Hades and Persephone retellings and a sweet yet steamy romance, then this book is perfect for you!

TW: stalking, violence/assault, voyeurism/exhibitionism, and mention of death of a loved one.

Skye

Hi, I’m Skye! I’m a college student by day and a bookstagrammer and book blogger by night. 😉 I’m also fluent in the language of sarcasm, so my kryptonite in any book is great witty banter.

Check out my Instagram account if you want to see my latest book obsessions! Also, feel free to reach out to me on social media if you ever need someone to fangirl with! I love meeting new bookish friends. 🙂