If it's not already obvious, if something is marketed as a Hades and Persephone retelling, I'm going to read it! So when I saw this pop up on my Instagram feed when it was released on 21 December, it jumped straight to the top of my TBR pile. And it was absolutely worth it!

It just feels like a joyous romp (sometimes literally 😉) from start to finish. The story is really well balanced between staying true to the lore that surrounds this couple, giving it the modern twist and adding its own unique take to the tale, so it feels familiar yet also fresh and new. The narrative takes you through a myriad of twists and turns, carrying your emotions with it - you can literally be laughing one moment and crying the next - and it's one of those books where nothing necessarily comes as a complete shock, but equally there are some things you can't anticipate. But while there are dark moments, it's definitely a book that made me smile throughout.

As for our two lead characters; Cole is just a dream. A hot-shot lawyer who can argue his way out of a corner and into a girl's knickers in 30 seconds flat, but who is an actual nice guy. Save for when it comes to protecting his woman, when he turns into the smouldering 'burn the world for you' dark hero, and when he's in the bedroom and demands to be called 'Sir'. He carries on the modern trend of being more nuanced than the traditional Hades, but by making him 'properly' human the author has given him an extra layer of normality, which somehow makes him more relatable than the actual God. Likewise, the author's approach to Evie puts her in the driving seat immediately. She's an incredibly strong and forthright character from the getgo. Even though there is a significant amount of male dominance shown by Cole even in the wider world (her lack of knowledge about modern life, for example, and more often than not she's being carried by him!), which does make her appear more delicate and submissive, she isn't afraid to speak her mind. But most importantly there is a great sense of equality between them throughout; it feels like a real partnership. Their chemistry is amazing, and there's plenty of good spice in here for those that like! The draw between them spills off of the page, and their jealous streaks are brilliantly portrayed.

I love that Cole has very little care for the mythology that is shaping his life, and so there is an element of you learning about his fate alongside him and Evie, and the characters you know slot into place in ways you might not expect. The introduction of the coven did initially feel a little odd to me (probably because I generally read history books about witches, rather than fiction), but again it ends up being tied in really well, both in terms of working with the Greek myth and as its own element within the wider story. 

There's definitely a reflection of American society (and society at large) in the depiction of the varying standpoints of the covens, from traditional to liberal, and their reactions to differing points of view. The underlying commentary about culpability, bodily autonomy and freedom of expression all add an undertone which makes a serious point, but it's done in such a digestible and enjoyable way; it makes you think while allowing you to switch your brain off, and I love that!

Honestly, the only reason this doesn't get the full five stars from me is that I would have perhaps preferred a slower burn; as much as there is still a whole lot of steam between the characters throughout, I feel like a slower burn could have resulted in some toe-curlingly good UST! But that's completely personal preference. Otherwise, this one is right up there with the best of them and I can't wait for more!