Today I’m going to be reviewing the first two books in the Hades Saga series by Scarlett St. Clair. I’ve been seeing this author everywhere recently and so when I saw these recent releases, I knew I had to read them! If you like Hades and Persephone, keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
A Game of Fate
Hades, God of the Underworld, is known for his inflexible rule, luxurious night clubs, and impossible bargains. Use to control, he is not prepared to discover the Fates have chosen his future wife and Queen—Persephone, Goddess of Spring.
Despite her attraction to the god, Persephone, an ambitious journalism student, is determined to expose Hades for his cruel and ruthless ways.
Hades finds himself faced with the impossible—proving his future bride wrong. Despite his efforts, there are forces who wish to keep the two apart and Hades comes to realize he will do anything for his forbidden love, even defy Fate
Review
TW: sexual assault, drugging
I have a soft spot for Hades and Persephone. Growing up they used to be my favorite Greek story, so now that Greek re-tellings are popular, I am so happy to see more of them being published. While many of the ones I’ve recently read are dual POV, A Game of Fate is just from Hades’ POV. As someone who has maybe never been in love, Hades world is about to transform. He never really understood that pull of love how it can utterly posses you. So when he meets Persephone, his entire world view shifts.
I loved how St. Clair features other Greek figures in this series prominently. And so Hades has to both figure out his own feelings – and Persephone’s love – while also trying to win his bargain with Aphrodite. But A Game of Fate exposes Hades desire for control. I personally had no qualms with his sense of justice – because I do think he has a sense of justice – even if it’s not what others might expect. And Persephone in A Game of Fate is more in touch with her mortal roots and advocating mercy.
(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)
In A Game of Fate, most of the story surrounds whether or not Persephone and Hades will get together. It’s super steamy – especially once the steam begins – with electric chemistry. And throughout Hades has to figure out how he communicates and question if they can succeed over the obstacles. Overall, if you like steam and Hades and Persephone, then this might be for you! Find A Game of Fate on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.
A Game of Retribution
Hades, God of the Dead, does not take sides or bend the rules. He makes no exceptions to these values—not for god or mortal, even his lover, Persephone, Goddess of Spring.
Usually, fear prevents retaliation.
But not this time.
When Hera, Goddess of Women, approaches Hades with a plan to overthrow Zeus, he declines to offer help. As punishment, Hera sentences Hades to perform a series of labors. Each feat seems more impossible than the last and draws his attention away from Persephone—whose own tragedy has left her questioning whether she can be Queen of the Underworld.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: sexual violence, suicide
In A Game of Retribution, the main issue revolves around can Persephone and Hades truly stick together. Will their chemistry be more than a spark and could it last? On first thought, this may seem very similar to A Game of Fate. However, A Game of Retribution ends up exploring Hades and Persephone putting in the work. To figure out if they can work through their issues, the lack of trust, and their past. All the obstacles that come up in the course of their marriage – maybe – and insecurity.
(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)
Because the trials to their happiness will never be easily dispelled. There will always be someone who wants to contribute their opinion or try to pull them apart. So in A Game of Retribution, Hades and Persephone have to re-navigate what is important to them and what truly has to change. It’s an enjoyable sequel which does not let up in steaminess, but also explores more of their relationship and the world. Find A Game of Retribution on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.