For the Love of Hades (Loves of Olympus, #2)

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For the Love of Hades (Loves of Olympus #2)

by Sasha Summers (Goodreads Author)

4.3 of 5 stars 4.30 · rating details · 61 ratings · 28 reviews

Hades, God of Death, has no heart. Persephone is determined to prove otherwise…

Hades, the Lord of the Underworld, has no patience for living things or his Olympian brethren. His purpose is order, administering justice to those who enter his realm, and keeping the balance decreed by the Fates. Meeting Persephone sways his focus, her gentle sweetness threatening his control....more

Unknown Binding, 301 pages

Published January 2013 by Crescent Moon Press

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Feb 06, 2013 aobibliophile™ rated it 5 of 5 stars

“Lost in Hell,-Persephone, Take her head upon your knee;
Say to her, "My dear, my dear, It is not so dreadful here.”
- Edna St. Vincent Millay, Collected Poems

set around the time when Athens was under attack for the second time by the invading Persian army, For The Love of Hades focuses on Persephone, Goddess of Vegetation. it recounts how she first met Hades, God of the Underworld and what transpired afterwards when her mother Demeter, Goddess of Harvest, finds Persephone a mortal husband - Erys...more “Lost in Hell,-Persephone, Take her head upon your knee;
Say to her, "My dear, my dear, It is not so dreadful here.”
- Edna St. Vincent Millay, Collected Poems

set around the time when Athens was under attack for the second time by the invading Persian army, For The Love of Hades focuses on Persephone, Goddess of Vegetation. it recounts how she first met Hades, God of the Underworld and what transpired afterwards when her mother Demeter, Goddess of Harvest, finds Persephone a mortal husband - Erysichthon, King of Thessaly.
readers will be in for a surprise with the way author Sasha Summers has portrayed Hades. the Lord of the Dead is presented in a very different light. the abduction of Persephone as we know it from the ancient texts is also handled differently.
this is the second novel in the Loves of Olympus Series. the first one is Medusa, A Love Story which i had the chance to read and review last year. it was not something i expected but i still found it interesting that Medusa and her warrior guard Ariston were mentioned again here. their appearance, albeit brief, enhanced the storyline and solidified the link between the first and second books. this connection, among others, made me further admire Ms. Summers' writing. there is consistency in all her characters and their individual personalities. moreover, the worldbuilding is impressive throughout. every detail is well-thought-of. nothing is amiss.
the classic Greek writers may have been the first to record for posterity the story of Persephone and Hades but Ms. Summers' version is way better. i find her treatment more exciting, more dramatic, more intense and certainly more romantic.
overall, this book has my vote. it is a worthy addition to the enduring legends of the gods and goddesses of Olympus.

Disclosure of Material Connection: i received a copy for review. i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.(less)

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Jan 25, 2013 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

For the Love of Hades has Much to Love

Original Post at Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
E-Galley was loaned by publisher via Net Galley
All Opinions are my own unless noted, and no remuneration was exchanged.

Normally, if a book were written in the disinterested, omniscient observer mood like this is, I wouldn't like it. But the language is so poetic that it reads like an accessible epic poem mixed with the work of Leanna Renee Hieber. You know I was taught tha...more For the Love of Hades has Much to Love

Original Post at Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
E-Galley was loaned by publisher via Net Galley
All Opinions are my own unless noted, and no remuneration was exchanged.

Normally, if a book were written in the disinterested, omniscient observer mood like this is, I wouldn't like it. But the language is so poetic that it reads like an accessible epic poem mixed with the work of Leanna Renee Hieber. You know I was taught that Persephone was stolen away, against her will by an evil, satanic lord of the underworld. But here, in this poesy of prose, Persephone and Hades come upon each other quite by accident. She falls in love with and pursues the hell out of him (pun intended).

I enjoyed this fresh take on Persephone, the Goddess of growth and renewal,is not some frail victim. Honorable Hades tries to push her away, and then to hold himself back. But, she is like a plant in her ability to come back against the odds. She is most certainly the aggressor in the relationship. It hink this was an exciting and interesting move by Sasha Summers. No longer should these goddesses and demi-goddesses be portrayed as weak and without their own power. Persephone made things grow for goodness sake. Women in agricultural societies were not weak.

In the traditional tale, Demeter is so overwrought about her daughter moving to Hell with Hades that she makes winter and droughts half the year. When Momma ain't happy, nobody's happy! In the story as Summers tells it is more about the practices of war, and Persephone's own absence, I believe, that causes the blight. Persephone chooses Hades.

I really enjoyed the book, because the characters of quite a few gods from the Hellenic Pantheon were brought to life as real people with real, sometimes less than noble personalities. Poseidon is, in particualr, a huge jerk (I would use stronger language but it wouldn't be polite). They often act more like humans than gods. It is very dreamlike and allegorical in its plotting with spatial unreality we would imagine of travel between the human realms and that of the underworld and Olympus.

There is a little tying-up of loose ends from the first book in the series, MEDUSA: A Love Story. I didn't understand it's placement until I noted there had been another book in the series.

I recommend it as a good read, with a unique feeling and a intriguing take on a story so often told that I thought it could not really be made interesting again. Enjoy! (less)

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Feb 01, 2013 Jody rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sasha Summers has completely won me over once again as her unique and fresh take on mythological tales continues with For the Love of Hades. In this latest installment of the Loves of Olympus series a new spin on the story of Hades and Persephone paints Hades as a conflicted yet very worthy of love character seeped in loneliness who would do anything to save the one bright light in his Underworld. Hades is brooding and sexy and more likable than the original myth makes him out to be. In contrast...more Sasha Summers has completely won me over once again as her unique and fresh take on mythological tales continues with For the Love of Hades. In this latest installment of the Loves of Olympus series a new spin on the story of Hades and Persephone paints Hades as a conflicted yet very worthy of love character seeped in loneliness who would do anything to save the one bright light in his Underworld. Hades is brooding and sexy and more likable than the original myth makes him out to be. In contrast, Persephone is perky and playful and truly falls for Hades even though her mother promises her to another. Their scenes together are entertaining and heartwarming in the abundant love that's blatantly obvious.

The scenes of the Underworld are vividly depicted with its darkness and various creatures that lend to its gritty nature. Seeing the love between the two of them amongst this darkness makes their connection even more heartwarming in its importance. Also vividly depicted are the other Gods and Godesses who, while full of powers, are still presented with the same jealousies and pettiness of us mere mortals. It made them easy to relate to and pulled me further into the story because of it. With plenty of Gods and Goddesses to choose from I'm greatly anticipating what Ms. Summers will put her personal stamp on next.

Ms. Summers' writing style flows beautifully with an almost lyrical quality to it. The love story involving these two likable characters is intensely emotional and makes you a bit misty-eyed throughout their journey to be together. The interferences of others leads to life or death situations that make you want to scream at the injustice as you continue to root for Hades and Persephone. As the second book in the series it's not necessary to have read the first book as only one or two references tie into the previous installment. But this world and its characters will work their way into your bloodstream and you won't want to miss a single minute. With its unique voice and romantic writing style I've completely fallen in love with the Loves of Olympus series and highly recommend For the Love of Hades to those looking for something special to read that will leave a lasting impression!(less)

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Mar 16, 2013 Jackie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sasha Summers is such a masterful storyteller. She has taken the myth of Hades and Persephone and knocked it on its head. Hades is traditionally thought of as the bad boy of the Olympian Gods. Here he is portrayed as just the most chaste and dutiful of Gods with a painful past. The real bad boy in this series is Poseidon. Also, Persephone is not just a victim anymore. Persephone truly falls in love with Hades and she is not really kidnapped. Many of the well crafted lies are told by Hermes to co...more

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Jan 25, 2013 Marissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Awww this was very good. One of the things I really liked about this story, was just the writing. I have written this before, but Author Sasha Summers, is just a wonderful writer; she's very creative and she just has a great writing style, that makes a story flow, and that's what I felt for this one. I have to write, that I know of the main Greek Gods, having heard of them since I was little, but I have not really read any stories about them, except facts from the Internet, but Summers makes it...more

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Feb 07, 2013 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

Although I haven’t yet read the first book, Medusa, A Love Story, I was still instantaneously entrenched in the world the author created. This is the stunningly beautiful love story of Hades and Persephone. I enjoyed this well written tale about these two mythological characters. The flirtation, tension and emotional intensity fueled the natural progression of their attraction, but the author balanced it perfectly with their obligation to fulfill the duties assigned by the Fates.

Ms. Summers com...more

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Feb 08, 2013 Penelope Bartotto rated it 4 of 5 stars

Hades, an unlikely romantic lead, and yet it works. Drawn by the essence of pure beauty he is both unwillingly and willingly drawn to a Goddess. Persephone is sheltered by an overprotected mother, Demeter. Mother would see her married off to a Olympian, but if not she would see her in an arranged marriage with a mortal. Does mother always know best though? Not necessarily, but that's when the story starts to get even better than before.
Summers has managed to take otherwise hated characters in m...more

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Jan 27, 2013 Monica rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love mythology and was glad when I found this book. This is actually the second book in the series, but it was written in a way that I felt I didn’t miss much of the first. I guess this is because the two books contain different stories. The characters in the first were mentioned in this novel, but they didn’t relate much. It seems that the second book is not dependent with the first.

As the title suggests, it is a romance story about Hades, the god of the Underworld. I have read few bright sto...more I love mythology and was glad when I found this book. This is actually the second book in the series, but it was written in a way that I felt I didn’t miss much of the first. I guess this is because the two books contain different stories. The characters in the first were mentioned in this novel, but they didn’t relate much. It seems that the second book is not dependent with the first.

As the title suggests, it is a romance story about Hades, the god of the Underworld. I have read few bright stories about those who dwell in that realm, but never about Hades. Personally, I imagined him as someone who has a very intimidating character and I understand why others didn’t venture into writing positive stories about him. Something about him wearing the helm of darkness would discourage any cheerful thoughts.

The book is about the love story of Hades and Persephone. It was refreshing. All books that I have read were about his subordinates, but not him. I have read the story of The Rape of Persephone, and was surprised when I read this novel. The author was indeed creative in making twists in their story.

The author described Underworld and its levels correctly (as far as I have learned) as well as its inhabitants. Creatures of the realm were all present, except for the harpies. I forgot how those things made me remember them, but I was looking out for them as I read the book. The living world was vividly pictured as well. Before the fall of Greece, the land was breathing life. Persephone was described like an earth goddess tending to her pines. I could imagine her clearly. She seems like a spirited creature full of vitality.

Gods and goddesses were also present. Of course the must be. They were described realistically. I commend the author for including the spat between Athena and Poseidon as well as the carefree life of the gods while mortals are suffering. I believe something like this is needed in any myth stories to provide the readers the idea that the gods are not perfect. They are like humans with flawed character.

However, I was sad when one of my favorite gods was put in a bad light. Poseidon was characterized as a womanizer, and I am aware of that based on my readings, but stealing a woman from his brother didn’t ring true for him. I am not sure if this conflict was created by the author or there were stories involving this which I haven’t read.

With that conflict, Hades became more jaded and cold. It was like other love stories where the woman is pouring her heart out while the man is struggling to control his emotions. I didn’t find anything new to this style, but it didn’t feel cheesy either. It felt nice. The romance bloomed and it was predictable, but I was surprised by the importance of pomegranate in the story. I didn’t know the cursed fruit could actually be a salvation, too.

All in all, it was an interesting myth re-telling. I am happy to have read the book. Will I recommend it? Definitely.
(less)

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Jan 18, 2013 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

So, I wasn't sure this would top Medusa, A Love Story but oh boy did it!

I think it was the immortal bad boy Hades that did it for me.. In so many ways. As much love as I had for Medusa and Ariston, there was something so much more alluring for me between Hades and Persephone.

I also love how odd Persephone is. Like, sometimes? A total ditz.

I read this over two nights and each time had that little thought that said 'perhaps you should go to sleep now' - Uh, heck no! And any book that has that eff...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Rhonda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

Sasha Summers captured my heart with her story of Medusa and I was very excited to have the opportunity to read For The Love of Hades. What a wonderful addition to her Loves of Olympus series!!

This is the story of Persephone and Hades, these two characters are written brilliantly! I immediately fell in love with these two, Hades with his quiet broodiness and inner conflict in regard to Persephone. Summers did such a fantastic job with Hades, I really loved reading him. And Persephone is just to...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Tam... rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: hades, hades-and-persephone, persephone

2 3/4 stars..

I don't know if I loved or hated this book.
The start was okay, but Summer's Persephone quickly got on my nerves. She was so naive and obedient it quickly became dull. I'd need to read it again to count the number of times Hades scowled, growled and grunted. He was just too pissed off (or pretending to be) all the time. It's a good thing the author kept pointing out how much he wanted to be with Persephone.
I loved the interlude,when Persephone finally makes it down there, in the Un...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Seirra rated it 5 of 5 stars

A review copy was provided for an honest review. For the Love of Hades is a worthy sequel to the astonishingly well written and beautifully told Medusa, A Love Story (The Loves of Olympus). I consumed this book nearly as quickly as the first! I was just slightly skeptical to see how this could possibly top its predecessor but realized it wasn't about that at all. Both books are completely their own with two unique stories that should be appreciated separately. Though Medusa and Ariston's story w...more A review copy was provided for an honest review. For the Love of Hades is a worthy sequel to the astonishingly well written and beautifully told Medusa, A Love Story (The Loves of Olympus). I consumed this book nearly as quickly as the first! I was just slightly skeptical to see how this could possibly top its predecessor but realized it wasn't about that at all. Both books are completely their own with two unique stories that should be appreciated separately. Though Medusa and Ariston's story was much more moving, Hades and Persephone's story is nothing short of incredible. The emotional weight each character carries with them is absolutely enthralling. Unraveling the tales behind the gods and mortals is fascinating as each story is as wonderfully tragic as the last. My favorite thing about both books is the opening prologue that shows a significant event that isn't what it seems as you find out upon reading further. Perception plays a huge role and twists the story in ways you couldn't even imagine. You think you know the mythology behind the characters until something unpredictable happens entrancing you ever more.

Hades is emotionless, joyless, and the dark ruler of the Underworld. He'll send your soul straight to Tartarus if you're not worthy of Elysium. He cares nothing for those who reside in Olympus though he must convene with them now and again. He does his job and that is satisfying enough until he stumbles upon the beautiful and innocent Persephone. Persephone is the daughter of the Goddess Demeter. She brings life to everything that grows within the Earth. Hades brings with him death but when he sees the fair Persephone he feels a twinge of emotion unexplainable to even a God. Warring feelings threaten to destroy them both and keep them apart in this deeply captivating tale!

For the Love of Hades is enchanting and begs to be read immediately following Medusa, A Love Story. Each Greek deity has dense layers that make exploring their characters even more exciting. This story picks up around the same time that Medusa, A Love Story is going on so you get to see another side to that as well. Sasha Summers makes each Greek tale worth reading as her stories are brilliantly told and seamlessly intertwined. Easily some of the best mythological retellings I've ever had the pleasure to read. Both myths are spun anew therefore revitalizing them altogether and making them even better than they ever were. If you loved Medusa's tale then you'll undoubtedly love Persephone's. I can't wait for what's in store for the next book which I'm going to grab the second it releases! Sasha Summers captures the very heart and soul of mythology and weaves it into sophisticated and strong stories. (less)

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Sep 02, 2012 Lynn Rush rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Wow!! What a gripping tale of Hades and Persephone. Like her book

Medusa, A Love Story (Loves of Olympus, #1)

, I fell in love with the writing. Sasha Summers creates such a fantastic world with her smooth writing and high-tension writing. I just could not put this book down.

Hades was so masterfully written I felt like I could reach out and touch him. I felt his pain. His desire. His loyalty. And his determination to be honorable. I fell in love with this character!

Sasha Summers knocked it out of the park with this one!

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May 05, 2013 Book Sushi rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was the follow up to Medusa, A love story. This was just as good as the first book. There is a slight overlap with regards to the interaction with Hades and Ariston but this was nice to see the epic love of Hades and Persephone. Posideon makes me want to tie him up and leave him in a deep dark pit away from everyone else as he is always the cause of any drama around him. We also learn some interesting stuff about Aphrodite so im really hoping that the next book involves her side of her stor...more

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Dec 19, 2012 Jean Murray rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-paranormal-romance, greek-mythology

I love mythology of any kind and this series has captured my heart, starting with Medusa, A Love Story. For the Love of Hades is an amazing and eloquent story that I couldn't put down. Ms. Summers is an amazing writer, trust me on this. One of the best I have read, actually. Hades is an amazingly deep character who has only known betrayal, until he meets the beautiful goddess, Persephone, who knows no such deceit. She tests his will to deny what he truly feels for her.

What a fantastic love stor...more

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Feb 22, 2013 Holly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-but-not-erotica, fantasy, mythology, must-have-in-paperback, romance, reviewer-favorite, read-and-reviewed-from-author-or-pu

While not nearly as tragic or heartbreaking as the first book n this series, Medusa: A Love Story, was at times For the Love of Hades was no less amazing!

The mythology surrounding Hades and Persephone is, while somewhat familiar to me, not one I know very well, unlike that of Medusa. So it was very interesting to read about the Hades the man we first meet in book one and learn what was underneath that indifferent yet beautiful face that Poseidon disliked so.

Hades was betrayed by both his brothe...more

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Mar 29, 2013 Proserpine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: want-to-read-asap

I was already in love with this book even before I start to read it!

I'm passionate about paranormal romance and the story of Persephone and Hades is probably one my favorite, but also the most difficult to tell/write and retell. This story is mainly based on the kidnapping of a young woman who's forced to marry a man she doesn’t love or desire. Miraculously, she can escape the Underworld for six months per year, but the other six, she must pass it through a gloomy world where death is king. She...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Allison Collins rated it 5 of 5 stars

Best Wounded Hero EVER.
I am a huge fan of Sasha Summers and have devoured all of her books. But with her newest book, For the Love of Hades, she has catapulted into one of my favorite authors of all time.
The author has put a new twist on the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus by making them all too human, with everyday lives, loves, and heartbreaks. With her first book, Medusa, A Love Story, we met Medusa before she became the monster. With Hades, she brings the God of the Underworld to life.
Now, I...more

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Mar 20, 2013 Debbie Roppolo rated it 5 of 5 stars

The imagery was spectacular in this book and Sasha Summers did a wonderful job of pulling the reader into story, making it almost impossible to put the book down.
I've always been a fan of Greek mythology, but Hades was never my favorite god. However, through Ms. Summers skillful writing, I found myself sympathizing for him, and hoping for his and Poseidon's relationship.

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Dec 26, 2012 Shawna Romkey rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is another great book by Sasha Summers, the second in the loves of Olympus series. Persephone and Hades are fun to read. Hades is the dark, silent type and Persephone is full of light and laughter, but you root for them to find their way together the entire book. The descriptions of the Underworld are vivid and fun. I especially liked the tie ins to the first in the series, Medusa a Love Story. Though this could be a stand alone story, it was fun to be "in the know" of some of the backgroun...more

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Apr 13, 2012 Sasha Summers rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

Loved writing this book, as I did Medusa's story. The myths offer so much to celebrate and work with. I hope my stories do them justice.

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Jan 14, 2013 Makayla rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sasha has out done herself again with her beautiful tales of love she creates. I can't decide which I loved more, Medusa,a love story or For the love of Hades more. they where both beautiful. I hope she makes a third book!!! (Fingers crossed).

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Mar 11, 2013 Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: to-be-reviewed

Review to come later.

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Jan 26, 2013 Shannon rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am reading For the love of Hades now and as a fan of Sasha Summers already I have always praised her talent in my reviewes but now I must say I consider her not a wonderful writer any more but a master! Sasha, PERFECTLY done!

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Mar 11, 2013 Melanie Macek rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another great story by Sasha Summers. She makes it easy to love the God of the Underworld.

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Mar 03, 2013 Suchita rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-classical, fantasy

Misunderstood!Hades is my favorite trope ever.

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Feb 06, 2013 J.A. Howell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reading-list

Absolutely loved. Full review coming soon :)

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May 16, 2013 Tiara Robinson marked it as to-read

May 16, 2013 Joshmaniac marked it as to-read

May 14, 2013 Vasilios Birlidis marked it as to-read

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About Sasha Summers

Sasha is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, history, romance, and travel. She writes both lyrical romantic fantasy AND steamy contemporary romance. Her first play was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She's been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she's doi...more

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For the Love of Hades (Loves of Olympus #2)

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