Alright, so I do realize that with retellings the author is apt to take a certain amount of liberty with the original story. However, this series stretches so far to establish the parallels with the original myth that the characters and the resulting story is shallow and trite. The leading lady is a very one-dimensional and does not even know the story of Persephone, so she relies on John telling her bits and pieces as they benefit his needs throughout. Of course, he conveniently leaves out the whole kidnapping and forcing her to be his wife part, and retells it so Pierce feels she has a choice in the matter.
While I was excited to read this series, I was very disappointed. It is not very often that I finish a book- or two books- and have nothing notable or positive to add to the discussion. I suppose it is a positive thing that Cabot is trying to expose a new generation to Greek mythology. If an author is going to take a classical story and retell it, I believe there is a certain responsibility which comes with such a decision. Cabot ignores the main problems and lessons of the Persephone myth and tries to deepen the story with misinterpreted and inappropriately placed quotes from Dante’s Inferno (I assume only because it is about Hell and death). What results is a one-dimensional story that one would most likely not associate with the original myth without being told the intention upfront. Unfortunately, your time is better spent seeking out other retellings and passing on the Abandon series, because I am unsure what further books will add to Cabot’s attempt.
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