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Hades & Persephone #2
Destroyer of Light
The marriage of Hades and Persephone blossoms and their mysterious grove in the world below thrives…
…while the sunlit world withers.
Demeter holds out in Eleusis, pushing both mankind and the gods to frozen starvation in order to reclaim her daughter. The newly married rulers of the dead must reach an accord with Persephone’s mother to stay her deadly course— and come face to face with sacrifice, responsibility, and the balance of power among the gods.
Destroyer of Light concludes the erotic romance begun in Receiver of Many: a battle of wills among the gods is writ large across the dying earth, a cruel sorcerer-king faces his trial, and the King and Queen of the Underworld realize a destiny that the Fates alone could have foreseen.
…while the sunlit world withers.
Demeter holds out in Eleusis, pushing both mankind and the gods to frozen starvation in order to reclaim her daughter. The newly married rulers of the dead must reach an accord with Persephone’s mother to stay her deadly course— and come face to face with sacrifice, responsibility, and the balance of power among the gods.
Destroyer of Light concludes the erotic romance begun in Receiver of Many: a battle of wills among the gods is writ large across the dying earth, a cruel sorcerer-king faces his trial, and the King and Queen of the Underworld realize a destiny that the Fates alone could have foreseen.
492 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2016
122 people are currently reading
2585 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Alexander
10 books497 followersRachel Alexander has been a resident of California all her life and finished her first novel at age 16. She co-wrote a play that won awards from Bill Moyers of PBS and the University of Southern California. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Literary Criticism with an emphasis on creative writing.
When not writing, Rachel can often be found sewing corsets, overstocking her spice cabinet, and petting chickens. She is married and lives in Half Moon Bay, CA with her wonderful husband/editor and their son, William.
When not writing, Rachel can often be found sewing corsets, overstocking her spice cabinet, and petting chickens. She is married and lives in Half Moon Bay, CA with her wonderful husband/editor and their son, William.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
October 21, 2018
Wow wow wow.
Hands down.. one of the BEST series I have EVER read. I actually cried- I never cry while reading, but this had me tearing up. I love all of the characters, even the horrible ones. The love and devotion the H and h had for each other spilled off the page. The H especially was so amazing, ive never read a more humble, endearing, captivating hero in all of my years on Goodreads. Just... wow. God, he was almost TOO PERFECT. I recommend to anyone who wants to read somethign of substance and is willing to sit down and know intricate details of greek mythology.
Favorite quote:
“I was scared. I thought if you knew you’d won me that you would lose interest and abandon me, the way Zeus did to my mother,” she said warily, and saw an incredulous half smile quirking the corner of his mouth.
“Can the sun find its match in anything but the moon? Can the heavens lose interest in the earth?”
Hands down.. one of the BEST series I have EVER read. I actually cried- I never cry while reading, but this had me tearing up. I love all of the characters, even the horrible ones. The love and devotion the H and h had for each other spilled off the page. The H especially was so amazing, ive never read a more humble, endearing, captivating hero in all of my years on Goodreads. Just... wow. God, he was almost TOO PERFECT. I recommend to anyone who wants to read somethign of substance and is willing to sit down and know intricate details of greek mythology.
Favorite quote:
“I was scared. I thought if you knew you’d won me that you would lose interest and abandon me, the way Zeus did to my mother,” she said warily, and saw an incredulous half smile quirking the corner of his mouth.
“Can the sun find its match in anything but the moon? Can the heavens lose interest in the earth?”
July 2, 2018
The best thing about this duology is the world building. It is amazing!
Obviously the romance of Hades and Persephone too, but in this book it felt a little... repetitive. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and it made me want to read more retellings about this couple and about greek mythology in general.
(pd. it says at the end of the book that the story will continue but this ending was perfectly wrapped up, and there is no info on the third book, so I'm assuming this is a completed duology.)
Obviously the romance of Hades and Persephone too, but in this book it felt a little... repetitive. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and it made me want to read more retellings about this couple and about greek mythology in general.
(pd. it says at the end of the book that the story will continue but this ending was perfectly wrapped up, and there is no info on the third book, so I'm assuming this is a completed duology.)
March 29, 2016
Best book series. Ever.
This is an example of well researched and exceptionally well written story telling at its finest, one could almost touch the surroundings and felt like I was peeking in and their lives. I plan on restarting these two books immediately, they have so much detail and vivid descriptions it's impossible to capture all at once. I picked these out for my love of Greek mythology and stories of the Underworld, and fell in love with all the characters. I loved how the stories we all know and love were so well intertwined with the characters' development throughout the series. Hecate has always been a favorite and she is even more now. I hope to one day soon have these books in my bookshelf. Can't wait for the next one, this author has a new fan for life!
This is an example of well researched and exceptionally well written story telling at its finest, one could almost touch the surroundings and felt like I was peeking in and their lives. I plan on restarting these two books immediately, they have so much detail and vivid descriptions it's impossible to capture all at once. I picked these out for my love of Greek mythology and stories of the Underworld, and fell in love with all the characters. I loved how the stories we all know and love were so well intertwined with the characters' development throughout the series. Hecate has always been a favorite and she is even more now. I hope to one day soon have these books in my bookshelf. Can't wait for the next one, this author has a new fan for life!
March 21, 2016
A fantastic series, and the sequel does not disappoint! Absolutely brimming with passion, and overflowing with wonderful world-building, plot, and action. If you love well-researched books, mythology (especially Greek), or the myth of Hades and Persephone, be sure to check this one out!
June 5, 2018
This book is honestly so good. I love how it showed Hades and Persephone's relationship and especially Persephone's role as Queen of the Underworld. I just love it.
The only reason why it took me so long to finish is because of the level of frustration I had for Demeter. She's so selfish, overbearing, close-minded, and irrational! I can't even! Ugh! Although it does makes sense since I read somewhere that she had this obsessive love for her daughter.
But it still made me want to go inside the story and knock some sense into her myself. My eyes literally hurt from the number of eye-rolls I did because of her.
It made me stop reading for a while because I just didn't want to deal with her lol.
The only reason why it took me so long to finish is because of the level of frustration I had for Demeter. She's so selfish, overbearing, close-minded, and irrational! I can't even! Ugh! Although it does makes sense since I read somewhere that she had this obsessive love for her daughter.
But it still made me want to go inside the story and knock some sense into her myself. My eyes literally hurt from the number of eye-rolls I did because of her.
It made me stop reading for a while because I just didn't want to deal with her lol.
August 11, 2019
”Death is not the end”
This might be the best retelling of the Hades/Persephone myth I’ve read so far. I am seriously in love with the take the author had on the story, it’s unlike anything I’ve read before and it made the experience so exciting.
I’ve literally felt a myriad of emotions while going through the pages of this novel, the author managed to grip me so much with her words that I was feeling everything the characters were feeling and I was wanting to murder more than a few during some parts.
It’s been a pleasure to spend my last couple of days with Rachel Alexander’s Hades and Persephone, and I’m a little bummed the third installment hasn’t been published yet because I really need to see this story through.
This might be the best retelling of the Hades/Persephone myth I’ve read so far. I am seriously in love with the take the author had on the story, it’s unlike anything I’ve read before and it made the experience so exciting.
I’ve literally felt a myriad of emotions while going through the pages of this novel, the author managed to grip me so much with her words that I was feeling everything the characters were feeling and I was wanting to murder more than a few during some parts.
It’s been a pleasure to spend my last couple of days with Rachel Alexander’s Hades and Persephone, and I’m a little bummed the third installment hasn’t been published yet because I really need to see this story through.
March 25, 2016
I AM SO HAPPY THAT I FOUND THIS AUTHOR YAYAYAYAYAYAY
May 6, 2016
This was a good sequel to the first one. I can't believe there's going to be another book. But it was at the end so I guess there will be.
December 9, 2020
Practically Flawless. Both books in this series was an absolute joy to read and so very soul satisfying. The immortal love story of Hades and his Persephone told the way it should be with the author presenting the love and passion and tragedy and sacrifice that mark their union with the skill of a traditional greek storyteller. Loved every bit of it.
Can't wait for the third instalment; hope it's out soon.
Can't wait for the third instalment; hope it's out soon.
November 29, 2019
I will write some coherent thoughts as soon as I reestablish my human form
September 14, 2022
okay so I loved receiver of many (A LOT), but I think it should have ended there for me. Things that I could look past when reading receiver of many, started to really annoy me in this book. Multiple grammar mistakes (even though supposedly a editor went over every line twice (I don't think so sir)). Also everybody who knows the tiniest bit about Hades and Persephone knows she eats the goddamn pomegranate seed, so to drag that plotpoint on FOR HALF THE FUCKING BOOK felt really unnecessary and became very annoying. I also started to have a problem with the way the eh- *spicy* scenes were written. They felt so incredibly awkward and uncomfortable to read, the descriptions were terrible. I understand it fits with the very prose type of way this book is written, but it made me cringe. Sometimes Persephones and Aidon their temper tantrums became a bit much as well, and honestly I missed daddy Thanatos for like the last 75% of the book :(. The last thing I want to mention is I didn't like the ending of this book. You're not gonna hype up the hieros gamos as some sacred ritual for two goddamn books only to have it be this insanely weird, cringy thing. No, just no. ALMOST FORGOT: No, Aidon is not the fucking god of the earth? Do you know how unstoppable he would have been if that actually were the case? And Seph is not the queen of the earth either, if anyone that's Gaia or Demeter. Aidon en Persephone ruled the underworld side by side (not with Aidoneus just as her consort, fuck that). Obviously this is Rachel's own story and she can do whatever she want, but everything else is insanely accurate, so why make this different?
I do still stand by the fact that this is the best Hades and Persephone retelling you could find. The research that must have went into this is insane, you can clearly tell Rachel knows what she's writing about. I love it how she kept the whole abduction, kidnapping and everything in there, instead of Persephone willingly travelling down to the underworld (because sadly that was just not how it happened). As a retelling this book scores very high, as just a book, I'd argue not so much :)
I do still stand by the fact that this is the best Hades and Persephone retelling you could find. The research that must have went into this is insane, you can clearly tell Rachel knows what she's writing about. I love it how she kept the whole abduction, kidnapping and everything in there, instead of Persephone willingly travelling down to the underworld (because sadly that was just not how it happened). As a retelling this book scores very high, as just a book, I'd argue not so much :)
May 22, 2018
The Receiver of Many series is a well-researched and feminist take on the Hades/Persephone myth. Alexander puts effort into not just exploring Greek mythology but tying in aspects of Greek culture. This Persephone is given a heavy dose of agency, separating her from other retellings that tend to portray her as meek and at the mercy of circumstance. While the other Gods of Olympus maintain their well-known fickleness and dramatics, they're given some added depth--especially the goddesses. There are so many strong female characters that I look forward to reading about in future books.
Hades tends to be a controversial figure in this particular myth, but he's no domineering brute who forces a Stockholm syndrome situation in this version. Instead, he's more of a Darcy-like character who struggles with pride. I like that he owns up to his mistakes and supports the female characters. He gives Persephone space to work out her issues and allows her to follow through on her own decisions, even when he disagrees.
The sexy bits aren't bad either...
They aren't forced or thrown in just for the sake of having an erotic scene. You could argue that they're physical markers of how their trust evolves.
Once you race through these first two books, you'll be clamoring for the next one.
Hades tends to be a controversial figure in this particular myth, but he's no domineering brute who forces a Stockholm syndrome situation in this version. Instead, he's more of a Darcy-like character who struggles with pride. I like that he owns up to his mistakes and supports the female characters. He gives Persephone space to work out her issues and allows her to follow through on her own decisions, even when he disagrees.
The sexy bits aren't bad either...
They aren't forced or thrown in just for the sake of having an erotic scene. You could argue that they're physical markers of how their trust evolves.
Once you race through these first two books, you'll be clamoring for the next one.
July 1, 2020
THE UNSEEN ONE AND PRAXIDIKE COMING THROUGHHhh
LOVED IT but I personally think I liked the first more than this. For several reasons. (im gonna skip the good parts bcs pretty sure its been mentioned many times in most reviews)
First, some major events in this book could have been written better, because to me it felt short and slightly anti-climatic. So overall, it was just... ok.
Second, I understand that this is Greek mythology, so the writing with big fancy descriptions and riddles are called for but still.. it took some time for me to wrap my head around it. Understandable as this is my first greek series so probably need more time getting used to it.
Third, OK so we all know(after the first book) that hands down Aidon's and Persephone's relationship is off the chArts *cue angelic heaven HAAAA*, you can feel their love for each other to your bone marrow, one I aspire to have in life (LOL) AND actually made me want to reach out to people and shower them with love. Thats how damn powerful it is hagagga but to be frank, their s*x scenes could have been better. It was slightly repetitive and I skimmed some so that tells me that some were too long, repeated and have less variation LMAO
I didnt find any problems with the plot and I enjoyed reading the SCs.
No cliffhangers so we can all breathe and live in peace until the next book :')
LOVED IT but I personally think I liked the first more than this. For several reasons. (im gonna skip the good parts bcs pretty sure its been mentioned many times in most reviews)
First, some major events in this book could have been written better, because to me it felt short and slightly anti-climatic. So overall, it was just... ok.
Second, I understand that this is Greek mythology, so the writing with big fancy descriptions and riddles are called for but still.. it took some time for me to wrap my head around it. Understandable as this is my first greek series so probably need more time getting used to it.
Third, OK so we all know(after the first book) that hands down Aidon's and Persephone's relationship is off the chArts *cue angelic heaven HAAAA*, you can feel their love for each other to your bone marrow, one I aspire to have in life (LOL) AND actually made me want to reach out to people and shower them with love. Thats how damn powerful it is hagagga but to be frank, their s*x scenes could have been better. It was slightly repetitive and I skimmed some so that tells me that some were too long, repeated and have less variation LMAO
I didnt find any problems with the plot and I enjoyed reading the SCs.
No cliffhangers so we can all breathe and live in peace until the next book :')
March 20, 2017
AMAZING.
Simply amazing. After I read the first book, I was eager for more, and boy howdy, I was not the least bit disappointed! The writing and use of research in the story is brilliant, and I love the creative twists that the author used for various myths she incorporated into this story, such as the gods of the Levant, or what happens to Sisyphus.
I was intrigued when Minthe was mentioned in the first book, and her story is revealed here in a brilliant twist of the original myth. I never liked that in the original myths, Hades cheated on Persephone with Leuke and Minthe, so the author changed that for a much more intriguing and believable story.
The erotic scenes, as one might expect after reading the first story, are absolutely delicious. I've read enough erotica with cheesy or ludicrous descriptions, and it's always a treat to read elegantly-written intimacy.
Overall a brilliant sequel to a wonderful book, and altogether an incredible series that shows the talents of creative and thoughtful author.
Simply amazing. After I read the first book, I was eager for more, and boy howdy, I was not the least bit disappointed! The writing and use of research in the story is brilliant, and I love the creative twists that the author used for various myths she incorporated into this story, such as the gods of the Levant, or what happens to Sisyphus.
I was intrigued when Minthe was mentioned in the first book, and her story is revealed here in a brilliant twist of the original myth. I never liked that in the original myths, Hades cheated on Persephone with Leuke and Minthe, so the author changed that for a much more intriguing and believable story.
The erotic scenes, as one might expect after reading the first story, are absolutely delicious. I've read enough erotica with cheesy or ludicrous descriptions, and it's always a treat to read elegantly-written intimacy.
Overall a brilliant sequel to a wonderful book, and altogether an incredible series that shows the talents of creative and thoughtful author.
March 21, 2022
This book was truly amazing (I honesty don't know how else to put it). The stakes were higher, the tension was building to a peak and the pay-off was ... glorious. Again with the empathy, the continuous emotional growth, the organic development of multiple characters (not just the MCs), the palpable love and connection between Aidon (Hades) and Persephone with their culmination was...again, stunning.
I may or may not have cried once or twice at the beautiful, thoughtful language used by this brilliant author. After finishing it (at 4 a.m because it's just so addicting!!), I saw that the third book is in the works and all I can say is that I am SO very happy to have more of these interesting, compelling characters.
October 6, 2021
Now I do not usually write reviews, in fact this is the first written review I have done while on Goodreads. I absolutely loved these two books (RoM and DoL). The world building was incredible and I could envision the places very clearly! These books had me at times sitting on the edge of my seat, crying, laughing, rolling my eyes (at some of the gods/goddesses). I fell in love with characters and got very annoyed with some others. I really felt like I was there in these times with both the gods and the mortals. I already have an interest in Greek mythology and these books just intensified it! i highly recommend these books and I will be impatiently waiting for the next one!
July 14, 2018
This picks up right where Receiver of Many left off, and brings many of the intertwining plot points to a satisfying resolution. It wraps (mostly) everything up nicely, but we are left with a few unresolved questions (and a tease for a third book- The Good Counselor, which I’ve since looked for and been unable to find). Overall, another enjoyable and engaging read. The world building and characters are fully formed and beautifully rendered, and I only wish it were longer. Now to await the third volume (which is hopefully forthcoming!!).
June 9, 2024
Whenever I do my re-read runs of this series, I tend to skip this book because Demeter's selfish motives are hard to deal with. Still, it also includes one of my favorite storylines with Thanatos and Persephone finally stepping into her role with full might.
I love everything about this story. The characters, the myths, the smut.
And did I mention it was picked up to be a TV series sometime in the not-so-far future?!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Meter: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I love everything about this story. The characters, the myths, the smut.
And did I mention it was picked up to be a TV series sometime in the not-so-far future?!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Meter: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
April 3, 2016
Possible spoilers ahead.
A nice conclusion to a beautiful romance. However, the book should have ended earlier when Sisyphus was captured. The minor conflicts that come after just feel like the author is trying to hit a word count.
A nice conclusion to a beautiful romance. However, the book should have ended earlier when Sisyphus was captured. The minor conflicts that come after just feel like the author is trying to hit a word count.
October 24, 2016
One of the best Hades/Persephone novels I have ever read.
July 6, 2017
Loved it.
March 24, 2019
If I devoured Reciever of Many, I INHALED without chewing Destroyer of Light. Then I reread it, and once every month since then. Now I wait with baited breath for the next part of this story.
June 16, 2020
* 4.5 stars
I enjoyed this book SO MUCH and I feel like there’s a little hole in my day now where I’m not reading it.
It improved greatly on the problems I had in the first book; it was less repetitive, with most scenes feeling necessary and tying together coherently, weaving in plots I’d been confused as to the relevance of in the first book, and there was great development. The relationship felt mature, established and strong, and I really appreciated that Alexander didn’t fall into making them argue through misunderstandings or contrived conflict, but instead it acted as the stable core upon which the story revolves around.
If ‘Receiver of Many’ was the set-up, then ‘Destroyer of Light’ was the wonderful pay-off. It was richly detailed and well-researched, with complex characters and many emotive scenes that had me gripped and invested. This romance is so strong and beautiful, and I loved the feminist undercurrents of the story as we explored Persephone’s power and consolidated her desire for her role, and i love how this series portrays Hades, but especially in how their marriage is one of equals, with such a passionate, fierce love between them. The ending was beautiful and hopeful, and felt like a good conclusion to their story, but I’ll still look forward to the next book purely to get to enjoy being in their world again for a while.
I enjoyed this book SO MUCH and I feel like there’s a little hole in my day now where I’m not reading it.
It improved greatly on the problems I had in the first book; it was less repetitive, with most scenes feeling necessary and tying together coherently, weaving in plots I’d been confused as to the relevance of in the first book, and there was great development. The relationship felt mature, established and strong, and I really appreciated that Alexander didn’t fall into making them argue through misunderstandings or contrived conflict, but instead it acted as the stable core upon which the story revolves around.
If ‘Receiver of Many’ was the set-up, then ‘Destroyer of Light’ was the wonderful pay-off. It was richly detailed and well-researched, with complex characters and many emotive scenes that had me gripped and invested. This romance is so strong and beautiful, and I loved the feminist undercurrents of the story as we explored Persephone’s power and consolidated her desire for her role, and i love how this series portrays Hades, but especially in how their marriage is one of equals, with such a passionate, fierce love between them. The ending was beautiful and hopeful, and felt like a good conclusion to their story, but I’ll still look forward to the next book purely to get to enjoy being in their world again for a while.
April 29, 2021
3 ⭐
No sé igual me siento tentada a darle 2.5 estrellas. Tipo el libro anterior me gustó bastante me pareció EL RETELLING de Hades y Persephone pero este libro fue algo que gurl-
El romance se sintió repetitivo, el smut duraba de que 20 páginas y era lo más aburrido de la historia. Hades era re soft, tipo si tomara un shot por cada vez que dice “sweet one” terminaría muerta. Lo mejor de este libro es maybe el world building (aunque igual no hay complicación en eso ya que es algo ya hecho).
Además creo que este es el libro más hetro que he leído en mi vida.
PD: no salió mi novia Eris y me siento decepcionada.
No sé igual me siento tentada a darle 2.5 estrellas. Tipo el libro anterior me gustó bastante me pareció EL RETELLING de Hades y Persephone pero este libro fue algo que gurl-
El romance se sintió repetitivo, el smut duraba de que 20 páginas y era lo más aburrido de la historia. Hades era re soft, tipo si tomara un shot por cada vez que dice “sweet one” terminaría muerta. Lo mejor de este libro es maybe el world building (aunque igual no hay complicación en eso ya que es algo ya hecho).
Además creo que este es el libro más hetro que he leído en mi vida.
PD: no salió mi novia Eris y me siento decepcionada.
May 23, 2020
3.5 rounded up. I already liked these characters before this series, but it has added to my appreciation for them. There was a long-ish part near the end that became tedious, but I mostly enjoyed this telling. I really liked how Persephone came into her own, and Hades was super endearing.
November 10, 2019
Esperaba más del desarrollo de Perséfone como reina pero al menos se solidificó su posición ante evitar la intromisión de Demeter para que ella pueda crecer como mujer y esposa
August 4, 2022
Couldn’t put it down. My kindle will probably have me bankrupt.
In the second book, it tells the tale of Persephone returning creating the divide between the seasons. Also we get to see why Demeter never brought Persephone to Olympus.
We got see Persephone discovering her power as Queen of the Underworld and Taturas, when taking on Sisyphus and rescuing Death.
I liked how we got see Demeter and how much denial she was in, about her daughters marriage and went to unbelievable lengths to destroy it. Including Minthe, which isn’t told as much in canon. But again there is different variations of that part.
In the second book, it tells the tale of Persephone returning creating the divide between the seasons. Also we get to see why Demeter never brought Persephone to Olympus.
We got see Persephone discovering her power as Queen of the Underworld and Taturas, when taking on Sisyphus and rescuing Death.
I liked how we got see Demeter and how much denial she was in, about her daughters marriage and went to unbelievable lengths to destroy it. Including Minthe, which isn’t told as much in canon. But again there is different variations of that part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2017
4.5 stars
I've always been fascinated by ancient Greek stories but have never had the intrest in reading tales like the Illiad of the Odyssey, I've always assumed that the writing style would be to different to what I'm used to to be entertaining. Because of this I love reading retelling a of classic Greek stories and Rachel Alexander's Destroyer of Light was definetly a sequel worth reading
I loved the way this book complexly unpacked the way women are treated in ancient Greece. Alexander's choice not to make Demeter a two dimensional villan helped this aspect of the story greatly. While Demeter is the antagonist of the story her reasoning for doing everything she does is both understandable and somewhat justifiable. While she is portrayed as selfish and short sighted in her refusal to let her daughter become her own person she often makes harsh comment on the way women are treated especially in regards to the way her daughter was sold as a spoil of war before she was even born and the accepted rape culture cultivated by the male Gods. This maked her a well rounded character and elevated her to more than the woman scorned archetype even if I did want to throttle her at times.
Where I feel Alexander could have improved on this is with Persephone. Showing her perspective on all that happened to her was very important to the story and I feel that having a third person omniscient POV weakened the story character wise. Not only was it often jumbled and confusing read at points but also meant we often lost seeing Persephone's perspective on plot points throughout the story. Persephone's presence needed to be felt more in the story due to the role she played thematically I wished we saw more of her POV overall
I will endlessly be in love with the setting of this book. My love for Greek mythology is deep and widespread and Alexander definitely knows her stuff. The way she breaths life to the Underworld and shows the dynamics between the gods of that realm was much appreciated. Stand out characters I definetly need more of in my life ASAP are Charon and Thanatos. But overall this world is fully realised and intracate reading about it feels like being in the time period because of the details included and solid writing of the setting came to life on the page.
This was a solid story overall. It had a fantastic setting good characters and handled the heavy themes it took on well. I would recommend reading this book as a duology though, the narritive completely wraps up in this book.
I've always been fascinated by ancient Greek stories but have never had the intrest in reading tales like the Illiad of the Odyssey, I've always assumed that the writing style would be to different to what I'm used to to be entertaining. Because of this I love reading retelling a of classic Greek stories and Rachel Alexander's Destroyer of Light was definetly a sequel worth reading
I loved the way this book complexly unpacked the way women are treated in ancient Greece. Alexander's choice not to make Demeter a two dimensional villan helped this aspect of the story greatly. While Demeter is the antagonist of the story her reasoning for doing everything she does is both understandable and somewhat justifiable. While she is portrayed as selfish and short sighted in her refusal to let her daughter become her own person she often makes harsh comment on the way women are treated especially in regards to the way her daughter was sold as a spoil of war before she was even born and the accepted rape culture cultivated by the male Gods. This maked her a well rounded character and elevated her to more than the woman scorned archetype even if I did want to throttle her at times.
Where I feel Alexander could have improved on this is with Persephone. Showing her perspective on all that happened to her was very important to the story and I feel that having a third person omniscient POV weakened the story character wise. Not only was it often jumbled and confusing read at points but also meant we often lost seeing Persephone's perspective on plot points throughout the story. Persephone's presence needed to be felt more in the story due to the role she played thematically I wished we saw more of her POV overall
I will endlessly be in love with the setting of this book. My love for Greek mythology is deep and widespread and Alexander definitely knows her stuff. The way she breaths life to the Underworld and shows the dynamics between the gods of that realm was much appreciated. Stand out characters I definetly need more of in my life ASAP are Charon and Thanatos. But overall this world is fully realised and intracate reading about it feels like being in the time period because of the details included and solid writing of the setting came to life on the page.
This was a solid story overall. It had a fantastic setting good characters and handled the heavy themes it took on well. I would recommend reading this book as a duology though, the narritive completely wraps up in this book.
July 20, 2016
I loved Rachel Alexander's first book, Receiver of Many, so freaking much she could've charged $40 for this sequel. I would have paid it. Happily.
Yes, her first book is that damn good.
And I'm happy to report I loved the sequel just as much.
Plot remains a strong point of these novels. There were a few things I saw coming - a bad guy who needs to be stopped, the seeds of a certain fruit which are pretty damn crucial to the myth. But overall, this book kept me up way too late (again!) because I cared so much about her characters and, while I may have known roughly where they were going to end up, I had no idea how they were going to get there.
Rachel Alexander also continues to delightfully ignore the romance genre's conventions. I recently read that Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series, claims all romance novels are courtship stories. When there's a marriage, she apparently said, the romance ends.
I'm guessing Diana Gabaldon hasn't read Rachel Alexander, because these are romantic, erotic love stories about what comes after the marriage.
If Receiver of Many was about Hades and Persephone learning to live with each other as equal, loving partners, then perhaps Destroyer of Light is about the King and Queen of the Underworld learning to live with the rest of the world.
Hades and Persephone become a bit less human in this book, but their struggles - to trust one another, to work things out with the in-laws, to deal with temptations - remain relatable and deeply moving. Even the secondary characters, like Thanatos and Demeter, grow, deepen, and change during the course of the novel.
There was even one scene that had me crying tears on the Kindle. Yes, actual tears.
And apparently there's a third book in the works. Which I will be ordering the second it comes out.
Yes, her first book is that damn good.
And I'm happy to report I loved the sequel just as much.
Plot remains a strong point of these novels. There were a few things I saw coming - a bad guy who needs to be stopped, the seeds of a certain fruit which are pretty damn crucial to the myth. But overall, this book kept me up way too late (again!) because I cared so much about her characters and, while I may have known roughly where they were going to end up, I had no idea how they were going to get there.
Rachel Alexander also continues to delightfully ignore the romance genre's conventions. I recently read that Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series, claims all romance novels are courtship stories. When there's a marriage, she apparently said, the romance ends.
I'm guessing Diana Gabaldon hasn't read Rachel Alexander, because these are romantic, erotic love stories about what comes after the marriage.
If Receiver of Many was about Hades and Persephone learning to live with each other as equal, loving partners, then perhaps Destroyer of Light is about the King and Queen of the Underworld learning to live with the rest of the world.
Hades and Persephone become a bit less human in this book, but their struggles - to trust one another, to work things out with the in-laws, to deal with temptations - remain relatable and deeply moving. Even the secondary characters, like Thanatos and Demeter, grow, deepen, and change during the course of the novel.
There was even one scene that had me crying tears on the Kindle. Yes, actual tears.
And apparently there's a third book in the works. Which I will be ordering the second it comes out.
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