Persephone Falling

The Persephone Saga #1

by Skyler Grant

Persephone is falling
Falling from a life among the corporate elite
Falling into a life ruled by cruelty and violence

Persephone led the perfect life. A noble scion of the Olympus Corporation living a pampered existence in the center of art and culture for the orbital colonies. Then it all came tumbling down around her.

Life on Earth is a struggle against a dying world that most escape via elaborate games in the Network, the virtual world evolved from the internet. For them, the virtual is better than the real. But power has its privileges even in the virtual space. People are being trapped within the Network, unable to leave, subject to whatever depredations the wealthy make them suffer over and over again.

When there are fates far worse than death, how far can you fall before hitting the bottom?

Note: Contains LitRPG elements in the Network that include things like levels and game mechanics. This novel has a strong and smart heroine, brutal violence, and foul language. If any of this offends you, you’ll probably want to keep browsing.

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2017

Reviews

[MKenfield21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun. Fast paced with a lot of action in both real life and in the "Network."

I'm usually pretty dubious on VR-type litRPG (as opposed to the alternate-reality kind), but the way it's done here works. The different styles of combat in and out of the Network help to enliven the story.

Some things I do not like but which did not really diminish enjoyment: the main character's persistent use of a pistol instead of a long-arm; some silly stuff about wanting "justice, not a blood-bath." It works out in the end though, and the spear is pretty cool.

[Pablo García · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of those Sci-Fi novel series where the author should be considered the primary antagonist of the main characters. If violently killing all of the Olympians in a surprise and dishonorable slaughter, in the first scene of the book is not enough, the violent gang-bang, and constant mention of rape, violently raping women (victims) to record and then sell copies, by the author can make anyone cringe. Is it a sexual deviation/psychopathy of the author?? Is it the author's cry for help?? (Self-hatred/destruction of creations, suicidal tendencies, etc.)
The thing is, nothing good can come from extreme violence and author's that do not have any ethical values/boundaries, positive ideas/imagination to write about. Human trafficking, mass-rape, violence, war, terrorism, is part of every news broadcast in our world today. So, having an infinite possibility of positive Sci-Fi stories to write about, the author chooses a hell-like-dystopian-alternate-futuristic-version-of-Earth that is as bad as the news and real accounts we see every single day? For hell-like dystopias, like this one, is the whole NON-FICTION section of the book aisles, no??
I do not recommend this book or it's hell-like-dystopian-Sci-Fi-Dark-version-of-the-future. This book has no maps, no inside illustrations, no character summaries, no introduction, no conclusions, no real world building, explaining and describing the geopolitical, economic, social, religious, alternate reality world that is the same or as bad as our present world.

[Dominique · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW: rape, trauma, assault, manipulation, implied assault/rape, etc

This is Ready Player One meets Greek mythology and badassery. The story was solid, and the characters were engaging.
BUT.
There was a creepy sexual undertone that was difficult to ignore, and the way that rape and talk about rape was casually thrown around made me quite uncomfortable. There was also the implication that our main character and another woman would be kissing (and more) for the viewing pleasure of others and, considering the exploitation of real women in that industry in the real world to cater to such desires, it did not sit well with me - especially since our main character never explicitly stated her interests and it was just assumed that she would go along with it.

I enjoyed the story - but after finding out more about the author I can understand that this is just a wish fulfilment type story with a cyberpunk setting and is catered to a male audience and a male gaze. Which is a huge pity.

I will be reading the rest of the series in the hope that everything improves. But, if the second book gets worse, I will DNF it and not continue.

[John Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read without being too heavy litrpg

Great story. I’ve been reading litrpg a bit now and many focus a lot on the heroes level stats and skills. This book is more story. I thoroughly enjoyed the character and the background.

[Jay Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. not the best book of this type but not bad either. I did enjoy it even if it was a little strange the way the VR and real world worked but all in all it was okay. I think I would contiune with this series. The main character is likable and the story line is pretty good.

[Laura Coon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously written from the male perspective, but with flushed out full female characters. Cool story and world mechanics and a fun storyline. Action packed with combat.