Persephone’s Orchard — Book Review

 Look for my author spotlight and interview, along with a giveaway of one signed copy on June 20th!

The Deets

author: Molly Ringle

released: June 28, 2013

format: e-book, paperback

pages: 360 pages

publisher: Central Avenue Publishing

Read: May 29-31, 2013

Book Pages: Amazon.com (will be live June 28th) • Goodreads.com •  Author’s Website

The Down-low

NOTE: Get your copy of the e-book for 99cents for two weeks after release only!

The Greek gods never actually existed. Did they? Sophie Darrow finds she was wrong about that assumption when she’s pulled into the spirit realm, complete with an Underworld, on her very first day at college. Adrian, the mysterious young man who brought her there, simply wants her to taste a pomegranate. And soon, though she returns to her regular life, her mind begins exploding with dreams and memories of ancient times–of a love between two Greeks named Persephone and Hades. But lethal danger has always surrounded the immortals, and now that she’s tainted with the Underworld’s magic, that danger is drawing closer to Sophie.(From Goodreads.com)

Why You Should Buy It

This reinvention of Hades, Persephone, and the rest of  the Greek gods is fascinating, creative, and breath-taking.  A perfect blend of the old myth and the present day.  And the love between the two main characters is aww-worthy.  You will laugh, cry, and wish for more.

My Thoughts

*I received this e-book in exchange for an honest review.*

As you all know, I’m a huge Greek mythology re-imagined fan.  Not to mention the Hades/Persephone story.  So when I was asked to review this book, I was a bit giddy.  Not only that, but it was a new adult book!  Sometimes I wonder if reading all these books about the same myth will get redundant.  But luckily, every single one of them has brought something new and intriguing to the table.  And this book was no exception!  This was sort of a mix of Grasping at Eternity* and Persephone**, both favorites of mine!

Honestly, this was the most unique presentation/explanation of the myth I’ve read. The beginning of the book starts like any other contemporary romance, but quickly diverges into the myth.  The first few chapters were awkward, because Sophie is in an awkward phase of her life.  She has just left her family, boyfriend, and best friend to start college.  On her first day in the dorm she is kidnapped by this stranger and meets Adrian in a parallel-type universe.  Adrian tries to convince her he isn’t a stalker, but someone who cares about her. Once Sophie realizes she isn’t be tricked, things get a bit easier.

I loved the memories that she regains over the years — even the sad ones were so captivating and interesting.  Ringle did some amazing world-building in this book — I think that was my favorite part by far.  Without giving too much away, the evolution of the gods and the Underworld was absolutely fascinating.  I kept thinking MAN, I wish I would have thought of that!

The book was long, which allowed the characters to build and develop over the course of the book.  It is currently listed as a stand-alone, but has the possibility for future books, which of course I am all for. If you like contemporary romances, greek mythology, or new adult books, you will NOT be disappointed with this choice.

Overall

Four point five out of Five Stars

—

*Grasping at Forever review

**The Iron Queen/Persephone review

Look for my author spotlight and interview, along with a giveaway of one signed copy on June 20th!