Neon Gods follows Persephone, a young woman desperate to avoid an hastily arranged marriage with the villainous Zeus. After being chased, she stumbles into Hades’ forbidden terrain across the river where she strikes a bargain. Seeing an opportunity for revenge, Hades agrees to let her stay with him. As political pressure from Zeus intensifies and Hades learns about the real Persephone behind her polite society mask, the budding romance between them can no longer be contained. When spies infiltrate Hades’ territory, Persephone’s sisters become pawns, and Persephone must choose what and who she really wants.

Neon Gods is a fun and romantic take on Hades and Persephone. Katee Robert delivers the dark and steamy romance that she’s known for from her previous books. I will never be tired of reading interpretations of Hades and Persephone's story! Robert creates a passionate and alluring relationship between them. Hades is alternately stern and tender, while Persephone struggles to find her balance in a new world. There is always a strong emphasis on consent and checking in with partners, especially as their encounters drastically increase in heat. I would have liked to see more development with world-building and explanation behind the magical powers. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series! Neon Gods releases June 1, 2021. Thank you to Katee Robert, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on the publication date and I will publish it on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble etc

Neon Gods by Katee Robert is an intense, sexual voyage into a modern day retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth.

Ever since her mother was voted the new Demeter, Persephone and her sisters have been society darlings: smiling and waving to the paparazzi, always dolled up. But when Persephone is given to the violent Zeus to be his next bride, Persephone sees no other option but to run. Broken down and desperate, Persephone crosses the River Styx only to run into the arms of the one person she was raised to believe is a myth.

Hades has kept to his side of the river for years, abiding by the rules set in place by all thirteen members of the council that rules Olympus. He'll stick to the lower city as long as Zeus stays on the upper side. But when Zeus' new fiancée crosses the River Styx and Zeus demands Hades return her, Hades sees his chance at revenge.

While Persephone wants safety and Hades wants revenge, neither expects to find understanding, respect, and even love in each other's arms.

Neon Gods is a dark, modern look at Hades and Persephone. Set in the city of Olympus, Hades and Zeus run their parts of the city like rival mafias, and most of the other leaders, like Demeter, Ares, and Poseidon, are all on Zeus' side. I loved the set up and background that Katee Robert gave this story. Neon Gods might feature the old Greek gods, but readers will not have to be familiar with even the Hades and Persephone story to be able to enjoy this story. Many Hades and Persephone retellings aren't truly modern but Neon Gods certainly is, featuring smart phones and video calls. I loved that Persephone is not the wilting flower of so many retellings; she is strong and brave and knows exactly what she wants and needs from Hades. There's also a darkness to the sex scenes, something both Hades and Persephone need, that takes Neon Gods to the next level. And while there is no shortage of sex scenes, Katee Robert makes sure they count; nothing feels thrown in or gratuitous.

Neon Gods is a fantastic modern reimaging of the Hades and Persephone myth with something for fans of Greek lore, romance, and strong, intelligent female leads.

A Hades/ Persephone retelling by super steamy all time favorite author Katee Robert that includes a grumpy Dom hero and a sunny (or is she?) sub- YES PLEASE!

Persephone has been essentially given to Zeus by her mother Demeter but she doesn’t want to marry him so she runs. Crossing the River Styx into the waiting arms of the illusive, unknown Hades. What starts as a plot for Hades to get revenge on Zeus and Persephone to get away from the expectations of Olympus turns into a full on feelings relationship.

From a character standpoint I loved this version of Hades and Persephone. Hades is the perfect grumpy villain whose not really a villain. I loved how he cared for Persephone when she doesn’t take her injury or health seriously and how he subtly is overseeing all the lower city population. The backstory of his parents, his reasons for remaining hidden and urge for revenge was executed flawlessly.

I wasn’t sure about Persephone in the beginning, she seemed too happy and willing to go along with the persona expected of her. But she turned it around for me crossing the River Styx, bargaining with Hades and accepting her submissive desires. How she brings Hades out of his exile, accepts him and find her voice shedding the good girl image made me stand up and cheer for her.

The SEX! I wouldn’t be a Katee Robert book without some steamy, sexy, hot as hades (pun intended) scenes. I loved the Hades as a Dom aspect! These two heated up the pages for sure!

I don’t know a ton about Greek mythology and for this story you don’t need to know, which I loved. I don’t like when an author expects the reader to know every back story of every God. In Neon Gods, the Gods are ruling 2 different cities. The upper city, ruled by Zeus is full of glittery, superstars, cutthroat politicking while the lower city, ruled by Hades is more what we would consider normal, everyday life. I enjoyed the aspect of the Gods as people that the name is handed down to either thru a family line or earned, instead of a mythical, powerful, magical being.

As with every first book in a new series there is some world building but I wasn’t overwhelmed by it and didn’t feel lost or that it was excessive. The way the characters are introduced left me wanting to know more about them and interested in their HEA’s. Overall, a wonderful opening to a new series and I can’t wait for the next one.

Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC.

Neon Gods by Katee Robert is a steamy, modern retelling of Hades and Persephone's from Greek Mythology.

Now if you don't know me personally you wouldn't know my absolute fascination with Greek Myths, but I have loved them since I was a teen and first discovered Greek Mythology retold. Now as soon as I saw that Katee Robert was writing an adult modern retelling about Hades and Persephone, one of my favorite couples in Greek Myths, I was extremely excited, and even more so when I read the synopsis.

I am so very grateful to the publisher for letting me read Neon Gods early, this was by far one of my most anticipated reads of 2021. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really loved the way the author set up the modern world of Olympus. I have read many Greek Myth retellings and I can truly say I have never read one quite like Neon Gods. I really loved the unique take that Katee Robert put on this mythology.

I also very much enjoyed both Hades and Persephone. Hades because the way that the author writes his character is so refreshingly different to what I think we're used to seeing from retellings of Hades and Persephone. This may be a Greek Mythology retelling, but there is no mistaking this as anything other than Katee Robert's story, and characters.

As I said in the beginning this book is quite steamy, which I am more than all for, and I have to say I really enjoyed this part. One thing that stood out for me in these scenes in Neon Gods is the consent factor. It was very well known to both the reader and the characters.

Overall, I very much enjoyed Neon Gods. While some places were a little bit slower paced, I really loved the world, the characters, and the story that Katee Robert has created in this new modern retelling of Greek Mythology in Neon Gods.

**Thank you to the publisher for the early review copy. My full review will be posted wide closer to release date.**

Thank you to Katee Robert, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks for the advance reader copy of Neon Gods, the first story in the Dark Olympus series.

I was over the moon to be approved for a copy of Neon Gods from Sourcebooks on NetGalley. I absolutely adored Katee’s series on Disney Villians, Wicked Villains. Like I really really loved the Wicked Villains series. And as someone who has always been a Greek mythology fan, I was so ready to dive headfirst into this Hades and Persephone retelling.

Check out my more detailed thoughts below…
Characters: This modern version of Olympus brings the roles of gods and goddesses as titles. These titles can be inherited by your child like Hades, or married into like Hera or appointed like Demeter. The new Demeter has three daughters and one of them is Persephone. Unlike the myth, Hades does not steal Persephone away from her mother. When Demeter and Zeus agree to marry Persephone off to him, Persephone ran. And she ran right into Hades’ arms. When the story starts Persephone seems nothing more than a high society girl, all prim and proper; even virginal. She really has much more bite. Hades is a complicated soul, with a dark past and a need for revenge that runs deep. Persephone the smart girl she is takes advantage of it. Hades is your classic domineering alpha, while really he is still that broken little orphan boy who has cut himself off from everyone.
Setting: This take on Olympus is a little tweaked. There is an upper city and a lower city, separated by a treaty. I loved the small medieval town feel to the lower city versus the bougie upper city. The setting really informed the characters, as the lower city showed off how Hades is in touch with his people. And this is in direct contrast to how Zeus rules over the upper city.
Pacing: This is a much longer story than Katee tends to write and I loved it. The nature of the increased length really allows for the reader to fall deeper in love with the characters, world, and romance. I never wanted this story to end and I even delayed finishing it. I read it over three days so I would not engulf it in one.
Romance: Katee has always written top-charting romantic scenes. What is so special about this story is the powerfulness of the love she wrote between Persephone and Hades. I just love these all-encompassing romances, where the hero and heroine both need each other. For someone Hades, Persephone is a chance like he has never had to open up and trust again. For Persephone, Hades is the first person in her life to push her, and take her out of her comfort zone, to build a stronger more confident woman.

I wanted to love this one more than I did, but it just didn't do it for me. I liked the plot, and it definitely was a hot book, but something about the writing or dialogue just felt stilted and unnatural. I loved the way Persephone and Hades' relationship morphed over the course of the book though, and how Hades was actually a good person. The last few chapters were actually my favorite as the action ramps up, and you're not sure exactly what's gonna happen next.

Overall, I think a lot of people will enjoy this fun book that puts a unique spin on the Hades and Persephone myth. It just missed the mark a bit for me.

Well this was quite the read and I very much enjoyed this modern retelling of Persephone and Hades.

I'm fairly new to Katee's books and I'm a fan. I saw this one pop through many of my bookish friends, so I had to request this right away.

I was hooked right away and there was so much intrigue to keep reading. I'll admit, what I know of Hades and Persephone is all over. But I'm always fascinated by the retellings and this one is up there as a favorite.

Persephone is no damsel in distress and that's always how I've perceived her when it comes to various retellings. And pair her up with Hades, who is someone you don't quite expect.

Their story is a bit taboo, swift, HOT and packs in some emotions that I didn't really see coming.

I can't wait to read the rest of this series, this was a great start! Anddddddd I need to read more by Katee!

Power and politics, chemistry and consent abound in Katee Roberts’ erotic reimagining of Hades and Persephone. To avoid being forced to marry Zeus, Persephone escapes to the Lower City, where Hades rules under the terms of a tenuous treaty. They cut a deal and form a relationship of convenience -- to force Zeus' hand, she'll stay with Hades through the winter, if he'll help her get out of Olympus.

My knowledge of Greek mythology isn’t deep, but Roberts’ characters are well developed and it’s simple enough to catch on to who’s who.

Definitely on board for this series.

My review will be up on my blog on release day!

Hades x Persephone? By Katee Robert? My favourite author with one of my favourite retellings? This was a match made in heaven.

This book is so damn good, I devoured it so quickly! Neon Gods is set in this city called Olympus which is set in our world, just this new trio of cities exists. (Carver City and Sabine Valley are the other two cities and she has series written in both of them!) We follow Persephone the night that she is forced to be engaged to Zeus who is a monster and known for murdering his wives. Persephone flees and makes it to the Under City where she meets Hades.

Their relationship had me hooked immediately. I wouldn’t say they start off as enemies, it’s more of a reluctant allies situation that forms into a friendship and ultimately a relationship. The development felt so natural and real that it was easy to fall in love with their love.

I loved all of the ties and hints to the original Hades x Persephone story. We’ve got Cerberus and the timeline and the garden, just to name a few easter eggs. The Hades in this one had such a soft heart despite his intimidating exterior, he’s my favourite type of Hades for sure.

This book just has it all. A badass, intelligent woman who is confident in herself and her sexuality (Persephone and Hades are both queer!), a soft on the inside but will kill anyone who gets near his girl love interest, adorable puppies, violence and kinky sex, found family mixed in with blood family love, when I tell you this has everything– It really does.

I highly highly recommend this book and everything else Katee Robert had written. I need the next book right now!!

5/5 ⭐️

TW: violence, sexually explicit scenes, gun violence, blood, fire, death of a parent, assault, attempted murder, murder.

A phenomenal read. Katee Robert made a really smart choice in setting this retelling of the story of Hades & Persephone in a modern era. The characters are well developed and likable (those that are supposed to be anyway). Fans of steamy romance and Greek mythology will love this novel. I could not put it down!

Hades is our gentleman dom and Persephone is our feisty sub. While it starts out as fake dating it switches over into a little bit of an Insta-love story. For those (including myself) that aren’t as much into the fast romances, we know it’s a Hades/Persephone going into the book so it doesn’t feel as out of the blue.

Initially the world building was a little difficult. It was hard to understand if we were dealing with a neo-Greek society with its politics built on Greek mythology or if these were the actual characters from the mythology. And while it’s initially confusing, the world building settles in after a while and the story moves to focus on our couple, less so then the world around.

Sub/Dom and exhibition aren’t necessarily my kink, but I found the scenes very sexy. I appreciated that consent was a constant and consistent component of the story. I also can’t wait to get a little more of our side characters. I absolutely adored Hermès. Loved her. Her big yellow glasses and sassy style. I kept hoping we might get a little more of her and Dionysus but maybe we’ll see them more in the next book. I’d absolutely be here for a Hermès book if that was ever to be a thing.

This was my first Katee Robert book and I’d definitely pick up the second Dark Olympus book and will probably check out some of her other books in the near future.

Neon Gods is a retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth.
Persephone is counting the days until she can get her trust fund and finally get away from Olympus and her meddling mother. All her plans come crashing down when Zeus announces his surprise engagement to Persephone. Persephone must say yes or risk the anger of the most powerful man in Olympus. persephone finally flees the party and is followed by Zeus' men. With no other choice, she runs toward the forbidden part of the city and is welcomed by Hades, a man that everyone in Olympus is sure is just a myth.
I really liked the updated version of this retelling because it does a great job of blending elements from the myth with the romance between Hades and Persephone.

I LOVE Persephone and Hades retellings. They’re not always well done and I’m typically pretty skeptical going in. THIS WAS PERFECTION. The chemistry was MAGIC. I love this author and am so looking forward to more from this series.

I love everything about this book, and am so excited for the future of this series!

Persephone feels pretty content, and has played the good girl to her mother for a long time. That bites her in the butt when her mother engages her to Zeus, who has had 3 Hera's suspiciously die. She feels betrayed, and leaves the engagement party to clear her head. When she realizes that she is being followed, she runs like a trapped animal. She runs across the bride over the river Styxx, and into the arm of Hades.

Hades doesn't know what to do with the beautiful fiancee of his nemesis, other than keep her, and try to convince her to work with him. He doesn't expect her to offer to work with him. He doesn't want distractions, but he can't help but feel so much for Persephone. Not only do they get along as friends, their sexual chemistry is off the charts.

This truly feels like the best Hades and Persephone book I have read. (Doesn't quite top Lore Olympus, but man it was close.)

I cannot wait to see what other parts of the pantheon we get to work with.

This book was everything. I didn't realized how much I love Hades and Persephone retellings until I read this book. I loved the Greek Mythology. I love how cinnamon roll Hades was. I loved it even better than A Court of Mist and Fury and I absolutely adored that book. This is an all time favorite book.

Katee will be a guest in the podcast during publication week.

This book is taking an iconic Greek myth and making it to a well thought out erotic story. Persephone attends a party with other Greek gods and goddesses, and does not realize it is an engagement party for her and Zeus. So she flees the party, crosses the River Styx, and ends up in Hades' territory. Since Hades' and Persephone despise Zeus, they create a plot that Hades has become her lover to get even with Zeus. However, the ploy starts to become real between Hades and Persephone.
The author has created a well thought storyline of love, eroticism, and revenge while still keeping important elements of the Greek myth. The author keeps the elements such as the pomegranate, Demeter's threat of barren environment when Persephone is gone, and the isolation of Hades and the gods of Mount Olympus. What the author does well is creating a backstory of Hades, and why he has a darkness about himself that can never be changed. Hades vulnerabilities are shown in the story that makes you see him as the hero and not the portrayed villain. It was sensual, edgy, and overall a great read.

WHEW! This was my first Katee Robert and I am now going back to her Wicked Villains series because I really enjoyed this. It's sexy, it's funny, it's dark, and the worldbuilding/Greek mythos is so fun.

Persephone is just trying to survive in Olympus until her 25th birthday so she can get out of dodge. But when her mother, Demeter, marries her off to abusive and criminal Zeus, she runs away across the River Styx into Hades world. And Hades is not what she expected. As these two open up with each other and take off their masks, they are able to build a relationship where they can both thrive and not just survive from the things done to them.

I love Persephone - she is funny (will add a quote closer to the pub date!), hates being vulnerable or weak, and has severe loyalty to her sisters. Hades is a broody Daddy and I am HERE FOR IT. The sex is oh so sexy and there is a focus on consent, protection, STD testing that is beautiful to see in romance. I also loved the secondary characters (HERMES! EURYDICE! CALLISTO!) I need more books in this series STAT. Zeus is a perfectly messed up baddie and Demeter is more than you think. I really enjoyed this book and FLEW through it. Highly highly recommend.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was so excited when I read this summary of this book. I love me a hades/persephone story and this was everything I hoped it would be. The author has a great hand at interweaving the mythology and setting it into modern times. I love that the legend of the gods is a continuing line of different people (some are born to be gods and some achieve their god status through their ambitions) I loved all aspects as a big greek myth aficionado and it was great that it alternated between the two protagonists' perspective of events. The sexy scenes are hot and definitely enjoyable to me (sometimes I just want to skip the parts in some books) and add that with the plot and it's a solid book. I hope the author does something similar for other great couples of greek myth because I would definitely read it!

It starts off slow and kind of dense, but once the action begins, it's hard to resist the story as it drives forward. It reads as a true epic, one that makes you feel the world really has been reshaped as you read it. Would recommend.

I have so many feelings about how happy this book made me. It had that signature Katee Robert flare and pacing paired with the story of Hades & Persephone. This story takes great artistic liberties with the original story but still had the feeling of the traditional story.

Hades is the beautiful villain of my dreams. Persephone had depth and was more than just sunshine.

My one note is there is elements of magic that are never explained.