This book was GOOOOOOOD!! I love Persephone and Hades retellings! They’re my literal favorite! And this one might be my favorite one out of them all!!

There are books you read, and then there are books that devour you whole.
This one? It chewed me up, spit me out, and then whispered, “To be continued…”
Let’s just say I didn’t realize it ended on a cliffhanger. My soul? Crushed. My mouth? Agape. My heart? Lodged firmly in my throat. But then — the sweetest relief — I found out: that wasn’t really the end. Thank the gods. This was my very first novel by TC Kraven, and I already know it won’t be my last. The experience was visceral. Raw. I can’t remember the last time a story gripped me like this — especially one rooted in Greek mythology.
And speaking of mythology…
This was also my first Hades and Persephone retelling.
Let me be blunt: the bar has now been set to Mount Olympus-level heights, and I’m not sure the other three versions collecting dust on my shelf stand a chance. Kraven doesn’t just tell a story, she conjures a world that lulls you into its rhythm with a slow burn so seductive, you don’t even realize how deep you’ve gone until there’s no escape. Her prose hums with a kind of tragic magic, and even with my faded memories of mythology from school, I never once felt lost. The universe unfolded as it should.
Now, let’s talk gods.
• Hades is a revelation. Dark, magnetic, fiercely loyal. Who knew the ruler of the underworld could be so… swoon-worthy?
• Persephone is fire wrapped in bloom, growing from a pawn into a powerful, beloved Queen.
• Helios is painfully tragic, torn and manipulated, and sometimes just so close to redemption.
• Hermes is the unsung hero of my heart. Every scene he’s in? Gold.
• And Ares, not the temperamental brute we often get, but a loyal, emotionally grounded presence. Loved his bond with Helios.
Then there are the side stories that elevate this from a simple romance into a full-blown epic:
• Helios and Narcissus
• Apollo, Cassandra, and Hyacinthus
• Admentos and Phaedra
• Artemis and Orion
• Hephaestus, Aphrodite, and Ares
These interwoven threads add weight and depth, painting a world teeming with divine drama, twisted politics, and brutal power plays. Even Minthe, the kind of character I love to hate — made me want to personally drag her to the Pits of Tartarus. Don’t even get me started on Demeter. Terrible mother, brilliant antagonist.
There were moments where confusion crept in, especially in the more intimate scenes. Phrases like “mossy orbs” sent me! Cringe but funny.
Because at its heart, this is:
• A love story.
• A war for power.
• A tragedy wrapped in temptation.
• And a retelling that doesn’t just reimagine the myth, it redefines it.
If you’re a fan of smutty Greek mythology, emotionally chaotic gods, and stories that feel like lightning behind your ribs, then this book? It’s for you. It reads like a fast-paced YA with spice, heart, and the kind of ending that leaves you desperately clawing for the sequel. Final image burned in my mind: Hades on his knees before Persephone. Utter perfection.

I was super excited to read this one, but it didn’t meet my expectations. I’m a huge fan of Hades and Persephone retellings, but there were issues I had this time around.

I’ll keep this brief, but right from the start the writing was choppy. It didn’t flow in a way that made the reader get lost in the story. I kept falling out with each new chapter.

The plot itself was boring. There were many chapters that just dragged on, even though they were short.

Persephone acted like a child most of the time. It was super weird to be in her head.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me early access to this eARC.

3.5 stars. This was a fun paranormal romance of a Hades and Persephone retelling. It follows the meeting of these two characters with backstory into Persephone’s history with her mother Demeter and how she was originally supposed to marry Helios the sun titan.

This was a fun read with lots of spice. Very insta-love with “I would do anything for you” energy. Overall, I enjoyed it. I will say that it has a very simple plot, but I still enjoyed it. It definitely gets a little dark at the end and ends without things being resolved to set up the next book in the series.

Would recommend if you are interested in a fun time full of spice and Hades and Persephone retellings.

This review currently can be found on Goodreads.

This book had a really intriguing plot, and I was hooked from the start. However, I’ll admit I lost a bit of interest midway—it felt like the pacing dipped—but thankfully, it picked up in the second half and ended strong.

Persephone and Hades are always a fascinating duo, and while I loved the concept of their story here, I did feel like their relationship could have used more depth and build-up. It felt a little rushed at times, which took away some of the spark for me.

That being said, I still enjoyed the overall story and where the plot went. The world-building and mythological elements were beautifully done, and it definitely left me curious to see what happens next.

If you’re a fan of Greek mythology retellings and Hades x Persephone vibes, this is one to add to your TBR!

Out October 21st, 2025
With each chapter, you’re lured deeper into a decadent underworld where gods whisper lies, fate dances in silk, and forbidden desire pulses like a spell. Kraven doesn’t just retell mythology—she undresses it, wraps it in velvet, and feeds it pomegranate seeds one sultry bite at a time. The tension is electric, the chemistry dangerously ripe, and you’ll be begging for just one more page in the dark.

But it’s not just seductive—it’s smart. Under the lush heat of romance simmers rebellion, prophecy, and power struggles that tease the brain as much as the heart. Kraven’s prose is velvety and venomous, loaded with passion, pain, and poetic edge. It's perfect for readers who crave smoldering intensity with mythological teeth. If you like your love stories wicked and your heroes morally gray, this one won’t disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

Where do I even begin? My mouth is still agape, my heart in my throat and my soul still mending from being brutally crushed. What crushed it was me not knowing this book ended on a cliffhanger and not being able to wrap my mind around the ending. However, I have since learned, that was in fact NOT the end. and my soul may rest easy. This was my first novel by TC Kraven and it will not be my last.
I honestly have never had that type of visceral reaction to a book.
This was my first ever Hades and Persephone retelling and I must say the bar has been set impossibly high for the 3 other iterations in my home library. I don't know that I can read them now honestly.
The writing was strong. The overall pacing of the book was slow but you are just sort of lulled into the story telling.
I personally do not remember much of greek mythology from school and I chose not to look anything up and allowed the author to create her universe and I was happy with it. There are some back stories that perhaps I should have known when it came to the other gods, but alas I did not and I felt like enough back story was given where necessary.
Helio's character felt so tragic, some of his scenes were rough. Hades was swoon worthy. Can the god of hell be swoon worthy? He is. The loyalty amongst some of the gods helped carry the plot as well. This whole story was a HEA until it wasn't.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned

I love the retelling of Hades and Persephone. The reimagining of Hades is my favorite. They have a great love story and the spicy scenes are so well written. I cannot wait to read the next book.

If you’re looking for a spicy Hades x Persephone retelling, this book will be for you. This was a quick and easy read with an interesting plot (especially towards the end), but I found the main romance to be a bit lackluster. This was very insta-love, and I found myself skipping through some of the spice scenes to get back to the plot. I wish there was a bit more build-up of the relationship and tension between the main characters. That being said, the POV chapters from other characters kept me engaged throughout the book. And the last 30% ??? I’ll be reading the next book as soon as I can get my hands on it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an e-ARC of this upcoming book.

I enjoyed the plot and most of the writing. The plot moved quickly, and the story flowed easily. I enjoyed the writing style and the descriptions used. I enjoyed the interactions and most scenes between the two main characters.

There were some things that made my rating drop. I was looking for more development and yearning between Persephone and Hades. And while I enjoyed their interactions with one another during the story, I became less invested in them as the narrative progressed and smut became an increasingly prominent part of the story. Their romance felt instant, with little buildup. I would have loved to have seen a bit more yearning between them and more development. While I enjoyed the writing, the use of more modern language and/or terms in some of the dialogue felt out of place and detracted from the story.

This was a promising start to the story. It held my interest all the way through, and the ending left me wanting answers. I will pick up the second book and be reading it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Of Prophecies & Pomegranates by T.C. Kraven is such a beautiful love story between Hades and Persephone that, in true Persephone fashion, empowers women. The connection that they have will have you falling head-over-heels and the spice is SPICING! 😮‍💨

If you love reading something like Lore Olympus, but wanted it to have spice with a touch of darkness, it’s this. This is it. Look no further and get ready to swoon, laugh, and fan yourself.

Vibes/tropes:
🖤 Hades & Persephone love story
🖤 Praise
🖤 Strong FMC (of course)
🖤 Touch her and ☠️
🖤 Friends to lovers
🖤 Instant connection
🖤 Semi-public & public spicy scenes

A retelling of Hades and Persephone full of smut, love, tragedy, and plays for power.

From their first meeting, Hades and Persephone were infatuated with each other. As they continued to meet, their love grew, and nothing could pull them away from one another. Until Demeter tries to marry off Persephone to Helios to gain more power for the Upper Realm and wreaks havoc until the Goddess of Harvest gets what she wants.

I love this rendition of Hades and Persephone! Not only are the characters well-rounded, but the story is also not solely focused on the main couple. You have Helios falling for Narcissus. You get the background for many characters, such as Admentos and Phaedra; Hephaestus, Aphrodite, and Ares; Artemis and Orion; and Apollo, Cassandra, and Hyacinthus.

Some characters are so well-rounded that you hate them more than you already do, knowing anything about Greek mythology. Zeus dictates who the Gods and Titans marry, or someone they love gets played or killed. Don’t even get me started on Minthe. I would love to be the one to torture her in the Pits of Tartarus.

Demeter was a terrible mother. But despite all that, Persephone became the powerful and adored Queen of the Underworld.

There are some characters I will love in whatever rendition they are in, such as Hades, Persephone, and Hermes, but my guy Hermes comes in clutch, and I love him more for it. I also really like this rendition of Ares. He’s not an arrogant hot-head, and I love his connection to Helios. I also love Charon the Ferryman. I owe him everything.

Some things that could use a little tweaking. There are a lot of misconceptions, blaming, and jumping to conclusions that could have been resolved if Helios had just talked to Persephone instead of following Demeter. It’s a little cliche, but a delightful read, nonetheless.

There are also some scenes that could use a little clarification. For instance, “Her mossy orbs were flecked with dark specs, a deep gray ring encasing them.” Are the “mossy orbs” Persephone’s eyes? Is Hades sitting against the tree or facing it during one of the meadow scenes? Some details during spicy scenes are blurred at times, but you eventually understand what’s going on.

This book is for anyone who loves smutty Greek mythology. It reads like a YA; a quick paced, easy read.

The image of Hades kneeling before Persephone is *chef’s kiss*.

“Little Flower”

“My Queen”

“My Death God”

All titles of endearment had my heart melting and my smile growing.

The ending was so abrupt, it’s unfairly cruel! I need to read the second book instantly!

Thank you NetGalley for access to this amazing read I will forever recommend to anyone who listens.

˗ˏˋ 2 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .

this book was okay, nothing fancy or special. i don't really think there was a plot and everything felt very rushed from beginning till end. everything is only physical between the two main characters and i kinda wished it would be more developed, if you get what i mean. and lastly wdym they got married within two weeks!? that's just a bit crazy to me lol

⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love Hades & Persephone retelling but this one was not what I expected. It was so much more. I really liked that is was a multiple pov and I love to see Persephone changing from the insecure goddes into her true self. Can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Oh boy where do I begin!
This book had my emotions all over the place. Not only am I a sucker for a Hades and Persephone retelling but the author compares Hades to Hozier's catalog and did not disappoint.
I love that the author includes a glossary at the beginning of the book for any readers who aren't familiar with Greek mythology.
This was an intro to dark romance Hades and Persephone retelling. I loved that the book took place in ancient Greece and wasn't super modernized. The story followed the mythology pretty closely while adding some twists and layers to it.

I will never not love Hades in any retelling, but he was written so perfectly in this one. Dark, moody, complex, and the YEARNING absolutely perfection. The way he speaks is so beautiful and poetic even when he's threatening death and destruction. I also loved the way Persephone was written and how her character developed throughout the book. In the beginning she had a quiet strength and resilience that only got stronger as the story went on. I loved watching her grow into her power and own herself.

I really enjoyed seeing the other gods and their roles in the story. Hecate and Hermes will always be my babies. The side story between Helios and Narcissus was really interesting and I wonder if there will be any more to their story.

Prophecies and Pomegranates is a fast-paced, multi-pov, spicy, slightly dark romance Hades and Persephone retelling. Its a fun and easy read that hooks you and keeps you invested. After that little cliffhanger I cannot wait to find out what happens next I need more!!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, this was such a fun read!

My god it was fucking fantastic. I’ll be buying this entire series once she drops the updated ones of all of them.

Couldn’t put it down. Devoured it.

Super easy to get in to. Would catch myself still reading at 3am cause i needed to know what was going to happen.

Bold, seductive, and unapologetically empowering, Of Prophecies & Pomegranates is a dark myth-inspired romance that blends rich world-building with intense chemistry. Kraven delivers a story that is both emotionally charged and delightfully provocative, with themes of power, choice, and divine rebellion.

A fast-paced read with a fierce heroine, a magnetic love interest, and a touch of kink-positive spice, this book sets the tone for a series that promises even more fire to come.

Rating: 4/5
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥/5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Of Prophecies and Pomegranates by T.C. Kraven is everything I want in a dark mythological romance—and then some. Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, because I devoured this book like it was a platter of forbidden fruit and I had zero regrets.

This spicy Hades and Persephone retelling delivers on all the things: angsty slow-burn tension, forbidden longing, a brooding God of the Underworld with emotional depth, and a Persephone who sheds the image of a delicate flower to become a goddess of unapologetic power. I LIVED for her evolution—from suffocating under Demeter’s control to embracing the darkness within her. It’s not just about finding love; it’s about finding herself. And oh, what a glorious rebellion it is.

Hades? Total perfection. A dark, complex, surprisingly tender dom who respects consent, cherishes Persephone’s strength, and offers a safe place for her to explore her power—and her desires. Their chemistry is absolutely electric. This book isn’t just spicy; it’s smartly spicy, with kink dynamics that are both well-crafted and respectful.

The worldbuilding is lush and immersive, pulling from Greek mythology in a way that feels fresh without losing that divine, epic vibe. And the supporting cast—Artemis, Hecate, Dionysus, and Hephaestus—adds depth, mischief, and heart. (Can I please get a Dionysus spinoff ASAP?)

This belongs at the very top of your TBR. It’s empowering, inclusive, deliciously dark, and unflinchingly bold. T.C. Kraven didn’t just retell a myth—she reclaimed it.

Of Prophecies and Pomegranates is the start of something epic, and I cannot wait to see where the Dark Fates series takes us next. Give me more gods, more power plays, more kink, and all the Persephone vengeance.

I love Greek mythology and this book did not disappoint! This retelling was written so well and I cannot wait for the next book. Thank you NetGalley and Diversion Books for allowing me to read this book!