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Let's get one thing straight. I never wanted Persephone to live in the Underworld.
But I owed Peter Pan a favor, and even I don't want to screw over an influential Fae like him. So when he asked me to take Persephone to the Realm of the Dead with me, for her protection, I had to say yes. Persephone was in the Neverland realm for decades, living as a child among the Lost Kids, hiding from people who crave her abilities.
Now she's here in the Underworld, with a new adult body to match her true inner age, and I'm starting to regret my decision to let her live in my palace--because not only is she temptingly gorgeous, she's also far more powerful than I realized.
Maybe even more powerful than I am.
I've never met anyone like her. And I'm not sure I can resist her.


Trigger warnings are available on the author's website and in the front matter of the book.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2021

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About the author

Rebecca F. Kenney

62 books1,619 followers
Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

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5 stars
149 (40%)
4 stars
123 (33%)
3 stars
72 (19%)
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18 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Honey Roselea Reads.
721 reviews200 followers
March 17, 2022
Out of all Rebecca F. Kenney books, this was by far my favorite. Just the chemistry between Hades and Persephone was chef's kiss. Also the innocence yet confidence from Persephone made it more enjoyable. This was such a fun retelling and I just had so much fun reading it.
Profile Image for Sammie Reads.
899 reviews133 followers
March 12, 2023
Hades and Persephone, my one true loves. I love them together and separately, I love them in every version of their story, and I love their love. Persephone was given to Peter Pan to protect, and he did for 70 years. He realizes that she is more of a target than he once thought, and entrusts Hades to watch over her in the Underworld. She appears to be an adult, but she’s been sheltered for her entire existence. Hades is jaded, having lived lifetimes and being used to his whims and fancies, and having his way. What isn’t his way; being tasked to watch this pretty little floof, one who apparently can conjure anything she wishes, who seems to have more power than all the gods of Olympus.

Persephone has been coddled her entire life, and the men who protect her have made decisions for her throughout her entire existence. She’s done. She wants to live and learn and experience, and she will be damned if Hades is one more man who she allows to boss her around. But then something happens to show Persephone and Hades exactly where her origins lie, and it’s not what they were thinking. They have to battle family and gods alike to be together, if not for each other, then for the betterment of the entire world. Hades definitely suffers a martyr complex and Persephone has no time for it. She was funny and feisty, and Hades was just as swoony and earnest as all of his other versions. Although…would an “I Love You” have killed him???
Profile Image for E.P. Stavs.
Author 15 books92 followers
December 19, 2021
Emotional, mysterious, and as hot as Hades himself.

I was so ready for this book, having recently finished the Peter Pan duology, and it did not disappoint. Persie's character arc was real and raw, her frustrations so on point given her past. And Hades, well. Dude is fire, what else can I say?

One of my favorite things, however, wasn't the heat or the romance or the mystery behind Persie's past, but the Underworld itself. Despite it's darkness, Kenney still managed to make it as vibrant as Neverland in its own unique way.

So yeah. Loved it!
Profile Image for Tarryn.
162 reviews44 followers
January 27, 2024
Hades was just...okay. Maybe I've been away from the Immortal Warriors series for too long. But maybe this is just one of the weaker stories Kenney has released.

This felt like a rather mediocre attempt at the Hades/Persephone lore. Hades is a little too much of a softie for me here, personally. Especially knowing what Kenney is capable of. However, I think what hindered this the most for me was Persephone - specifically her rapid physical and emotional maturation.

The content warning for this subject is mild age/consent/innocence issues that are resolved. And sure, I guess they're resolved. However, given the instalove nature of this story, it was still...uncomfortable? And not believable.

Look, I'm not snob when it comes to instalove. Hell, back in the day I'd find myself halfway in love after a single date. I get how instalove can be believable. And there are tons of times I've enjoyed it; definitely in other Kenney novels, to be certain.

The thing is, Persephone had been a 3 year old for 70 years immediately prior to the beginning of this story. I'll repeat, she was 3 years old for 70 years. Then, for plot reasons, she is aged up to her twenties in moments, and from there our story begins. And for more plot purposes, she does mature incredibly quickly...but given that she still referred to sex as 'the thing' after actually having sex, forgive me if my ability to properly roll with this was, er, indefinitely delayed.

Overall, it was fine. But for what I've come to expect out of Kenney in this genre, I'm underwhelmed. You can't win 'em all.
Profile Image for Beth.
172 reviews25 followers
Read
November 24, 2021
I read this as a beta reader. You’re in for a treat with this tale!
Profile Image for Michaela Sory.
10 reviews
March 23, 2024
Really bummed because the one reason I read the other immortal warrior books was because I wanted to read this one. But the fact that Persephone was a toddler that Peter aged up and when her and hades first met she was very childlike etc made the rest very very cringy. It felt very groomy and weird
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for  Bon.
1,305 reviews161 followers
Read
February 9, 2022
didn't realize this was less standalone than it's marketed as. The hell is this Peter Pan stuff? Not gonna leave a star review bc I stopped it mere pages in. Now to try the Jack Frost book...
Profile Image for mel. ♡.
286 reviews19 followers
December 27, 2021
❛ Funny how people can be warned of realities over and over, and they still create a soft hazy version of what they want reality to be. The crush of indisputable fact is always painful. ❜

Okay, so Hades was just fantastic. Reading the Neverland Fae first to understand the phenomenal world Kenney has crafted was well worth the wait and I am completely here for continuing the series and seeing what’s next.

𝟒.𝟓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 ✨

Very similarly to Neverland Fae containing snapshots of other fairytales and lands, Hades drabbles into a lot of other Greek Mythology and I thought it was excellent how Kenney included a lot of the well known figures that you will see in Hades and Persephone retellings, but also a few that I’ve rarely seen in adaptations and a couple that I haven’t seen before. Kenney truly does add her own interpretation to the myth with the same crucial aspects of the tale that we all love.

All I can say spoiler free wise is that if you’re a fan of Hades and Persephone retellings, this one needs to be read.

Some of the things I loved are below, but will contain spoilers:



There’s so much more, but, in summary, just go and read the book. I really can’t wait to read more of Kenney’s work in the new year.
Profile Image for Hikami D..
191 reviews8 followers
December 10, 2021
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹: Other than my criticism–and I'm a veeeery picky reader plus when finding things to dislike it sours my whole experience–it was a very enjoyable read. Adorable, loving, tender, sometimes a bit heartache-y, too. No masterpiece but good nontheless.

I'm curious what other stories Miss Kenney will bring to life and eager to see her progress as a writer.

𝗜𝗻-𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹: The story loosely takes the myth of Hades and Persephone as a fundament to build on. It's definitely enjoyable, but no Retelling per se, whether it's own story that takes lots of inspiration from the original myth and lore.

The things that didn't sit well with me was–and I had the same issue with the Peter Pan books (although not so profoundly)–I simply don't like when things are introduced and then left alone. Like teasing a path, but not going it till the end (see spoilers below were I vent). The pacing sometimes also felt off or rushed, and some twists could've been handled more enigmatically.


- - - SPOILER - - - - SPOILER - - - - SPOILER - - -

First thing though was that I've never read a romance novel were the MMC knows he loves its counterpart and never tells her, reassures her. It's miniscule, but in light that they on-the-spot decided to marry, it felt off. Especially because in one instance he wanted to tell her and couldn't because he wasn't ready emotionally. If you're not ready to voice these emotions (especially with the amount of trauma on his shoulders) you won't rush into a marriage on-spot. It felt unrealistic and unreasonable. 🤐

Second thing though, when her wrinkly old-lady Hand was introduced it was hinted that someone in the UW could heal her, and this hope was reassured at least twice in the book. But then it wasn't brought up again. At all. Why? Why tease this and not go through with it? It felt so pointless to even mention that someone in the UW could help her. 😤
Profile Image for Saige.
29 reviews
August 17, 2022
Actual rating 2.5 ⭐️⭐️✨

I’ve read 4 other books by Rebecca F Kenney (all within the last week) and to me this one was by far the weakest. I think a large part of it was the fact that the Hades and Persephone myth holds a very special place in my heart, and I have very specific visions of what their story entails.

Hades felt too generically “bad boy” for me to really feel anything. Also I was just not a fan of the horns and wings. I thought for sure at least the horns would come into play in some way in a spicy scene or something??? But they didn’t? And from what i recall he’s like one of the only people to randomly have horns and wings? It just felt weird to me.

Persephone I enjoyed much more as a character. They play off her innocence a little in the beginning which is a little tiring, but there was a very clear sense of self in the character that I liked quite a bit. I couldn’t help but feel there were quite a few elements about her that were inspired by a certain massive hit Webcomic of the same myth. Part of which I didn’t mind, but it somewhat drew me out of this story and into a different one, which is never good.

If you like Hades and Persephone retellings you very well might enjoy this, but personally it was a miss for me. That said I’ve enjoyed the other books I’ve read by Kenney a lot more and will definitely be reading her other books.
Profile Image for Maria.
2,024 reviews66 followers
January 18, 2022
Hades and Persephone retellings are super common, especially now. I never get tired of them but they definitely can get repetitive. I absolutely adore Rebecca's way of telling old stories. She has a way of making them new. Slightly different than any others despite the similarities. Persephone has long been a favorite of mine. She's so strong yet kind and gentle. Fierce and destructive when she needs to be. I'm so angry at Demeter and Hecate and Thanatos, especially thanatos. Hades made many mistakes but to betray him as badly as Thanatos betrayed him, was beyond horrible. Hades created something good. Choosing to be merciful instead of something gruesome and evil. He deserved all of Thanatos loyalty. But greed and ambition have a way of twisting people into something ugly. I'm so glad that Hades and Persephone stood together with their friends and their family. I love that Apollo stood beside them along with Lethe, Minthe, Peter, Wendy, and all the other allies. Zeus is such an idiot. In every story, he's greedy, selfish, and obstinate. He can't see past his own selfish ambition and greed. I hate him in this story as much as I've hated him in others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lauren Sevier.
Author 4 books235 followers
December 18, 2021
Inventive new hades/persephone romance in a unique multiverse

This one is still not my favorite of the authors novels. BUT she's an instant buy from me and this book is no different.

While this isn't my favorite hades/persephone retelling it is really inventive and unique. I wished there was less innocence and more heat. As well as more actual interaction between the couple. However, the world building and the sweet romance was done really well with minimal errors and I found a ton of the cute moments really endearing. I did however want more depth and felt this story had a ton of potential I'd the author had lengthened it like she did with the Peter pan retelling. However, I still enjoyed it but just be aware it's more of a sweet romance. And there are limited spicy scenes.
Profile Image for Xena .
102 reviews
September 6, 2023
Hades and Persephone are literally my favorite greek mythology couple so I love any stories about them! I loved this re-telling of their story so much, I loved how Hades didn't actually kidnap her but instead took her the underworld to protect her and he didn't treat her like his prisoner but instead helped her understand her magic and who she might comes from. I felt for Persephone a few times during the book because people end up forgetting who she was thanks to a spell that was placed on her and how hurt she was when she realized that her mom wanted nothing more than use her and her powers. I also loved how hades, locked away his memories of her so he wouldn't forget her. Definelty recommend this book and any book by Rebecca Kenney!
Profile Image for Emma.
61 reviews
Read
March 15, 2022
I was not sure how I was going to feel about this relationship, considering Persephone’s age and mentality. However, the maturing and growth throughout the story (of all characters) was great. I appreciated the relationships and friendships of Hades and his people.
Persephone’s power was refreshing. However, the way she let herself be manipulated and tricked felt counter to how she was maturing in other aspects.
All in all, I found Persephone’s power and self acceptance a refreshing aspect of this retelling.
Profile Image for tara.
105 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2024
This book was honestly so good!
The retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth was awesome and you could really see the parallels to the real myth. Still, it was mixed into the authors universe, with the different realms and portals. Loved that!
The romantic plot was awesome and I may or may not have shed a tear at the part where Persephone thinks Hades has forgotten her. But those two were honestly so cute! Their dynamic was awesome.
Plus we got Peter Pan guest starring - we love that! And the books playlist was great!
Loved it, really good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
86 reviews
April 21, 2023
Getting It All

I really, really wanted to see what they were like with their own kids but the whole story was awesome that I wasn't too disappointed not having a HEA without knowing. That's why before I read into the next book. I'm getting the whole set! It's like an addiction; like having to bake more cookies or getting the latest tech...or spending the whole weekend doing...stuff. Mild case in point but Rebecca's a better writer on these matters than I and I love her style!
2 reviews
March 8, 2024
Out of the Immortal Warriors series this is my favorite so far! I love Hades and Persephone’s story. Their chemistry is *chefs kiss*. My only nag with these books is that I find myself wanting more! I want more world building, more backstory, more in depth into some of the characters and scenes. I felt like the ending was rushed. The beginning of the book has a decent pace to it but about 75% through it begins to feel rushed.
Profile Image for Darby Cupid.
Author 8 books82 followers
December 30, 2021
This was super cute. I loved the two very distinct voices with a modern, grungy Hades and an innocent and feisty Persie.
This book is part of the Immortal Warriors world and I loved dipping back into the universe of interlinked worlds such as Neverland, Wonderland and Oz...
Profile Image for Sharese.
2 reviews
July 16, 2023
The way Kenney is able to create her stories and have them feel so full and long in such few pages continues to amaze me. I am currently binging her various works, and this of the fifth one I’ve finished in less than a week.
Profile Image for Kaizer Swaby.
5 reviews
August 11, 2023
In the last couple of years, I've consumed a lot of media retelling the Hades and Persephone story and this is definitely one of my favorite depictions of those characters. Felt a little awkward about the age gap at the beginning but it worked out well.
Profile Image for Lauren.
289 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2023
There were so many elements to this, twists on the tale, that I absolutely loved.

But Hades & Persephone did not spend enough time together for my liking. It was slightly boring when they were apart.
Profile Image for Gabriella.
60 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2023
After I read the Peter Pan Duology I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book! Persie's transformation was beyond phenomenal and I couldn't get enough of the story between Hades and Persie. While this wasn't my favorite retelling it was still a fantastic book and world to dive into.
12 reviews
December 1, 2021
Another great Rebecca F Kenney story.
Especially recommend it if you were a fan of her Peter Pan stories, as it picks up where they left off.
Profile Image for lilly o .
419 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2023
nah i started this at 5am not even expecting to read 5 pages and i ended up finishing it 😭 tf.
Profile Image for Stephanie Bryan.
38 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2023
As much as I love a good Hades & Persephone retelling (it’s my favorite myth), this was kinda all over the place? Hot mess - I wish I liked it more than I did. The aging thing was weird
Profile Image for Emily Jones.
49 reviews
July 13, 2023
The ending was a little rushed, but still a good read. I love a classic Hades and Persephone story.
33 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2023
Not amazing but it had pretty good characters and plot. Just make sure you know your into all the tropes it includes before you read
Profile Image for Ash1ey.
63 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2024
Only RFK could write a series that incorporates characters like Jack Frost, Peter Pan and Wendy, Persephone, Apollo, and Hades. I need more. Pls 🙏🏼
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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