Radiant Darkness

I've always loved Greek and Roman myths but it has always annoyed me how most of the heroines are stupid, helpless girls. In the original Persephone myth, Persephone is kidnapped, raped, and tricked into marrying Hades and in the end, Zeus orders her to spend half the year above ground and half in the underworld to appease both camps. In this version, Persephone chooses to go with Hades and in the end, chooses to split her time between both worlds. I loved how the author took a weak character who is a victim of circumstance and a pawn in a power struggle and turned her into a strong young woman who learns to assert herself and take control of her own life. I do hope the author plans to write more books but until she does, check out Ever by Gail Carson Levine which is a re-telling of the Eros & Psyche myth.

The Good: One of the reasons why I liked this book was because it contradicts the old myth. For example, Persephone is not a damsel-in-distress and Hades is not some perverted stalker (it was totally implied in the myth) who kidnaps her against her will, he's actually pretty... hot. It still keeps with the old myth, but Ms. Whitman still manages to give it some unique quirks that will keep the reader intrigued. And characters, invented or not, that I normally would not care about, are so awesome. From Charon to Hermes and Zeus to Melita (even some of the nymphs and sprites interest me!), I had a whole variety of fantastic characters. The Bad: It was really predictable. That's kind of a given since almost everyone knows about Persephone and Hades myth, so that really dulled the book for me. Also, I thought Persephone and Hades's relationship was a bit fake. I just think that the only reason why they're even together is because they're both desperate. Persephone is desperate to escape from her over-bearing and way over-protective mother while Hades is desperate for a queen. And coincidentally, Hades passes where Persephone lives and sees Persephone. And they fall in "love." Nuh-uh, that does NOT work for me. Persephone's the type of girl that would run away with the first guy she lays her eyes on... and that is exactly what happens. It was just a little, too predictable for me. Overall: Radiant Darkness is an lyrical, unique, and surprisingly fun retelling that will sure to peak the interest of readers, whether they love mythology or not!

This book is a page turner from the start. Everyone can relate to this story's teenage persona type, Persephones, but the story takes some very interesting twists and turns that kept me wanting more!

I saw the cover and I thought I was really taking a risk with the story - but it was actually quite good. It took the original myth and gave it some twists and turns and a new spin and come up with something completely fresh and capitaving. It ends up as a great love story (that is rated PG) that doesn't include kidnapping and rape. I loved the descriptions and, even though there's a small part where the writer went a tad bit gory, it was really interesting to see the setting through her imagination. I would have loved to have had more to read and my biggest complaints were 1. more descriptions would have been great 2. the characters of Persephone and Hades could've been strengthened with more character development 3. the story ended way to soon!!!! (ps. change the cover!!!! Looks a tad bit "pimp-ish" and not right for a classy story like this) I think that if you enjoyed this story you would definately enjoy Robin McKinley's BEAUTY. Very, very happy I took a leap of faith and tried the book out!!!!!!!

We all know how the story goes: poor, innocent Persephone is snatched away from her beloved mother, Demeter, by Hades and imprisoned in the Underworld as his queen. Demeter is grief stricken, and wreaks havoc on the earth until Persephone is thankfully allowed to come back for a few months out of every year. Right? Wrong. Demeter is smothering Persephone, who yearns for a chance to prove that she is no longer a child, and to explore the world beyond her sheltered vale where her mother has kept her "safe from men" for all her life. So when she encounters Hades by chance and they fall in love, her decision to leave her mother is not a hard one. At first, everything is just fine, and Persephone is adjusting to her new life wonderfully--except now Demeter is killing mortals in a desperate attempt to get Persephone back, and the only way Persephone can stop her is if she leaves her new home and husband...and never returns. Radiant Darkness is a different look at the ancient tale, but infused with new life and a new attitude. Persephone's voice has a modern edge to it that is easy to read and relate to and her wishes and hopes aren't different from those of any other girl her age. Demeter's overbearing presence in Persephone's life will elicit sympathy from many, and Persephone's courage to make her own decisions in life is admirable. Though the romance between her and Hades isn't portrayed in very deep or meaningful manner, it's electrifying enough to send shivers down your back and make you wish for your own lord of the Underworld to whisk you away from ordinary life. Whitman has created a pleasantly enjoyable read that stays quite true to most of the original Ancient Greek takes and explores both filial and romantic love, friendship, and the coming of age and self confidence in a more modern and catchy voice that will set your heart racing.