I picked and put down this book to too many times. I was frustrated with the writing style, it felt like it was written for watt-pad. The whole bank situation at the beginning was comical to me, I tried to see what the authors were trying to do with a modern re-imaging of Hades & Persephone's love story but it was such a let down. I wanted to love to love this book because I love any type of retellings on Hades & Persephone but this did NOT make the cut.

The conversations between the adults felt like immature, the FMC is extremely whinny and I understand she is sheltered but she contradicts herself all the time.

Over all, I am forever an opportunist of second chances will be reading book 2 to see if the reading style evolved drastically.

A delight. I’m not usually fond of fated mates or miscommunication but the way both were written had me staying up until dawn every day to read more.
I loved how open the characters were with communication (eventually) even when neither of them could say everything completely.
It will be interesting to see Persephone accept more of her darkness and lean into it fully as the story goes on. I can’t wait to read the next one

(Plus I loved Mellie and Helios).

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC.

3.5/5

A modern-day Hades and Persephone retelling!! And I am always down to read a Hades and Persephone retelling, I love them so much. This one takes at the company Hades owns, where Persephone gets a job because the God Tax drained her band account. And, of course, she wants out from under her mother’s thumb. Hades and Persephone are trying to avoid the prophecy that says they will be together but that whole avoiding thing doesn’t work out too well for them.

AND IT’S ILLUSTRATED!
AND THERE’S SHADOW MAGIC! These are both major selling points.

I just wish Hades and Persephone were a bit different, it seems like they have the same personality and that made some aspects of their relationship and interactions feel a bit flat. But oh my goodness, her ex is such a toe. Good riddance!

I do wish that there was a bit more action and a bit more to the plot of this book - just to give it a lil more oomph. And then it would be an easy 4 stars!

I love when characters/creatures have a “true form” or some type of alternate form, I always think that’s such a cool tool to use within the story. The vulnerability of it and sharing it with others is something that we get to see in this book - and I love that.

I love Mellie and Helios! I think that storyline/relationship is so fun, especially in those text threads where Persephone is taking to both of them at the same time. I hope we get more of them in future books.

This was a fun and quick read, I finished it in less than two days. This book definitely reminded me of A Touch of Darkness, so if you enjoyed that, I would definitely recommend checking this out.

Thanks to NetGalley for the book!

Thank you for the ARC in return for an honest review!

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2,75 stars - I’ve been excited to read this for so long, but unfortunately this just wasn’t for me.

The writing had to grow on me before it started somewhat flowing, it’s very modern and casual, but unfortunately I never started actually enjoying it. If anything, it just got worse as my annoyance with it grew. It also felt like the story was severely lacking an actual plot, beyond the main character’s constantly going back and forth with miscommunications and refusing to fully go through with any decisions they made, and the vibes weren’t enough to carry the lack of plot. Any potentially interesting plot threads seemed to be either ignored, put off or instantly resolved with no effort.

I enjoyed how messy the gods and their politics were, and I wish we had gotten more of that in this book. The side characters all seemed interesting, and I would’ve liked to see them more involved in the story and to learn more about them.

Both the main characters were incredibly frustrating to me, with Persephone being wishy washy and Hades often reading a bit pathetic (without the required quirkiness to endear him to me). Other than both of them being insecure workaholics I couldn’t tell you anything about them.

The only real saving grace was how short the chapters were, so it felt like I was moving at a relatively fast pace - even if the plot wasn’t.
I won’t be continuing the series.

Romance usually isn’t my wheelhouse, but I dabble occasionally. I’m also a huge fan of myths, legends, and lore. So, when I came across this series, I figured I’d give it a shot. It was not quite what I was expecting. Though I do appreciate that there is at least an attempt made to stress the consensual nature of their relationship, this Hades and Persephone retelling left much to desired in the way of plot and character development. This is smut for smut’s sake; pure and simple. Some scenes and aspects seem like they were ripped straight out of the famous graphic novel series ‘Lore, Olympus’…with less substance. Great for anyone that enjoyed the 50 Shades series. I was hoping for more developed drama. I got the whole series on a while, so here’s to hoping the writing gets better.

*ARC received from Netgalley - all opinions are my own*

TLDR: If you’re looking for a HadesxPersephone retelling that’s all spice with a tiny dash of plot, then this might be the book for you. Just be mindful that both characters have terrible communication skills and, Hades especially, is written in a very childish way.

Definitely not my favourite retelling as I tend to like my books, even the spicy ones, with at least a half decent plot with some substance attached. This reads as a pretty generic office romance with a hint of greek gods.

We only really get to see Hades and Persephone despite the first half of the book showing quite a bit of Helios and Melinoe which was a nice break but becomes very clear that their appearance at the start is just to kick of a book about them which was pretty annoying as it was nice to see both our main characters interacting with other people and the world around them.

In retellings I’m used to seeing Persephone often portrayed as a bit of a bratty character or being the more immature in the relationship but both Hades and Persephone were heard to stand at many points in the story. This made Hades hard to read in particular as you just expect so much more from his character and, at points, he is written as a more serious and melancholy character before going back to being whiny and childish. Both characters definitely could have benefited from some mature writing.

My review is conflicted as there are definitely good bits of writing throughout The Maiden and The Unseen, the character writing just hinders it so much. I think it’s best suited for those that are mainly just here for the spice and smut and can easily read without expecting too much from the plot/ characters.

Thank you to Rose and Star Publishing LCC and Netgalley for this digital copy!

I love Greek mythology, in particular Hades and Persephone retellings. This is slightly different than the typical Hades and Persephone retellings which makes it stand out from the rest (and I've read quite a few retellings). There were just lines in this book that made me crack up laughing, in particular, Persephone's line about Hades potentially having hay fever.

Overall, I had a very enjoyable time with this book. There were a few things I wish it had more of like more world-building and more of Mellie and Helios (but maybe we'll get more of both in the next book).

Didn’t know what to expect from this book as sometimes retellings can miss the mark. But this book didn’t miss.
A lot of spicy content between the main characters. They could not keep their hands off each other.
Both the MMC and FMC really lacked confidence when it came to their relationship.
I’m gutted it ended on a cliffhanger as I want to know where the hell Hades is?!
Also need more Mellie and Helios content ASAP!

I'm on the fence on this iteration of the Hades and Persephone myth. Yes, i understand it's loosely based on thevstory, but I struggled at times getting to it. In addition, at 70+ chapters, the book seemed to drag on and on. I know its partnof a series and the length of the book makes for a shorter overall series; however, to have a cliffhanger at the end of this very long book serms weird. I did enjoy the book in parts, but feel it could have been shorter. The world building was good and I liked the modern nature of the study. Overall, it was a decent read and I applaud the author for telling a story that has been so often repeated.

I was excited about reading this retelling of Hades and Persephone story and I LOVED the book cover (it felt very romantic, if I had to rate the book just based by it it would definitely be a 10!!).
As we all know, Persephone and Hades retellings can be either amazing or the complete opposite. This one in my opinion was just meh…
It was just constant smut and there was not much of a plot, this made the book feel so incredibly long because it often felt like it kept repeating the same stuff over and over. Also the smut was a bit too cringy for me, I had to skip almost half the book…

It was more smut than plot and I suppose some readers may enjoy that but ultimately this book was not for me at all, I would have loved a more developed story…

Here’s the story summed up

Persephone, serving as the social media manager, finds herself in a financial predicament after Hades, the deity associated with wealth, orchestrates a scheme targeting a god who has trespassed into the human realm. Though the narrative lacks a clear explanation, it remains uncertain if Persephone's unauthorized entry is significant.
However, the focal point shifts to her burgeoning romantic entanglement with Hades, despite being in a relationship with someone else who believes they are exclusive. The tension escalates as her partner's concerns are dismissed, overshadowed by Persephone's perception of their relationship status.

So, all in all, I was quite disappointed in this one, but perhaps someone who doesn't care about a storyline would enjoy it!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for kindly sharing this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The Maiden & The Unseen by Jeanette Rose & Alexis Rune is a captivating book that tells the story of Hades, the god of the dead, and Persephone, the goddess of spring. The authors have done an excellent job of bringing these characters to life and making them relatable to the readers.

In this book, Zeus has allowed the gods to leave Olympus and live among the mortals, and Hades is put in charge of helping the gods assimilate into the mortal world. Persephone has been living among the mortals for the last two years, following her mother's strict rules. However, fate has other plans for Hades and Persephone, and they find themselves drawn to each other despite the rules.

The authors have created a unique and exciting world that blends mythology with the modern world. The characters are well-developed, and their personalities and struggles are relatable. The story is well-paced, and the plot twists keep the readers engaged.

Overall, The Maiden & The Unseen is a must-read for anyone who enjoys romance, mythology, and fantasy. The book is beautifully written, and the characters are engaging and memorable. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read.

I've found exactly what I was looking for in this Hades & Persephone retelling:

- A focus on the legendary couple with a few delightful twists on the classic tale.
- A storyline that's engaging yet light, perfect for those who prefer romance over high stakes.
- Fast pacing that makes it an easy and enjoyable read.
- Good spice to keep things interesting (a lot of it).

While this retelling doesn't radically alter the well-known narrative, it introduces enough fresh elements to keep it engaging and unique. If you enjoy stories centred on character interactions and romantic development, you'll likely enjoy this book.

However, if you're seeking a plot-heavy read, this might not be the pick for you. As the first book in the series, it focuses primarily on establishing the relationship between Hades and Persephone, setting the stage for potential plot expansion in future books.

For those intrigued by a romantic tale with a mythological twist, this is a promising start. I’m looking forward to seeing how the story evolves in the next installment!

"The Maiden and the Unseen" is a riveting modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth that introduces us to a world of gods and goddesses living amongst mortals. The story takes us on a journey through the lives of Hades, the God of the Dead, and Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, who are fated mates. Hades spends six months in the Underworld, performing his duties as the God of the Dead, while the other six months are spent on Earth, where he takes on the role of a strict enforcer of the rules for the gods and goddesses who have chosen to live with the mortals. Persephone, on the other hand, has been living on Earth for two years, trying to avoid her mother's wrath by adhering to a strict set of rules.

The book is an enticing blend of passion and tension as Hades and Persephone are drawn to each other despite their attempts to resist their fated attraction. Their sexual tension is palpable and leads to some steamy scenes that will leave readers yearning for more. However, their communication problems can be a bit frustrating for readers as it repeats throughout the book.

One of the highlights of the book is the humorous text message conversations between the two characters, where they say what they can't say in person, and push each other to the edge of their limits. However, their attraction to each other is undeniable, and they keep coming back to each other, even when they try to resist.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Overall, "The Maiden and the Unseen" is an excellent retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth that introduces us to a world of gods and goddesses and their struggles with love, fate, and duty.

I enjoyed this book, particularly for its modern take on the Hades and Persephone myth. While it had its shortcomings, such as lacking in plot depth and some inconsistencies, I found the banter and tension between the main characters captivating. The steamy and angsty elements added to the allure of this modern retelling

I found the FMC in this Hades and Persephone retelling to be relatable. She spent time trying to conform to the “norm”, battling her mummy issues. The inner battle with how she perceives herself, tugged at the heart strings.

I adore the fate concept. No matter the steps taken to prevent the inevitable, what is meant to be will be. The instant pull they had to each other had me kicking my feet. The miscommunication they had started to annoy the life out of me but I enjoy the torment. They have an insatiable need for each other.

Cannot wait to read the rest of this series to see what transpires.

This was a really spicy and steamy romance book !!. The book cover is really pretty. I didn’t like the character, persephone in this book as it somehow not show the correct personality as the greek gods. A lot of miscommunication.

Thank u netgalley for the arc!

There are definitely some mixed emotions about this book.

I love a Greek myth retelling, so it wasn't hard to convince me to request this series. I liked the modern workplace setting and the characters. I also liked the tension in the beginning when Hades had no idea who Persephone was and was trying to find her. It definitely had its strong points in terms of their banter and tension, so I did enjoy that.

However, it all felt a little drawn out and maybe sort of forced at a point. The switch from hate to love felt abrupt to me, and I feel like there was a lot of redundancy for certain themes within the story itself. I just don't think I entirely loved the writing style.

I did like the curse aspect and the ending, so I will continue on to book two and see how things go. This series has a lot of potential so I'm hoping I click better with the next one.

Well, where do I start with this book? It feels like the authors sprinkled a bit of Greek mythology with an extra dose of sex. Unfortunately, the characters lacked depth, and the storyline fell somewhat flat. It wasn't terrible, but it didn't leave a strong impression either. With advance copies of the next two books, I'm curious to see if things pick up. However, I'm not holding my breath for major improvements based on my current experience.

Thank you Netgalley and Rose and Star Publishing for the ARC.

Thanks so much for providing me with a copy of this book. There were some really enjoyable aspects of this book, including the modern twist on the story of Hades and Persephone. I liked that it wasn’t accurate to mythology as I felt that suited the fact it had been set in the modern day. I also liked the introduction of other side characters and feel like these relationships will develop throughout the series. I did think that the plot gets lost in all of the spice that this book has. You get hints of plot development but don’t find out too much over the span of the book as a lot of the story is about the development of the relationship which I can understand. However I would have liked to know a bit more backstory or have slightly quicker plot development to accompany this. At the end of the book there are definitely hints at further developments which will likely be setting up for the next book in the series so it may be that future books in this series have more development of the plot where the reader is able to find out more. Regardless of this it was a nice easy read which was enjoyable.

The Maiden & the Unseen by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune
Release Date: September 27, 2022

Pages: 431

Love and Fate series
🌀The Maiden & the Unseen
🌀The Mistress & the Renowned
🌀The Queen & the King
🌀The Nightmare & the Daydream

⚠️Content Warning⚠️
Please check content warnings BEFORE reading.

Format: 📱

What to Expect:
🖤Age Gap
💙Contemporary Romance
🖤Dark Romance
💙Dirty Talk
🖤Enemies-to-Lovers
💙Erotic Romance
🖤Fantasy
💙Fated Mates
🖤Forced Proximity
💙MF
🖤Mythology
💙Piercings
🖤Retelling
💙Shadow Daddy
🖤Urban Fantasy
💙Workplace Romance

Ratings:
FMC: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
MMC: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review:
I have read several Hades and Persephone retellings over the past few years, but this has to be one of my favorites. Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune do an excellent job of telling the story in dual POV without the points of view feeling unconnected.

When the gods first descended from Olympus to live among humans, Hades was charged with financing their endeavors. Persephone works hard as a social media manager. She’s under the impression her salary funds her lavish lifestyle. But what happens when her bank account unexpectedly hits zero?

The Maiden & the Unseen is perfect for readers who enjoy Greek mythology, off-the-charts chemistry, and Hades with a dirty mouth.