This is a unique take on an old tale. I absolutely loved it! A dark academia Greek retelling!! Spice free but loaded with great tension! This read like Percy Jackson for adults (in the best way). This book was clearly carefully researched. I was nervous to dive back into more academic focused books (I’ve been reading a lot of unserious romantasy lately) but this was so approachable. The balance between Greek myths, character development and romantic tension was perfection! I fell in love with Hades in this and I’m not even sorry about it. I cannot wait for book two!!

I truly loved to read this book. So cool!!! Loved everything about it. The Tale of Kore was fenomenal! 5 stars from me.

A deeply engaging take on the tale of Persephone and Hades, Amanda L. Rautio breathes new life into this often adapted story with fantastic characters, an intriguing mystery, and a modern flair! Highly recommended to any lovers of Greek mythology! Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm a sucker for a Greek mythology retelling, especially with Hades and Persephone. I thought the story went at a very strong pace, and I loved how all the characters interacted with each other. The main character, Corey, was very well-written, and I thought her evolution throughout the story made a lot of sense. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.

This was a really unique greek mythology retelling. I enjoy any Hades and Persephone retelling but this one was very unexpected. It had a great blend of academia and fantasy with a mystery element that kept me hooked. It reminded me somewhat of the Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy.

I loved that this rewrote Persephone’s story in a very feminist way and deviated from the classic myth retelling that (whilst entertaining) is somewhat overdone. I liked the way that we were taken on a journey with Corey, discovering the truth alongside her. Weaving Persephone’s perspective through the story at just the right points to either entice the reader with more mystery or give further explanation when needed complemented the narrative well.

I do feel like the pacing could have been improved. 100 pages or so could have been condensed as it did feel slow at points with quite large chunks of filler and some things were overly explained. It felt fairly low stakes considering the discussions around the possibility of Cronos raising and stopping world destruction, I’m assuming this was to focus more on Corey’s journey of self-discovery. I would also have liked more time focusing on the romance between Corey and Aiden because it was so sweet, I just wanted more of it.

Overall, a really good book, I'm looking forward to reading the next one as I hope to see the other gods/goddesses stories unfold.

Cawpile 9.00
This book was absolutely what I needed. It was soo good this was everything what I needed, A fresh look at a story we know for all how hades and Persephone came but this voice was so unique and I cannot wait for more in this series because I am in love with Aidan and Carey and cannot wait to see where their story goes and how it proceeds. It is stunning how much I knew in this book but did not feel as if I was being taught just that I was experiencing it with the characters.

If you like Greek mythology give this book a try and trust me you will not be disappointed as it had me gasping, tearing up and rooting for the two main characters throughout.
I have already recommended this to my friends because it was that good.

Going up on Instagram today

A Percy Jackson for adults! A dark academia retelling of Greek Myth. The mythology used in this book was well researched, I particularly liked what the author did with Hades. I tend to have a soft spot for Hades so I enjoy when authors give him more to do then just be the villain. This book was my first dip into the world of dark academia and after reading this book I am ready to read more books in this genre!

This is such a great read. The amount of research and thought that has gone into the story is clearly evident. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Amanda L. Rautio’s The Tale of Kore is an imaginative and richly layered modern myth that reimagines ancient Greek lore with a fresh and compelling twist. Combining academic intrigue, cosmic stakes, and personal growth, the novel offers a thrilling journey through the Underworld that’s both epic in scale and deeply personal.

Corey, the protagonist, is a relatable and vividly drawn character. Her dissatisfaction with her life as a master’s student and her yearning for something greater provide an accessible entry point into the story. Corey’s transformation from an ordinary scholar to a vital player in a cosmic struggle is both exhilarating and poignant. Her growth feels earned, as she confronts not only mythical beasts and ancient mysteries but also her own fears and insecurities.

Rautio’s portrayal of the Underworld is mesmerizing. It’s a realm of shadows and secrets, full of labyrinthine passages and haunting imagery. The setting is both beautiful and terrifying, a fitting backdrop for the high stakes of Corey’s quest. The author’s ability to seamlessly blend modern sensibilities with ancient mythology is particularly impressive, making the story feel timeless yet relevant.

The novel’s plot is fast-paced and engaging, driven by Corey’s mission to restore balance to a world on the brink of collapse. The reimagining of figures like Demeter, Persephone, and the goddesses of justice, memory, and spring adds depth to the story, exploring themes of renewal, loss, and the enduring power of myth. The stakes are tangible, and the twists keep readers guessing.

One of the novel’s strengths is its thematic richness. Rautio delves into the nature of justice, the importance of memory, and the cycles of life and death, weaving these ideas seamlessly into the narrative. Corey’s quest is as much about self-discovery as it is about saving the world, making her journey resonate on multiple levels.

If there’s a minor critique, it’s that some aspects of the mythology might feel dense for readers less familiar with Greek lore. However, Rautio does an admirable job of providing context without bogging down the story.

A really different retelling of the Hades and Persephone that you can see how has been thoroughly researched. A fabulous read from start to finish.