Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.Henry's first wife, Persephone.
I really enjoyed book 1 of this adventure. Hades has been one of my favorite characters to have remake stories. There is something about the brooding dark character that seems to have so much possibilities and possible depth. In this story, however, I did find Henry (Hades) a bit lacking in depth. In fact he ticked me off.
Kate was also not the heroine we met in book 1, The Goddess Test. Very unsure of how she fits into Henry's heart was a constant worry. Despite the number of times she tried to engage Henry in a discussion he avoided it and her. She even became clear in exactly what she needed and again, Henry denied her simple knowledge as to how he felt. Nothing in what she was asking was too much and I felt she was actually brave in acknowledging and asking for what she needed. How many adults do that? Henry needed a boot and everyone else telling her to just accept it and not ask for what she needed also needed the boot. I'm glad she did insist and ignored everyone. However, I must admit that even though I felt she was justified in her laments, it did become a bit excessive in the story. I would have liked her to concentrate a lot more on the possible destruction of the world. It would have given her character a lot more inner strength.
I give this book 3 stars. I enjoyed the further introduction of the Greek mythology into this story, but found Kate a bit lacking in strength we saw in the previous book. I also warn you of a cliffie at the end. I will be reading the next book because have to know how the story ends. I also I haven't given up on having a strong Kate again.
I received this eARC from Harlequin and NetGalley and no compensation for my review was given.
A Cliffie huh? Well that is ok I will put this on my TBR and read them when the next book comes out. Then it will be more like a springboard to the next book LOL
ReplyDeleteAt least the cliffie was one that I did see coming. The twist was predictable, but still compelling. I can see why you'd wait for all 3 tho. :)
DeleteIt's strange the nature of the character has changed. I haven't read the first one yet but I'm curious about it. I hope it will improve with the third book.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't so much that it was changed, but she was obsessed. I just would have liked her vision to be a bit broader. Still, was a decent addition to the series.
Delete"Henry needed a boot and everyone else telling her to just accept it and not ask for what she needed also needed the boot."
ReplyDeleteYES! I wanted to scream at her new "family" and tell them to stop just telling her Henry loves her and expecting that to be enough when he shows no signs of actually feeling that way. I agree she was justified in a lot of her feelings, I would have acted much the same way, but it did get to be a bit much. Fabulous review Melissa, we had similar reactions to this one!
LOL Yep, the "advice" did tick me off. I do believe we are in total agreement with this one. :)
DeleteToo bad that she lacked a bit of strength :/
ReplyDeleteStill Greek Mythology ;D And i always had a crush on Hades
With how things are set up with the next one, I do believe she will gain her strength again. :) You might enjoy this one.
DeleteGrrr! I've had book 1 forever now.... And still havent managed to read it!!! Gotta admit, I love Greek mythology.. But weak MC's irritate me!
ReplyDeleteWell, she wasn't completely weak, but weaker than the previous book. I do think she will rock in the next book. You might enjoy it when all 3 are out. :D
DeleteI really loved this book. Some parts of the book made my heart ache. Loved the review!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I know! That ending! Oh I hate cliffies, but at least I did see that one coming.
DeleteAgh! Even though everyone seems to be getting into this series, I can't seem to pick it up for myself. I kind of accepted the fact that though it sounds good, not every book is for every reader. Plus, a cliffie? Nope, not for me. Hehehe
ReplyDeleteBut glad you are enjoying it. I hope Kate finds her strength again. :)
You might library book it, but I do think you should wait until the 3rd book. I think you'd need it right after this one. I'm looking forward to book 3. :)
DeleteOh, no; it sounds like the strong heroine’s identity has been subsumed under the “love affair.” That alone would tick me off as well, but throw in a love interest that refuses to communicate and I could see how this might be frustrating.
ReplyDeleteYes, Henry did need a swift kick for most of the book. But the last 1/3 was pretty compelling. That part, I think you'd really enjoy. :)
DeleteThe more I read about this series, the more hesitant I am about starting it. If I can't get behind the main characters then I don't know that I'm going to enjoy the story. I think the characters really pull the story through for me.
ReplyDeleteA wimpy Hades is just not going to do it for me. Not even as a toddler!
Heather
Sorry you were a bit disappointed, hope the next book will be better again, and the heroine back to her former strenght of character!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review. I still need to get the first book. :( I'll get there one of these days. :)
ReplyDelete