A Dark, Addictive Retelling: Reviewing the Hades x Persephone Series
I would definitely recommend tandem reading these books. All the books titled A Touch of… you get bother of their perspectives, but more so Persephone. On the other hand, the books titled A Game of… you get Hades’ perspective. They are the same story and are better read as a tandem. Click the button below for Scarlett St. Clair’s pdf
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Shadow Daddy and Springtime Struggles
I don’t even remember how I stumbled into A Touch of Darkness, but I’m glad I did. Scarlett St. Clair has officially gained a fan. My journey started with the audiobook of ATOD, and I set aside the series for a while before picking up A Game of Fate. That’s when a book bestie suggested I tandem read them. Honestly? Best advice ever.
Yes, it got repetitive when Persephone and Hades shared scenes (reading the same moment twice from different POVs can drag), but it was fascinating to see their inner thoughts side by side. It gave me a fuller picture of their dynamic—what they were thinking when they weren’t together, and how differently they processed the same events.
With that said, lets jump into the CAWPILE review. Since this is a series, there will be some spoilers. Continue at your own risk.
Characters 8/10: Hermes and Hecate Stole the Show (Sorry Persephone)
I’ll be blunt: Persephone isn’t my favorite. She’s fine, but she doesn’t light me up the way Hermes and Hecate do. They steal every scene they’re in.
And then there’s Hades. Shadow Daddy supreme. He’s ruthless, protective, and would burn the world down if anyone touched Persephone. He’s the kind of character that makes you lean in, even when you know he’s dangerous.
Atmosphere 8/10: Nightclubs, Myths, and Mortal Drama
The world-building here is clever. Gods and Goddesses live among mortals like celebrities, owning nightclubs and influencing culture. There’s a backdrop of a great war that nearly destroyed Earth, leaving humans divided—some worshipping the gods, others resenting them.
I love how St. Clair blends modernity with myth. It feels believable that immortals who’ve lived for millennia would adapt to contemporary life while still carrying their ancient baggage.
Writing 8/10: If She Shivers One More Time…
The writing is great, but I have one gripe: the word shiver. If Persephone shivers one more time, she’s going to shake herself bald. It’s a small thing, but overused words pull me out of the story.
Plot 9/10: Two Sides of the Same Fate
This is where the series shines. Persephone, a goddess with no power, is trying to carve out a mortal life while breaking free from her mother’s suffocating control. Meanwhile, Hades is juggling bargains, threats from the Fates, and his growing obsession with Persephone.
The tandem read made the plot feel richer. Seeing both sides of the same conflict—the bargains, the manipulations, the vulnerability—was ingenious.
Intrigue 9/10: Retelling with a Twist of Hades
Retellings aren’t exactly original, so the author has to work harder to keep readers hooked. St. Clair does this by leaning into Hades’ perspective. His inner thoughts were far more compelling to me than Persephone’s, and I found myself rooting for her to finally step into her power.
Logic 9/10: Jealousy, Immortality, and Some Eye Rolls
Some things didn’t quite add up, but the one thing that set my teeth on edge was Persephone’s jealousy over Hades’ past lovers felt juvenile. Hades has existed for millennia. His “body count” is astronomical. This is something that Persephone is aware of.
She’s divine, beautiful, and has been around mortals for years—there’s no way she hasn’t had attention. She should know the way of the world, if you know what I mean. Her insecurity here felt forced. Meanwhile,
Enjoyment 8/10: Tandem Reading Saved the Day
Tandem reading boosted my enjoyment rating. ATOD alone would’ve been an 8—solid introduction to Persephone and Hade’s love affair. AGOF on its own? Maybe a 5. It’s essentially the same story retold. But together, they balance each other out and create a fuller, more satisfying experience.
The Empress Reversed
Final Score: 8.2/10
Scarlett St. Clair’s world is intoxicating, even when it stumbles. The characters are vivid, the atmosphere blends myth and modernity beautifully, and the plot thrives when you read both books in tandem.
If I had to choose a card that mirrors Persephone’s journey, it wouldn’t be the obvious choice: The Lovers — it would be The Empress reversed. Persephone is the Goddess of Spring who cannot coax life from the soil, a divine figure cut off from her own abundance. That blocked creativity, that sense of fertility denied, is the heart of her struggle. Watching her wrestle with that disconnect makes the story ache in all the right places, and it’s what kept me turning pages.
This series isn’t only about choice; it’s about transformation. It asks what happens when power is withheld, when growth is stunted, and whether love can be the catalyst that finally breaks the spell.
What’s Next: A Touch of Ruin & A Game of Retribution
This review is just the beginning of my deep dive into St. Clair’s Hades & Persephone saga. Next up, I’ll be tackling A Touch of Ruin and A Game of Retribution in tandem. If ATOD and AGOF were about discovery and temptation, these next installments promise fallout, consequences, and the darker edges of love and loyalty.
Expect another CAWPILE breakdown, more tarot pairings, and plenty of side‑eye at Persephone’s choices. I’ll be looking at how St. Clair expands the mythology, raises the stakes, and whether Hades can keep his crown as Shadow Daddy supreme. See you soon book besties!
