Hades and Persephone in a modern setting. This has a lot of "Lore of Olympus" vibes, or Neon Gods. There is a lot of spice and I enjoyed it. Shame on me for not reading the summary, because based on the cover I expected more of a fantasy setting than an urban one.

I didn’t realise this was an erotica novel based off the blurb so I was very surprised when I read further into the story. Unfortunately this is not what I was looking for and did not enjoy this very much. I do love how the story mixed in traditional Greek gods and how they are assimilated into the modern world. And that was all I enjoyed.

I do love a retelling of Greek mythology and this one focuses on Persephone and Hades so I was excited to read this but there is nothing to the plot but sex. The potential was that Hades couldn’t tell Persephone what their prophecy entails which hindered their relationship but there was zero development to that plot? I was waiting for more exciting things to unfold but I was quite disappointed.

Thank you Netgalley and Rose & Star Publishing for the arc.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book and was very excited to read it. Who can resist a Hades and Persephone retelling?? Not me, that's for sure. I love a dual POV romance, so I was very excited about that, and I was interested in the modern setting for the story, and how the gods and goddesses were assimilating to the modern world and occupying themselves (Athena cracked me up). I was also very interested in the snippets we caught on the side of Melinoe and Helios and can see that being a fun story in the series down the line.

However, the dynamic between Hades and Persephone didn't seem to flow really well for me. The pace of the story threw me off and I think the extended mental barriers that Hades and Persephone put up to keep themselves apart took up too much time in the book and kind of slowed everything down. I would have been more interested in reading more at the beginning of the book about Hades learning the prophecy, Persephone's relationship with Demeter and her experience growing up, their true forms -- just more of that background and world-building to have a better understanding of where each character was coming from and what their motivations and reservations were. I think it would have strengthened the emotional tension while they were dancing around their chemistry and would have made the extended miscommunication trope a bit more understandable. As is, it just felt like a lot of different details thrown into the mix after 70% of the book, but without enough details and support to ground the reader and keep them invested.

4.5 ⭐️

I DEVOURED this book. I started reading it and when I’d have to put it down to fall asleep, I wouldn’t stop thinking about it!

The slow-ish burn was top tier, the spice - sooooo good, and when there was no spice, the plot was intriguing enough!

There were some parts I felt like were rushed (or could have been worded differently to provide more explanation), such as Jackson/Hermes threatening her with her mom - I want more explanation on that (maybe we’ll get more background on that in book 2) & Hades’ decision to solidify the bond, so to speak. I get it was the only thing he could do to keep her, but part of me felt a teensy unsatisfied with how quick he did that when he’s been fighting the urge the entire book.

Can’t wait for book 2 & I hope Melinoë makes an appearance again!

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me a digital copy of this book!

First, a thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

The Maiden & the Unseen is filled with endless drama, angst, and sexual tension, just like all modern Greek romance retellings tend to be. This is an intriguing Hades and Persephone retelling by co-authors, Alexis Rune and Jeanette Rose, and fans of the aforementioned gods and erotic romance are sure to enjoy.

However, this story felt a little too forced and the romance is filled with issues thanks to an overuse of the miscommunication trope leading to the characters dodging around attempts at honestly connecting in a way that felt natural. The erotic scenes were well written and the concept of gods secretly living among us in the modern world was a fun premise, but sadly the conflict to the romance via the miscommunication trope made this title fall a little flat.

Well well well!

Hades and Persephone are like my favourite characters of Olympus! I love their re tellings!

This one has me a little bit conflicted because most of the book it’s about both of them not fully accepting their bond, because Persephone is hiding behind the person who she’s casually dating so she doesn’t fully commit to Hades.

And Hades is hiding a lot of secrets that don’t let him fully open to Persephone so their relationship is like continuously on hold hence the plot feels kinda thin a times!

And then the book ends in a major cliffhanger that I will not name but come on! there’s no date or news about book 2 yet, so I’m kind of like all right then I need to know!

PS: this book has lots of sexy scenes so be sure you love smut because you’ll get it!

How many Hades and Persephone retellings will I read this year? The limit does not exist. This was a very fun one with a very interesting world and the spice level was extremely hot, like ghost pepper levels. I didn't love the ending as it cut off too fast but I'm sure this will end up being a trilogy which will resolve that.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

4 stars 1 spice

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I am a fan of Hades and Persephone and fated mates so i gave this a try!!! I enjoyed every single thing about this except the miscommunication. It was the most annoying thing ever.

However, I enjoyed them pining for each other. I thought this was a standalone because I went in blind but the last sentence. OMG. WTF. LIKE i had to visit author’s goodreads and IG just to check when the next book will be available but got disappointed because there is still no update about it. THIS BOOK LEFT ME HANGING!!! I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED SO SO BAD

Perfect book if you're just looking for some spice.
I had hoped that the characters would have more authentic greek gods characteristic but mostly they're just contemporary characters with their names.

This book is filled with drama, angst, and sexual tension like you wouldn't believe. It was emotional chaos, and I loved it. The Maiden and the Unseen is a dazzling Hades and Persephone retelling by co-authors, Alexis Rune and Jeanette Rose, and it's what dreams are made of. I'm a big fan of all sorts of mythology, and the Hades and Persephone myth is my absolute favorite. Alexis and Jeanette have written one of my dreams, set in modern times where the Greek gods secretly exist.


All the usual characters are represented as themselves, Hades, Persephone, Melinoë, Zeus, Posiden, Helios, and more. Hades is Hades, God of the Underworld, and a banker. Persephone is the goddess of spring and a social media manager, and Melinoë is the goddess of nightmares and also the IT director, which in a way makes total sense, and so on.


The gods are a mess, and I delighted in lit. They are everything I expected while being like nothing I expected. Hades is the middle child and a mediator between his brothers. He's calm, responsible, and reasonable except when Persephone gets under his skin, then Hades is brooding, obsessive, possessive, and a touch sensitive but the god is still tall, dark, and sexy. While Persephone is very sheltered, try to break free from her controlling mother. She has a go-getting attitude. The goddess of spring has an edge.


Both Hades and Persephone drove me crazy, the two are a mess of emotions. There is this strong attraction, and they come together in fiery passion, but when it comes to the actual relationship part, they are clueless, causing each other grief for unknown reasons. They were torturing each other but after they're together it's everything, if still problematic. The flirtation game is strong with sexting, dating apps, club hook-ups, and steamy make-outs before they started giving me third-degree burns. It was hot.


There were a lot of other cool aspects, I love little extras in books. This one had texting, emails, memos, and more. Then, there are the supernatural aspects that got a unique twist. There is a prophecy and a curse, fate toying with the characters, mentioning of different realms, as well as other things that I feel need to be a surprise, they sure were to me.


The Maiden and the Unseen was truly a glorious read, with fabulous characters and a compelling storyline, just the right amount of sex appeal, and Greek mythology, with its own unique twists. My love for this book knows no bounds. The story ended in a very chaotic cliffhanger that has me dying for the next book because I'm already addicted to this series.

**I received The Maiden & The Unseen as an arc through NetGalley**
I am a sucker for Hades x Persephone retellings and The Maiden & The Unseen did NOT disappoint. I loved the dynamic between Hades and Persephone and I had a hard time putting the book down. I appreciated all the nods towards Greek mythology while also adding good twists and new content to the original myth. This book does leave us on a rather big cliff hanger but that means we get a 2nd book, which I am stoked about. If you enjoy Greek mythology / retellings, I recommend The Maiden & The Unseen!!

Overall: 9/10
Spice rating: 4/5

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for my review.

This book is 4.5 stars to me more than just 4 stars. I was absolutely enthralled with this book. I loved the characters. The spice was great. But I want more!! I am hoping there will be a second book because it can not end like that!!

When I saw this was a retelling of Hades and Persephone I was super excited to start this book…. But for me it just didn’t hit the spot.

I got a third of the way through and seriously considered not finishing, but I ploughed my way through and completed it. It was middle of the road for me

I’m not a big fan of spice books, so for other it may be more enjoyable
It ended on a big cliffhanger but I wouldn’t go out of my way to read the second book

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read

I’ll just start out with the thing that made this such a low star rating for me- miscommunication. Ugh! This is the worst trope. The spice was great. The premise was so promising. But the fact that the author added unnecessary drama to the plot through miscommunication made it a dnf for me:

This book was amazing. Slow burn start in a way, but also very intense. The smut was just the right amount I feel for a fated mates type book. The ending left me wanting more and I will probably never be able to sleep peacefully until I know. Overall, this book was wonderful and I hope there is more to this story.

This review is based on the copy I received through NetGalley.

4 stars

This is definitely the spiciest Hades and Persephone read to date. There is lots and lots of spice which I devoured. I also enjoyed the banter and relationship of the 2 main characters. Looking forward to the sequel.

Greek mythology, gods and fate.

Hades, god of the dead, wealth, biting his tongue, middle siblings, listening to other gods bitch......really, the list goes on. Since Zeus has allowed gods off the mountain and into the mortal realm, Hades has been providing the gods with money and making sure they follow the rules.

Persephone, goddess of spring has finally escaped her mother and is in the mortal realm. Unlike any other god or goddess she has a job and a life, or what she can keep secret from her mother. Until her money runs out.

In this story both Hades and Persephone will try to avoid Fate and understand if their attraction to each other is real or destiny. This is a wonderful read that considers the characters and the challenges they face coming to grips with their futures. I would rate this a 4.5. The spice was fantastic and some of the best I have read in a long time. However, be warned, this ends on a cliffhanger and you will not be able to wait for the next in the series. Please let it be soon!

This was an engaging mythology retelling set in modern times. The romance was very spicy with very little plot development which isn't bad if you're looking for that, but I would have liked to have more questions answered about her mother and the conflict there (I assume there is another book which will explain these mysteries). I liked how Persephone and Hades were represented in this book compared with other retellings I've read which was probably my favourite part of the book.

This was a NetGalley read.

This one wasn't for me. However, if you liked A Touch of Darkness you should definitely check out The Maiden & The Unseen.

I guess I don't like Greek gods chilling in the modern day. It's hard for me to believe ancient beings would be so.....millennial. I have trouble taking it seriously. Like, the God of the Underworld should not be making pop culture references to Harry Potter (especially when JK totally stole the idea for Fluffy from his pet).

The book has a lot of spice that incorporates supernatural elements.
Personally, I don't find that sexy, but I won't yuck your yums. The writing in the sex scenes was kind of flowery in a classic romance novel way (think Fabio). Jack was a totally unnecessary character in my opinion. Cheating ain't cute, and i wasn't rooting for it. But the worst offender was this Persephone POV: "His misogynistic words did nothing to dampen my need. Did they heighten it?" I stg I almost one-starred for that alone.

My main issue was with the writing style, which I found fanfiction-y (like describing outfits in specific detail). It was also very repetitive--whether that was a word repeated twice in a sentence (it just doesn't sound right to me!), or the same idea being reiterated over and over. But even though this wasn't my jam, I wasn't bored reading it, so I'll give it 2 stars.

Thank you to Rose & Rune (cool duo name btw) and NetGalley for the ARC.

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC of this book for my honest opinion

This is a modern-day Hades and Persephone retelling. Hades is the boss of the gods' money and Persephone meets him one day because he has taken all her hard earned money because of a mix up…or was it a mix up or just fate being themselves.

I LOVE retellings so much and any that are about Greek mythology are the best, so when I saw this book on netgalley I had to read it.

If you love a good retelling, with enemies to lovers, fated mates and a lot of spice then this is a book you should read.

I thought the characters were likable and I could relate to Persephone. She is a strong goddess who knows what she wants and gets it. Hades is Bossy and demanding but I think of the God of Hell to be like that. The characters did have a few flaws that I wish we didn’t have to read about because it became a little repetitive but overall, I really enjoyed them.

I thought the plot was good for being the first book, I do think that there should be a few changes like take out all the back and forth that is in the book for no reason but other than that I found this book to be fast-paced and an easy read.

I thought the writing was great and easy to follow the plot. What I didn’t like was the cliffhanger at the end of the book, like how are you going to do that to me. I need to know what other obstacles they will have to face together now. I just hope that the second book comes out soon because I need more tension and banter from those two characters.

I want to thank NetGalley and Rose & Star Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book