Member Review
Review by
RoXXie S, Reviewer
5-Star Review of Seeds by Angie Paxton
Angie Paxton‘s Seeds is a stunning recreation of the myth of Persephone and Hades, which has enthralled audiences for generations. Paxton‘s lyrical prose transports you to a universe where gods are more than just great beings; they are flawed, very human characters dealing with the scars of betrayal, rejection, and longing. This novel stands out not only for its gorgeous setting in Mycenaean Greece, but also for its daring choice to portray the story primarily through the eyes of Persephone and her mother, Demeter. While I wished for deeper insight into Hades‘ perspective, the richness and complexity of the two female characters more than made up for it.
Seeds ♦ Angie Paxton — A Review
Opinion
Complex and Flawed Characters
One of Seeds‘ best features are its characters, notably the three key figures—Persephone, Demeter, and Hades. Paxton‘s decision to focus on Persephone and Demeter allows readers to delve into the novel’s strained and intensely emotional mother-daughter relationship.
Demeter, as depicted here, is a revelation. She is a cynical, spiteful, and wounded goddess who has been wronged, particularly by her sister Hera and her husband Zeus. Paxton doesn’t shy away from depicting Demeter as both a victim and an antagonist. While her pain and cynicism are reasonable given her history, her treatment of Persephone (who she also refers to as Kore) cannot be excused. Persephone‘s mental and physical maltreatment at the hands of her mother—raised in ignorance of her divine origins and made to feel useless and unwanted—paints a sorrowful image of a daughter yearning for love but being denied it due to bitterness and fear.
Hekate, a secondary yet crucial figure, lends depth to Demeter‘s character. It is argued that Hekate‘s influence increased Demeter‘s domineering and harmful conduct toward Persephone, making their relationship even more complex. However, there is an irrefutable darkness within Demeter that causes her to withdraw affection from her own child. Her inner depth is what makes her such an intriguing character.
Persephone‘s transformation from a shattered and solitary girl to a woman discovering her strength and identity is at the center of this tale. Her initial helplessness and deep-seated self-doubt, caused by years of trauma, are both familiar and devastating. However, her stay in the underworld with Hades represents the turning point in her narrative. Though initially terrifying, Hades is the first to perceive Persephone as capable of greatness, rather than weak or unneeded. Their encounters, especially when he encourages her to pursue her own interests, such as horseback riding and archery, are among the most riveting in the story.
The story of Persephone and Hades is a masterwork in slow-burn narrative. While the tale is written through Persephone‘s eyes, Paxton‘s language allows Hades‘ quiet vulnerability to seep through. His seclusion and pain, like Persephone‘s, foster a connection that feels both inevitable and beautifully poignant. Hades is portrayed as a very lonely god who, like Persephone, has been abandoned and dismissed by those who should have cared for him. This common sense of abandonment makes their eventual relationships all the more meaningful.
Themes of Identity and Forgiveness
At its core, Seeds is a story about identity, self-worth, and the complicated relationship between parents and children. Persephone‘s journey is about more than simply finding love; it’s about discovering herself outside of her mother’s shadow. Her eventual revelation that she does not require Demeter‘s approval to be entire is a watershed moment of empowerment.
The work also addresses the serious issue of forgiveness, particularly the cultural expectation that children forgive their parents’ transgressions. Paxton does not provide easy solutions here. While Persephone comes to comprehend the source of Demeter‘s anguish, she also knows that this does not excuse the harm done to her. This blend of empathy and accountability is one of the book’s most notable strengths.
A Few Missing Pieces
If there was one component of Seeds that made me want more, it was Hades‘ perspective. While his character is well-drawn through Persephone‘s eyes, more chapters from his point of view could have provided more depth to his feelings and motivations. As a complicated character like Demeter or Persephone, he merits equal narrative weight. Nonetheless, its absence does not reduce the overall effect of the story.
A Modern Myth Reimagined
Paxton‘s ability to rework a well-known story while still tackling contemporary issues of agency, pain, and healing is nothing short of astounding. Her work is both poetic and solid, brilliantly capturing the contrast between the bright, sunlit world of Demeter‘s domain and the shadowy, eerie beauty of the underworld.
Conclusion
Seeds is a must-read for lovers of mythological retellings, as it not only reinvents, but also adds emotional depth to the Persephone and Hades narrative. This book is a triumph, thanks to its vividly portrayed characters, slow-burn romance, and investigation of family tension. January 7th, 2025, cannot arrive soon enough for those who have yet to witness its magic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Angie Paxton‘s Seeds is a stunning recreation of the myth of Persephone and Hades, which has enthralled audiences for generations. Paxton‘s lyrical prose transports you to a universe where gods are more than just great beings; they are flawed, very human characters dealing with the scars of betrayal, rejection, and longing. This novel stands out not only for its gorgeous setting in Mycenaean Greece, but also for its daring choice to portray the story primarily through the eyes of Persephone and her mother, Demeter. While I wished for deeper insight into Hades‘ perspective, the richness and complexity of the two female characters more than made up for it.
Seeds ♦ Angie Paxton — A Review
Opinion
Complex and Flawed Characters
One of Seeds‘ best features are its characters, notably the three key figures—Persephone, Demeter, and Hades. Paxton‘s decision to focus on Persephone and Demeter allows readers to delve into the novel’s strained and intensely emotional mother-daughter relationship.
Demeter, as depicted here, is a revelation. She is a cynical, spiteful, and wounded goddess who has been wronged, particularly by her sister Hera and her husband Zeus. Paxton doesn’t shy away from depicting Demeter as both a victim and an antagonist. While her pain and cynicism are reasonable given her history, her treatment of Persephone (who she also refers to as Kore) cannot be excused. Persephone‘s mental and physical maltreatment at the hands of her mother—raised in ignorance of her divine origins and made to feel useless and unwanted—paints a sorrowful image of a daughter yearning for love but being denied it due to bitterness and fear.
Hekate, a secondary yet crucial figure, lends depth to Demeter‘s character. It is argued that Hekate‘s influence increased Demeter‘s domineering and harmful conduct toward Persephone, making their relationship even more complex. However, there is an irrefutable darkness within Demeter that causes her to withdraw affection from her own child. Her inner depth is what makes her such an intriguing character.
Persephone‘s transformation from a shattered and solitary girl to a woman discovering her strength and identity is at the center of this tale. Her initial helplessness and deep-seated self-doubt, caused by years of trauma, are both familiar and devastating. However, her stay in the underworld with Hades represents the turning point in her narrative. Though initially terrifying, Hades is the first to perceive Persephone as capable of greatness, rather than weak or unneeded. Their encounters, especially when he encourages her to pursue her own interests, such as horseback riding and archery, are among the most riveting in the story.
The story of Persephone and Hades is a masterwork in slow-burn narrative. While the tale is written through Persephone‘s eyes, Paxton‘s language allows Hades‘ quiet vulnerability to seep through. His seclusion and pain, like Persephone‘s, foster a connection that feels both inevitable and beautifully poignant. Hades is portrayed as a very lonely god who, like Persephone, has been abandoned and dismissed by those who should have cared for him. This common sense of abandonment makes their eventual relationships all the more meaningful.
Themes of Identity and Forgiveness
At its core, Seeds is a story about identity, self-worth, and the complicated relationship between parents and children. Persephone‘s journey is about more than simply finding love; it’s about discovering herself outside of her mother’s shadow. Her eventual revelation that she does not require Demeter‘s approval to be entire is a watershed moment of empowerment.
The work also addresses the serious issue of forgiveness, particularly the cultural expectation that children forgive their parents’ transgressions. Paxton does not provide easy solutions here. While Persephone comes to comprehend the source of Demeter‘s anguish, she also knows that this does not excuse the harm done to her. This blend of empathy and accountability is one of the book’s most notable strengths.
A Few Missing Pieces
If there was one component of Seeds that made me want more, it was Hades‘ perspective. While his character is well-drawn through Persephone‘s eyes, more chapters from his point of view could have provided more depth to his feelings and motivations. As a complicated character like Demeter or Persephone, he merits equal narrative weight. Nonetheless, its absence does not reduce the overall effect of the story.
A Modern Myth Reimagined
Paxton‘s ability to rework a well-known story while still tackling contemporary issues of agency, pain, and healing is nothing short of astounding. Her work is both poetic and solid, brilliantly capturing the contrast between the bright, sunlit world of Demeter‘s domain and the shadowy, eerie beauty of the underworld.
Conclusion
Seeds is a must-read for lovers of mythological retellings, as it not only reinvents, but also adds emotional depth to the Persephone and Hades narrative. This book is a triumph, thanks to its vividly portrayed characters, slow-burn romance, and investigation of family tension. January 7th, 2025, cannot arrive soon enough for those who have yet to witness its magic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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