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.

An interest in take on the Hades and Persephone story. I enjoyed the different perspective on the whole. However., as others have said there were some frustrating scenarios taken by characters which did make them very unlikeable. In addition, there were some slightly odd actions of other characters which didn’t quite fit with their nature in other stories. However. An enjoyable easy read.

If you are looking for a Hades and Persephone retelling that is more aligned with classical myth, this is the book for you! I’ve read so many different Hades and Persephone retellings and this one felt like coming home to one of my favorite genres.

Being able to read about Demeter’s perspective was a first for me. I enjoyed reading the complex nature of her and Persephone’s dynamic. I’m a sucker for a good romance so I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy her point of view but the author completely sold it. The book at its heart, really is about the dynamic between mother and daughter. All of the characters in this story really shine and their flaws are so well developed and defined. I also loved some of the inventive creative aspects that the author came up with to define the Underworld especially around a certain three headed dog.

The romance between Hades and Persephone was on the quiet side for me but I still enjoyed it greatly. I thought this retelling provided the most realistic romantic journey that a couple faced with their circumstances would have experienced. Overall, I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who loves Greek mythology especially mythology tales that are more aligned with the actual myths. Solid four star read for me.

Seeds by Angie Paxton

Genre: Retelling (Hades x Persephone), Romance

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Another take on the eternally famous Hades x Persephone myth, Angie Paxton narrates us a tale that starts with rejection, emptiness and the feeling of being an outcast and continues in a journey of self-discovery, empowerment and overcoming your prejudices.

I was really a fan of Kore's PoV chapters while in the Inferi, but at the same time I felt Demeter's PoV redundant and not so interesting as the young goddess' thoughts.

The romance felt a little bit strange, sometimes rushed, sometimes slow, and at the start I couldn't connect with the main characters, while Persephone's relationship with other Inferi being felt more realistic and sweet from the beginning.

In the end, it was a quick, interesting reading. If you are a fan of Hades x Persephone lore, I'll really recommend checking out Seeds.

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Rating: ★★★

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I want to thank Rising Action Publishing for the digital ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) via Netgalley. I'm not affiliated to the author, to the publishing house or any other person/agency. My review is honest and based only on my thoughts/feeling while reading the book.

Anais by The Bookish Scorpio

Seeds by Angie Paxton is an impressive debut that takes on the much loved story of Persephone and Hades . What made this book different from the other versions of the story I have encountered recently is the strong focus on the relationship between Persephone and her mother Demeter. The author really demonstrates how toxic the relationship was and how damaging that was for Persephone and while that does not always make for easy reading, it was an interesting dimension to the story that I had not seen so well developed before. The depiction of the Underworld was incredibly evocative and I felt like the exploration of the connection between Hades and his realm was really well done. I also appreciated how the author showed the evolving relationship between Persephone and Hades and had me rooting for them to succeed despite the rather rocky start. I found myself less interested in Demeter's POV chapters and felt like the pacing of the book overall was a little lacking, too slow in parts and then rushing through others giving it a rather uneven feeling over all.
I found much to enjoy in this version of a familiar tale, and I appreciated focus on character which made the mythical figures feel more human.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

(This review was taken from my Goodreads account due to the length of it)

This Hades and Persephone retelling just didn’t work for me nor wow me. There were elements that I really liked and others that either left me scratching my head at or just left me incredibly frustrated by. 😕

As always I like to start with my positives because I hate getting right out of the gate with negativity. I thought the idea of Demeter and Persephone living their live as mortals was a great start to the book. It really goes into the idea of how Persephone is different from that of all the other goddesses and provides a rather refreshing take on her character. I LOVED the depiction of the Underworld and Hades. Honestly, I think I stuck this book out simply for the way in which Paxton crafted these two and made me really love this god who has lived through so much trauma, and yet still comes out a rather decent man. I also liked the final standoff between Demeter and Persephone where past traumas of both women are brought to the forefront and how sometimes mother-daughter dynamics are messy and abusive. 🌿

But that’s really where my positives end. As much as I liked the idea that Persephone and Demeter were living out their lives as mortals, I also hated the way in which it was taken leaving Persephone as nothing more than an incredibly naive teenager who makes some of the dumbest decisions I’ve ever seen in a goddess retelling. Does it have to be perfect? No, but man did I want to just dope slap Persephone the majority of the book for just being so inexplicably annoying to me. Also, the sudden switch from “I hate Hades to ends of the earth and back for what he did to me” to suddenly “He was literally made for me by their Moirai” all within the space of say 5 pages . . . My head hurts just thinking about that whiplash of a switch. 😵‍💫

Demeter also just ground my gears to no end. For one, why is she even present in a book that is marketed as a Hades and Persephone retelling? I get that she has a HUGE role in the return of her daughter, but I thought the spotlight was supposed to be on her daughter and her growing relationship with Hades. I also really didn’t like the idea that Demeter is portrayed as this goddess who is out to replace Hera as Queen of Olympus (also, how on earth did she not realize that Hephaestus was ALIVE??) and was happily seduced by Zeus. Like what? Zeus, one of the biggest and most notorious r@pists of Greek mythology having a hold over women for his, I’m guessing “glowing” personality? It literally made no sense to me and just really made me grind my back molars into literally pain. 🤬

And the depictions of the other Olympian goddesses (even for a few pages) and Hekate? . . . . Why are Athena and Artemis frolicking in a freaking field of flowers happily picking blossoms for Aphrodite??? SERIOUSLY: the VIRGIN goddess of strategic warfare and mistress of the hunt picking flowers for the goddess that is the literal antithesis of what their maidenhood stands for? Hekate being nothing more than a jealous crone who knows all things about healing and midwifery . . . Are we talking about the same Titaness who is the goddess of magic, crossroads and literally scares people with her chthonic elements; this is the one and same goddess? MAKE THIS MAKE SENSE TO ME!!! 🤯

In general, it was a STRUGGLE to get through this. Not only were the characters just a problem for me, but the length of the book could’ve been 100 pages less because man that pacing on Persephone’s side just a slug. I think this book would’ve done so much better if it stuck to Persephone and had given a Hades a POV. I might’ve enjoyed Persephone’s ridiculousness a bit more if it had gone this route. 🙄

Before I get away and just start angrily ranting, I’m just going to end this review here. A big thank you goes out to Rising Action and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this in exchange for an honest review. I wanted to like this and made myself finish it in the hopes it got better, but I just couldn’t. 😞

Publication date: January 7

Overall: 2.5/5 ⭐️ (and these stars are primarily for Hades and the Underworld)

3.5 stars

This is a well-done Hades-Persephone retelling that sticks close to the original, but adds a Demeter POV and gives us enough depth of character work to add something new.

In this, Persephone is extremely innocent and naive for the majority of the story. Her mother has told her nothing, and has also been unkind to her. She does have some really great character growth. By the end, she claims her power and is someone to root for. Which is good, because I honestly HATED her for a couple of chapters.

I think the author probably wanted us to empathize with Demeter. But I found almost no redeeming qualities in this version of the goddess. She's selfish, and self-centered, and cruel, and vengeful. Unlike Persephone who takes the hurts done to her and can still find love and kindness, Demeter multiplies the hurts done to her. Even by the very end I'm not sure she's truly realized all she's done.

Hades was the real star of the entire book. Yes, he kidnaps Persephone, but the man just wants some light in his life. He internalizes his pain. Again, unlike Demeter, Hades remains kind and caring despite the cruelties he's experienced. I really loved his character and his journey.

(Also, if you, like me, were distraught over Artax in The Neverending Story, you're gonna want some tissues while reading).

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview. All opinions are my own.

This was an interesting Hades and Persephone retelling. Focusing primarily on the relationship between Demeter and Persephone is super unique, but I just feel like there wasn’t enough conflict between the two. I enjoyed reading each character’s arc develop, but I was a bit underwhelmed when the storyline finally converged. My favorite part of the story was the lore behind how Hades became the god of the underworld.

The relationship between Hades and Persephone was lacking in my opinion… I wish there was a bit more emotional build up rather than a sexual one, which was mentioned quite a bit. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the dialogue and felt it a bit awkward and confusing at times.

The premise was super intriguing but unfortunately I wasn’t blown away by the story or writing. Despite this, it was a decent debut, and I still enjoyed reading it. I would recommend to anyone who wants to read a different approach on the Hades and Persephone mythology.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Paxton did this book justice, I love a good hades x persephone retelling and I ate this up, licked the plate CLEAN.

SEEDS - ANGIE PAXTON

I've been reading a lot of books that feature a take on the Hades x Persephone theme lately, so it was lovely to dive back into a retelling of the original mythology around these two characters. Here's a synopsis:

Kore has lived her entire life under her resentful mother Demeter’s shadow, trying her hardest to please a woman grown bitter by betrayal. It’s no surprise that Kore is flummoxed when she meets a collection of otherworldly women who tell her that her mother is in truth a Goddess herself. Before she has time to consider this information, an imposing and stoic figure emerges from a nearby cave on a magical chariot and snatches Persephone away.

This is an excellent retelling and I think this largely comes down to the choice to focus on Persephone and Demeter's points of view. While Hades is an important character in this book and we do understand much more about him by the end, this is ultimately a feminist retelling showing how events affect each woman.

Angie Paxton's Persephone is relatable and her plight will trigger your empathy. But the title of this book is a hint. Seeds can refer to so many things: new beginnings, growth and, if you're familiar with the myth already, something very pivotal to the plot. Persephone goes on a journey to discover her own power and strength, but we also get to watch the beginnings of her relationship with Hades. It's all incredibly beautiful and romantic (and there's some spice too).

Demeter is gloriously portrayed as a true Olympian goddess, quick to anger, full of conflicting emotion and the never-ending capacity to act before thinking anything through.

I adored this book and would recommend Seeds to anyone who wants to read a thoughtful take on this increasingly popular mythical duo.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Review score: 5/5

TWs: d*ath, starvation, confinement

I had high hopes for this retelling of the Hades/Persephone tale. Unfortunately this just didn't cut it for me.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

In this retelling of the classic myth of Hades and Persephone, PAXTON explores the complicated and fraught relations between mother and daughter and the tender bonds that can form between two abused individuals.

To start, the romance between Persephone and Hades was dutifully complex. How can a hurt and broken individual learn to love another? How does the idolized, imagined version of someone compare to the real person? Can real love form between a kidnapper and his victim (in this story, yes, in real life-- not so much)? Tackling the complex web of Hades' and Persephone's perceptions and feelings revolving the kidnapping, as well as the convoluted motivations behind Hades' actions, adding depth to their love story and some amount of credibility.

Paxton stuck closely to the 'traditional' mythical Underworld, rather than some of the more modern interpretations, which added another, somewhat unexpected, layer to the story. In a similar thread, Paxton captured what life might had been like in Ancient Greek mythology-- not necessarily through historical accuracy, but the turbulence of the god's whims and humanity's fragility in the face of the unstoppable forces.

Demeter's story was also richly layered. She abused Persephone throughout her life (because of her inability to empathize with her daughter and her daughter's humanity? Because she herself had been hurt and scorned and 'hurt people, hurt people'? Because her daughter represented everything Demeter now hated about her life and was the only thing truly in her control?), and only realized she needed her daughter to know she loved her once the kidnapping had occurred.

My personal interpretation of Demeter's character was that her actions were not that of a loving mother as she continued to proclaim throughout the entire book. But the desperation of someone losing power, and an abuser unwilling to let their victim go. While some of her actions could have been truly for the sake of her daughter (<spoiler>such as petitioning Zeus for her return and physically looking for her for nine days</spoiler>), the eventual path of causing the first winter and forcing humans to worship her for more power did not feel... maternal.

But it made for an interesting interpretation.

SEEDS would be an excellent choice for fans of greek mythology retellings, who are looking for a more character-driven and emotional version. I'll warn you though, this version does not have a Hollywood Happy ending-- choices are made and it's Persephone who ends up suffering.

I've been a big fan of the Hades and Persephone myth, so when I found this book in Netgalley, I hopped on the chance to get a copy. But after reading a few chapters, I realized that this book isn't for me. I'm not entirely sure if it's the writing style or the version of the myth that this story focuses on (this story focuses on the version where Hades kidnaps Persephone and takes to his realm, where as I'm more of a fan of the version where she willingly goes to Hades' realm). So, at this time, I'm going to leave this book unfinished, and perhaps I'll come back to it at a later time. Though, if you happen to be a fan of Greek mythology, I do suggest giving this book a try.

Thank you to Netgalley, Rising Action Publishing Co, and Angie Paxton for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

2 stars.

First of all, I'd like everyone to know that I am still in my early days of venturing into historical-mythology fiction as a genre, so take what I say with a grain of salt here, because I'm trying my best to wade into a world full of different tropes than I'm used to.

That disclaimer being said, Angie Paxton's Seeds was not a great place for me to start. I'm not someone who is familiar with Greek mythology, and I think that, if you're anything like me (and just as unfamiliar with this eclectic mixture of characters), you're going to have a really difficult time navigating this book. I personally believe Seeds falls into that common pitfall that I myself often fall into as a mental health professional: failing to recognise prior learning and assuming all readers have the same base-level knowledge as you do.

I tried really hard to get into this. I pushed myself to google names, read up on history, understand what the heck was going on... and then I realised... "Oh no, I'm treating this book like a university project" and things quickly fell apart from that moment on. The story itself isn't bad, it's just lacking an awful lot of context for someone new to the Greek myth genre who has never read a Persephone retelling, and frankly, knows very little about Persephone in general.

You could hold a gun to my head right now and I couldn't tell you anything more than "isn't she the person that got kidnapped?" prior to reading this book. And I still kinda am not sure after reading it either?

It is at this point in time that I recognise I am an incredibly rare bird, sitting in an incredibly rare tree, in this incredibly rare moment. Upon reading other reviews of this book, it has been brought to my attention that apparently every person alive and their pet cat has read a Persephone retelling. May god have mercy on me, because the reading community sure won't.

Anyway, I don't think this book is bad, I just think this book is written with only big Greek myth lovers in mind. Hope y'all have fun here!

You know when a book is kind of just meant for you? That's how I felt about Paxton's debut Kore/Persophone/Demeter story. It is rare that when this story is told you get Demeter's perspective and for that reason I feel like we're all prone to disliking her. I won't say that this version made me LIKE her, but it certaintly lent her an air of empathy that I have never had towards her before and isn't that the mark of a good book? As a newish mom, I really just kind of felt for her as a mother even when I vehemently disagreed with her.

I know this is one that I will revisit later in life and I wonder what new things I will take away when I do!

4.5 stars

3.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

TW: Child abuse, animal death, starvation, forcible confinement

As anyone reading my reviews knows, I am a sucker for the story of Kore/Persephone and Hades. This tale is dually narrated by Persephone and her mother, Demeter. Although there's nothing new in terms of the storyline, most of the tales I have read focus more on Persephone and Hades' story, Demeter is often depicted merely as the strict mother who stands in her daughter's way. So I liked the focus on the mother/daughter dynamic. Dare I say that Angie Paxton was able to draw some empathy from me for Demeter?

Demeter may not have been so pleased to have a daughter but she isn't keen on her girl sticking around in the Underworld with Hades. As for Persephone, she struggles to make her own decisions as she is a chess piece for two stronger players. For this particular story, Demeter is, in my opinion, the character that commands more of our attention. Or maybe that is because I am closer to her age than Persephone's now.

This was a good debut novel. I look forward to the future books that Angie Paxton will write.


I am reading this one early as it will be archived in the next few days but those eager to get their hands on a copy will have to wait until January 7th, 2025.



#SeedsBook #Seeds #NetGalley
Expected Publication 07/01/25
Goodreads Review 07/12/24

This retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone is told in the third person, from the dual points of view of Demeter and Persephone. Unlike some other retellings I've read, this is not a dark romance, although there are a few spicy scenes.

I really enjoyed the portrayal of the complex relationship between Demeter and Kore/Persephone, as well as the more nuanced portrait of Hades.

A recommended read for fans of Madeleine Miller and Claire North.

Thank you to Netgalley and Rising Action for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Seeds is a retelling of the Persephone and Hades myth, with a bit of Beauty and the Beast mixed in. I found it to be an enjoyable read, especially since I wasn't very familiar with the original myth. However, the story feels repetitive at the start and end. I was also frustrated by Persephone’s lack of agency in choosing her fate, as her decisions seemed more about compromising between what Zeus, Demeter, and Hades wanted. If you're a fan of Greek mythology, romantasy, or retellings, I think you'll enjoy this one too.

Seeds is a retelling of the Persephone myth where instead of focusing on the relationship between the mother and daughter. It was a unique look as most retellings of this myth focus on the relationship between Hades and Persephone and unfortunately their story was the most interesting part of the book. I found it hard to sympathize with Demeter - the whole part about Hekate trying to make their relationship strained did not work for me. She blamed everyone else except herself and forced everyone to suffer as a result.

I love retellings and this one of Hades and Persephone kind of disappointed me. I wish it were a little more true to what we know in regards to mythology but that was okay. The way Persephone was portrayed made me roll my eyes and the book in general lacked depth. It was a great try by this author but just didn't work.