First off, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for approving this book for me!
I really enjoyed this title overall. I'm a huge Greek Mythology nerd and do a lot of my reading within the romantasy genre so this was right up my alley. Hades and Persephone's story is timeless, and I really enjoyed this retelling, combining some ideas from previous tellings but taking them the extra mile. For example, the idea of the "mate bond" trope and being able to communicate through the mind is very ACOTAR, and Hades calling Persephone "little goddess" is very Lore Olympus. This being said, it didn't feel like Castle copy and pasted these concepts; they worked well for the story. The story is also rich in world building. I enjoyed the complexity of the plot and the backbone it builds for the future of this series. At first, I thought it was useless to have a Hades POV since the chapters were primarily Persephone, I didn’t see a point in it. Upon reading, however, it definitely helped to be in Hades’ mind and know what he was going through. I do respect the ratio, but I am hoping the other novels to come explore Hades a little more. I do love their relationship. It is pretty classic in how they meet and slowly fall for each other, but I am not complaining because this trope works so well for this couple.
Now on to the critiques. Outside of some minor grammatical and tense errors here and there, the reason this novel is not 5 stars for me is because of how exposiston heavy it is. I get that it has to set a lot of stuff up, but it is repetitive in its description and there are some aspects that I just don't feel are needed. Because of this as well, I felt I was able to predict a lot before it happened. I love foreshadowing, but I feel this novel crossed the line and gave too much away, allowing me to know what was going to happen before it did.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. Major cliffhanger at the end so I will be acquiring the next book when it comes out, but a really nice read!

I was super interested in a retelling of Hades and Persephone. I liked all of the world building and magic involved in the story. I think part of me wasn’t prepared for the amount of spice revolved around the story. Obviously it is a romance so I was aware of that, but I think I was expecting more fantasy into the plot as well. Overall, a good book.

nextbooknextbook NEXT BOOK!!!???
I cannot wait I need to know what happens next because this was DEVINE!

I love a good Olympus and Mythos book, but lately they have all been merging into the same sort of story but A Goddess of Spring and Shadow had me absolutely hooked from the first page...🪝
This grumpy x sunshine follows Persephone escaping her mothers grip and finding refuge in Hades' underworld and navigating magic, court, adventure and romance. There were so many fun little twists from the original Hades and Persephone story and I absolutely loved and and if you are a fan of Katee Roberts Dark Olympus series then this is 100% for you in its own really unique way 😍

I need the next book...like yesterday...and I cannot wait to see more of Lena J. Castles books because I believe this is a debut novel? And ohmygosh what debut it was!

Thank you so much to Lena J Castle and Netgalley for the eARC ❤️

I received this book as an ARC.

While I typically enjoy hades and Persephone retellings, I struggled to find myself engaged with this story. I found the characters lacking and the story didn’t grip me the way I hoped it would.

I think that this book could hit the marks with some people, but unfortunately I wasn’t one of them!

I’ve been looking for a good retelling, and A Goddess of Spring and Shadow was a fun take on the Hades and Persephone myth. I always love Hades x Persephone, greek gods romance. Overall, I enjoyed it, but there were a few things that held me back from loving it completely. I also took like 4-5 days days to finish it.

The romance between Persephone and Hades felt rushed. Their insta love is not my cup of tea. I kinda expected more as if I wanted to know more about them. I don't want them to get all swoony on each other too fast. I need some kind of hook, some kind of grip.

The writing had some repetitive moment. There were also some awkward scene transitions that made it hard to follow the timeline. Overall, I gave this book 3.75 stars. I liked the idea and the mythological elements, but there were a few things that kept it from being a standout read for me. I’ll still be checking out the next book to see how the story continues or perhaps some improvement! <3

Wishes the author all the best. Lots of love from me <3

“I can feel you anywhere in my realm”

Wonderful and amazing!!! I loved every second of reading this book!!! What a ride !!! I’m a die hard fan of any possible hades and Persephone retelling. They are my all time favourite characters in the Olympus and when we there’s a chance that their story is written, I jump at it !!! And I was right !!!! I felt their passion, their romance. The evil force trying to keep them apart from one another. This book was magic, it was romance, it was spice and addiction. Hades is as obsessed as ever if not more. She came in his world to escape her mother and found solace in his darkness. But Demeter won’t let her go. Not even when she binds herself to him. From enemies to unwilling roommates to lovers. Their story is always one I wanna read about. This version was no exception. I loved the way Hades treated her. How possessive he is of her and how obsessed he is with her wellbeing and her pleasure first. I was salivating for any exchange and for any “little goddess” he gifted me !!! And after that last damn cliffhanger … I soo need more !!!!

1.5 stars

I do enjoy a good Hades x Persephone retelling, but this one missed the mark.

The way the book starts, it feels as if we are thrown in the middle of the story, with little background information, which I don’t mind as long as the information is eventually given. However, I kept asking myself many questions as the book progressed, and not many were answered. I feel that this book would benefit from having more backstory and details about Persephone’s situation before she escaped her mother.

I am probably not the only one to ask myself why Basile seemed so important to her plan. Persephone says that "he is a means to getting what I want," but does not explain… I think he’s a way for her to get out of taking the drugs her mother forces her to ingest to smother her magic, but instead of forcing herself to have bad sex with him, then pretends to take the pill and hide it in the top corner of her mouth, she could have just pretended to take it and hide it in the top corner of her mouth, without the pointless bad sex first!? Is this the first time she didn’t swallow her pill, or has she been doing this for the past six months? And if she has been doing this for the past 6 months, why wait so long before escaping?

It also seems that once she escaped, Persephone had no plan, besides finding the portal to the Underworld. She had 6 months to plan, yet she doesn’t know anything about the Underworld and seemingly has no plan besides getting away from her mother. Speaking about her mother… It was disappointing to see that her defining trait seemed to be “evil” with no real in-depth explanation. She treated Persephone like trash and had her physically abused even, she stole her powers and kept her captive, and the only explanation we get is because she was thirsty for more power and she is a bad meany Goddess. I don’t like villains that have no depth or real motivation besides hunger for power.

I can’t say I feel anything for both characters, besides annoyance and boredom.
Persephone acted and sounded like a petulant child, often using the “I am a Goddess and rank higher than you” argument to get her way, or relying on the fact that people would not kill her because of her status to do as she pleased, and it annoyed me. It made her appear like an immature main character. The worst thing is that it works! She managed to enter the Underworld and convince Hades to let her stay with that shallow argument (and of course, everyone accepted her in a matter of days, with open arms)!

Even more frustrating is the fact that mere hours after finally being free of her evil mother, she ended up being blood-tied to a stranger. But that’s okay I guess because he is hot, and he is allowing her to stay in his realm in exchange. 🙄

Honestly, Hades was not much better. Instead of coming off as a strong male lead, he is arrogant and way too controlling of what Persephone does, who she spends time with, and even what she drinks. Also, Hades apparently is not only the God of the Underworld, but he is also an executioner of criminals in the mortal realm whenever he is bored with his godly duties… Unless being judge, jury, and executioner is also part of his job description..? I just didn’t like his vibe.

The relationship building was rather abrupt, and was insta-lust, toeing the line of insta-love at times. I think I am getting too old for insta-lust. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them, and while I was told that they were lusting after each other, I can’t even say that I felt much sexual tension between them either.

On a side note, the characters were sometimes using modern expressions such as “using a rubber” instead of saying “using protection”, and it was jarring every time. It is a minor detail, but it was big enough for me to notice it and to write it down because it was just weird.

I will be honest, I skimmed the last 30%. I pushed myself to read it as far as I could, but by the time I got to the 70% mark, I just couldn't do it anymore. I didn’t care at all about the plot, the romance felt forced, and the characters annoyed me, so I just had to get done with this book as soon as possible so I could read something more enjoyable.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’m conflicted on this one. The plot was pretty standard Hades and Persephone retelling, which I will always enjoy. The faerie aspect was a little different from other retellings, though, and Hades’s death touch was new. My main issue with the plot is that the romance seemed so rushed it wasn’t really believable. I understand the idea of a mating bond and don’t hate it by any means, but there’s a layer of believability there that I didn’t see. We go from sassy grumpy couple to oh we’re mated now and it was just too abrupt for me personally. Other than that, I enjoyed the plot. I would be curious to continue the series if it weren’t for some other issues I had. There are several unanswered questions, but since this is a series, I’m not surprised.

The characters are fine and all fit in well enough with their names, but we don’t get to meet a lot of the Olympians in depth. Not so much of an issue as this is a series and they aren’t a huge factor in it yet. We get to know Hades and Persephone well enough, but I feel like there was some missed opportunity with Hecate (again though, it is a series so she may be reintroduced) and Minthe. I won’t totally write off this series based off character development because we did get good development with our main characters.

My main issue with this book was the disjointed writing. Each chapter opens in a scene we are unfamiliar with, which is fine in an occasional occurrence, but when every single chapter opens in a mystery time and date, we have no idea how much time has passed or what has transpired between chapters. There are a lot of abrupt changes that caught me off guard, and I wasn’t a big fan of that. Also the sex scenes were borderline cringy to the point I had to skim some of them. I know this is a debut novel, so there’s obviously a learning curve. I think with some refinement and a bit of work this could be a wonderful series.

I enjoyed reading this book and I could definitely see how much time and effort went into this. It was an interesting and intriguing retelling of Hades and Persephone. I must say this is my first Hade and Persephone retelling and honestly I am not very familiar with their mythology other than Hades being god of the underworld and him taking Persephone as his wife, other than that I had to do a little bit of googling but I like how this was a different take.

I thought the concept and the plot was good, especially at the start but there were parts of the plot that I would have maybe like to have been foreshadowed or hinted at sooner, such as Persephone not having a father and being born from the nexus stone.

I found the concept of hell really intriguing with the layers and I liked learning how it worked. I do think at times I would have liked a little more world building in greater detail to help me picture it better but what I would picture was good.

I thought the spicy scenes were good and were done well, although I wasn’t a fan of the dirty talk and I thought they talked a little too much during the spicy scenes but that’s just my own preference.

The interactions between Hades and Persephone were good, particularly at the start when they first met but I personally would have liked a little more of a slow burn build up to their relationship. I also felt that the fated mates was revealed too soon the book, however on reflection it does make sense for the story to learn that information sooner rather than later.

I liked the set up for found family, when Persephone was getting to know the members of the fae court who are part of Hades’ trusted circle and I am looking forward to seeing more of that in future books!

Overall, I did enjoy this book and I do think that both the series and the author have so much potential and I am looking forward to continuing with the series!

Thank You to Net Galley, Lena J. Castle and Victory editing for allowing me an early copy in exchange for an honest review☺️

I thought the premise of the book sounded intriguing and I was excited to read but sadly it fell a little flat for me. It began a little slow paced and picked up in the last 20%, I just found the first 80% was basically spice which I didn't expect? I felt if we removed some spice scenes and replaced that with world building or a little character background I would've bonded with the characters better instead of just constant spice.

Overall it was easy enough to read and I finished it within a day, the constant spice and having to read 80% of the book to get some actual plot just wasn't for me sadly.

First off thank you to Net Galley and Victory Editing for the opportunity to read this book.

I made it 35% in and had to put it down, unfortunately.
I loved the idea of the premise but the delivery fell short. We start off being dropped right into Persephone in an intimate moment in which she has no interest in being in claiming it was just a stepping stone to get what she needs to get, and from there, the story-line just continues to be choppy with no explanations or build as to why things are how they are. For the first 30% I was thinking ok we had one "flashback" in the form of a dream which explained the very minimal amount about how and why Persephone was put in the position she was so maybe we will get more and it will start making sense but we still have not received anything else. Then after all that and the random lustful thoughts our MMCs have towards each other without any basis, we find out what Hades does to relieve stress and that is where I had to just say enough is enough this is not a story I will be continuing.

My review will be posted on GoodReads. It is available to read now. I will also be posting a review on my Instagram. The review on Instagram will be posted on Sunday, November 3rd.

Lena J. Castle writes a beautiful retelling of the classic Greek Mythology story of Hades and Persephone. The slow-burn, enemies to lovers romance was set to a nice pace where any reader could easily follow along.

The world building at times could be a little bit too fast paced where I did have to reread a couple sections to make sure I didn’t miss any details.

The multiple POV between Hades and Persephone that Castle set up added a nice flow to the story. There was no interruption to the plot as the POV switched back and forth, but more so a continuation which I thoroughly enjoyed basically not reading the same event twice. I love how Castle made Persephone in to this strong FMC with a morally grey and supporting MMC of Hades.

The spicy scenes were also done so tastefully that I didn’t feel awkward reading it. It was not over the top and overly dramatized, but a more real expectation.

And let’s not forget, the cliffhanger is immaculate, leaving me wanting the second book out at this instant!

Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone!

Thank you NetGalley/Victory Editing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

So I was a little sceptical about reading this as I normally don’t like retelling but I am so glad I did. I loved the characters they really drew me in, the world building really helped you imagine you were there. This is definietly one for the spice girlies. Overall I would really recommend this book, in fact have plans to gist it to my book girlies for Christmas

This is a classic Hades and Persephone re-telling, sadly without much of the depth and worldbuilding as a lot of other versions of this classic tale. It was insanely fast paced, super readable, and perfect if you want something to not put a lot of effort and brain space into reading!

The most interesting part of this world is what drives Persephone to the Underworld- her mother Demeter's madness and deception. She's locked Persephone up, kept her magic bound away, and not let her out of the house. Finally, Persephone has had enough and makes her grand escape, except the Underworld accepts her so easily---hmmmmmmm

Thank you so much to NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first time reading a Hades & Persephone retelling, and overall I enjoyed it. I'm genuinely curious to see where their story leads.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for the world building, mixing up gods, fae, different worlds is really cool. The describing off it really allowed me to be immersed perfectly without it being too much.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ love a fated mate story even with a "twist". I'm not mad about their personalities, it all makes sens in a way (he's jealous, obviously she's his mate, she's reckless well yeah that happens when you're a captive in survival mode)

⭐⭐⭐ their relationship went on a bit too quick, even for "mates" but that's just the romantic in me complaining

⭐⭐⭐ there was a lot of dissonance, she would be standing with her arms crossed and all of a sudden she's wrangling her hands under the desk, it happened quite a lot and would throw me off

If you love myth-inspired fantasy with slow-burn romance, A Goddess of Spring and Shadows will sweep you away! Lena J. Castle reimagines the Persephone myth with a fresh twist, following Althea, a reluctant goddess navigating ancient rivalries, blooming powers, and a dangerously charming figure from the Underworld.

Castle’s atmospheric writing pulls you through vibrant landscapes and shadowy realms, with a romance that builds oh-so-deliciously slowly. The side characters—sassy fae and mysterious immortals—add charm and intrigue, while the emotional beats hit hard, balancing magic with heart.

Verdict: This enchanting blend of fantasy, romance, and myth will leave you craving more—and maybe planning your own trip to the Underworld. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was an interesting retelling of Hades and Persephone.

I’m rating the story three stars because there were a couple different storylines that I feel like weren’t fleshed out all the way. The beginning of the book pulled me in immediately, but then sort of left me hanging. Who was the guy in the beginning? How is he important and what “means to an end” does he provide? Her ticket away from her mom?

I also found the storyline that Demeter (her mother) is evil, drugging her, & siphoning off her magic interesting. It pulled me in enough that I’m interested in knowing where it goes.

Hades does get on my nerves a bit. He’s the god of the underworld, but occasionally seemed kind of whiney and not at all like a BA god. He has a lot of friends too - which is interesting seeing that he’s the god of the underworld.

Overall, the writing was really well done. It just needs to be fleshed out a bit more.

Thank you Midnight Castle/NetGalley for a chance to read this ARC!

Ugh I love Hades & Persephone retellings, but this one did not do it for me at all😩 what a bummer.

- I felt nothing for any of the characters; didn’t love them, didn’t hate them, just… nothing.

- I just can’t do insta-lust anymore, guys. I’m old!!! I need more of an emotional connection between characters.

- this book starts with one of my least favorite things you can find in a romance novel, and that’s one of the main characters having sex with someone other than the other MCs. Call me old-fashioned, whatever, I just don’t enjoy it; however I can absolutely look past it depending on the rest of the book! But I genuinely just didn’t really understand the scene & what it contributed to the plot. She says she’s using Basile as a means to an end but.. what end? It did nothing. I don’t know, starting with that immediately made me wary of what was to come (lmao).

- I never want to read the word “Gods” (used as an exclamation) like ever again in a fantasy novel🫶

I wish I liked this one more but alas!

Unfortunately this was a miss for me.
I love Greek myths and the Hades/Persephone story is one of my favourites, however I found this retelling lacking.

For me I found Persephone to be a weak fmc which was so disappointing because she started off with an escape, murder and major badass potential. Sure she's sassy and initially has an attitude toward the God of the Underworld but the further we venture into the story the more and more she regresses into an impulsive damsel in distress.

I was confused by Bastiles significance. I understand he abused his position as guard by taking advantage of Persephone through a dubcon encounter to allow her to get to the library... but she doesn't go to the library, she just kills him and escapes? It feels odd to go into so much detail for a character that is completely irrelevant to the story. I was expecting him to pop up in the Underworld but nope!

I definitely preferred Hades as a character over Persephone but for a God he was a pushover. He rapidly went from 'you can't stay here' to 'you can't leave here' and 'we can't be together' to 'we can't be apart' in what seemed to be the turn of a page. The relationship development was odd.

The pacing of the story was difficult to follow and certain plot points felt disjointed at times for example-I still have no idea why they went to Faerie or what they achieved? They travelled, Persephone got sick, they went to a tavern, danced and then she was back in the library?

The story ends on what I think is supposed to be a cliffhanger but I don't think enough urgency was built for it to really feel like that at all. Why is it that Hades and Persephone seem to be the only divine that at all care that the titans will be released?

This book definitely has potential, the nexus stone is an interesting concept and I love that Persephone is born of the stone creating that connection to it. A lot of good ideas just the execution of them that didn't do it for me.

Omg this book was so good!! The ending- I need book 2 now!!

I'm not one for typically smutty books, and honestly did skip a lot of those scenes, but there was so much plot, romance and intrigue that it didn't take away from the book. I am obsessed with this and cannot wait to see what happens next! New auto-buy author for sure!