A Touch of Malice

Scarlett St. Clair

Aug 2021 · Hades x Persephone Saga Book 5 · Sourcebooks, Inc.

About this ebook

The next installment in the Hades and Persephone story from bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair. Discover the world of New Athens and the Greek gods in a series that readers are calling "hopelessly addictive."

"I am not sure who you think I am," she said. "But let me be clear—I am Persephone, future Queen of the Underworld, Lady of Your Fate—may you come to dread my presence."

Persephone and Hades are engaged. In retaliation, Demeter summons a snowstorm that cripples New Greece, and refuses to lift the blizzard unless her daughter calls off her engagement. When the Olympians intervene, Persephone finds her future in the hands of ancient gods, and they are divided. Do they allow Persephone to marry Hades and go to war with Demeter, or prohibit their union and take up arms against the God of the Dead?

Nothing is certain but the promise of war.

Ratings and reviews

Hades' constant jealousy and paranoia and possessiveness were uncomfortable to read. He literally abducts her in several chapters, 'teleporting' her to the underworld and stifles her powers with his own. Then allegedly 'lets' her use her powers in other parts of the book... The relationship isn't healthy and borders on abusive when at the same time, she's seeking revenge on his past misdeeds. She uses what she wears in several chapters to make him jealous - sex is used as a weapon by both parties as he also starts to seduce her to distract her from having to answer her questions... why? Apollo would have merited more exploration - his releasing her from the bargain felt like a complete 180 and to be told the reason for his behaviour felt too easy and an over simplification. Lexa's storyline was the stronger part of the novel. But it was very convoluted. I also felt it made light of suicide and this completely unimpressed me. Generally the writing was clunky and riddled with typos.

While normally I enjoy detailed sex scenes and get annoyed when authors skip over them, after awhile they became too repetitive in this book. 90% of the time Hades and Persephone are together, they are jumping each other's bones. I never thought I'd say this about a book, but a little more dialog would have been nice.

this series has kept me on my seat the whole time! if not for the spicy scenes, but the plot, the detail, the love between persephone and hades. I have found my most favorite story line, I will Read this over and over again. I cannot wait to see what the next book has to offer!!

About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation and the author of the Hades X Persephone series, the Hades Saga, the Adrian X Isolde series, fairytale retellings, and When Stars Come Out.She has a master’s degree in library science and information studies and a bachelor’s in English writing. She is obsessed with Greek mythology, murder mysteries, and the afterlife. For information on books, tour dates, and content, please visit scarlettstclair.com.