A Touch of Ruin

Scarlett St. Clair

Apr 2020 · Hades x Persephone Saga Book 3 · Sourcebooks, Inc.

About this ebook

The second in the captivating Hades and Persephone series from fan-favorite bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair.

"Are you saying you wouldn't fight for me?"

Hades sighed and brushed his finger along her cheek. "Darling, I would burn this world for you."

Persephone's relationship with Hades has gone public and the resulting media storm disrupts her normal life and threatens to expose her as the Goddess of Spring. To add to her troubles, everyone seems eager to warn Persephone away from the God of the Dead by exposing his hellish past.

Things only get worse when a horrible tragedy leaves Persephone's heart in ruin and Hades refusing to help. Desperate, she takes matters into her own hands, striking bargains that lead to severe consequences. Faced with a side of Hades she never knew, and crushing loss, Persephone wonders if she can truly become Hades's queen.

Ratings and reviews

I have so many issues with this novel! Hades became this possessive drain on the book and the characters in it. He abducts Persephone several times and teleports her to the underworld. He uses sex to distract her from asking fair questions (seemingly for no reason other than plot convenience?) and withholds important information at several points in the book. Persephone keeps secrets from him, and they argue consistently in this; she also seems to want to make him jealous as a way of exacting revenge. In my opinion this does not depict a healthy relationship and borders on emotional abuse in several passages. I don't feel the conclusion was dealt with carefully or sensitively. Feeling displaced after trauma is a real issue and I don't think it was handled very well. In fact it felt as if the main character made every tragedy about herself; where Lexa's apparent sole purpose was to make Persephone a better person? It is repetitive, badly written and tone deaf. Would not recommend.

Loved it!! Was skeptical to read it due to other people's reviews but I read all 3 books in this series in 3 days and then read the 2 books from Hades point of view in the next 3 days I can not wait for her to release the next 2 books! I'm obsessed!

it could do without at least 10-15 unnecessary sex scenes, and has common book 2 romance novel tropes.

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.