Drag Me Up

this was such a good hades and persophone retelling. the characters were great. the plot progress was amazing. smut was fantastic. i loved the representation and the vibes. r.m. virtues created a fantastic atmosphere. the romance did feel slightly insta-lovely to me and i personally don't like carnival aspects in books and this one has a slightly focus on that. besides those aspects this book was absolutely amazing for me. 

You might have noticed that I tagged this read adult contemporary and adult fantasy as well as adult mystical— Let me explain. This is my second R.M. Virtues read. The first one was absolutely a contemporary. This book could very well be a re-imagining of Persephone and Hades in a contemporary setting but the vibes throughout the book were very much Adult Fantasy and Mystical. Make that what you will...

The writing was spectacular. The world building, on point. The character development, on point. The plot, the mood and the flow, on point. You get a little bit of everything in this re-imagined Persephone and Hades story where it gives those Sin City (the movie) vibes. This world is filled with mystery and intrigue and full of secrets.

The writing is lyrical and moving. Every word had a purpose. The level of acceptance and care behind certain revelations and scenes were magical to experience. There were so many intricate details of all things Greek mythology interwoven into this story. It was impressive to say the least.

Hades' ability to love whole heartedly stopped me in my tracks every time. It wasn't just with Persephone. It was the softness he exhibited with his family members. His ability to trust them and encourage them with kindness and love. The loyalty he showed them and they in return. The partnerships he built based on respect and acknowledgement. Showing Persephone with every action he took that he saw a partner in her based-on equality and not transaction. There were so many moments. So many moments of depth that you wouldn't think should exist in this read.

It's been weeks since reading this book and it continues to sit with me and I with it. Do not sleep on this author.