A Touch of Malice (Hades x Persephone Saga, 5)

Another Tandem read done and I am living for it! I read these individually, but there is something about reading them chronologically chapter by chapter that really makes the story come to life! Both Hades and Persephone are trying to navigate their new relationship. They love each other and would do anything for the other one, but sometimes their communication sucks! Of course we could blame this on Hades being a billion, million years old and being set in his single ways, or we could blame the fact that Persephone is new to everything, especially relationships, and doesn’t know how to trust because her mother is a narcissist.When Hades’ old lover is returned to the land of the living, and continues to put Persephone and Hades in situations that pushes the boundaries of their trust, there is only 1 person who could be behind it. However getting into it with this Divine, will mean war. With the fates testing them, mortals being killed, Demigods going psycho, and Gods and Goddess contracts and favors, do they want to start a war that will uproot the upper and under world as they know it?

This one was full of sex, violence, mystery, and passion. The growth of Persephone's powers, the world shattering revelations, the trauma of the past drove this addition to the series to new heights. The love of these two MCs I'd unmatched, albeit somewhat problematic. I love that Persephone has found her strength and her power, letting go of her own past. It is lovely. As always, I am eager to see Hades POV though we did receive a small snip toward the end. St. Clair is a master of mythology and I have enjoyed this series immensely.

I have been reading/listening to the entire series and I am obsessed with Scarlett’s take on Hades x Persephone. She is a brilliant author and I can’t wait to read more work from her.-Ari

Both of my book were in good condition. No bents or tears or water damage.

This installment showed lots of action and also saw side character growth which was really enjoyable. We get to see Persephone really really come into her own as well and learn to shine.

This had the potential to become the best book of the series, and yet...On unfulfilled potential:Main character has the means to publish and expose information and control the narrative and she does not-a-thing about it, completely ignoring this resource/weapon. Every time there is a burning truth that needs to be exposed and is twisted by the media and she does not react, it feels like she lost a couple of IQ points. Where is the Advocate?Plot holes and inconsistencies galore. There are so many ways in which power can be wielded that are not explored. Glaring opportunities that are not taken, and even contradictions between what is and what is not possible.Opportunities for strategic dialogue that are substituted with impetuous, petulant rebukes at the worst possible time, from a character that often responds as an ornery, overindulged child. Since Persephone has learned so much since coming to the mortal realm, she should be able to know when to shut up and when to be diplomatic, and when to ask questions and listen further in order to find the best angle to act. This character could have been developed further.There is an existential and philosophical teaser of an interesting conversation at a very informal and simple level that never happens. There are short, loose phrases that are provocative to think about power and human nature and even religion, and these snippets go nowhere. There is so much interesting stuff that could be woven into the story (without detracting from the story), but it remains just a distant reference.There are two extremely interesting plot lines - one along the human realm, including political intrigue and scheming that gets rushed through, and there is another one along the realm of the gods that could also be explored further. There is little space in the book for this as there is a ton of smut for it to contend with.On the smut:I caught myself rolling my eyes at it as it feels like the smut is taking such a huge chunk of the book and completely eating into the space of the plot and character interaction. In fact, the excessive smut slows the pace of the book, and could make it boring for some. Without the smut the plot is fast paced. After a while I just skipped the smut because it was just too much. For those of you who are looking for erotica and the plot is really not important, then yes, this is it. Now, if you want a paranormal romance where steamy scenes are part of telling the story, and the romance of a couple takes center stage along an interesting plot - with obstacles and challenges, etc, then this book may prove frustrating, unless you skip over some of the smut (like I did).Essentially, in my opinion, it's a good book that could have been truly great, if more effort had been put into the plot rather than into the smut. There is a gold mine of opportunity right beneath the surface of what has been written so far. It's a great magical world, with interesting characters and compelling plot-lines. I will be reading the next installment and look forward to it. I am hoping the main character will have evolved a little more, and more opportunities are explored in this next one.

A Touch of Malice picked up right where A Touch of Ruin left off, and it was just as fast-paced. Of course there was a ton of spice and a lot of drama throughout, but there were also genuine twists I wasn't expecting. We get to see Persephone really come into her magic and start to learn to control it. My favorite part was seeing how her and Hades's engagement played out among the Olympians. I cannot wait to see how everything plays out in the next book!

This is book three and I am so infatuated with this story wrapped around what is known about mythology that takes place on earth amongst mortals in real time. Such a great way to to interact the mythology characters alive today living and working amongst us humans. I want to do nothing except devour all these books as quickly as possible!! They are excellent and I can’t get enough!!This book is packed with nonstop action! Fights breakout amongst the Gods and Goddesses as well as against the mortals. Hades and Persephone learn to let go of all they knew from their past, to discover what it takes to work together today, which is the communication of no secrets and no lies. Persephone learns who she really is from within and all she’s capable of by believing in herself and to stop fear from getting in her way.Hades and Persephone learn the meaning of genuine love and everything that it entails to create a happy life forever! Of course, those spicy sex scenes sure aren’t hurting that life.🫣🤫😔Now onto book four!! I can’t wait to read what happens next!!! If you’re a fan of mythology, I highly recommend all these books to you by Raven St. Clair! Again, they’re excellent!!P.S.Oh the torture, I can’t read book four until it’s release date of November 14th, 2023! I’m so grateful it’s going to be available at least this year. That book is already preordered.

É um livro que prende a leitura do começo ao fim e quando chega ao fim.. não acaba. Temos que ir para o próximo. Simplesmente maravilhoso.

Scarlett outdid herself with this one, the plot is very exciting and it flows better than her previous ones. I love the development of Persephone and Hades, they’re acting like a mature couple now !! The cliffhanger though!!! Can’t believe I have to wait a year.Such an amazing read, so thankful for this series, Scarlett pulled me into her world and I’m beyond obsessed now.

Oh man, where do I begin? This book is by far superior to the other two (although AGOF is still my favorite). I love how the author touches on some sensitive topics -I really appreciate the content warning- and how it somehow feels more human. I loved seeing the evolution of many of the characters and how we are presented with other myths. There's sadness, there's laughter, there's action... It's just a marvelous book and I can't wait to read the rest.

Llegó en perfecto estado. Amó el libro (era un regalo) y lo leyó en solo un día. Es lo que esperaba

I was so angry... dnfed it. 1st book was ok, 2nd was meh but this one. This is a disaster.