A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

The excitement that came from reading this book is hard to contain. It is highly recommended that you buy the entire series right now so that when you finish the first book you can start reading book 2 (A Game of Fate). If you are a fan of Greek Mythology and the stories that take the Olympians and place them in the modern world, this series will be your next must read. Hades is a mystery compared the other Gods, he is said to make impossible deals and the mortals know nothing about him compared to the other Gods who are constantly in the gossip magazines. Persephone believes she has no power and her mother, Demeter, has fostered that since she did not let the other Olympians know about Persephone and the mortals cannot worship Persephone which would give her power. In an effort to rebel against her mother Persephone goes with her best friend to a nightclub owned by Hades, where he is said to make deals with mortals. An instant connection is formed between Persephone and Hades and what follows is an emotional rollercoaster of passion, love, lust, fear, confusion, and hope. The reader will finish the book wanting Hades and Persephone to have a happy ending, and looking forward to the next chapter in the series. Just a heads up this book is told through Persephone’s point of view and A Game of Fate is the story told through Hades’s point of view (but it is not like reading the same story over again). Order all 7 books now (7 is a preorder) so that you will be able to start reading the next book as soon as you want without having to wait for the book to be delivered or for going out to the store. It has been a long time since a book has made it hard to sleep and made me forget to eat – but this series is doing just that.

Character List/Book Summary:

Persephone “Goddess of Spring” – going to college in New Athens and has an internship at New Athens News. Changed majors from botany to journalism without her mother’s knowledge. Has to use Demeter’s magic to hide her divine being, because she does not have any magic of her own. Convinced to  celebrate the start of her internship by going to Hades’s nightclub Nevernight. While there she is given the password to go upstairs and plays cards with a stranger. In loosing a hand she unknowingly made a contract with Hades. Persephone will have to create life in the Underworld. While spending time in the Underworld Persephone makes friends with the souls there, Hecate, Hermes, and falls in love with Hades.

Hades “God of the Underworld” – narcissus is the flower that represents him and can be seen around the Underworld and his club. Wealthiest of all the Gods, invested in clubs and businesses. Keeps his investments secret and pays to stay out of the press. Creates a deal with Persephone based on her what her soul shows him she is afraid of. Warns Persephone to stay away from Adonis, and rescues her from him in Aphrodite’s club. Falls in love with Persephone as she spends time in the Underworld and the souls in the underworld worship her. Helps her unleash her powers during an argument.

Demeter – Persephone’s mother, does not believe in love or understand why her daughter would want to spend time among mortals. Was told by the Fates that Persephone is destined to be Hades’s wife. Tries to keep Persephone hidden from the other gods and away from Hades.

Lexa Sideris – Persephone’s roommate, they met in college. Is fascinated with the Gods and takes Persephone being a Goddess with ease. Helps Persephone be upset when her and Hades have a fight.

Adonis – a mortal favored by Aphrodite, claims to be a regular at Nevernight and La Rosa. Works at New Athens News and steals Persephone’s article about Hades and has it published before she is ready for it to be submitted. Is fired for what he did and arguing with Persephone in the office.

Sybil – an oracle, studying at the College of the Divine. Her parents rejected the Greek Gods when they returned to Earth. Tells Persephone that Persephone and Hades are woven together by the Fates.

Minthe – a nymph that works for Hades, is jealous of Persephone and how Hades feels about Persephone. Aides Adonis in trying to blackmail Persephone, which did not work out well for either of them in the end.

Demetri – is Persephone’s boss, wants her to write a series about Hades and gives her tickets to the Olympia Gala and tells her that Hades will be there.

Antoni – a cyclops, Hades’s driver. Gives Persephone a different perception of Hades from what she grew up hearing from her mother.

Ilias – a satyr who works for Hades. Runs a popular restaurant “The Grove” that Hades owns but wants people to think Ilias does. Works for Hades because his tribe betrayed him and after killing his tribe he found Hades.

Hermes “God of Trickery & Thieves” – flirts with Persephone in her first visit to the Underworld when he saves her from the River Styx. Is a friend to both Hades and Persephone.

Hecate “Goddess of Witchcraft and Magic” – warns Persephone not to take water from the River Lethe. As she befriends Persephone she mentions that a garden is not the only way to create life. Helps Persephone create a party at Hades’s Palace in the Underworld.

Yuri – a soul in the Underworld that Persephone befriends.

Thanatos “God of Death” – escorts souls to the Underworld. Explains to Persephone that Hades do not decide when souls come to the Underworld the Fates do and there is a balance that must be maintained.