A Game of Fate by Scarlett St. Clair

After finishing the first book in this series it took two agonizingly long days for this book to arrive. If you loved the first book you will love this book just as much (maybe more), because it is told through Hades’s point of view. The reader wont be reading the same story, because the emotions are Hades’s and there is another sub-story going on with Hades going on at the same time. The reader could easily start with this book and only miss a few minor points of Persephone’s story, but that is what is great the scenes that overlap do not make the reader feel as if they are reading the same story for the entire book. Do not skip over or skim the scenes that overlap, because the scene according to Hades has a different feel than what Persephone had. Overall amazing series, it is hard to contain the excitement about this series. Honestly, do yourself a favor and order the entire series now so that you do not have to wait between the books that are out. There will be an agony when there is a gap between the last book and the next book. There will be heartbreak when this series ends.

Character List/Book Summary:

Hades “God of the Underworld” – does not reap souls, or rather rarely does, and understands that the Fates keep balance in the world. Can see other’s souls and what their vice or fear is. In making deals with mortals he asks them to overcome their vice. Asks Hephaestus to make him a weapon to contain a God and make them tell the truth. After using the weapon asks Hephaestus to make a ring, but does not take it from him, Hephaestus takes it back so Hades does not have to try and negotiate with his brother when he wants it back.

Persephone “Goddess of Spring” – smells of vanilla and lavendar. Daughter of Demeter and fated to be the wife of Hades. Unknowingly created a contract with Hades and in fulfilling the contract she falls in love with him.

Minthe – Hades assistant, does not like Persephone. Hades dismisses when her jealousy makes her release a soul from Hades realm without permission.

Sisyphus de Ephyra – drug dealer, breaks the law of Xenia. Agrees to the terms Hades sets out and donates money as an early form of penance. Defies the Fates and swaps souls to not die. Kills an upper member of the Triad. Uses Poseidon and his demi-god son to try and avoid Hades.

Thanatos “God of Death” – reaps the souls, Hades trusts him. Both are scared of the Fates when they are upset. Helps Hades find and capture Sisyphus.

Aphrodite “Goddess of Love” – warrior, her magic smells of sea salt and roses. Has an unclaimed favor from Hades and wants to use it to make Hades find someone who will love him or release her hero Basil from the Underworld. Loves her husband but is afraid to tell him and would rather make him jealous. Does not listen to the advice Hades gives about relationships.

Hepheastus “God of Fire” – married to Aphrodite, is missing a leg after being thrown from Olympus, does not like to go back to Olympus or interact much with the Gods. Felt Aphrodite was a reluctant bride and is afraid to love her, but he does. Built Aphrodite a home on the island he lives on and shares the island with her.

Demeter “Goddess of Harvest” – magic smells of wildfire. Hates Hades and tries to force her daughter, Persephone, to leave Hades. Goes to Zeus after Hades will not release Persephone from the contract. Hades reveals that Demeter has known all along that Perephone was fated to be his wife and Demeter tried to defy the Fates to Zeus – forcing Zeus to tell Demeter to back down.

Ilias – works for Hades, best at enforcing Hades rule in the Upperworld because of his kind demeanor.

Lachesis – middle sister of the Fates, weaves destiny of each life. Asks Hades if he is curious about Persephone.

Clotho- – youngest sister of the Fates, starts the thread of life. Tells Hades they dislike him the least of all the Gods.

Atropos – oldest sister of the Fates, plucks/determines the death of souls. Her shears are not able to cut Sisyphus’s thread and this causes an uproar among the Fates.

Hecate “Goddess of Witchcraft” – has a cottage in the Underworld, close friend to Hades and gives him advice about relationships and Persephone. Bets him more space for her garden if Persephone forgives him and jumps in his arms after he made a mistake.

Hermes “God of Trickery & Thieves” – taken the role of guide to the souls. Becomes friends with Persephone and helps Hades force Sisyphus come to Hades.

Helios “God of the Sun” – all seeing but is a jerk. Tells Hades which god is helping Sisyphus after Hades threatens his scared cows. Forces a council of the Gods when his cows are stolen and Hades explained why he did it and that they will be returned in time when he feels that Helios has learned his lesson.

Poseidon “God of the Sea” – protecting Sisyphus and gave him a relic to help him defy the Fates just so that Poseidon could screw with Hades. Unlike Zeus and Hades who are happy to share rule, he wants to role supreme. Married to Amphitrite.

Katerina – Director of the Cypress Foundation, Hades’s nonprofit and helps with several charities and causes that Hades is behind in the Upperworld but does not want people to know about.

Theseaus – a demi-god, son of Poseidon, helping Sisyphus run from Hades. Approaches Hades at Nevernight and asks for a favor in exchange for not helping Sisyphus anymore. Might be a member of the Triad. Hades knows his favor will be a request for power because he can see it in his soul.