A Game of Retribution by Scarlett St. Clair

What Hades goes through to keep Persephone in his life keeps getting harder. Hera is now threating to destroy any chance Hades has at a marriage to Persephone if he does not do 12 labors for her. Fans of Greek Mythology will really start to question why Hades does not get more credit, as in this series he is the one who realizes that the demi-gods are trying to overthrow the Olympians. Yet, when he warns other gods it is like they do not take him seriously. Hades is dealing with threats from Hera, labors of Hera, a missing and found dead divine being, a mortal detective who is meddling into the affairs of the gods, an ex-lover brought back to life, and Persephone’s heartbreak over her friend. Hades has never shared his life before and is struggling to figure out how to share the not so nice parts of his life with Persephone, afraid that she will be turned off by the dark aspects of his businesses. When Persephone finally says yes to marrying Hades, and Hades puts a ring on her finger it starts to snow…in the middle of August. This book is such a great companion to the story told by Persephone and leaves the reader hungry for what happens next .

Character List/Book Summary:

Hades – God of the Dead – realizes that Demeter turned Leuce back into a nymph to try and break him and Persephone up. Shares his concerns about his relationship with Hecate in order to get advice from a friend he trusts. Questions if Hera’s labors are an attempt to get Hades to overthrow Zeus or just to keep him out of the way while she plots with others.

Persephone – Goddess of Spring – is learning more about Hades and his past. When Lexa is hurt she asks Hades to heal Lexa then realizes the trades cost him when she sees the scars on his body. Does not want to loose someone, realizes her mother’s love was given conditionally and Hades and Lexa did not do that so she is scared. Makes a deal with Apollo to save Lexa. Resists offers of help and protection from Hades.

Hera – Goddess of Women – asks for Hades help in overthrowing Zeus (at least her second recent attempt). When Hades declines Hera makes him do 12 labors to earn the right to marry Persephone. Owns the Diadem Hotel. Seen with Theseus. When Hades figures out what is going on Hera has to agree to not only support Hades marrying Persephone she has to defend it.

Lexa – Persephone’s best friend, her soul called to Thanatos while she was in limbo.

Acacius – supposed oracle – receives stolen goods and moves/sells them. His hubris annoys Hades. Hades finds out that his power really comes from the eye of the Graeae. Sold the Graeae to Dionysus. Hades removes the eye and lets the criminal element take care of the false oracle.

Ilias – satyr – works for Hades, and his helping him in the investigation into missing women and finding the Graeae (the three were dead when he found them). Helios told Hades where to find them and Ilias was sent as Hades had to perform a labor for Hera.

Hecate – Goddess of Witchcraft – operates the safe house Hemlock Grove, and has not seen the missing women Hades and the mortal detective were looking for. Hades trusts her and considers her a good friend.

Kal Stavros – magi – CEO of Epik Communications. Tries to make a deal with Persephone about Lexa. Hades punishes him for doing this and Persephone takes part too.

Theseus – demigod – Hades suspects he is making plans to overthrow the Olympians. Is with Hera during the 2nd labor Hades performs for Hera. Hades suspects he is trying to learn Hades’s weakness. Married to Aridane’s sister and has not let the two see each other in 3 years.

Thanatos – God of Death – lets Hades know about Persephone finding out about Lexa and her deal with Apollo.

Leuce – ocean nymph – has been a poplar tree for 2,000 years, Hades ex-lover. Demeter freed her and tries to get Leuce to help break up Persephone and Hades including bringing Persephone to a club that deals in black magic.

Dionysus – God of Wine – bought the Graeae and Hades wants to know why. When confronted he reveals that the women are not missing they are being hidden and taught to be assassins/warriors. Dionysus is shocked to learn the Graeae had been stolen and does not know by who or how.

Hermes – God of Mischief – Hades asks him to deliver a message to Dionysus. Considers Hades his best friend.

Ptolemeos Drakos – smuggler – Hades asks him to keep him informed of who is smuggling in monsters and which monsters they are smuggling.

Ariadane Alexiou – mortal detective – askes Hades for help with her search for women who have gone missing in the past few weeks. Sneaks into Dionysus’s club and finds out that the missing women were running from something and are now being trained as assassins. Has not seen her sister in 3 years as Theseus is keeping them apart but promises that if Ariadne behaves she will get a call or see her sister/his wife.

Medusa – gorgon – in hiding because she knows someone wants her power.

Paean – minor god, but the healer of Olympians when they get hurt

Zofie – Amazon who slept with a man outside of the mating ritual. Hades asks for Hippolyta’s belt (his 3rd labor for Hera) if Zofie proves her honor as an aegis for Persephone. Has the ability to shapeshift into a cat.

Aphrodite – Goddess of Love – Hades goes to her for advice when he is fighting with Persephone