As it turns out, I have a bit of a soft spot in my heart for Hades and Persephone retellings. Even though I know the story inside and out at this point, it doesn't stop me from devouring a new version every time I come across one. In this case, it was Neon Gods by Katee Robert. (Kindle | Kobo | Paperback)
Whether you're thinking of reading it, currently reading it, or have just finished reading it, you'll find this article helpful. Not only have I answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the book, but I've also provided you with a list of five books like Neon Gods to check out next. (Warning: This article contains spoilers)
What Is the Book Neon Gods by Katee Robert About?
Neon Gods by Katee Roberts is a smutty, modern retelling of Persephone and Hades from Greek mythology. To give you a better sense of what it's about, read this description:
"Society darling Persephone Dimitriou plans to leave the modern city of Olympus and all the backstabbing politics of the Thirteen Houses the moment she turns 25. Plans change though when her mother ambushes her with an engagement to Zeus. With no options left, Persephone flees to the forbidden undercity and makes a devil’s bargain with a man she once believed a myth... a man who awakens her to a world she never knew existed - Hades.
Hades has spent his life in the shadows, and he has no intention of stepping into the light. But when he finds that Persephone can offer a little slice of the revenge he’s spent years craving, it’s all the excuse he needs to help her - for a price. Yet every breathless night spent tangled together has given Hades a taste for Persephone, and he’ll go to war with Olympus itself to keep her close…"
How Long Does It Take to Read Neon Gods?
It will take the average reader approximately 5 and a half hours to read Neon Gods by Katee Robert, according to How Long to Read.
What Are the Spicy Chapters in Neon Gods?
There's easily more smut than substance or story in Neon Gods - and I'm not complaining. In fact, if you're looking for them, the spicy chapters are chapters 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, and the epilogue.
Is Neon Gods a Standalone or Part of a Series?
Neon Gods is part of Katee Robert's Dark Olympus series. However, given that it is the first book in said series, you can easily read it as a standalone. Here's the official order of the six books currently in the series and the main characters of each:
Neon Gods - Hades and Persephone
Electric Idol - Psyche and Eros
Wicked Beauty - Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus
Radiant Sin - Apollo and Cassandra
Cruel Seduction - Aphrodite and Hephaestus
Midnight Ruin - Eurydice Dimitriou and Charon Ariti
How Old Are Hades and Persephone in Neon Gods?
In Neon Gods, Persephone Dimitriou is 24 years old and Hades is 33 years old. This means there is a 9-year age gap between the two.
Is Neon Gods LGBT?
Yes - Neon Gods is LGBT. It is confirmed that Persephone has had relationships with both men and women in the past. Fans speculate that Hades is also bi-sexual, though that is not confirmed in the book as it was with Persephone.
Who Are The 13 in Neon Gods?
All About Romance explains that "The Thirteen are titles representing major Greek gods and goddesses and can be either inherited or elected titles." In Neon Gods, the Thirteen consists of:
Hades
Zeus
Poseidon
Hera
Demeter
Athena
Ares
Dionysus
Hermes
Artemis
Apollo
Hephaestus
Aphrodite
Does Neon Gods Have a Happy Ending?
Yes - Neon Gods has a happy ending! After another threat from Zeus against the Lower City and an attack on her sister, Eurydice, Persephone sneaks back to the Upper City with the help of Hermes to save Hades and his peace. When she arrives, she returns to Zeus's side at a party and later strikes a bargain with her mother, Demeter. After this, Hades gets a message from Demeter saying he has the majority of The Thirteen on his side to replace Zeus. He then goes to Zeus' building in the Upper City with the intention of killing him. The two get into a struggle, during which Hades wavers on his decision to kill Zeus. It's all a moot point though because Zeus plummets to his death out the window - semi-on purpose, semi-by accident. Hades and Persephone then reunite in the Lower City, where Persephone tells Hades she doesn't want to leave Olympus anymore, she wants to stay with him, so she does. The end.
5 Books Like Neon Gods by Katee Robert
If you're like me and you can't get enough of the Hades and Persephone myth, then you're in luck because there's no shortage of books retelling it. However, I've narrowed it down slightly and found five books like Neon Gods that are most worth checking out next.
1. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
If there's one book that gets compared to Neon Gods the most, it's A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair. While they're obviously similar because they are both Hades and Persephone retellings set in modern(ish) times, the key difference is that A Touch of Darkness is a true fantasy novel. As in, the Gods and Goddesses in it have supernatural powers. Plus, the emphasis isn't so much on the spice, so if you wanted a more established storyline from Neon Gods, rest assured, you'll find it in this book. Now, here's the description: "Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to live disguised as a mortal journalist. Though after unknowingly making a bet with the God of the Dead, Hades, himself, Persephone must now create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows - and it’s forbidden."
2. Drag Me Up by R.M. Virtues
Drag Me Up by R.M. Virtus might be a lesser-known Persephone and Hades retelling, but it's very similar to Neon Gods given that both take place in the modern world. In fact, this one takes place in Las Vegas. Here's what it's about: "They say he’s a myth and Hades prefers it that way. The mere mention of the Wraith of Khaos Falls is enough to keep order, and he is rarely forced to leave the shadows of Casino Asphodel. She belongs in the spotlight and Persephone clawed her way out of Demeter’s shadow to reach it. Now she’s lead in Calliope’s Cirque production but not without great cost, and there is not enough money in the world to pay off the debt accrued for the simple mistake of trusting Zeus. Landing a residency at the legendary Casino Asphodel is everything she trained for. Meeting a man she’d been convinced didn’t exist? She could never be prepared for that. Hades isn’t prepared for her either, but it’s soon evident they’re a force when together. So when Zeus ups the stakes, they decide if they're willing to go all in, even if it means coming down from the sky - or stepping into the light."
3. Promises and Pomegranates by Sav R. Miller
Promises and Pomegranates by Sav R. Miller is described as a "dark contemporary romance inspired by the Hades and Persephone myth. It is not fantasy or a literal retelling." Sounds a lot like Neon Gods, doesn't it? Fair warning, the reviews on this book are mixed. Some loved it, others not so much. Read the description yourself and see if you if it's worth taking a chance on: "To most, Kal Anderson is a villain. Harbinger of death, keeper of souls, frequenter of nightmares. Doctor Death. Hades incarnate. They say he stole me. Usurped my fiancé and filled the cracks in my heart with empty promises. Imprinted his crimson fingerprints on my psyche and tried to set me free. They’re not wrong, per se. Except it was my choice to stay."
4. River of Shadows by Karina Halle
If you're ready to branch out beyond a literal Hades and Persephone retelling, River of Shadows is definitely working checking out. It's essentially the Finnish mythology equivalent to Hades and Persephone from Greek mythology. So, definitely some similarities, but also some interesting differences. Here's what the book is about: "When Hanna's estranged father dies, she reluctantly makes the trip to Northern Finland for his funeral. There Hanna discovers that her father's body is missing and is told by a mysterious man that her father was a powerful shaman who went into Tuonela, the Realm of the Dead, to barter for more life, and has been held captive by Tuoni, the God of Death. The only way her father can be freed is if she goes to rescue him. When she arrives though, she is captured and held prisoner by the God of Death himself. Turns out Death is intrigued by Hanna's beauty and fierceness and makes a bargain with her. If she marries him, and spends an eternity in the Realm of the Dead as his wife, he'll set her father free. But even the most noble sacrifices come with hidden costs, and Hanna's might involve the most unexpected of all things: her heart."
5. A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova
Like the last book on the list, A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova doesn't take place in the world of Greek mythology, though it is inspired by the Hades and Persephone myth. As the name suggests, you'd be trading it Gods and Goddesses for elves. If that sounds interesting, then just wait until you read the description: "3000 years ago, humans were hunted by powerful races with wild magic until the treaty was formed. Now, for centuries, the elves have taken a young woman from Luella's village to be their Human Queen. To be chosen is seen as a mark of death by the townsfolk. A mark Luella is grateful to have escaped. That is, until the Elf King unexpectedly arrives... for her. Everything Luella had thought she'd known about her life, and herself, was a lie. Now, Luella must be the new queen to a cold yet blisteringly handsome Elf King. Not to mention, she learns about a dying world that only she can save. The magical land of Midscape pulls on one corner of her heart, her home and people tug on another... but what will truly break her is a passion she never wanted."