Hades & Persephone Book 2.5: A Game of Retribution by Scarlett St. Clair

Hades & Persephone Book 2.5

Hades, God of the Dead, does not take sides or bend the rules. He makes no exceptions to these values—not for god or mortal, even his lover, Persephone, Goddess of Spring.

Usually, fear prevents retaliation.

But not this time.

When Hera, Goddess of Women, approaches Hades with a plan to overthrow Zeus, he declines to offer help. As punishment, Hera sentences Hades to perform a series of labors. Each feat seems more impossible than the last and draws his attention away from Persephone—whose own tragedy has left her questioning whether she can be Queen of the Underworld.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59351388-a-game-of-retribution?ref=bk_bet_out

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

I have to say, when it comes to this series, I think I like Hades point of view more. I really like this series in general. It's another take on Greek mythology with lots of twists and turns and hints of so many of the myths I know and I love. It constantly keeps you on your toes. This is the second book of the series though now we gets Hades point of view. And we get to see exactly what was going on with him and his mindset. While Persephone may not understand or even know what Hades is doing and what could be so important, we get to see that it actually kind of is. First off, he has to deal with an angry Hera. And if you know your Greek mythology, an angry Hera is a vengeful Hera. When she approaches Hades to ask him to join her and the plans she is setting to overthrow Zeus, she is displeased to hear him decline. Hades knows the break of war is coming. He may not be on Zeus's side exactly, but he certainly isn't on Hera's. In retaliation, she threatens Hades plans for marriage with Persephone. He can gain her blessing or be cursed. Hating that he is threatened and even more angry the threat will harm Persephone, he is tasked to fill her labors. And when we say labors, yep, think of Hercules and some of his. These inspired labors are part of a bigger plan, but Hades will obey until he finds a way to secure his future with the love of his life. And if that wasn't enough, he is realizing that powerful artifacts are being passed around and sought out by dangerous people. Each step takes him closer to war and soon the other gods will need to take sides. Then finally, there is Persephone. His relationship with her in this book is filled with struggle as they try to find trust and balance with one another. There are so many obstacles in their way and it will take a lot for them to find their way back to one another. Overall, I really enjoyed getting Hades's side of the story. So much behind the scenes of what was brewing beyond his relationship with Persephone. And I'm eager not only for the next and fourth book in the series, but his take on the third book that was already released.