Rachel Alexander (1)

This book was so beautiful it made me cry like a little bitch. Haha. Anyway, some series continuations get disappointing in the third book - I'm looking at you, Allegiant and Mockingjay - but Rachel Alexander's third H and P novel was absolute perfection.

It's clear that she did her research, and then took creative twists and turns with it, so the way she tells (or retells) some of the old myths - such as the myth of Asklepios/Asclepius, or Orpheus and Eurydice, or the tragic story of Semele, show more actually make more sense than the original. I know there's some mythology fans who like to gatekeep against retellings by contemporary authors, and I say phooey to these people. I found Good Counselor to be well-paced and creative, with vivid and imaginative descriptions, excellent character portrayals, and also fit inti history quite nicely.

I liked the tie between Aphrodite and Ishtar/Inanna and how the author wove them together, or how she depicted the relationship between Zeus and Hera, giving depth and sense to the conflict between them, presenting this tragically flawed couple in a very realistic way, making the reader feel sympathetic for Hera at times despite some of the shit she's done. (not defending some of the shit she's done - Persephone has every right to be pissed off at her!)

I went into this book thinking it would be a trilogy. And one can read it as such, because the book ends satisfactorily. But I was also thrilled to know that there is a fourth book planned... the Ineffable Seeds.

OHMAFERKINGGAWD!!!!!!!!!!!! I fucking can't wait to see what else the author does with this imaginative myth-verse she's woven out of classic mythology and history.

I would give this book 10 stars if I could. show less

AMAZING.

Simply amazing. After I read the first book, I was eager for more, and boy howdy, I was not the least bit disappointed! The writing and use of research in the story is brilliant, and I love the creative twists that the author used for various myths she incorporated into this story, such as the gods of the Levant, or what happens to Sisyphus.

I was intrigued when Minthe was mentioned in the first book, and her story is revealed here in a brilliant twist of the original myth. I never show more liked that in the original myths, Hades cheated on Persephone with Leuke and Minthe, so the author changed that for a much more intriguing and believable story.

The erotic scenes, as one might expect after reading the first story, are absolutely delicious. I've read enough erotica with cheesy or ludicrous descriptions, and it's always a treat to read elegantly-written intimacy.

Overall a brilliant sequel to a wonderful book, and altogether an incredible series that shows the talents of creative and thoughtful author. show less

I've liked each book in this series progressively more. Both the history, and mythology this is based on were carefully studied and thoughtfully considered I think. There are changes made of course, but more because it worked best for the story the author wanted to tell, rather than just that she didn't bother to know or care. It's a long book and could be shaved down to tighten it up, but I liked it well enough that I didn't mind those 'not strictly necessary' bits included.

Sophomore Effort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoy this series! I think the author has taken a story we are familiar with and made it her own. You care about Hades and Persephone, and you feel every struggle, every triumph, as if it is yours. Well done!