Cover of A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

Book review by Corey

A Touch of Darkness

Book 1 of Hades x Persephone Saga

Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy

Book Score8out of 10
Plot & Storyline 8/10
Characters 8/10
Dialogue / Writing Style 8/10

A Touch of Darkness is a modern retelling of Hades and Persephone, with Persephone trying to build a normal life while hiding the fact that she is a goddess. After crossing paths with Hades, she becomes tied to him through a bargain that forces her deeper into his world and into a relationship she is not prepared for.

The book leans heavily into romance, mythology, and sexual tension, with the Greek gods treated almost like celebrities. It is fast, dramatic, and easy to get through, even when the plot takes a back seat to the relationship between Persephone and Hades.

The Goods

  • Fun modern take on Greek mythology
  • Strong chemistry between the main characters
  • Easy, fast-paced read
  • Interesting version of Hades
  • Good mix of romance and fantasy

The Bads

  • The romance can overpower the plot
  • Persephone can be frustrating at times
  • Some conflicts feel repetitive
  • World-building could be deeper
  • A few side characters feel underused

My Recommendation

Fans of mythology retellings and steamy fantasy romance will probably have the most fun with this one. It is not trying to be a deep or complicated version of the Hades and Persephone myth, but it is entertaining, dramatic, and very easy to binge. If you like relationship-heavy fantasy with plenty of tension and a modern setting, this is a solid choice.