Hades: King of Longing - Kennedy Slope

I love picking up any kind of retelling, and this one was absolutely worth it. The different approach gave the story a fresh feel while still holding onto the elements you expect.

At the beginning, Ophelia feels completely lost in her new reality. She resists everything, convinced it has to be a lie, even as part of her wants to believe what she’s being told. Watching her slowly shift from doubt into understanding, and then into strength, was such a rewarding journey. By the end, the person she becomes is incredibly powerful.

Hades finds Ophelia, who is Persephone reincarnated, and his reaction to her is immediate. He is drawn to her, but there’s this internal conflict because she isn’t exactly the woman he remembers. He wants her, loves her, and yearns for what they had, but what stood out most was his patience. He gives her the space to learn, to question, and to come into her own, which made their connection feel deeper.

The story isn’t just about the two of them. There’s something much bigger happening, and I loved how it brought in familiar figures from Greek mythology. Everything is set in a modern timeline, so instead of feeling distant or ancient, the gods feel grounded and almost human, while still holding onto their power and identity.

This story pulls you in right away and doesn’t let go. I was invested in Ophelia and Hades from the start, but as the plot expanded, so did my interest. The way everything came together at the end felt satisfying, even though it left me wanting more.  Now I just need Book 2. I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

This is Ophelia. And she is incredible. Still familiar in so many ways but new in others.