“Gods are cruel.”
“But what does that make a Goddess?”
“Vengenful.”
What I Liked
As someone who loves Greek mythology, especially Hades and Persephone retellings, this book felt tailor-made for me.
The writing grabbed me from the very first page. Syk Kelly has a way of ending chapters that kept me saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly I was much farther into the book than I intended. The chapter endings constantly build anticipation without creating plot holes. Instead, they layer suspense and keep the story moving at an addictive pace.
The characters absolutely stole the show.
Kore is mouthy, daring, and unapologetically herself. Dora appears innocent at first glance, but there is so much more beneath the surface. Adonis is fiercely protective, sometimes even at his own expense. Hermes is charming, flirtatious, and impossible not to love. Dionysus brings humor, chaos, and fearlessness to every scene. Then there is Hades.
Hades is everything I wanted from the King of the Underworld. Broody, stern, powerful, and undeniably attractive. Every time he appeared on the page, he commanded attention.
The chemistry between Kore and Hades is electric from the beginning. Add Hermes into the mix and the tension becomes impossible to ignore. This is a true slow burn that takes its time building and rewards readers who enjoy anticipation and emotional tension.
I also loved the gods being exactly what I wanted them to be: messy, complicated, manipulative, protective, dramatic, and endlessly entertaining.
Tropes
- Hades and Persephone retelling
- Greek mythology
- Slow-burn romance
- Gods behaving badly
- Morally gray characters
- Forced proximity
- Found family vibes
- Banter-filled romance
- Dark fantasy
- Romantasy
Read This If You Like
- Greek mythology retellings
- Hades and Persephone stories
- Romantasy with strong romantic tension
- Dark fantasy worlds
- Powerful and flawed gods
- Character-driven stories
- Slow-burn romance that actually burns
- Books filled with banter, secrets, and drama
Final Thoughts
Bringer of Death is one of the most underrated books I’ve read this year.
It delivered everything I wanted: Greek mythology, romance, action, unforgettable characters, and enough tension to keep me completely invested from beginning to end.
If you’re a fan of romantasy, dark fantasy, or mythology-inspired stories, this is a book that deserves a place on your TBR immediately.
And after that ending?
I’m already counting down the days until book two.