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Blinding Night #1
Seven Seeds of Summer
What if you were the missing piece in one of the most famous Greek Mythology Romances?
Seven Seeds of Summer follows the story of Summer, a college art student who has grown up in a house full of Greek mythology and legends. Summer grew up with a love for the darkest of all Gods: Hades, which caused tension between her and her mother. Summer comes home to Point Judith, Rhode Island, to find a mysterious figure on their family beach. The figure comes to her with questions about a familiar myth of her childhood: of Persephone and Hades. He proceeds to tell her of a new version of the story with a different ending that Summer never knew; an ending that includes herself.
A trip to Greece leads to tragic twists, leaving Summer in the arms of the strange figure whom she had met before. He takes her on a whirlwind through the busy streets of Athens, to the lowest point of Greece where his lair awaits: The Underworld. Determined to find out the secret of herself and her piece in the story, Summer goes with him, and tries to make herself at home in his world.
Summer has to decide to follow her heart or follow the same footsteps of the mysterious woman in her past life.
Seven Seeds of Summer follows the story of Summer, a college art student who has grown up in a house full of Greek mythology and legends. Summer grew up with a love for the darkest of all Gods: Hades, which caused tension between her and her mother. Summer comes home to Point Judith, Rhode Island, to find a mysterious figure on their family beach. The figure comes to her with questions about a familiar myth of her childhood: of Persephone and Hades. He proceeds to tell her of a new version of the story with a different ending that Summer never knew; an ending that includes herself.
A trip to Greece leads to tragic twists, leaving Summer in the arms of the strange figure whom she had met before. He takes her on a whirlwind through the busy streets of Athens, to the lowest point of Greece where his lair awaits: The Underworld. Determined to find out the secret of herself and her piece in the story, Summer goes with him, and tries to make herself at home in his world.
Summer has to decide to follow her heart or follow the same footsteps of the mysterious woman in her past life.
332 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
25 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
About the author
Chantal Gadoury
11 books431 followersChantal Gadoury is a best selling fairytale-retelling and romance author, living in the beautiful countryside of Muncy, Pennsylvania with her mom and family yorkie, Taran.
When Chantal isn't pursuing her next writing endeavor, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, and taking long walks to the sounds of BTS. She is a TikTok enthusiast, loves all things Disney and loves a good, romantic K-Drama.
Chantal first started writing stories at the age of seven and continues that love of writing today. After graduating from Susquehanna University with a degree in Creative Writing, writing novels has become a dream come true.
When Chantal isn't pursuing her next writing endeavor, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, and taking long walks to the sounds of BTS. She is a TikTok enthusiast, loves all things Disney and loves a good, romantic K-Drama.
Chantal first started writing stories at the age of seven and continues that love of writing today. After graduating from Susquehanna University with a degree in Creative Writing, writing novels has become a dream come true.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
October 11, 2018
**I got a copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review**
Chantal Gadoury is a favourite author of mine - but I know you're all here for the tea on why I gave this novel two stars when usually I rate her so much higher. Well, buckle in, get your tea, and prepare for a fun-filled ride. (I'll try to avoid spoilers and only mention major plot points that happen in the first 25% of the book that is probably on the blurb as well.)
Let's start with the good! I always love a positive start and most people don't read a review all the way through anyway! Just a tiny disclaimer, just because it's a two-star rating doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book and I will definitely read it again in the future - I just found some strange problems in the novel that needs to be sorted.
Gadoury creates pretty three-dimensional characters everytime she writes a novel. Love or hate the character, they're unique and believable with individual personalities. I think if you can read a scene where you don't get confused by who is speaking because their personality is shining through, then it's a success! I never felt confused by who was in the room.
Gadoury also keeps the cast list small which is a breath of fresh air. We meet the characters and if any more are going to be introduced, it's once we've gotten used to the others. It's simple, linear, and just great to read.
Her plots are also well-done. Once again, they're not confusing and I always know what's going on. If I put this book down halfway and picked it up again a year later, I would remember what was going on and get stuck back into it.
I also loved the reincarnations of Summer previously. They all had defined personalities and didn't make me feel like I was reading the same character over and over which was nice. I've included a bit about that below.
Now, let's start with the things I disliked.
Okay, let's start at the very beginning of the novel where I came across my first issue. The editors note which is a LIE.
"...and be a tourist in a city written specifically for this wonderfully fun story. The cast is lively and the sightseeing is lovely."
We don't actually see any of Greece. Summer goes for a jog to the beach (cool beans) but focuses more on her cutting her foot than the actual atmosphere. Then... that's all we really see of Greece until her and Darce go for food once and we see a little bit more of the culture and then we're cut off again.
It IS a fun story! 100% a fun story. But to remark on the whole 'sightseeing' thing was a bit ridiculous. She saw more of the Underworld and her hotel room than Greece.
Nice try, editor. Nice try...
Summer is meant to be the reincarnation of Persephone. Awesome! Her mother, Demeter, has put a curse on her to keep her away from Hades. Now, Hades also suspects Demeter reappears as Summer's mother each time too, so did she also get caught up in her own curse? That felt super unclear to me.
Anyway, her mother is meant to be the 'big bad'.
"Out of the two of my parents, dad was my favorite. Sometimes, when I looked at my mom, I didn’t understand why he chose her–why he had fallen in love with her."
I just... this seems like a horrible thing to say. Her mother seemed nice and worried about her. She was annoyed that Summer had hurt herself and wanted to check it out but apparently that's her being 'selfish'? Not to mention, deciding which parent is your 'favourite' is pretty childish. She's in her 20's and still playing favourites? I understand this woman is meant to be Demeter so maybe it's some sort of underlying hate she can't resist, but it still seems so bitchy and inconsiderate. She also doesn't want a roommate at University, she doesn't want to go overseas on a holiday, she hates that her friends haven't texted her in 24 hours etc. Funnily, I don't think Demeter is the problem here.
Pretty much Summer:
Another pet peeve I have is the whole "I'm beautiful but don't know it" trope. Now, when written well this can be cute because it can be more like 'everyone else sees the beauty in them' kind of thing. But here? It's basically 'I'm looking in the mirror and everything is perfect but noooo I'm ugly'.
"Yeah. Right. Me? Beautiful? Who was she kidding? I was about as plain as they came... My face was round; my cheeks tinted a soft pink. My eyebrows were slightly thick–though, it seemed it was on trend for now. The only feature I liked about myself were my lips. They were full and
seductive, like Scarlett Johansson's lips."
I mean... Just read that.
Round face? Not plain.
Naturally blushing cheeks? Not plain.
On trend brows? Not plain.
Scarlett Johansson lips? Definitely not plain.
This entire piece irritated me quite a bit. When people look in the mirror and think they're plain, this is NOT the description they would use. The lips might be because it's a feature they like, but they might see their brows as 'bushy' rather than 'thick and on trend', or a 'mottled pink' on their cheeks rather than 'tinted a soft pink'. Growing up, I used to have pink on my cheeks (gone now) but I hated it. It was patchy and awful and kind of made me look flushed and sometimes sunburned. It's not fun to have and I would never have referred to it as 'tinted'. Now, looking back at the pictures, I laugh at my dramatic self. They were barely noticeable - but to me I would use negative words to describe them back then.
Anyway, it just seemed insulting to refer to her as plain while she's using positive and praising language to refer to herself. She definitely does NOT see herself as plain after that language use.
I feel like this description was of Selena Gomez and then called her plain:
Onto the 'car crash'. So her family is in a car crash and when Summer wakes up from a coma (?) she automatically knows they're dead. But... how? Wouldn't she have been knocked out immediately on impact? She wouldn't have had time to see both parents die and then black out if it was severe enough to kill. But I have a greater issue with this scene.
“I mean, what kind of person just shows up and steals orphaned girls away from hospital rooms?”
You. Are. Not. An. Orphan.
She immediately wakes up and refers to herself as an orphan. Orphans refer to children who have been left without parents and need to be adopted and could be put into the system. Summer, however, is an adult. I'm 24 and if my parents died tomorrow I would not be an orphan. It doesn't make sense because I'm not a child. I dislike the use of terms like this that have a severe impact on people who are orphans themselves and are used carelessly to make a scene seem more dramatic.
Continuing with this issue is a greater problem. No one seemed to care? Like, Summer would have a bit of a sob fest then think about how great Darce's abs are. I wish I was kidding. The tone would switch so suddenly I got whiplash.
It was like she had filled her quota for sadness and had to immediately go back to the romance novel she was in.
So Darce steals her from the hospital (but that's okay cause he's hot and she's such an orphan that it didn't matter) and then demands she showers quickly because he didn't want to be 'kept waiting'. I felt like Darce was meant to be dominating, but he came across like a little mouse with awkward lines.
"He turned his chin and glanced at me with a small smirk, “Enjoy yourself then?”
“It was nice,” I replied with a nod."
This is the whiplash I was talking about. She went to the shower, cried for a while, then had a bath and came out saying it was a really nice time she had in there. She just cried! She just woke up from a coma! So she can just have normal conversations and have 'nice' baths and just ignore the bigger issues - aka. her parents are dead. And Darce, meant to be Hades, doesn't seem to care? He's the God of death. He should, more than anyone, know what death means to humans.
Okay, let's move onto better things! I really loved the past reincarnations of Summer! They were unique and interesting. Maybe too interesting. Like maybe I wanted to read more about these characters than the one supplied as the protagonist.
"Taking her hand, he whisked her onto the dance floor. They moved in unison with the group of guests around them. At times their hands would touch, his palm would brush against her waist...their eyes would meet. The game they played with one another was feral."
I just enjoyed these characters and their stories. They were interesting and felt realistic. Summer, on the other hand, was just a complainer and said some pretty annoying stuff. I feel like the only reason Darce liked her was because she was Persephone, not because of her uplifting spirits and A+ personality.
You want to hear about how she complains about everything? Well, let's see. She complains about food. A lot. Apparently those damn Greeks *shakes fist* eat too many olives! I mean, what's a girl to do? Brush them to the side of the plate and eat the rest of the meal? Ask for something and say 'hold the olives'? Just mention to others that she doesn't like them? No, that's far too difficult.
He offers her spreads of food, all different types, like a buffet for every meal. But all she sees are those. damn. olives.
“Maybe if you could add a little more variety to your menu, I might actually consider eating.”
So, she demands more variety (and by variety she means 'American food' like burgers). When other people start eating different things, however, SHE COMPLAINS ABOUT THAT TOO. Seriously, you know those jokes about punching a shark in the nose so they go away? She needs one too!
Cheese or no cheese, it was too orange for my liking.
Sigh. Let's not discuss the fact he had to spread the cheese on bread for her and basically had to feed her like a baby in order for her to try the cheese.
“Ew.” How was I supposed to enjoy my meal when he was going to suck down an entire octopus on his own?"
So he DARES to eat seafood (not her American food) instead of olives (those damn olives) and she tosses a fit about that as well. She's just never happy about anything!
Now, let's not mention how offensive it is to other cultures that she's whining and stereotyping like this. Greek food isn't nice to her because it's too salty (that's a perfectly fine opinion to have) but the issue is that she won't try or attempt any of the food because she automatically assumes she won't like the food in this country. She comes across as bitter and rude - and a bit of a spoiled brat!
Also, her issue with seafood and Darce eating 'an entire octopus'. Once again, it's fine not to like seafood or even eating octopus. But he wasn't asking her to eat it (even though she demanded variety), he just wanted a meal for himself. But NOOOOO, Princess Summer can't handle that! It's 'disgusting'. Darce is meant to look Korean so eating seafood isn't uncommon and they have many amazing octopus dishes. But even if it's just another issue with a Greek octopus dish, rack up another point of cultural insensitivity.
Now, I don't mind a character who is insensitive or doesn't understand. It's just that she's so annoying about it! Like if I saw someone eating something that made me feel gross I would, as an adult, turn away. Whoa. Easy.
This is why she comes across as a spoiled brat to me who is maybe 3 years old?
Summer everytime she sees food that's 'not American':
Now, Darce takes her to the Underworld which was a really cool place and we get to meet Morpheus. I am 100% team Morpheus. He has a more interesting personality than Darce (who seems meek but attempting to be dominating or... something?) and has pretty wings. Seriously, I loooove Morpheus.
Darce never wants to talk to Summer (I mean shit, I don't either):
"Darce gripped my shoulders, pulling me back. “Summer, what is the point of this story? Please.”
Context: They were doing nothing and she was explaining a movie to him but it took up too much of his time doing nothing.
Whereas Morpheus compliments her:
“She was sharp and witty like you.”
I mean, she's not witty at all, but still a nice thing to say.
But while the boys were more focused on their jobs and lives and helping Summer finally swallow an olive (damn those olives) the women were all... bitchy.
Sigh.
Now, I don't hate the 'girls hating one another' trope. Some girls just don't get along, and that's fine. But when they make it so obvious (such as sitting at a dinner table where all the girls are comparing themselves to one another and being bratty while the boys are just enjoying dinner and having normal conversations) it's too much even for me.
Basically, all the women were jealous of one another and had it out for each other. How... unique. Very 'The Bachelor', except Darce is the prize and I would refund him for the Morpheus edition.
Now, SPOILER ALERT, we're looking at one of the final scenes in the book.
Look away now if you don't want the SPOILER!
Morpheus lets Summer see her father in a dream! Yay! Right? ...right?
NOT RIGHT. HOW DARE HE! Yes, Summer is mad that the thing she's been demanding THE ENTIRE BOOK was given to her.
Umm... okay?
“You wanted to see your father, and I gave you the opportunity,” he slid his hands into his trousers and sighed."
See? Even Morpheus is confused and had to recite her own words back to her.
But in this scene, we have a funny little line that popped up.
"Just because this is a dream, doesn’t make it any less real."
Isn't this a line from Harry Potter where Harry's in a dream sequence talking to a dead father figure as well?
Line from Harry Potter: “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”
So yay, a bit of Harry Potter thrown in the mix!
In all sincerity, I DID enjoy this book. But I'd be lying to all my folks at home reading this review and sipping on their tea if I didn't absorb the major problems and speak about them.
I would have been much lighter on Gadoury if this was a brand new novel (maybe 3.5 stars, maybe 4) but considering this novel has been published before, has had a complete rework done and had multiple editors working on it, I need to be honest that it wasn't up to her usual standard which was seriously surprising.
Chantal Gadoury is a favourite author of mine - but I know you're all here for the tea on why I gave this novel two stars when usually I rate her so much higher. Well, buckle in, get your tea, and prepare for a fun-filled ride. (I'll try to avoid spoilers and only mention major plot points that happen in the first 25% of the book that is probably on the blurb as well.)
Let's start with the good! I always love a positive start and most people don't read a review all the way through anyway! Just a tiny disclaimer, just because it's a two-star rating doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book and I will definitely read it again in the future - I just found some strange problems in the novel that needs to be sorted.
Gadoury creates pretty three-dimensional characters everytime she writes a novel. Love or hate the character, they're unique and believable with individual personalities. I think if you can read a scene where you don't get confused by who is speaking because their personality is shining through, then it's a success! I never felt confused by who was in the room.
Gadoury also keeps the cast list small which is a breath of fresh air. We meet the characters and if any more are going to be introduced, it's once we've gotten used to the others. It's simple, linear, and just great to read.
Her plots are also well-done. Once again, they're not confusing and I always know what's going on. If I put this book down halfway and picked it up again a year later, I would remember what was going on and get stuck back into it.
I also loved the reincarnations of Summer previously. They all had defined personalities and didn't make me feel like I was reading the same character over and over which was nice. I've included a bit about that below.
Now, let's start with the things I disliked.
Okay, let's start at the very beginning of the novel where I came across my first issue. The editors note which is a LIE.
"...and be a tourist in a city written specifically for this wonderfully fun story. The cast is lively and the sightseeing is lovely."
We don't actually see any of Greece. Summer goes for a jog to the beach (cool beans) but focuses more on her cutting her foot than the actual atmosphere. Then... that's all we really see of Greece until her and Darce go for food once and we see a little bit more of the culture and then we're cut off again.
It IS a fun story! 100% a fun story. But to remark on the whole 'sightseeing' thing was a bit ridiculous. She saw more of the Underworld and her hotel room than Greece.
Nice try, editor. Nice try...
Summer is meant to be the reincarnation of Persephone. Awesome! Her mother, Demeter, has put a curse on her to keep her away from Hades. Now, Hades also suspects Demeter reappears as Summer's mother each time too, so did she also get caught up in her own curse? That felt super unclear to me.
Anyway, her mother is meant to be the 'big bad'.
"Out of the two of my parents, dad was my favorite. Sometimes, when I looked at my mom, I didn’t understand why he chose her–why he had fallen in love with her."
I just... this seems like a horrible thing to say. Her mother seemed nice and worried about her. She was annoyed that Summer had hurt herself and wanted to check it out but apparently that's her being 'selfish'? Not to mention, deciding which parent is your 'favourite' is pretty childish. She's in her 20's and still playing favourites? I understand this woman is meant to be Demeter so maybe it's some sort of underlying hate she can't resist, but it still seems so bitchy and inconsiderate. She also doesn't want a roommate at University, she doesn't want to go overseas on a holiday, she hates that her friends haven't texted her in 24 hours etc. Funnily, I don't think Demeter is the problem here.
Pretty much Summer:
Another pet peeve I have is the whole "I'm beautiful but don't know it" trope. Now, when written well this can be cute because it can be more like 'everyone else sees the beauty in them' kind of thing. But here? It's basically 'I'm looking in the mirror and everything is perfect but noooo I'm ugly'.
"Yeah. Right. Me? Beautiful? Who was she kidding? I was about as plain as they came... My face was round; my cheeks tinted a soft pink. My eyebrows were slightly thick–though, it seemed it was on trend for now. The only feature I liked about myself were my lips. They were full and
seductive, like Scarlett Johansson's lips."
I mean... Just read that.
Round face? Not plain.
Naturally blushing cheeks? Not plain.
On trend brows? Not plain.
Scarlett Johansson lips? Definitely not plain.
This entire piece irritated me quite a bit. When people look in the mirror and think they're plain, this is NOT the description they would use. The lips might be because it's a feature they like, but they might see their brows as 'bushy' rather than 'thick and on trend', or a 'mottled pink' on their cheeks rather than 'tinted a soft pink'. Growing up, I used to have pink on my cheeks (gone now) but I hated it. It was patchy and awful and kind of made me look flushed and sometimes sunburned. It's not fun to have and I would never have referred to it as 'tinted'. Now, looking back at the pictures, I laugh at my dramatic self. They were barely noticeable - but to me I would use negative words to describe them back then.
Anyway, it just seemed insulting to refer to her as plain while she's using positive and praising language to refer to herself. She definitely does NOT see herself as plain after that language use.
I feel like this description was of Selena Gomez and then called her plain:
Onto the 'car crash'. So her family is in a car crash and when Summer wakes up from a coma (?) she automatically knows they're dead. But... how? Wouldn't she have been knocked out immediately on impact? She wouldn't have had time to see both parents die and then black out if it was severe enough to kill. But I have a greater issue with this scene.
“I mean, what kind of person just shows up and steals orphaned girls away from hospital rooms?”
You. Are. Not. An. Orphan.
She immediately wakes up and refers to herself as an orphan. Orphans refer to children who have been left without parents and need to be adopted and could be put into the system. Summer, however, is an adult. I'm 24 and if my parents died tomorrow I would not be an orphan. It doesn't make sense because I'm not a child. I dislike the use of terms like this that have a severe impact on people who are orphans themselves and are used carelessly to make a scene seem more dramatic.
Continuing with this issue is a greater problem. No one seemed to care? Like, Summer would have a bit of a sob fest then think about how great Darce's abs are. I wish I was kidding. The tone would switch so suddenly I got whiplash.
It was like she had filled her quota for sadness and had to immediately go back to the romance novel she was in.
So Darce steals her from the hospital (but that's okay cause he's hot and she's such an orphan that it didn't matter) and then demands she showers quickly because he didn't want to be 'kept waiting'. I felt like Darce was meant to be dominating, but he came across like a little mouse with awkward lines.
"He turned his chin and glanced at me with a small smirk, “Enjoy yourself then?”
“It was nice,” I replied with a nod."
This is the whiplash I was talking about. She went to the shower, cried for a while, then had a bath and came out saying it was a really nice time she had in there. She just cried! She just woke up from a coma! So she can just have normal conversations and have 'nice' baths and just ignore the bigger issues - aka. her parents are dead. And Darce, meant to be Hades, doesn't seem to care? He's the God of death. He should, more than anyone, know what death means to humans.
Okay, let's move onto better things! I really loved the past reincarnations of Summer! They were unique and interesting. Maybe too interesting. Like maybe I wanted to read more about these characters than the one supplied as the protagonist.
"Taking her hand, he whisked her onto the dance floor. They moved in unison with the group of guests around them. At times their hands would touch, his palm would brush against her waist...their eyes would meet. The game they played with one another was feral."
I just enjoyed these characters and their stories. They were interesting and felt realistic. Summer, on the other hand, was just a complainer and said some pretty annoying stuff. I feel like the only reason Darce liked her was because she was Persephone, not because of her uplifting spirits and A+ personality.
You want to hear about how she complains about everything? Well, let's see. She complains about food. A lot. Apparently those damn Greeks *shakes fist* eat too many olives! I mean, what's a girl to do? Brush them to the side of the plate and eat the rest of the meal? Ask for something and say 'hold the olives'? Just mention to others that she doesn't like them? No, that's far too difficult.
He offers her spreads of food, all different types, like a buffet for every meal. But all she sees are those. damn. olives.
“Maybe if you could add a little more variety to your menu, I might actually consider eating.”
So, she demands more variety (and by variety she means 'American food' like burgers). When other people start eating different things, however, SHE COMPLAINS ABOUT THAT TOO. Seriously, you know those jokes about punching a shark in the nose so they go away? She needs one too!
Cheese or no cheese, it was too orange for my liking.
Sigh. Let's not discuss the fact he had to spread the cheese on bread for her and basically had to feed her like a baby in order for her to try the cheese.
“Ew.” How was I supposed to enjoy my meal when he was going to suck down an entire octopus on his own?"
So he DARES to eat seafood (not her American food) instead of olives (those damn olives) and she tosses a fit about that as well. She's just never happy about anything!
Now, let's not mention how offensive it is to other cultures that she's whining and stereotyping like this. Greek food isn't nice to her because it's too salty (that's a perfectly fine opinion to have) but the issue is that she won't try or attempt any of the food because she automatically assumes she won't like the food in this country. She comes across as bitter and rude - and a bit of a spoiled brat!
Also, her issue with seafood and Darce eating 'an entire octopus'. Once again, it's fine not to like seafood or even eating octopus. But he wasn't asking her to eat it (even though she demanded variety), he just wanted a meal for himself. But NOOOOO, Princess Summer can't handle that! It's 'disgusting'. Darce is meant to look Korean so eating seafood isn't uncommon and they have many amazing octopus dishes. But even if it's just another issue with a Greek octopus dish, rack up another point of cultural insensitivity.
Now, I don't mind a character who is insensitive or doesn't understand. It's just that she's so annoying about it! Like if I saw someone eating something that made me feel gross I would, as an adult, turn away. Whoa. Easy.
This is why she comes across as a spoiled brat to me who is maybe 3 years old?
Summer everytime she sees food that's 'not American':
Now, Darce takes her to the Underworld which was a really cool place and we get to meet Morpheus. I am 100% team Morpheus. He has a more interesting personality than Darce (who seems meek but attempting to be dominating or... something?) and has pretty wings. Seriously, I loooove Morpheus.
Darce never wants to talk to Summer (I mean shit, I don't either):
"Darce gripped my shoulders, pulling me back. “Summer, what is the point of this story? Please.”
Context: They were doing nothing and she was explaining a movie to him but it took up too much of his time doing nothing.
Whereas Morpheus compliments her:
“She was sharp and witty like you.”
I mean, she's not witty at all, but still a nice thing to say.
But while the boys were more focused on their jobs and lives and helping Summer finally swallow an olive (damn those olives) the women were all... bitchy.
Sigh.
Now, I don't hate the 'girls hating one another' trope. Some girls just don't get along, and that's fine. But when they make it so obvious (such as sitting at a dinner table where all the girls are comparing themselves to one another and being bratty while the boys are just enjoying dinner and having normal conversations) it's too much even for me.
Basically, all the women were jealous of one another and had it out for each other. How... unique. Very 'The Bachelor', except Darce is the prize and I would refund him for the Morpheus edition.
Now, SPOILER ALERT, we're looking at one of the final scenes in the book.
Look away now if you don't want the SPOILER!
Morpheus lets Summer see her father in a dream! Yay! Right? ...right?
NOT RIGHT. HOW DARE HE! Yes, Summer is mad that the thing she's been demanding THE ENTIRE BOOK was given to her.
Umm... okay?
“You wanted to see your father, and I gave you the opportunity,” he slid his hands into his trousers and sighed."
See? Even Morpheus is confused and had to recite her own words back to her.
But in this scene, we have a funny little line that popped up.
"Just because this is a dream, doesn’t make it any less real."
Isn't this a line from Harry Potter where Harry's in a dream sequence talking to a dead father figure as well?
Line from Harry Potter: “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”
So yay, a bit of Harry Potter thrown in the mix!
In all sincerity, I DID enjoy this book. But I'd be lying to all my folks at home reading this review and sipping on their tea if I didn't absorb the major problems and speak about them.
I would have been much lighter on Gadoury if this was a brand new novel (maybe 3.5 stars, maybe 4) but considering this novel has been published before, has had a complete rework done and had multiple editors working on it, I need to be honest that it wasn't up to her usual standard which was seriously surprising.
September 17, 2018
Summer is made to accompany her mother to Greece for the summer so they can spend time with her father together as a family. She isn't thrilled to be away from her friends and to make matters worse she's seeing strange shadows and having just as strange dreams about pomegranate seeds and a seemingly familiar and darkly captivating man. Then tragedy strikes leaving Summer to flee with a stranger claiming to be Hades, God of the Underworld....who believes that she is in fact Persephone...
I was so excited to receive an early review copy of this book from Chantal because this was one of my most anticipated Parliament House releases of the year!
First I want to say how much I love the original story of Hades and Persephone so seeing a retelling I just had to dive into it! I enjoyed the fresh spin placed on this rendition by Gadoury, I won't go into too much detail though because Spoilers! Just know that Chantal's penchant for writing often whimsical scenes that are all too easy to picture in your mind are present here as well.
The character development was well done and I found myself enjoying all the characters, not just our leads of Summer and Darce/Hades. I found myself laughing often at the Disney and pop culture Hades references that helped to lighten the mood. My favorite parts of the book definitely take place in the glorious Underworld though. I was extremely satisfied there was no insta-love and no love triangles!! When I was finished I wanted to start the next book right away because of the dramatic conclusion!!
I'd recommend this book to anyone with a love for YA, romance, and Greek Mythology!
I give Blinding Night 5 Stars.
I was so excited to receive an early review copy of this book from Chantal because this was one of my most anticipated Parliament House releases of the year!
First I want to say how much I love the original story of Hades and Persephone so seeing a retelling I just had to dive into it! I enjoyed the fresh spin placed on this rendition by Gadoury, I won't go into too much detail though because Spoilers! Just know that Chantal's penchant for writing often whimsical scenes that are all too easy to picture in your mind are present here as well.
The character development was well done and I found myself enjoying all the characters, not just our leads of Summer and Darce/Hades. I found myself laughing often at the Disney and pop culture Hades references that helped to lighten the mood. My favorite parts of the book definitely take place in the glorious Underworld though. I was extremely satisfied there was no insta-love and no love triangles!! When I was finished I wanted to start the next book right away because of the dramatic conclusion!!
I'd recommend this book to anyone with a love for YA, romance, and Greek Mythology!
I give Blinding Night 5 Stars.
September 23, 2020
Hello and welcome back to one of my reviews,
I am going to start by saying that this book surprised me in a lot of ways, all in a positive sense. The plot, the characters, the world building was very original and I loved every minute of the book (as you can see I read it in only 1 day). As you can see, I absolutely LOVE Greek mythology, I am especially fascinated by the story of Hades and Persephone. And seeing that story re - told once more, it brought joy for me because I am obviously not the only one who is fascinated by it.
The last book that I have read about them and loved was "Unhinged" by Chani Lynn Taylor (you can also check my review on it, but be warned, it's cringy because I wrote that review a few years back). I have to say, since then, I have been searching another Hades and Persephone retelling, so I have to say about 3-4 years passed. And I found nothing.
Well until a few days ago, when I accidently stumbled upon this one on Goodreads and good thing that I did, because this is a truly hidden gem. Very unexpected, but you see in the end everything turned out great.
A side note: If you guys know any other Hades and Persephone re - tellings, please do let me know.
What if you were the missing piece in one of the world’s most epic legends?
Despite being an art history student, Summer isn’t thrilled to be stuck with her archeologist family all summer in Greece. While the rest of her college friends are posting a million selfies by the pool together, Summer is stuck alone, trying to entertain herself alone in a place where she doesn’t even speak the language.
Upon her arrival to Greece, strange dreams and even stranger shadows seem to haunt Summer, leaving her to ponder the meaning of pomegranate seeds and twisted, darkened faces.
Suddenly, her stay abroad leads to tragic twists, leaving Summer in the arms of a dark stranger, who claims to be the god, Hades, whom she feels like she knows from another life. In a whirlwind through the busy streets of Athens, Summer is seduced to the lowest point of Greece where Hades’ lair awaits…the Underworld. Determined to find out who she is and where she belongs in an age-old myth, Summer joins Hades to discover that the secrets about her past life are beyond anything she could have ever imagined.
Summer/Persephone was one of my favorite characters while reading the book. Summer is supposed to be the very own reincarnation of the Goddess of Spring, Persephone. But, while Goddesses and Gods were all mighty and lived on Mount Olympus, Summer led a normal teenage life which it had nothing to with that until she arrived in Athens, Greece, where her nightmares took a toll on her again after not having them for a while before.
Maybe Darce was wrong about me being Persephone - maybe I was Pandora instead"
Summer was a complete badass in the book. I loved her sarcastic sense of humor, her comparisons to Disney films, her artistic ways. It was clear that she was different from all of her other reincarnations and Darce/Hades could see that. After being told that she was Persephone, you can see that Summer began to question herself a lot. I was really sad when she was thinking of herself of not being an actual person, that she was just living a life that was built on lies. I mean imagine if someone told you that you are reincarnation of someone really important. So I have to say that Summer handled it really well, maybe even too well. While she had maybe 2-3 weak moments, I liked that she pulled herself immediately after that and never gave anyone the satisfaction of seeing her like that while she stayed at the Underworld.
Summer's time in the Underworld was filled with many memorable moments. I like that she made new friendships even enemies. I liked the friendship she had with Morpheus (God of Dreams), I liked their never ending banter, and even when Morpheus tried to put moves on her, they were absolutely hilarious, but at the end he really helped her out in the Underworld.
What I also have to mention is that, I really liked Summer's character development through out the book, she went from refusing to go in the Underworld, to actually going, refusing to accepting for who she is, then to accepting that she is the freaking queen of the Underworld. Of course, this process is not immediate, but it's an actual good building to the very end of the book. I look forward to Summer's future adventures.
Darce/Hades was probably the most tragic character in this book. I actually have always thought that Hades was the most tragical character in the Greek Mythology. I mean being ruler of the Underworld is not an easy job to do, but it must be also really terribly lonely, so I get why he kidnapped the love of his life in the first place, but also I have to say that there are more delicate ways to convince someone to go in the Underworld with you.
"Darce had the look of a man who had seen too many things in his lifetime. Being the God of the Underworld came with that special circumstances, I supposed."
According to Darce, that's how not the story began. There were many obsticles that prevented Hades being with Persephone. For one, in every lifetime that Persephone lived, every reincarnation died in the hands of Hades. To be more specific, every time Hades gave Persephone's reincarnation pomegranate seeds so she would remember the time she spent with him as Persephone (so they could finally be together), she died. So imagine Hades's grief and sadness in watching the love of your life dying all over your arms again and again.
So, when Summer finally arrived in Athens, Hades appeared to her as Darce (he went by many appearances and names in past lives). Darce/Hades was naturally mysterious (as fas the God of the Underworld did), he was charming, witty, but also every time Summer looked into his eyes, there was an immense pain and loneliness that lasted for many many centuries. You could feel his grief and desperation for her to remember who she was. By taking her to the Underworld, he hoped that some of her memories might trigger, but the good thing was that he didn't force her to do anything. He was kind and patient to her, and I think he would've even waited an eternity for her to remember just so they could be together.
Darce and Summer officially made on my OTP list. Like I said earlier, Darce didn't expect for Summer to be different from her other reincarnations. She didn't throw herself at him, she gave him plenty of hard time and I didn't think Darce had to actually work in making her fall for him at the end.
Know this, Summer Mavros. You are the most important person to me and I will do everything in my power to secure your happiness. I have loved every woman you were before , and that will never change. No matter what"
I have to say this was a pretty good "lovers-enemies-friends-lovers" trope. I actually believe that they are literal soulmates. At first I was confused whether Darce actually liked Summer, Summer or he liked just the idea of the love of his life reincarnated. That's actually what Summer was also confused about, but at the same time I do believe what he said about her. I think he loved both Summer (as a person) and Persephone equally. This gives me soulmate vibes, and I liked that this wasn't insta love, he even had a chance to take her out on a date so he could know Summer even more. Ladies, that's effort, you deserve the best and nothing less (unfortunately it's hard to find a Greek God nowadays who is also the prince of darkness and would do anything for you, literally).
December 6, 2018
I received a copy of Blinding Night from the author in exchange for an honest review.
So I want to start off with saying how many relatable lines there were in this book.
“Insert awkward photo from a delayed flash and you have me in all of my glory”
I think we’ve all felt like this at least at one time in our lives.
Summers first taste of alcohol. She had the same reaction as I did when I first drank wine. I feel you, girl.
“That’s my girl.”
Ever since Summer was four, she has been haunted by shadows.
Black figures with no faces.
At thirteen she was sent to a psychiatrist. She had been diagnosed with ‘depression’ and places on a light dose of medication.
“Things can grow and flourish, even in the darkness.
They adapt. They change.”
A mysterious, yet somehow familiar man approaches Summer.
After a devastating accident which altered Summers world forever, she begins her journey with the man who calls himself Darce. There, she ventures with him to the Underworld.
Summer begins to understand who this man is a long with her own self discovery.
5/5 Stars.
So I want to start off with saying how many relatable lines there were in this book.
“Insert awkward photo from a delayed flash and you have me in all of my glory”
I think we’ve all felt like this at least at one time in our lives.
Summers first taste of alcohol. She had the same reaction as I did when I first drank wine. I feel you, girl.
“That’s my girl.”
Ever since Summer was four, she has been haunted by shadows.
Black figures with no faces.
At thirteen she was sent to a psychiatrist. She had been diagnosed with ‘depression’ and places on a light dose of medication.
“Things can grow and flourish, even in the darkness.
They adapt. They change.”
A mysterious, yet somehow familiar man approaches Summer.
After a devastating accident which altered Summers world forever, she begins her journey with the man who calls himself Darce. There, she ventures with him to the Underworld.
Summer begins to understand who this man is a long with her own self discovery.
5/5 Stars.
July 22, 2020
Synopsis:
During college break, Summer Mavros - a Rhode Island girl - has to spend her holidays in Greece, away from her friends, due to her parents' work commitments. She's always had weird dreams and they seem to have intensified after she reaches Greece. The dreams become more vivid and soon, tragedy strikes. Further, she's thrown off-kilter by the revelations of a stranger.
Darce is a mystery to Summer but she feels a certain connection to him. He, who talks about Greek mythology, specifically the story of Hades and Persephone. Even though she has her suspicions, having lost her only connection to the mortal world, she agrees to go on a trip to the Underworld with him.
Review:
The book starts with a prologue in Athens, Greece of 300 BC. The day when Hades and Persephone first met. The story then starts in the present on 12 May 2017 when twenty-year-old Summer has to spend a lonely holiday in Greece while her archaeologist parents are off to work. The only thing she looks forward to is a visit to her mother's side of the family for the first time in Vouliagmeni. An art historian student, she aspires to become a professional artist one day.
Summer has always had to toe around her overbearing mother but her father is a sweetheart who always stands by his daughter. But when she loses them, Darce sweeps into her life and whisks her away to his place. Even in the face of his ego and her loss, Summer holds her own. And that's saying something, considering she's the only mortal in the lair of Hades as well as someone who's not quite sure about her identity. Her conflict with the same struck me as quite subliminal, the constant war between being Summer or just a reincarnation of Persephone.
This is the third book I'm reading by Chantal Gadoury and it can't get better than this. I crown her the romantic fantasy Queen. In the classic style of retellings, I will call it that because Chantal has an overactive imagination which gets converted into out-of-the-world stories, she brings to us Hades and Persephone as Darce and Summer. Whenever I read this author's works, I'm nothing short of bedazzled by her world-building.
From their shared past lives to the present one, their relationship is such a sweet one. Everything is charming, whether it be the Underworld itself or its other inhabitants. Oh, there are the scary parts but it has been glossed over for a more romantic view which I absolutely adored. My only point of reference to Hades and Persephone till now was Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (the movie, yet to read the books) and let's just say that it didn't fill me with much confidence. But this story was such a beautiful surprise! I can't wait to read Gilded Ruins, where there will be guaranteed action seeing the way Blinding Night ended.
Playlist:
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. Allegretto
Books Mentioned:
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley
The other books by the author that I have read and also recommend are:
Between the Sea and Stars
The Shrike and the Shadows
Gilded Ruins
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
During college break, Summer Mavros - a Rhode Island girl - has to spend her holidays in Greece, away from her friends, due to her parents' work commitments. She's always had weird dreams and they seem to have intensified after she reaches Greece. The dreams become more vivid and soon, tragedy strikes. Further, she's thrown off-kilter by the revelations of a stranger.
Darce is a mystery to Summer but she feels a certain connection to him. He, who talks about Greek mythology, specifically the story of Hades and Persephone. Even though she has her suspicions, having lost her only connection to the mortal world, she agrees to go on a trip to the Underworld with him.
Review:
The book starts with a prologue in Athens, Greece of 300 BC. The day when Hades and Persephone first met. The story then starts in the present on 12 May 2017 when twenty-year-old Summer has to spend a lonely holiday in Greece while her archaeologist parents are off to work. The only thing she looks forward to is a visit to her mother's side of the family for the first time in Vouliagmeni. An art historian student, she aspires to become a professional artist one day.
Summer has always had to toe around her overbearing mother but her father is a sweetheart who always stands by his daughter. But when she loses them, Darce sweeps into her life and whisks her away to his place. Even in the face of his ego and her loss, Summer holds her own. And that's saying something, considering she's the only mortal in the lair of Hades as well as someone who's not quite sure about her identity. Her conflict with the same struck me as quite subliminal, the constant war between being Summer or just a reincarnation of Persephone.
Having someone critique your art was like letting them pick you apart, from the inside-out.
This is the third book I'm reading by Chantal Gadoury and it can't get better than this. I crown her the romantic fantasy Queen. In the classic style of retellings, I will call it that because Chantal has an overactive imagination which gets converted into out-of-the-world stories, she brings to us Hades and Persephone as Darce and Summer. Whenever I read this author's works, I'm nothing short of bedazzled by her world-building.
From their shared past lives to the present one, their relationship is such a sweet one. Everything is charming, whether it be the Underworld itself or its other inhabitants. Oh, there are the scary parts but it has been glossed over for a more romantic view which I absolutely adored. My only point of reference to Hades and Persephone till now was Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (the movie, yet to read the books) and let's just say that it didn't fill me with much confidence. But this story was such a beautiful surprise! I can't wait to read Gilded Ruins, where there will be guaranteed action seeing the way Blinding Night ended.
Playlist:
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. Allegretto
Books Mentioned:
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley
The other books by the author that I have read and also recommend are:
Between the Sea and Stars
The Shrike and the Shadows
Gilded Ruins
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
May 10, 2020
I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was a fun Hades & Persephone retelling where Demeter/Ceres is constantly ripping them apart or actively keeping them from each other. Despite being an art history student, Summer does not want to be stuck in Greece with her parents for an archaeological dig. After a tragic accident, Summer is ripped away from her life as she knew and whisked away to the underworld. Surrounded by secrets, she must figure out what is the truth and who she can trust.
Okay first of all, who the heck doesn't want to spend their summer in Greece!? I know I do. That was like the only thing that bugged me about Summer. Girl you need to live a little!!! She was real sad in the beginning pining over her friends who are doing nothing when SHE COULD BE EXPLORING BEAUTIFUL GREECE!!! Like come on, the choice is obvious.
I liked the relationship between Summer and Darce. I feel like there's still secrets to be revealed about Darce or surrounding him, but their relationship was so cute. The side characters of Morpheus and Arae were my favorite. I loved Arae's prickliness and Morpheus's charm. I can't wait to see more of these characters in book 2!
This was a fun Hades & Persephone retelling where Demeter/Ceres is constantly ripping them apart or actively keeping them from each other. Despite being an art history student, Summer does not want to be stuck in Greece with her parents for an archaeological dig. After a tragic accident, Summer is ripped away from her life as she knew and whisked away to the underworld. Surrounded by secrets, she must figure out what is the truth and who she can trust.
Okay first of all, who the heck doesn't want to spend their summer in Greece!? I know I do. That was like the only thing that bugged me about Summer. Girl you need to live a little!!! She was real sad in the beginning pining over her friends who are doing nothing when SHE COULD BE EXPLORING BEAUTIFUL GREECE!!! Like come on, the choice is obvious.
I liked the relationship between Summer and Darce. I feel like there's still secrets to be revealed about Darce or surrounding him, but their relationship was so cute. The side characters of Morpheus and Arae were my favorite. I loved Arae's prickliness and Morpheus's charm. I can't wait to see more of these characters in book 2!
September 23, 2018
The Queen of Cliff Hangers has struck again!
This novel was a wonderful modern tale that blew me away. A romance novel that made me question why I stopped writing intense romantic stories like this.
Though it is fantasy and as much as I would love for the Greek gods and goddesses to be real and for one to snatch me away from my day to day life, it felt real. Maybe I'm alone in this, but I could feel Darce's (Hades) emotions, frustration, and pain throughout the story. I also felt Summer's apprehension and distrust for the situations she was thrust into.
The pain and sadness that several of the characters expressed hit me hard in my chest and there were several points where I had to put the book down and remind myself it was just a story. Chantal has such a magical way of expressing emotions and writing her characters to be and feel real.
There are so many things I enjoyed about the novel, but my favorite has to be the realization that Hades, Lord of the Underworld, likes to free ball in Gucci pants.
I simply cannot wait for the sequel.
This novel was a wonderful modern tale that blew me away. A romance novel that made me question why I stopped writing intense romantic stories like this.
Though it is fantasy and as much as I would love for the Greek gods and goddesses to be real and for one to snatch me away from my day to day life, it felt real. Maybe I'm alone in this, but I could feel Darce's (Hades) emotions, frustration, and pain throughout the story. I also felt Summer's apprehension and distrust for the situations she was thrust into.
The pain and sadness that several of the characters expressed hit me hard in my chest and there were several points where I had to put the book down and remind myself it was just a story. Chantal has such a magical way of expressing emotions and writing her characters to be and feel real.
There are so many things I enjoyed about the novel, but my favorite has to be the realization that Hades, Lord of the Underworld, likes to free ball in Gucci pants.
I simply cannot wait for the sequel.
October 2, 2018
Blinding Night is the sum total of what I look for in a read. Myths taken apart and restructured into an enthralling whirlwind that left me utterly breathless and relieving the many lives of Persephone through the eyes of Darce and Summer. The vibrancy in the imagery and the interaction between the characters are truly out of this realm, and I swear I could even taste the pomegranate seeds. I love the direction that Chantal Gadoury went with recreating the story of Hades and Persephone because it is a refreshing and creative take. The longing to be with the one you are fated to be with can be felt throughout the entire read, and I know you’ll love it as much as I did. -YA/NA Book Divas
{I requested a copy for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed herein are unbiased and my own.}
{I requested a copy for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed herein are unbiased and my own.}
September 21, 2018
*I have received this book in exchange of an honest review.*
Chantal Gadoury is shamelessly becoming one of my favorite authors—how dare she? *laughs* When she announced a book retelling the story of Hades and Persephone I was instantly interested and dying to read it!
The story follows Summer, art history student with a passion for painting, who travels with her mother to Greece so they can join her father, who’s already there because of work. Things, however, take a tragic turn, and Summer is suddenly thrust into a story that seems surreal when a stranger claims to be the God of the Underworld, Hades, and that he has been looking for her. Suddenly Summer finds herself whisked to the Underworld, where she starts discovering things about herself and her past.
As usual with this author, I really enjoyed reading this book. Her writing is amazing and I have a soft spot for dark brooding males and mysterious histories. The parts I especially enjoyed—and by now I shouldn’t even be surprised of myself anymore since I love them in every book—were Hades’ flashbacks, especially the ones with Celena and Winnie. Ironically, I enjoyed his chemistry with the two more than the one with Summer. (The shipping was STRONG, especially in Celena’s chapter!) Not that I did not like Summer and Hades—for her, Darce—but perhaps I would have preferred for there to be a slower burn, so I could officially sell my soul to the devil. (*cackles at her horrid pun*)
I loved the two protagonists, Summer and Darce/Hades. Summer is witty and she’s an artist, Darce is dark and oh so fine. Another character I absolutely LOVED in this book was Morpheus. What would I give for him to haunt my dreams! As for the other characters, I felt like I haven’t seen enough of them to really make up my mind about them, but the ending of the book suggests there will be a sequel (*squeals!*) so I have no doubt I will get to see more of them.
My favorite scene of the book—apart from the aforementioned flashbacks—was towards the end, when Summer makes an important discovery. I particularly enjoyed it because she appears to be stronger, more confident, and it’s when her bond with Darce feels strongest.
Again, I don’t know in what other words I can express my love for Chantal Gadoury. I highly recommend this book for any reader passionate about retellings and curious about Hades and Persephone ones—and all the rest because they’re awesome!
Chantal Gadoury is shamelessly becoming one of my favorite authors—how dare she? *laughs* When she announced a book retelling the story of Hades and Persephone I was instantly interested and dying to read it!
The story follows Summer, art history student with a passion for painting, who travels with her mother to Greece so they can join her father, who’s already there because of work. Things, however, take a tragic turn, and Summer is suddenly thrust into a story that seems surreal when a stranger claims to be the God of the Underworld, Hades, and that he has been looking for her. Suddenly Summer finds herself whisked to the Underworld, where she starts discovering things about herself and her past.
As usual with this author, I really enjoyed reading this book. Her writing is amazing and I have a soft spot for dark brooding males and mysterious histories. The parts I especially enjoyed—and by now I shouldn’t even be surprised of myself anymore since I love them in every book—were Hades’ flashbacks, especially the ones with Celena and Winnie. Ironically, I enjoyed his chemistry with the two more than the one with Summer. (The shipping was STRONG, especially in Celena’s chapter!) Not that I did not like Summer and Hades—for her, Darce—but perhaps I would have preferred for there to be a slower burn, so I could officially sell my soul to the devil. (*cackles at her horrid pun*)
I loved the two protagonists, Summer and Darce/Hades. Summer is witty and she’s an artist, Darce is dark and oh so fine. Another character I absolutely LOVED in this book was Morpheus. What would I give for him to haunt my dreams! As for the other characters, I felt like I haven’t seen enough of them to really make up my mind about them, but the ending of the book suggests there will be a sequel (*squeals!*) so I have no doubt I will get to see more of them.
My favorite scene of the book—apart from the aforementioned flashbacks—was towards the end, when Summer makes an important discovery. I particularly enjoyed it because she appears to be stronger, more confident, and it’s when her bond with Darce feels strongest.
Again, I don’t know in what other words I can express my love for Chantal Gadoury. I highly recommend this book for any reader passionate about retellings and curious about Hades and Persephone ones—and all the rest because they’re awesome!
September 9, 2018
Blinding Night gets 5/5 stars! Two reviews (spoiler free and spoilers)
Spoiler free:
This isn’t my first book to read of Chantal’s. But it’s hands down my absolute favorite. Chantal’s writing style is one that reels you in until you cannot put the book down –which is exactly what happen to me with Blinding Night. I finished in it less than half a day. Chantal’s Blinding Night is a breath of fresh air. It’s dark, emotional, sensual, and just exquisitely done! The characters and their emotional journeys felt so real and raw. The storyline is one that stays with you and leaves you with such a book hangover. I seriously cannot wait for book two! This is my favorite read of 2018!
Spoilers:
I enjoyed getting to know Summer at the beginning of the story, heading off on a family vacation – wishing she was back with her friends after a semester of college to enjoy the summer. I found her spunkiness to be so relatable. I adored her relationship with her father and their banter. It felt so real.
The chapters that showed up occasionally in between those from Hades perspective (and from the past) just broke my heart into thousands of little pieces. The backstory/past lives chapters were just so beautifully written. Each time you found yourself falling in love with the characters story, despite just (technically) getting to know them during that time.
The underworld – OHEMGEE – nothing like you would picture a normal underworld to look like (I mean, I'm guessing lol). I could picture every room, every character (Darce, Morpheus… *swoons*). I wanted characters so badly to kiss, to fall in love and oh man…I was not disappointed.
When *it* finally did happen, my heart was soooooo happy and fell in love all over again.
Again, if you haven't put this is on your TBR list, do it now. You will not be disappointed.
Spoiler free:
This isn’t my first book to read of Chantal’s. But it’s hands down my absolute favorite. Chantal’s writing style is one that reels you in until you cannot put the book down –which is exactly what happen to me with Blinding Night. I finished in it less than half a day. Chantal’s Blinding Night is a breath of fresh air. It’s dark, emotional, sensual, and just exquisitely done! The characters and their emotional journeys felt so real and raw. The storyline is one that stays with you and leaves you with such a book hangover. I seriously cannot wait for book two! This is my favorite read of 2018!
Spoilers:
I enjoyed getting to know Summer at the beginning of the story, heading off on a family vacation – wishing she was back with her friends after a semester of college to enjoy the summer. I found her spunkiness to be so relatable. I adored her relationship with her father and their banter. It felt so real.
The chapters that showed up occasionally in between those from Hades perspective (and from the past) just broke my heart into thousands of little pieces. The backstory/past lives chapters were just so beautifully written. Each time you found yourself falling in love with the characters story, despite just (technically) getting to know them during that time.
The underworld – OHEMGEE – nothing like you would picture a normal underworld to look like (I mean, I'm guessing lol). I could picture every room, every character (Darce, Morpheus… *swoons*). I wanted characters so badly to kiss, to fall in love and oh man…I was not disappointed.
When *it* finally did happen, my heart was soooooo happy and fell in love all over again.
Again, if you haven't put this is on your TBR list, do it now. You will not be disappointed.
May 28, 2019
So what would you do if a man named Hades came up to you and told you that you are the reincarnation of his wife Persephone and he was here to take you home to the underworld????Blinding Night is a retelling of the Hades and Persephone story by the amazing Chantal Gadoury… I love the story of Hades and Persephone and I was really excited when I heard about this one! I was given an ARC by parliament house publishing to review.. this version follows art student Summer who has travelled to Greece with her archaeologist father and mother ( who is very overprotective and controlling of her) one day while out running she decides to take a stroll along the beach where she cuts her foot.... and this is where our story begins I don't want to get into too much detail because of spoilers ….. I really loved this retelling its totally different to any other Hades/Persephone retelling that I have ever read it is one of those books that starts off slowish but hooks you more and more as you keep reading and I was so into the story that when it just ended I was like WHAT!!!!!!!! IT CANT END THERE!!!!!! ….but don't worry there is more to come phewww!! lol I 100% recommend this book especially if you love retellings!
March 21, 2020
"Stories tend to get messed up all the time. It's like a classic game of telephone. Somewhere along the way, the truth is lost and the story becomes something entirely different."
Blinding Night is a modern retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone. It was a quick, light read that I really enjoyed. I was in serious need for a cheesy, cute read right now, it did wonders for long dead heart.
Chantal's writing style was so easy to get into, I found myself hooked right from the start. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one sitting. Even when somethings irritated me a bit, I couldn't bring myself to stop; I knew there had to be a reason for everything that's happening and I had to find out why.
I didn't like the pacing and the lack of character development though. The pacing seemed too slow at times, and too rushed at other more important times. We didn't get to know the characters on a deep level. Aside from that, it was quite enjoyable.
If you're into romance and/or fairy tales, I suggest you give this book a try!
Click for full review.
December 18, 2019
4.5/5 - This is probably a whole lot of gibberish but here you go
Summer (20) is going to Athens, Greece with her parent for the Summer holidays, everything seems normal until it wasn’t.
Blinging Night is a retelling of Hades and Persephone, So far I hadn’t read a Greek Mythology YA novel and after listening to this book I’ve been missing out. I enjoyed listening to Dollcie Webb narrate this book perfect choice in my opinion. The underworld sounds like such a beautiful place if only it was a place we could visit. The date scene 😍😍😍😍😍😍 I would die for a date like that haha and maybe a guy like Darce 😅
Summer seems like someone you could be friends with and Darce is the perfect love interest (Cup of caring, dash of bad boy, 2 cups of good looking, sprinkle of frustration and Mix you have Darce).
This is definitely a reread book for me I can’t wait for the next book
Side note - I love that Chantel through in a reference to Disney’s Hercules (such an underrated movie) and Harry Potter 100 points to (which ever hogwarts house Chantel is in haha)
Book similarities – Fallen
Summer (20) is going to Athens, Greece with her parent for the Summer holidays, everything seems normal until it wasn’t.
Blinging Night is a retelling of Hades and Persephone, So far I hadn’t read a Greek Mythology YA novel and after listening to this book I’ve been missing out. I enjoyed listening to Dollcie Webb narrate this book perfect choice in my opinion. The underworld sounds like such a beautiful place if only it was a place we could visit. The date scene 😍😍😍😍😍😍 I would die for a date like that haha and maybe a guy like Darce 😅
Summer seems like someone you could be friends with and Darce is the perfect love interest (Cup of caring, dash of bad boy, 2 cups of good looking, sprinkle of frustration and Mix you have Darce).
This is definitely a reread book for me I can’t wait for the next book
Side note - I love that Chantel through in a reference to Disney’s Hercules (such an underrated movie) and Harry Potter 100 points to (which ever hogwarts house Chantel is in haha)
Book similarities – Fallen
September 3, 2018
You guys do NOT want to miss out on this fantastic read!!!
I had the pleasure of line editing this one and I found myself fangirling 99.9% of the time! I absolutely ADORE Summer and Darce as characters and I NEED MORE OF THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!
If you're like me, you're going to find yourself laughing at loud at how feisty Summer is and how comical it is to see some of her reactions with Darce! You also might cry out of pure happiness because I totally did that for a good ten minutes... Let's be glad that no one was around at that particular time because I probably would have been asked about it and I can't talk about that until this wonderful book is released! (Unless you're an ARC reader, then PLEASE get a hold of me so that I can fangirl some more!)
I think I've determined that I cannot properly format my thoughts into proper sentences right now so I'll be adding to this most likely once I've calmed down.
THAT LAST CHAPTER THOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😍❤
I had the pleasure of line editing this one and I found myself fangirling 99.9% of the time! I absolutely ADORE Summer and Darce as characters and I NEED MORE OF THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!
If you're like me, you're going to find yourself laughing at loud at how feisty Summer is and how comical it is to see some of her reactions with Darce! You also might cry out of pure happiness because I totally did that for a good ten minutes... Let's be glad that no one was around at that particular time because I probably would have been asked about it and I can't talk about that until this wonderful book is released! (Unless you're an ARC reader, then PLEASE get a hold of me so that I can fangirl some more!)
I think I've determined that I cannot properly format my thoughts into proper sentences right now so I'll be adding to this most likely once I've calmed down.
THAT LAST CHAPTER THOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😍❤
September 28, 2018
I really don’t know how Chantel does it. Iv read her other books but I think this one is one of my favourite ones.
Spoiler free review:
This book follows Summer who is quirky at times and she has to travel with here mom to Greece so they can be with her dad who’s there for work. She isn’t happy at first because she doesn’t want to be away from her collage friends. She thought she was going to have a boring summer but little did she know everything was about to change. When she gets to Greece she starts to have these crazy dreams and one night while she’s out walking around she meets Hades and takes her to go back to his lair in the underworld. I really enjoyed the dark aspect of the book, because who doesn’t love a good dark romance?.
This book was nothing like I had expected it be. I’ve haven’t read many book re tellings but the ones that I have read Chantal has done a fantastic job. If your a fan of Greek mythology then this is the book for you.
Spoiler free review:
This book follows Summer who is quirky at times and she has to travel with here mom to Greece so they can be with her dad who’s there for work. She isn’t happy at first because she doesn’t want to be away from her collage friends. She thought she was going to have a boring summer but little did she know everything was about to change. When she gets to Greece she starts to have these crazy dreams and one night while she’s out walking around she meets Hades and takes her to go back to his lair in the underworld. I really enjoyed the dark aspect of the book, because who doesn’t love a good dark romance?.
This book was nothing like I had expected it be. I’ve haven’t read many book re tellings but the ones that I have read Chantal has done a fantastic job. If your a fan of Greek mythology then this is the book for you.
November 9, 2018
This book was incredible. I truly hope there is more to Summer and Darcie’s story. I was on the rollercoaster of hope and emotion in this book. I wanted everything Darce wanted but also wanted Morpheus too. I just am in awe of this book I don’t even know how to describe how much I LOVED this book. It was different than other retellings and I loved the new twist.
September 29, 2018
This book is sooo good. Every time I was forced to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it back up until i finally refused to put it down! Only one problem with it.... it needs to be the first of a series! It's THAT good!!!!
October 4, 2018
Chantal has become one of my favorite bookstagram authors!! I've read almost all of her books and absolutely loved them and Blinding Night was the same. I love Greek mythology and adored the very modern spin she put into this retelling.
Want to read
August 5, 2018I am so excited.
And I just can't hide it.
I am about to lose control.
AND I THINK I LIIIIKE ITTT.
And I just can't hide it.
I am about to lose control.
AND I THINK I LIIIIKE ITTT.
September 24, 2018
Thank you to the author, Chantal Gadoury, for sending me an advance copy to read and give an honest review.
*My exact rating is 3.5 stars*
This is going to be a hard review to write as I feel like I have so many mixed feelings on this book. I feel 3.5 is too low, but at the same time I'm not sure. The things I technically disliked I can see and understand why they're there so it's kind of complicated when I think about it. I was so excited when I heard that Chantal Gadoury was writing a retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth because I've always been so fascinated in the tale and love seeing what authors do with re-tellings. I was really hoping that I would just fell head over heals for this one. I did enjoy this one for the most part, but there were some things that caused me to give it a lower rating and it makes me sad.
I think the two biggest things that felt off to me were the pacing and the character development. In a way the pacing felt off. A lot of it seemed rushed and at the same time not a whole lot happened.
This is essentially a romance novel, so of course there won't be fighting and battles and whatever else, but I didn't feel like the stakes where raised high enough for the characters. Like they were there but they didn't feel emphasized enough, if that makes any sense. So I never felt a true suspense for the characters or their relationships.
We are left on a bit of a cliffhanger in the last chapter and at first I was mad but then I realized the potential for a sequel and understand why what happened happened, but at the same time it did feel rushed to me as well. I'm just conflicted on everything.
I feel like we hardly got to know most of the characters as well as I usually like in books, especially more romance based books. We obviously get to know a little more about Summer and Darce as they are our main characters but even then. Along with the fact there relationship felt a little underdeveloped. I completely get the fact that we have this whole other part of the relationship that we don't see because Summer is simply a reincarnation of Persephone but I wish there was a way to see more of that. Like how we get flashbacks of the other reincarnations of Persephone, I wish we could see actual bits and pieces of Hades and Persephone from before. I think that would have really added something to the story. Maybe even more memories from Summer of her life as the real Persephone.
I know it probably seems like I hate this book, but I swear I really did enjoy the book as a whole! Like the whole concept was extremely fascinating and unique! I loved the idea that Persephone was reincarnated as these multiple different people throughout time and history and Hades search for her. I think it truly indicates his deep love and affection for her. I think it was done really well in these little flashbacks of sorts. I loved seeing Summer come to the realization of who she truly was her actions because of it.
I also noticed throughout the book Summer making all of these different references to things in the modern world, and that just gave me a good laugh and made me happy. I also do love what we get to see of the different characters, even though of course I wish we could have gotten to know them a little more. I think the character of Morpheus was one of the most fascinating to me and I loved the little relationship he and Summer had going on. Also Summer and Dace's relationship was giving me major Feysand vibes throughout the entire book and I was here for it. I also am a huge fan of Greek mythology so getting to experience it in this book was a lot of fun!
So yeah, while I did have a few problems with this book, overall I did enjoy it, I promise! If it sounds like something you would enjoy I would still totally recommend it to at least give it a try. If there is a sequel I'm completely looking forward to seeing what happens next and diving into that one. I feel like there'll be a chance to dive even more into the world and get to know the characters even more.
*My exact rating is 3.5 stars*
This is going to be a hard review to write as I feel like I have so many mixed feelings on this book. I feel 3.5 is too low, but at the same time I'm not sure. The things I technically disliked I can see and understand why they're there so it's kind of complicated when I think about it. I was so excited when I heard that Chantal Gadoury was writing a retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth because I've always been so fascinated in the tale and love seeing what authors do with re-tellings. I was really hoping that I would just fell head over heals for this one. I did enjoy this one for the most part, but there were some things that caused me to give it a lower rating and it makes me sad.
I think the two biggest things that felt off to me were the pacing and the character development. In a way the pacing felt off. A lot of it seemed rushed and at the same time not a whole lot happened.
This is essentially a romance novel, so of course there won't be fighting and battles and whatever else, but I didn't feel like the stakes where raised high enough for the characters. Like they were there but they didn't feel emphasized enough, if that makes any sense. So I never felt a true suspense for the characters or their relationships.
We are left on a bit of a cliffhanger in the last chapter and at first I was mad but then I realized the potential for a sequel and understand why what happened happened, but at the same time it did feel rushed to me as well. I'm just conflicted on everything.
I feel like we hardly got to know most of the characters as well as I usually like in books, especially more romance based books. We obviously get to know a little more about Summer and Darce as they are our main characters but even then. Along with the fact there relationship felt a little underdeveloped. I completely get the fact that we have this whole other part of the relationship that we don't see because Summer is simply a reincarnation of Persephone but I wish there was a way to see more of that. Like how we get flashbacks of the other reincarnations of Persephone, I wish we could see actual bits and pieces of Hades and Persephone from before. I think that would have really added something to the story. Maybe even more memories from Summer of her life as the real Persephone.
I know it probably seems like I hate this book, but I swear I really did enjoy the book as a whole! Like the whole concept was extremely fascinating and unique! I loved the idea that Persephone was reincarnated as these multiple different people throughout time and history and Hades search for her. I think it truly indicates his deep love and affection for her. I think it was done really well in these little flashbacks of sorts. I loved seeing Summer come to the realization of who she truly was her actions because of it.
I also noticed throughout the book Summer making all of these different references to things in the modern world, and that just gave me a good laugh and made me happy. I also do love what we get to see of the different characters, even though of course I wish we could have gotten to know them a little more. I think the character of Morpheus was one of the most fascinating to me and I loved the little relationship he and Summer had going on. Also Summer and Dace's relationship was giving me major Feysand vibes throughout the entire book and I was here for it. I also am a huge fan of Greek mythology so getting to experience it in this book was a lot of fun!
So yeah, while I did have a few problems with this book, overall I did enjoy it, I promise! If it sounds like something you would enjoy I would still totally recommend it to at least give it a try. If there is a sequel I'm completely looking forward to seeing what happens next and diving into that one. I feel like there'll be a chance to dive even more into the world and get to know the characters even more.
September 7, 2018
*I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review*
ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED 2018 RELEASES! I know that the moment these words show up in the beginning, people tend to think that you were bribed into giving the book a high rating. Ha, there's no bribing me. But if it was possible to squeeze 5 stars out of me, I would have given it to this beauty because it's so good. (Alas, unless it's Harry Potter, it's just not possible. 4 is as far as I go.)
Among the recent surge in retellings, I found myself missing more takes on my favourite myth - Hades and Persephone. So, naturally, the moment I've heard about Blinding Night, I knew I had to read it. I've been waiting for this day for over half a year. It's an added bonus that it comes from under Chantal Gadoury's pen, who's in my eyes already an established mistress of retellings.
Blinding Night was nothing as I've expected but it made it even better. I'm a bit tired of the retellings following the same script when we can predict all twists and turns. Here, Chantal uses lesser known parts of the myth and introduces her own twists which make the whole thing so much more enjoyable. I was actually absolutely stunned as soon as at 15% and it's not that easy to surprise me.
Pick it up. Actually, pick any of Chantal Gadoury's retellings (Between the Sea and Stars is a retelling of Andersen's (NOT Disney's) Little Mermaid and Allerleirauh is based on a lesser known but also dark Grimm's tale. There's also an upcoming Nutcracker's retelling, Winterdream) and thank me later.
ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED 2018 RELEASES! I know that the moment these words show up in the beginning, people tend to think that you were bribed into giving the book a high rating. Ha, there's no bribing me. But if it was possible to squeeze 5 stars out of me, I would have given it to this beauty because it's so good. (Alas, unless it's Harry Potter, it's just not possible. 4 is as far as I go.)
Among the recent surge in retellings, I found myself missing more takes on my favourite myth - Hades and Persephone. So, naturally, the moment I've heard about Blinding Night, I knew I had to read it. I've been waiting for this day for over half a year. It's an added bonus that it comes from under Chantal Gadoury's pen, who's in my eyes already an established mistress of retellings.
Blinding Night was nothing as I've expected but it made it even better. I'm a bit tired of the retellings following the same script when we can predict all twists and turns. Here, Chantal uses lesser known parts of the myth and introduces her own twists which make the whole thing so much more enjoyable. I was actually absolutely stunned as soon as at 15% and it's not that easy to surprise me.
Pick it up. Actually, pick any of Chantal Gadoury's retellings (Between the Sea and Stars is a retelling of Andersen's (NOT Disney's) Little Mermaid and Allerleirauh is based on a lesser known but also dark Grimm's tale. There's also an upcoming Nutcracker's retelling, Winterdream) and thank me later.
May 13, 2019
** I recieved a copy of this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review **
I can't write this review without mentioning right off the bat that the Hades and Perseohone myth is by far my favorite of the seasonal myths. I mean, the story has everything: forbidden love, power struggles, family problems, and right smack in the middle was little Persephone who goes from Spring goddess to Queen of the Underworld by the end of the story.
"Blinding Night" was all of this and more. We start out with Summer on vacation to Greece and we end up discovering she is so much more than an over protected daughter to a bird-brained mother. In this version of Hades and Persephone, Persephone's mother has kept them apart for centuries, you see, and to avoid spoilers I will stop right there because it was worth the entire trip to discover who she is and how she fits into the puzzle of what happened to Persephone.
The reweaving of the myth to create this story was done in a way that I cheered for Summer to accept and remember, and I found myself being drawn in to this Versailles-Underworld and the brooding, snarky characters that make up the court-of-the-dead.
And then there's Darce.
(Pause for swooning.)
Overall, the story was intriguing, and I loved the characters and how they all come together by the end of the story.
I would give this 4.5 stars and would highly recommend if you enjoy the Hades and Persephone myth as much as I do!
I can't write this review without mentioning right off the bat that the Hades and Perseohone myth is by far my favorite of the seasonal myths. I mean, the story has everything: forbidden love, power struggles, family problems, and right smack in the middle was little Persephone who goes from Spring goddess to Queen of the Underworld by the end of the story.
"Blinding Night" was all of this and more. We start out with Summer on vacation to Greece and we end up discovering she is so much more than an over protected daughter to a bird-brained mother. In this version of Hades and Persephone, Persephone's mother has kept them apart for centuries, you see, and to avoid spoilers I will stop right there because it was worth the entire trip to discover who she is and how she fits into the puzzle of what happened to Persephone.
The reweaving of the myth to create this story was done in a way that I cheered for Summer to accept and remember, and I found myself being drawn in to this Versailles-Underworld and the brooding, snarky characters that make up the court-of-the-dead.
And then there's Darce.
(Pause for swooning.)
Overall, the story was intriguing, and I loved the characters and how they all come together by the end of the story.
I would give this 4.5 stars and would highly recommend if you enjoy the Hades and Persephone myth as much as I do!
May 13, 2019
Blinding Night is a beautifully woven fantasy retelling of Hades and Persephone. (My favorite) As a big fan of both retellings and Greek mythology... I can easily say Chantal Gadoury has captured my heart and is now in my auto-buy author list. (Seriously Chantal write all the retellings!!)
I adored Summer, she is a little spitfire that had me laughing and smirking because she is definitely my type of main character: relatable, funny, and well developed.
I can't wait to read (or listen to) more of Chantal's version of the Underworld, her swoon worthy Hades, and the breathtaking imagery that was created in this book.
Highly Recommend to those searching for a good modern day retelling or for those who want a good fantasy romance.
I have the Audiobook and ebook and desperately need the physical copy in my life.
(I loved the narration and performance but of course esp loved it when I sped it up to 1.25x)
I adored Summer, she is a little spitfire that had me laughing and smirking because she is definitely my type of main character: relatable, funny, and well developed.
I can't wait to read (or listen to) more of Chantal's version of the Underworld, her swoon worthy Hades, and the breathtaking imagery that was created in this book.
Highly Recommend to those searching for a good modern day retelling or for those who want a good fantasy romance.
I have the Audiobook and ebook and desperately need the physical copy in my life.
(I loved the narration and performance but of course esp loved it when I sped it up to 1.25x)
October 29, 2018
Rating: 4.5/5
*I was sent a PDF copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
This book was so good! I went into this book with little to no expectations as to what was going on and how I would feel, and I am so glad that I went into it that way because I don't think I would have enjoyed this as much otherwise. I think the only reason this book isn't getting a full five-stars from me is because it took me so long to get through it and I could've easily binge read it if I wasn't so busy.
I loved the characters, and could appreciate the characters that you were meant not to like. This book put me through so many different twists and turns, and the feels about this book were all over the place. I loved seeing the twist on the Underworld setting, and getting to see this almost alternate side of the story of Hades and Persephone that is completely different from what we end up seeing in myths and history. This was such a great twist on a myth that we know a little bit about, but not as much as we could.
Overall, this book is great for teenagers that are junior year of high school or higher, anyone that has a true love for Greek mythology and liking the stories of the time, and young adults would probably really like this. Overall, this book is great and I need to get my hands on book two as soon as possible.
*I was sent a PDF copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
This book was so good! I went into this book with little to no expectations as to what was going on and how I would feel, and I am so glad that I went into it that way because I don't think I would have enjoyed this as much otherwise. I think the only reason this book isn't getting a full five-stars from me is because it took me so long to get through it and I could've easily binge read it if I wasn't so busy.
I loved the characters, and could appreciate the characters that you were meant not to like. This book put me through so many different twists and turns, and the feels about this book were all over the place. I loved seeing the twist on the Underworld setting, and getting to see this almost alternate side of the story of Hades and Persephone that is completely different from what we end up seeing in myths and history. This was such a great twist on a myth that we know a little bit about, but not as much as we could.
Overall, this book is great for teenagers that are junior year of high school or higher, anyone that has a true love for Greek mythology and liking the stories of the time, and young adults would probably really like this. Overall, this book is great and I need to get my hands on book two as soon as possible.
January 25, 2019
Received a copy from the author in exchange for a review!
So, it’s a very easy thing to say that I am a complete hoe for Hades/Persephone retellings.
I’m also very, very picky bc this has been my otp for at least fifteen years.
This book delivers. I love, love seeing all the reincarnations of Persephone throughout time. Hades (Darce) was absolutely perfect, and that alone is a rare thing to see. Their relationship was so fun to see blossom. Summer struggling with ‘does he love me or the women I used to be’ and Hades working so many games just to keep the bond alive was a wonderful juxtaposition.
The minor characters stayed true to their mythological form, even Demeter and Minthe, two of the ladies that I would literally strangle if they were real. I really, really hope Minthe gets her shit wrecked.
And let me just drop this in. I NEED a spin off with Morpheus. PLEASE. My lil winged beb needs love gdi.
I can’t wait for the next book. I want to see irreverent lil Summer Mavros wreck Olympus. I want her to see her dad again, I wanna see if the river Lethe is going to make a horrible reappearance.
So, it’s a very easy thing to say that I am a complete hoe for Hades/Persephone retellings.
I’m also very, very picky bc this has been my otp for at least fifteen years.
This book delivers. I love, love seeing all the reincarnations of Persephone throughout time. Hades (Darce) was absolutely perfect, and that alone is a rare thing to see. Their relationship was so fun to see blossom. Summer struggling with ‘does he love me or the women I used to be’ and Hades working so many games just to keep the bond alive was a wonderful juxtaposition.
The minor characters stayed true to their mythological form, even Demeter and Minthe, two of the ladies that I would literally strangle if they were real. I really, really hope Minthe gets her shit wrecked.
And let me just drop this in. I NEED a spin off with Morpheus. PLEASE. My lil winged beb needs love gdi.
I can’t wait for the next book. I want to see irreverent lil Summer Mavros wreck Olympus. I want her to see her dad again, I wanna see if the river Lethe is going to make a horrible reappearance.
October 1, 2018
Book Reviewed: Blinding Night
Author: Chantal Gadoury
Book Setting: 2018, Athens, Greece
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Reviewer: Javelyn Bond
Other books by Chantal Gadoury: Allerleirauh, The Songs in our Hearts, Between the Sea and Stars, Seven Seeds of Summer
PS: This was an ARC copy given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Summary (Official): “Despite being an art history student, Summer isn’t thrilled to be stuck with her archeologist family all summer in Greece. While the rest of her college friends are posting a million selfies by the pool together, Summer is stuck alone, trying to entertain herself alone in a place where she doesn’t even speak the language.
Upon her arrival to Greece, strange dreams and even stranger shadows seem to haunt Summer, leaving her to ponder the meaning of pomegranate seeds and twisted, darkened faces.
Suddenly, her stay abroad leads to tragic twists, leaving Summer in the arms of a dark stranger, who claims to be the god, Hades, whom she feels like she knows from another life. In a whirlwind through the busy streets of Athens, Summer is seduced to the lowest point of Greece where Hades’ lair awaits…the Underworld. Determined to find out who she is and where she belongs in an age-old myth, Summer joins Hades to discover that the secrets about her past life are beyond anything she could have ever imagined.”
Characters (A Simple Outline):
The Mavros Family:
Summer: Only daughter of Mr and Mrs Mavros. The extrovert, the bold, and curious girl, is the main protagonist in our story. She is forced to a trip which at first is only archaeology but leads to several other wonders, wonders which are not of the normal.
Mr Mavros: Husband to Mrs Mavros and father to Summer Mavros. She is more close to him than her mother and regrets his unfortunate fate the most.
Mrs Mavros: Wife to Mr Mavros and mother to Summer Mavros. She is more controlling and strict as compared to her father and even assumed to be someone else in a Greek myth as told by Hades.
The Underworld:
Hades: God of death and goes by many names in the human world. He goes after Summer after a famous Greek myth.
PS: I seriously cannot remember the rest of the characters, sad fact, I know. Anyway let’s continue.
My Opinion:
What I Liked: I liked that there was greek mythology and a unique start with the story. Like I am an ancient history student, so I really enjoyed studying one of ancient mythology aspects being greek. And it was wonderful at first with the unique start, the fact that you get to see through Summer’s perspective as an adult what life really can be all about during vacation obviously. So really I got her point. And Hades entering, it was a sight. I mean he was a surprise and I really love surprises. He was a unique character expressed at his almost finest moments. And their chemistry was sizzling even for a few moments, but there was something there, I could definitely see.
Things I did not like: Now believe me, I really wanted to like this book, I really did. But there were some aspects which just drove me crazy. For example, I felt Summer’s emotions at some points in the book were really hard to understand, like they were all over the place. Then another thing was Hades and his friends. Most of the time I liked how they spent time together but sometimes I felt it was a bit too much. Like his friends were constantly in a place where Hades and Summer would be which was let’s just say, a bit irritating. Like, let the protagonists have some time to themselves! Ugh. Anyway, the flashbacks were also driving me a bit cuckoo as they were all over the place, which is kind of sad honestly.
Things I would like to see: Maybe keeping summer’s emotions a bit steady, the reason to get why hades is just so determined to get summer to be with him, apart from the said myth. And hades’s friends to maybe take a break in the corner, instead of crowding around Hades and Summer. And finally, to get a handle on those flashbacks or maybe a bit more insight perhaps into those flashbacks, like how hades would find all those girls. Just a few suggestions.
Rating: 3/5
Recommendation: Not wholeheartedly, but to those who can enjoy greek mythology or fantasy romances.
Thank you all for reading.
-J.B
Author: Chantal Gadoury
Book Setting: 2018, Athens, Greece
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Reviewer: Javelyn Bond
Other books by Chantal Gadoury: Allerleirauh, The Songs in our Hearts, Between the Sea and Stars, Seven Seeds of Summer
PS: This was an ARC copy given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Summary (Official): “Despite being an art history student, Summer isn’t thrilled to be stuck with her archeologist family all summer in Greece. While the rest of her college friends are posting a million selfies by the pool together, Summer is stuck alone, trying to entertain herself alone in a place where she doesn’t even speak the language.
Upon her arrival to Greece, strange dreams and even stranger shadows seem to haunt Summer, leaving her to ponder the meaning of pomegranate seeds and twisted, darkened faces.
Suddenly, her stay abroad leads to tragic twists, leaving Summer in the arms of a dark stranger, who claims to be the god, Hades, whom she feels like she knows from another life. In a whirlwind through the busy streets of Athens, Summer is seduced to the lowest point of Greece where Hades’ lair awaits…the Underworld. Determined to find out who she is and where she belongs in an age-old myth, Summer joins Hades to discover that the secrets about her past life are beyond anything she could have ever imagined.”
Characters (A Simple Outline):
The Mavros Family:
Summer: Only daughter of Mr and Mrs Mavros. The extrovert, the bold, and curious girl, is the main protagonist in our story. She is forced to a trip which at first is only archaeology but leads to several other wonders, wonders which are not of the normal.
Mr Mavros: Husband to Mrs Mavros and father to Summer Mavros. She is more close to him than her mother and regrets his unfortunate fate the most.
Mrs Mavros: Wife to Mr Mavros and mother to Summer Mavros. She is more controlling and strict as compared to her father and even assumed to be someone else in a Greek myth as told by Hades.
The Underworld:
Hades: God of death and goes by many names in the human world. He goes after Summer after a famous Greek myth.
PS: I seriously cannot remember the rest of the characters, sad fact, I know. Anyway let’s continue.
My Opinion:
What I Liked: I liked that there was greek mythology and a unique start with the story. Like I am an ancient history student, so I really enjoyed studying one of ancient mythology aspects being greek. And it was wonderful at first with the unique start, the fact that you get to see through Summer’s perspective as an adult what life really can be all about during vacation obviously. So really I got her point. And Hades entering, it was a sight. I mean he was a surprise and I really love surprises. He was a unique character expressed at his almost finest moments. And their chemistry was sizzling even for a few moments, but there was something there, I could definitely see.
Things I did not like: Now believe me, I really wanted to like this book, I really did. But there were some aspects which just drove me crazy. For example, I felt Summer’s emotions at some points in the book were really hard to understand, like they were all over the place. Then another thing was Hades and his friends. Most of the time I liked how they spent time together but sometimes I felt it was a bit too much. Like his friends were constantly in a place where Hades and Summer would be which was let’s just say, a bit irritating. Like, let the protagonists have some time to themselves! Ugh. Anyway, the flashbacks were also driving me a bit cuckoo as they were all over the place, which is kind of sad honestly.
Things I would like to see: Maybe keeping summer’s emotions a bit steady, the reason to get why hades is just so determined to get summer to be with him, apart from the said myth. And hades’s friends to maybe take a break in the corner, instead of crowding around Hades and Summer. And finally, to get a handle on those flashbacks or maybe a bit more insight perhaps into those flashbacks, like how hades would find all those girls. Just a few suggestions.
Rating: 3/5
Recommendation: Not wholeheartedly, but to those who can enjoy greek mythology or fantasy romances.
Thank you all for reading.
-J.B
April 10, 2014
☆☆☆.5/☆☆☆☆☆
I received this book from the author Chantal Gadoury in exchange for a review :)
Seven Seeds of Summer is a book that will take you into the world of Greek mythology, specifically the myth surround Hades and Persephone. I've personally always found Greek mythology to be interesting, although I am definitely no expert.
The book follows Summer, a college sophomore and artist who is obsessed with the god Hades. After years of painting pictures of him and obsessing over him, she discovers the greek myths she fell in love with as a child may not actually be myths at all. Hades is real, and by some stroke of luck she has a connection to his love Persephone, as a kind of reincarnated version of her. When Summer's father gets a job in Greece, she and her mother (who she has a strained relationship with) pack up and move, only to be met by a tragedy that changes her life forever.
I thought the book had a great flow and plot. It's one of those books that grabs your attention and keeps it throughout. Greek mythology is always captivating and in this book we read about popular characters like Charon, Hermes, Thanatos and Cerberus.
Of course there is also a romance aspect to it, after all it is the story of Hades and Persephone. The romance between Hades and Summer was sweet at times, but seemed unhealthy at other times. As the character Summer herself said, there were moments I though, " Ok thats some serious Stockholm syndrome." I wouldn't mind knowing what happens with them in the future and if his temperamental nature has improved at all.
One of the things that confused me when reading was what exactly happened to Persephone.
So we know she was killed, but I'm confused as to what Demeter had in the jar at the end of the book and also what happened to the jar if Persephone's soul was placed into Summer? Or was she given someone elses soul?
Although that question lingered, I enjoyed it! It will keep you engaged and wondering what's going to happen next. If you're interested in romance and/or greek myths this book is for you! This is the authors first book and if this is any indication of what's to come I expect great things!
http://booksthatbleed.wordpress.com/2...
I received this book from the author Chantal Gadoury in exchange for a review :)
Seven Seeds of Summer is a book that will take you into the world of Greek mythology, specifically the myth surround Hades and Persephone. I've personally always found Greek mythology to be interesting, although I am definitely no expert.
The book follows Summer, a college sophomore and artist who is obsessed with the god Hades. After years of painting pictures of him and obsessing over him, she discovers the greek myths she fell in love with as a child may not actually be myths at all. Hades is real, and by some stroke of luck she has a connection to his love Persephone, as a kind of reincarnated version of her. When Summer's father gets a job in Greece, she and her mother (who she has a strained relationship with) pack up and move, only to be met by a tragedy that changes her life forever.
Demeter wanted her child to be free of his curse. Persephone wanted to be free of her mother. Hades wanted to be loved.
I thought the book had a great flow and plot. It's one of those books that grabs your attention and keeps it throughout. Greek mythology is always captivating and in this book we read about popular characters like Charon, Hermes, Thanatos and Cerberus.
Of course there is also a romance aspect to it, after all it is the story of Hades and Persephone. The romance between Hades and Summer was sweet at times, but seemed unhealthy at other times. As the character Summer herself said, there were moments I though, " Ok thats some serious Stockholm syndrome." I wouldn't mind knowing what happens with them in the future and if his temperamental nature has improved at all.
One of the things that confused me when reading was what exactly happened to Persephone.
Demeter buried her daughter near the ocean, hoping that the sand and seashells would create a new human form for her daughter to take. Demeter buried her daughter near the ocean, hoping that the sand and seashells would create a new human form for her daughter to take. And just like she planned, when she was ready, you were created. She called upon me to bring her Persephone’s soul, which had been kept carefully hidden in a jar in my home here in the Underworld. I gave the body a soul, and you were born.
So we know she was killed, but I'm confused as to what Demeter had in the jar at the end of the book and also what happened to the jar if Persephone's soul was placed into Summer? Or was she given someone elses soul?
Although that question lingered, I enjoyed it! It will keep you engaged and wondering what's going to happen next. If you're interested in romance and/or greek myths this book is for you! This is the authors first book and if this is any indication of what's to come I expect great things!
http://booksthatbleed.wordpress.com/2...
October 10, 2018
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Blinding Night is the first in a new adult mythology romance series by the same name from author Chantal Gadoury. I fell in love with this novel. I started reading it casually here and there for a few minutes at a time while I was waiting for some appointments. This casual reading quickly became longer and longer periods of me being completely glued to my kindle. Eventually it turned into me totally ignoring the people I was with because I was so engrossed in the story. I am hoping that book two comes out soon because I am full on addicted to the characters and the story now. Blinding Night is a fantastic novel and I can't wait for more from this series.
Summer "Sunny" is spending her summer in Greece with her mom and dad, while the work on an archaeology dig. Blinding Night tells the story that is totally made up of little girl daydreams. A mysterious stranger appears and tells you that you are a long lost princess...I mean long lost Greek goddess. (which is even better than princess!) Sunny is great. She has a healthy dose of skepticism, which I really appreciate. She is a reincarnation of Persephone. I love that Blinding Night is a mythology based story, but with a twist. I loved the whole reincarnation element that Chantal Gadoury incorporates. But my true love here is the mythology. I am so obsessed with stories featuring Hades and the underworld. I really can't get enough of them. With so many versions of the underworld out there in books and movies, it is always my favorite part of the story to see how the author is going to depict everything. And Chantal Gadoury's underworld and players does not disappoint. I love Darce (Hades) and Morpheus the most, but I am also super excited to see more from Thantos and some of the others as well. I really, really loved Morpheus. He was my favorite character in Blinding Night. I felt like he truly saw Summer for Summer, and not just for a vessel for Persephone.
I loved seeing the past reincarnations of Persephone as well. I feel like there are still many more secrets for us to uncover in the next (hopefully several) novels, but there were some twists and turns that took me by surprise in Blinding Night.
Blinding Night is a book that really had it all for me- great characters, awesome and engaging plot, a fantastic romance and overall a story that left me wanting the next novel ASAP. Like right now, in fact. Fans of greek mythology cannot miss this series. It is a must read. It is one of my favorite books of 2018. When does book two come out again? Because I need it in my life.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Summer "Sunny" is spending her summer in Greece with her mom and dad, while the work on an archaeology dig. Blinding Night tells the story that is totally made up of little girl daydreams. A mysterious stranger appears and tells you that you are a long lost princess...I mean long lost Greek goddess. (which is even better than princess!) Sunny is great. She has a healthy dose of skepticism, which I really appreciate. She is a reincarnation of Persephone. I love that Blinding Night is a mythology based story, but with a twist. I loved the whole reincarnation element that Chantal Gadoury incorporates. But my true love here is the mythology. I am so obsessed with stories featuring Hades and the underworld. I really can't get enough of them. With so many versions of the underworld out there in books and movies, it is always my favorite part of the story to see how the author is going to depict everything. And Chantal Gadoury's underworld and players does not disappoint. I love Darce (Hades) and Morpheus the most, but I am also super excited to see more from Thantos and some of the others as well. I really, really loved Morpheus. He was my favorite character in Blinding Night. I felt like he truly saw Summer for Summer, and not just for a vessel for Persephone.
I loved seeing the past reincarnations of Persephone as well. I feel like there are still many more secrets for us to uncover in the next (hopefully several) novels, but there were some twists and turns that took me by surprise in Blinding Night.
Blinding Night is a book that really had it all for me- great characters, awesome and engaging plot, a fantastic romance and overall a story that left me wanting the next novel ASAP. Like right now, in fact. Fans of greek mythology cannot miss this series. It is a must read. It is one of my favorite books of 2018. When does book two come out again? Because I need it in my life.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
October 2, 2018
3.5 Stars
***
Summer Mavros is spending her summer break in Greece with her parents, only all she wants to do is spend it sitting by the pool or on the beach with her friends back home in the States. If that was not bad enough, an accident finds her in the arms of Darce; he claims to be Hades, Lord of the Underworld, and insists she is the reincarnated spirit of his lost love, Persephone. Trippy, right?
A quick and interesting read that explores the mythos behind the Greek tale of Hades and Persephone, with a modern twist. There is instant chemistry between Summer and Darce, with their clashing wits and their casual smirks. Both have suffered terrible losses and this cements them together. While Summer adjusts to the Underworld, Darce becomes a stable and comforting presence. She must try to reacquaint herself with a past life she cannot remember, all while dealing with grief and the inhabitants of this unknown world.
Summer is a complex character full of emotion, she questions everything around her, she does not blindly follow. I love her thought processes, about Darce, Persephone, her "life", who she really is and who she is apparently meant to be. She is strong-willed, passionate, artistic, but she harbours also sadness and pain, with a lot of empathy for others. She is annoyed at the thought of being a shell for Persephone's soul, but she is also desperate to return this Goddess to the broken Darce.
Darce is dark, brooding, melancholy, but he also shows off moments of mirth and snark. He is sometimes confusing, leaving the reader baffled by his actions or inaction. He loves Persephone, but he also seems to love the girls she reincarnates as, which makes his life doubly tragic. I really enjoyed the side stories of all his previous encounters with Persephone's reincarnated soul, these moments added depth to the character of Hades and his eternal search for his beloved.
I was at first frustrated with the Underworld characters, and found them to be more like a high school clique than ancient beings, but their cattiness and loyalty grew on me. I really liked Morpheus and wanted to know more about him and his part in the story. I enjoyed all of his interactions with Summer and found they helped to express her emotions more and revealed quite a lot of plot.
An intriguing look at the mysteries of death and one of the many myths associated with the afterlife. The next installment is sure to be a bumpy and intoxicating ride.
I was given a copy of this e-book by The Parliament House in exchange for an honest review.
***
Summer Mavros is spending her summer break in Greece with her parents, only all she wants to do is spend it sitting by the pool or on the beach with her friends back home in the States. If that was not bad enough, an accident finds her in the arms of Darce; he claims to be Hades, Lord of the Underworld, and insists she is the reincarnated spirit of his lost love, Persephone. Trippy, right?
A quick and interesting read that explores the mythos behind the Greek tale of Hades and Persephone, with a modern twist. There is instant chemistry between Summer and Darce, with their clashing wits and their casual smirks. Both have suffered terrible losses and this cements them together. While Summer adjusts to the Underworld, Darce becomes a stable and comforting presence. She must try to reacquaint herself with a past life she cannot remember, all while dealing with grief and the inhabitants of this unknown world.
Summer is a complex character full of emotion, she questions everything around her, she does not blindly follow. I love her thought processes, about Darce, Persephone, her "life", who she really is and who she is apparently meant to be. She is strong-willed, passionate, artistic, but she harbours also sadness and pain, with a lot of empathy for others. She is annoyed at the thought of being a shell for Persephone's soul, but she is also desperate to return this Goddess to the broken Darce.
Darce is dark, brooding, melancholy, but he also shows off moments of mirth and snark. He is sometimes confusing, leaving the reader baffled by his actions or inaction. He loves Persephone, but he also seems to love the girls she reincarnates as, which makes his life doubly tragic. I really enjoyed the side stories of all his previous encounters with Persephone's reincarnated soul, these moments added depth to the character of Hades and his eternal search for his beloved.
I was at first frustrated with the Underworld characters, and found them to be more like a high school clique than ancient beings, but their cattiness and loyalty grew on me. I really liked Morpheus and wanted to know more about him and his part in the story. I enjoyed all of his interactions with Summer and found they helped to express her emotions more and revealed quite a lot of plot.
An intriguing look at the mysteries of death and one of the many myths associated with the afterlife. The next installment is sure to be a bumpy and intoxicating ride.
I was given a copy of this e-book by The Parliament House in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2014
As is often the case I received this book free in exchange for a review. Despite that kindness I am absolutely honest about it below.
This is a twisted love story drawn strongly from classic Greek mythology. Man loves woman, woman secretly loves man but doesn't really quite know it yet or even realize that he does, in fact exist. What happens next is left as an exercise to the reader but does engage the reader's interest quite strongly and has the feel of all those Greek myths that we either payed a lot of attention to in High School or totally ignored.
To the positive side, the story is enthralling and pulls you along from page to page quite nicely. The character development of our protagonist is profound and quite a Bildungsroman. Summer is entirely and utterly changed by the end and has lept from naive college girl to a grown woman in the period of a few months. The action in the novel is at times passionate without being trashy and leaves plenty to the imagination.
To the negative, the technical aspects of this novel are rather horrifying and not just from the typographic mistakes. The author at times slips into a mode of writing that would make one believe that English is not their first language. Idioms are completely misused, words are entirely misplaced and the text just needs to be thoroughly proofread and corrected. Our favorite example of clumsy writing is from page 270: "I watched him disappear behind his black door and heard it silently close." Unfortunately no matter how strong the story may be, issues like this constitute an interruption of narrative flow that detract heavily from the impact of the novel. Lastly, the behavior of the characters is very erratic, more erratic than can be situationally explained. Summer's development by the end of the novel is keenly evident but during that transition her emotions are insanely volatile. Her love interest too bounces maniacally from caring to monster in the span of a few sentences. While some of this is to be expected in the stress of such a complicated relationship, the portrayal in this novel is just too much to ever believe they'd end up in anything approaching a happy ending.
In summary, this is a strong idea for a novel but the detailed execution of it fails terribly. The whole text needs a sound editing to even out some of the fractured characterization and dialog as well as to resolve some of the author's creative misuse of English Grammar.
This is a twisted love story drawn strongly from classic Greek mythology. Man loves woman, woman secretly loves man but doesn't really quite know it yet or even realize that he does, in fact exist. What happens next is left as an exercise to the reader but does engage the reader's interest quite strongly and has the feel of all those Greek myths that we either payed a lot of attention to in High School or totally ignored.
To the positive side, the story is enthralling and pulls you along from page to page quite nicely. The character development of our protagonist is profound and quite a Bildungsroman. Summer is entirely and utterly changed by the end and has lept from naive college girl to a grown woman in the period of a few months. The action in the novel is at times passionate without being trashy and leaves plenty to the imagination.
To the negative, the technical aspects of this novel are rather horrifying and not just from the typographic mistakes. The author at times slips into a mode of writing that would make one believe that English is not their first language. Idioms are completely misused, words are entirely misplaced and the text just needs to be thoroughly proofread and corrected. Our favorite example of clumsy writing is from page 270: "I watched him disappear behind his black door and heard it silently close." Unfortunately no matter how strong the story may be, issues like this constitute an interruption of narrative flow that detract heavily from the impact of the novel. Lastly, the behavior of the characters is very erratic, more erratic than can be situationally explained. Summer's development by the end of the novel is keenly evident but during that transition her emotions are insanely volatile. Her love interest too bounces maniacally from caring to monster in the span of a few sentences. While some of this is to be expected in the stress of such a complicated relationship, the portrayal in this novel is just too much to ever believe they'd end up in anything approaching a happy ending.
In summary, this is a strong idea for a novel but the detailed execution of it fails terribly. The whole text needs a sound editing to even out some of the fractured characterization and dialog as well as to resolve some of the author's creative misuse of English Grammar.
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