Persephone suspects she is going crazy. The wind whispers her name and she often feels she's being watched. Then her mother tells her she's a goddess, so clearly craziness is catching. Being attacked by the god of winter and carried off to the Underworld by Hades don't help Persephone's day. Ironically, they do convince her that her family is sane, if different.

Now Persephone's only obstacles are learning how to be a goddess, the obsession of the lustful god Boreas, ruling as queen of the Underworld and trying to regain control over her life. Also, finding oneself in a permanent, political marriage to the god of the Underworld can get tricky. Hades proves a very different god than Persephone imagined.

I found Persephone fresh, fun and easy to read. Author Kaitlin Bevis modernizes Greek mythology by creating her own history of what changing values and worship systems would do to the deities, rather than simply updating them like Rick Riordan. Her alterations are engaging and change the stakes so that readers get to encounter well-known myths with fresh eyes. (Yes, I am using the word "fresh" a lot because it's about the goddess of spring.) I can't wait to find out more about the gods in her world -- I wish there'd been a bit more exposition just filling me in.

I enjoyed this heroine. Persephone's discovery that she is a goddess is the most authentic, plausible supernatural-acceptance narrative I've ever read. She felt so organic that she came across as a truly strong heroine without it seeming like the author was trying to make her one; she just was. Her personality grounded the novel and grew in the spotlight, no matter what else was happening. Plus, Persephone's practically the only time I've seen a short girl in this supernatural role.

Bevis very deliberately leaves no stone unturned in creating a Hades whose character is positive. Her Underworld has a lot to offer and is wonderfully fleshed out. The supporting cast is compelling, rather than just plotpoints. There's enough action to keep the pacing quick. She does assume enough knowledge of Greek mythology that, while readers won't be lost, they might not enjoy the novel as much if they aren't in the know. The myths Bevis actually retells successfully marry familiar myths with her versions of the characters. The overarching plot that extends to the sequels is promising.

So basically, as Persephone renews the earth, Persephone renews her story. What's not to like about spring? I recommend it.

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