Standalone or Series? Series – The Chrysomelia Stories
Format: Ebook
Published: June 28th 2013 Publisher: Central Avenue Publishing
Author’s Website: http://www.mollyringle.com/index.html
After reading a review by Lee @ Rally the Readers, there was no way I was going to turn down the publisher’s offer of an advance reader copy of Persephone’s Orchard.
This story is a unique take on the god of the Underworld, Hades, and his love for Persephone. The heroes of this story are Sophie, modern-day college student, and Aaron, mysterious, handsome, kiwi bloke, owner of the world’s sweetest dog and several other book-boyfriend attributes that caught my attention.
Sophie isn’t universally appealing in the first few chapters,but slowly develops into a worthy heroine. I wasn’t blown away by the development of her high school boyfriend and room-mate, especially when compared to the other compelling characters.
The story starts with a bang, and then slows to focus on the relationship which develops between Aaron and Sophie while they travel back and forth between the Underworld and her college grounds before the action picks up again.
Although Tarturus is still an abyss of suffering for the souls of the wicked, this Underworld is less scary than the one of more classic stories. In the Underworld, Adrian seems keen on getting Sophie to eat a pomegranate and later a very interesting looking orange – but since Sophie’s reading to become a nutritionist at university, we can safely assume his concern isn’t that she’s not getting her 5-a-day. Soon Sophie begins to experience dreams and memories of a past life, one in ancient times, when a young woman named Persephone met a god named Hades. As the Underworld’s magic begins to work its wonders on her it draws danger to her.
Persephone’s Orchard is an enjoyable new adult romance, with hints of action-adventure and an imaginative take on the Greek gods; it should appeal to open-minded fans of mythology.
My rating; 3.9 (Plot 4, Full Cast of Characters 3.5, Dialogue 4, Pacing 3.5, World Building 4.5)
Current rating on Goodreads: 4.17
BUY: Amazon Kindle £0.73 The Book Depository £10.71 (paperback & free worldwide delivery) Barnes & Noble paperback and e-book
katjaweinert.com 
This sounds refreshingly different compared to the usual NA books, and I’m definitely curious about it now. Although it took you a while to warm to Sophie’s character, I’m glad you enjoyed this book overall. Lovely review! 🙂
thanks Sam, and definitely a fresh take on the NA genre
Your review was very well-balanced and fair. Isn’t it kind of annoying when a book starts out with a bang and then slows down? I always feel cheated when I read books like that, as if the first part was a false promise. Thanks for the review! 🙂
thanks Lexa 🙂 I did kind of sulk with the slow down, but since it picked up again I ended up being a happy camper.
Sounds like a very interesting book. Might have to give it a try
at the current £0.73 for the full story, there’s nothing to lose.
This sounds good, want to check it out!
Excellent, if you do I’d be interested in your thoughts
Great review, Katja! I really liked the spin on mythology in this one. I also have a bit of a weakness for retellings that make Hades less scary and more swoon-worthy, lol.
thanks for your awesome review, Lee, it’s what piqued my interest
I don’t read a lot of NA so I’ll pass on this but I’m glad you enjoyed it overall! I haven’t been reading much great books in a while now. *sigh*
Great review, katja! <33
don’t worry Mel, I predict a round of brilliant books following your bout of sigh worth ones 😉 the only good thing about reading a not so good book is that when you do pick up a good read it’s all the sweeter
“…getting her five a day.” LOL!
how much do I owe you, Verse 😉
The usual.