Review of A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
As someone who has always felt a magnetic pull towards retellings of classic myths, I was quite eager to dive into A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair. A modern take on the Hades and Persephone myth? Sign me up! The allure of blending ancient lore with contemporary romance is hard to resist, especially when framed within a fresh narrative. However, my excitement quickly turned to disillusionment as I progressed through the audiobook, prompting me to take a step back and reflect deeply on its elements.
To get my thoughts organized, I’ll break it down into key points that stood out, or perhaps should I say stumbled forth in a less-than-glorious fanfare.
-
Persephone as a Heroine: Persephone’s characterization felt lackluster, almost directionless. Her conflicting motivations—from seeking adventures to wanting Hades to affirm her worst fears—brought a sense of confusion to her arc. Disconcertingly, her tendency to doubt Hades, despite his attempts to show goodwill, made it hard to empathize with her. Shouldn’t she have used these moments to rebel against her mother’s expectations?
-
Persephone as a Goddess: The representation of Persephone as the goddess of spring lacks logical grounding. If she’s indeed a goddess, how is spring happening independently of her? The story left me questioning the very fabric of her divine identity, and I found myself yearning for more depth in her mythology.
-
Hades as a Hero: Ah, Hades—the brooding archetype we’ve all come to know. His character felt like a missed opportunity; while he is portrayed as a cold tyrant, it was frustrating to see him fail to defend his character against Persephone’s accusations. His silence spoke louder than his words, making me wonder whether he genuinely cared about her opinion or was content with merely existing in his dark realm.
-
A Tired Dynamic: The tension between the naive, virginal college student and the enigmatic, older billionaire is a trope that desperately needs fresh air. Persephone’s character contradicted her supposed empowerment, as she’s depicted as a self-assured woman who crumbles in Hades’ presence. This dynamic felt old and problematic, and I couldn’t shake the discomfort it brought.
- Lack of Logical Flow: So many conversations felt disjointed and illogical. It became difficult to connect with the narrative when the dialogue appeared as if it was plucked from different contexts, leaving my thoughts scrambling to fill the gaps.
The writing style had its moments, but it was marred by a lack of proofreading, a clear oversight that occasionally pulled me out of the story. Awkward phrasing made interactions feel stilted, which was particularly jarring in intimate scenes meant to evoke passion.
Despite the critique, there were glimmers of potential sprinkled throughout. The themes of self-discovery and challenging societal norms remain poignant, even if their execution left much to be desired. If you’re drawn to stories that employ mythology through a new lens or are simply a fan of romantic tension fuelled by misunderstanding (and can overlook logical inconsistencies), this book might still resonate with you.
In conclusion, while A Touch of Darkness had all the makings of a captivating retelling, it ultimately fell short for me. However, if you’re someone who relishes in mythological retellings, or enjoys complex character dynamics that take time to evolve, it may still be worth checking out. As for me, it’s a bittersweet experience that reminds me that even the most enticing premises can sometimes falter in execution.
Discover more about A Touch of Darkness (Hades & Persephone, #1) on GoodReads >>