A Darkly Enchanting Retelling with a Fae Twist – 4.5 Stars

Seeds of Sorrow by Elle Beaumont and Christis Christie is a mesmerizing reimagining of the Hades & Persephone myth, seamlessly blended with rich Fae lore, political intrigue, and a compelling romance. While the premise initially feels familiar, the story quickly carves its own unique path, delivering an atmospheric and gripping read that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.

Life for Eden is simple—until she's given to the nightmare king.

Wishing for more adventure in her life, and hoping to escape from under her overprotective mother's thumb even for just a night, Eden accepts an invitation to a ball in another king's court. Despite her mother's ire, it all seems worth it as their travels take Eden away from home for the first time and into the middle realm.

Draven, known as the king of nightmares and ruler of the dark realm, Andhera, desires only to remain in his kingdom and maintain control and order over the ravenous creatures that lurk in the shadows. However, he finds himself drawn away by the mysterious summons of his brother, who appears to need his aid desperately.

In one evening, thrust unwittingly together, Lady Eden and King Draven find themselves beguiled, betrayed, and betrothed. Neither is prepared for what it means for them, or for the immortal realms.

As politics and death intermingle, can two entirely different fae learn to rely on one another? Or will the dark realm destroy all that is held most innocent and precious within the realms, and Eden herself?

Seeds of Sorrow is a romantic retelling of Hades & Persephone with a fae spin on it! If you love immersing yourself in dark, descriptive worlds, political intrigue and romance, you'll love this.

Through BookSirens I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Opinion

The novel introduced me to Eden, a sheltered and highly protected Fae maiden raised in the kingdom of Lucem under the watchful eye of her overprotective mother. With a magical gift that allows her to communicate with and accelerate the growth of plants, Eden’s connection to nature is evocative of Persephone, further solidifying the mythological inspiration behind her character. Despite her isolation, Eden is not a damsel in distress; she possesses a quiet strength, and when she is unexpectedly betrothed to Draven, the King Nightmares, she does not simply succumb to fear or rumor. Instead, she chooses to explore the world she has been thrust into and form her own opinions, making her an engaging and refreshing protagonist.

Draven, the enigmatic ruler of Andhera, is equally captivating. Once a Fae himself, his transformation into a vampire has granted him dominion over the shadows and the ability to turn invisible, a power that only adds to his reputation as a fearsome and mysterious ruler. Andhera, his kingdom, serves as a dark and twisted counterpart to the underworld of Greek mythology—souls of the dead find their way to his realm, but under his rule, even humans and Fae have begun to settle there, irrevocably altered by the pervasive darkness. His character is not just the brooding, tormented love interest one might expect; he is burdened by duty, honor, and the need to maintain control over the creatures lurking in his domain. His reluctant but undeniable attraction to Eden adds layers of tension and intrigue to their growing relationship.

The romance between Eden and Draven is beautifully developed, embodying the classic opposites attract trope while still feeling organic and emotionally charged. Their relationship is fraught with uncertainty, external forces working against them, and an undeniable chemistry that defies logic. Unlike many retellings where Persephone is merely abducted, Eden and Draven’s engagement is forced upon them both, leading to an interesting dynamic where neither of them is initially pleased with the arrangement. As the story unfolds, however, their bond deepens, and their personal growth is evident, making their love story all the more satisfying.

While the beginning of the novel draws heavy inspiration from Hades & Persephone, the plot soon takes unexpected turns, deviating from the well-known myth and embracing a fresh narrative filled with intrigue, danger, and political maneuvering. The pacing is steady, but the last quarter of the book is especially gripping, as mysterious events come to a head, and the broader picture of the world and its conflicts becomes clearer.

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its world building. Beaumont and Christie craft an intricate setting that feels immersive and lived-in, with distinct kingdoms, cultures, and histories that add depth to the story. Andhera, in particular, is richly described, its haunting beauty and lurking dangers making it as much a character as the protagonists themselves.

If there is any critique to be made, it would be that the initial setup, though necessary, leans slightly on the predictable side for those familiar with the Hades & Persephone dynamic. However, the novel more than makes up for this with its unique twists, strong character development, and immersive storytelling.

Conclusion

Overall, Seeds of Sorrow is a beautifully written and darkly enchanting fantasy romance that will appeal to fans of mythological retellings, lush world building, and complex character dynamics. If you enjoy stories that blend darkness and light, duty and desire, with a healthy dose of political intrigue, this book is well worth the read. A solid 4.5 stars—nearly perfect, with just enough mystery left to keep readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

About Elle Beaumont

Elle Beaumont is a writer who loves creating vivid fantasy and science fiction worlds in the young adult genre as well as new adult. She lives in southeastern Massachusetts with her husband and two children. When not writing or chasing around her children, she can be seen crocheting, candle-making and taking care of her animals. More than once she has proclaimed that coffee is lifeblood, and it is how she refrains from becoming a zombie.

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About Christis Christie

Christis Christie was born and raised in a small town in New Brunswick, Canada where she spent most of her time either reading someone else’s book, or dreaming of writing her own. Her favourite thing to dive into is an epic fantasy, or anything else magical and wondrous that really allows her imagination to take her away.

She now lives on the East Coast in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she works as an event designer, putting her interior decorating degree to wonderful use. Whenever she’s not busy magically transforming venues for her clients, Christis is working on her own writing, or spending with her boyfriend and her cat, Robert.

Her other dreams consist of one day visiting Costa Rica and spending the night at the Toucan Rescue Ranch with the sloths!

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Seeds of Sorrow

Seeds of Sorrow by Elle Beaumont and Christis Christie is a mesmerizing reimagining of the Hades & Persephone myth, seamlessly blended with rich Fae lore, political intrigue, and a compelling romance.

– RoXXie

Characters

Atmosphere (Setting)

Writing

Plot

Intrigue

Logic

Enjoyment

Summary

Overall, Seeds of Sorrow is a beautifully written and darkly enchanting fantasy romance that will appeal to fans of mythological retellings, lush world building, and complex character dynamics.

4.5

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