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Hades and Persephone is that one myth we can’t stop reading, watching, or fangirling over.
There’s just something irresistible about a good broody bad boy and a fierce queen figuring out their love story (with a side of Underworld drama, of course).
Lucky for us, there are tons of amazing retellings out there, putting fresh spins on their romance.
If you’re ready to add some epic books to your TBR, I’ve got you covered with the best of the best in this post.
1. Neon Gods by Katee Robert
Persephone’s carefully planned escape from her controlling life is shattered when her mother forces her into an engagement with Zeus, the dangerous ruler of Olympus.
Desperate, she flees to the mysterious undercity and strikes a deal with Hades, a man shrouded in myth.
Their bargain evolves into an undeniable connection, and Hades must risk everything to keep Persephone safe in this modern and steamy take on the Hades and Persephone story.
2. Seeds by M.M. Kin
Hades, the solitary Lord of the Underworld, lives a life untouched by emotion until he encounters Persephone, a goddess longing to escape the stifling control of her family.
In the Underworld, Persephone discovers a new sense of freedom, and together, they create a bond that defies expectations.
Also See: Top 14 Dark & Spicy Romance Novels You Need To Read ASAP
3. Phone Home, Persephone by Kate McMullan
The classic tale of Hades kidnapping Persephone is all wrong—according to Hades himself.
In this playful retelling for younger readers, Persephone is actually trying to escape her overprotective mother, Demeter, when she finds herself in the Underworld.
With humor and a fresh perspective, Hades sets the record straight on one of mythology’s most famous stories.
4. The Concord Coalition by Kenley Davidson
In this sci-fi retelling, Persephone is a young woman running from her family’s demands, stranded on a bustling space station while searching for purpose.
Phillip, a disgraced corporate heir living in exile, is also seeking redemption.
Their paths cross in a shared quest that could change the fate of humanity—or destroy them both.
5. Receiver of Many by Rachel Alexander
Persephone, sheltered by her powerful mother, Demeter, is ready to embrace her destiny as a goddess.
Hades, the isolated ruler of the Underworld, comes to claim his long-promised bride.
Their intense and passionate union challenges divine laws and ancient alliances, which reshapes the fate of gods and mortals in this richly detailed retelling.
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6. Pomegranate by Nicole Scarano
Hades’ story begins not as a god but as a mortal whose extraordinary beauty captivates Mount Olympus—especially Zeus.
Betrayal and cruelty lead Hades to her destiny as the feared and powerful Queen of the Underworld.
This reimagining brings a darker origin story of vengeance, strength, and transformation.
7. Captive in the Underworld by Lianyu Tan
Queen Hades rules the land of the dead with unyielding authority and claims Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, as her own.
Trapped in the Underworld and longing for freedom, Persephone must navigate her complicated feelings toward her captor.
This standalone dark romance delves into themes of power, desire, and forbidden love.
8. Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl
Layala has spent her life hiding from the ruthless High Elf King Thane, who seeks her as his destined mate.
When Thane finally captures her, Layala plots her escape but discovers secrets that bind them in unexpected ways.
Inspired by Hades and Persephone, this tale weaves romance, vengeance, and fantasy into a gripping narrative.
Must-Read Young Adult Hades & Persephone Retellings
9. Thief of Spring by Katherine Macdonald
In this twist on Greek mythology, the gods are not deities but faeries.
When 17-year-old Persephone stumbles into a revel, she is chosen as a sacrifice.
However, the Lord of the Underworld intervenes, saving her by binding her to him as his companion for seven months.
Taken to his palace beneath the earth, Persephone discovers surprising truths about both him and herself in this imaginative retelling of the classic myth.
10. Tempting Hades by Emma Hamm
Kore, the Goddess of Spring, feels trapped in her life, adored by all but understood by none.
Hades, the Lord of the Underworld, offers her something more: a throne, a kingdom, and a love that defies time.
As their bond grows, Kore transforms into Persephone, the Bringer of Death, but their union faces opposition from the gods.
With the stakes higher than ever, Persephone must choose between the world at her feet and the love she craves in this richly atmospheric retelling.
11. Abandon by Meg Cabot
Pierce has struggled to adjust after her near-death experience, always feeling out of place in the world of the living.
Her unease deepens when the mysterious figure who saved her from the Underworld begins to reappear in her life.
Though she is drawn to him, his dark world terrifies her, and she fears being pulled back into the Underworld for good.
12. Dirty Wings by Sarah McCarry
This lyrical reimagining focuses on Maia, a sheltered piano prodigy, and Cass, a streetwise runaway with a talent for magic.
When their worlds collide, Maia escapes her restrictive life, and the two form a deep friendship.
However, their journey leads to danger as an ancient evil is awakened.
With Maia’s extraordinary gifts drawing attention and love complicating matters, Cass must confront forces that could destroy them both in this haunting reinterpretation of the Persephone myth.
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Top Steamy Hades and Persephone Book Retellings
13. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, has always hidden her failing powers behind the guise of a mortal journalist in New Athens.
When a chance encounter with Hades, the God of the Dead, binds her in a contract to create life in the Underworld, she faces an impossible challenge.
As she works to fulfill the terms, Persephone uncovers not only her hidden potential but also forbidden feelings for Hades in this romantic and modern mythological tale.
14. Asterion by Alessa Thorn
Asterion, a powerful club owner in a city ruled by Hades and his court, is used to control and danger.
Ariadne, an assassin seeking revenge for her sister, is sent to kill him.
Their collision in the dark, high-stakes world of the Labyrinth sets off a dangerous game of attraction and betrayal.
This enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance is the thrilling start to a series full of gods and monsters.
15. The Power of Hades by Eliza Raine & Rose Wilson
Persephone is abducted from Manhattan and thrown into the Underworld, where she is forced to compete in deadly trials to prove herself worthy of becoming Queen—and Hades’ bride.
Determined to return home, she discovers hidden strengths and an unexpected connection with the enigmatic Lord of the Dead.
This fast-paced, modern retelling is filled with suspense, romance, and trials of both the body and heart.
16. King’s Capture by Vivian Wood
Persephone, a talented art forger, is kidnapped by a ruthless arms dealer, Hades.
He intends to use her skills for a major deal, but their dark, volatile connection quickly becomes irresistible.
This intense retelling of Hades and Persephone combines action, suspense, and steamy romance, kicking off a duet set in a shadowy underworld of crime.
17. A Deal with the Elf King by Elisa Kova
For centuries, human villages have offered a young woman as Queen to the elves.
When 19-year-old Luella is unexpectedly chosen, she’s thrust into a magical realm as the bride of a cold, enigmatic Elf King.
While navigating her new life, she uncovers her hidden power and the key to saving the dying elven world.
This standalone fantasy romance blends Hades and Persephone’s myth with Beauty and the Beast for a slow-burn love story.
18. Ivy & Bone by R.L. Perez
Prue, an earth witch grieving her twin sister, summons Cyrus, the devil of the Underworld, in a desperate attempt to bring her sister back.
Instead, she binds their powers together and accidentally unleashes the spirits of the dead.
Forced to work with Cyrus to save the mortal realm, Prue struggles with her growing attraction to him.
This dark, steamy Hades and Persephone-inspired tale weaves magic, romance, and danger.
Most Romantic Hades & Persephone Retellings to Read
19. Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Children who have ventured into magical worlds often find themselves discarded when their usefulness fades.
Nancy, who once crossed into a mysterious realm, now resides at Miss West’s home for such children, all yearning to return to their fantasy lands.
But Nancy’s arrival coincides with dark events, and she and her companions must uncover the truth behind a growing danger.
This haunting and poignant tale explores the aftermath of finding and losing magic.
Also See: Beauty and the Beast: 22 Retelling That Absolutely Shake Things Up A Little
20. The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
Maya, cursed by a horoscope predicting death and destruction, has resigned herself to a quiet life of scholarly pursuits.
When her father arranges her marriage to Amar, King of Akaran, Maya discovers a new world filled with secrets: a kingdom of magic, locked doors, and ancient mysteries.
As she unravels her destiny, Maya must save both the living and the Otherworld from destruction while embracing her voice and power in this lush, romantic fantasy.
21. The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber
Timid Percy Parker begins her studies at the gothic Athens Academy in Victorian London, unaware of the supernatural battles fought by Professor Alexi Rychman and his secretive group.
Haunted by her otherworldly gifts, Percy finds herself drawn to Alexi and a world of ghosts, danger, and forbidden connections.
This is a rich, atmospheric blend of romance and the paranormal, set against the backdrop of shadowy London streets.
22. Stolen by the Shadow King by Alisha Klapheke
When Maren is taken to the Underworld by the brooding Shadow King, she resists their fated bond.
But as she uncovers her role as the legendary seer and learns of a spreading poison threatening both realms, she must decide whether to unite her powers with the king’s to save the world.
With another shadow lord threatening everything, Maren faces choices of love, sacrifice, and survival in this enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance.
23. For the Love of Hades by Sasha Summers
Hades, the brooding Lord of the Underworld, is unshaken by life or love—until Persephone enters his realm.
Her warmth and determination awaken feelings he has long suppressed.
When Poseidon endangers Persephone, Hades steps in to save her, bringing them closer.
Their growing connection faces opposition from gods, fates, and even Hades himself in this tender, romantic retelling of a classic love story.
24. River of Shadows by Karina Halle
When Hanna Heikkinen travels to Finland for her estranged father’s funeral, she discovers he’s been captured by Tuoni, the God of Death, in the underworld of Tuonela.
Determined to rescue him, Hanna ventures into the dark, perilous realm with the enigmatic Rasmus as her guide.
Captured by Death himself, Hanna must decide whether to sacrifice her freedom—and her heart—to save her father in this dark fantasy inspired by Finnish mythology.
25. By Pain of Death by Suzanne Clay
Hades, weary from sorting souls and burdened by centuries of isolation, has resigned himself to a lonely, painful existence.
When Hermes arrives with Seph, a god seeking refuge from a controlling parent, Hades is forced to confront his own longing for connection.
This intimate, low-heat retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth explores themes of healing, love, and vulnerability with a unique M/M romance and a disabled protagonist.
Popular Hades & Persephone Book Retelling Series
26. The Goddess Test Series by Aimee Carter
Book 1: The Goddess Test
Kate Winters agrees to a deal with Henry, the mysterious man claiming to be Hades: if she passes a series of life-or-death tests, he’ll save her dying mother and make Kate his queen. But failure means losing everything.
Book 1.5: The Goddess Hunt
While on vacation in Greece, Kate is drawn into an ancient feud involving Castor and Pollux, immortals on the run. As Kate learns to navigate the dangerous politics of gods, she faces challenges to her role as Queen of the Underworld.
Book 2: Goddess Interrupted
As Kate prepares for her coronation as Queen of the Underworld, Henry is kidnapped by the Titan Cronus. To save him, Kate must seek help from Henry’s first wife, Persephone, while facing a war that threatens the gods.
Book 3: The Goddess Inheritance
With the world on the brink of destruction, Kate must choose between saving her family or humanity. Facing betrayal, loss, and the wrath of Cronus, she must summon her strength for one final battle.
27. The Forbidden Game Series by L.J. Smith
When Jenny buys a mysterious game for her boyfriend, she and her friends are pulled into a deadly new reality ruled by Julian, the Prince of Shadows.
To escape, they must confront their greatest fears. But Julian’s obsession with Jenny makes survival even more dangerous in this thrilling supernatural series.
28. The Everneath Series by Brodi Ashton
Book 1: Everneath
Nikki Beckett returns to the surface after months in the Everneath, a realm where immortals feed on human emotions.
With six months before she’s pulled back forever, Nikki must choose between rekindling her life with her boyfriend, Jack, or succumbing to Cole, the immortal who wants her as his queen.
Book 1.5: Neverfall
Cole, determined to claim Nikki and the Everneath throne, embarks on a dangerous quest to understand Nikki’s survival of the Feed. His search uncovers secrets that could change their fate.
Book 2: Everbound
After Jack sacrifices himself to save Nikki, she descends into the Everneath with Cole to rescue him. Along the way, Nikki uncovers hidden truths about love, sacrifice, and the underworld.
Book 3: Evertrue
Now turning into an Everliving, Nikki must find a way to reverse her fate before it’s too late. With Jack and Cole’s help, she faces impossible choices and a final showdown with the Queen of the Everneath.
29. The Blooming Goddess Series by Tellulah Darling
Book 1: My Ex From Hell
Sophie Bloom discovers she’s actually Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, after a fateful kiss reawakens her powers.
As the key to saving humanity, she must master her divine abilities while dealing with high school drama and the gods’ deadly schemes.
Book 2: My Date From Hell
To stop Zeus and Hades from taking over the world, Sophie must unlock Persephone’s memories.
With the help of the Goddess of Love and her ex, the Prince of the Underworld, she faces dangerous trials.
Book 3: My Life From Hell
With the final showdown against Zeus and Hades looming, Sophie struggles to prepare for battle while juggling her chaotic relationships and self-doubt. Her journey tests her strength, courage, and determination to save humanity.
Best Hades and Persephone Historical Retellings
30. A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean
The Marquess of Bourne lost everything a decade ago and will stop at nothing to regain his inheritance—even marrying Lady Penelope Marbury, whose dowry includes the estate he craves.
Penelope, tired of predictable suitors, yearns for something thrilling, and Bourne’s dangerous world may be exactly what she needs.
As they navigate their unexpected marriage, they discover a connection deeper than revenge in this Regency romance.
31. Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden
Persephone Lancaster reluctantly agrees to marry the scarred and reclusive Duke of Kielder to save her family from financial ruin.
Her warmth begins to thaw the Duke’s icy demeanor, but his fear of vulnerability creates tension in their growing bond.
When danger strikes, the Duke must decide whether to risk his heart to save the woman he loves in this heartfelt Regency romance.
32. The Darkest Summer by Rebecca J. Greenwood
Lady Cora Winfield is drawn to the enigmatic Duke of Blackdell despite his dangerous reputation.
When the Duke kidnaps her to secure their future together, Cora is forced to choose between following her heart or maintaining her family’s honor.
Set in the summer of 1816, this Regency retelling of Hades and Persephone is filled with passion and intrigue.
Top Hades and Persephone Graphic Novels to Read
33. Persephone: Hades’ Torment by Allison Shaw
This graphic novel reimagines the tale of Persephone and Hades with a fresh perspective.
Far from a helpless captive, Persephone is spirited and bold, while Hades, struck by love’s arrow, struggles to control his feelings.
Their chemistry ignites in this vividly illustrated and romantic take on Greek mythology.
34. Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
This contemporary reimagining of the Hades and Persephone myth brings the Greek Pantheon into the modern age, exploring scandal, love, and the complexities of relationships.
Originally an Eisner-nominated webcomic, this graphic novel combines lush visuals with sharp storytelling to reintroduce ancient gods in a fresh and relatable way.
35. Demeter & Persephone: Spring Held Hostage by Steve Kurth & Barbra Schultz
This graphic novel stays true to the traditional myth, recounting Persephone’s abduction by Hades and Demeter’s sorrow that brings about the first winter.
With themes of love, compromise, and the changing seasons, it offers a faithful retelling of this foundational Greek legend.
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36. Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
Persephone, stifled by her overprotective mother Demeter, longs for freedom.
When she meets Hades, she’s drawn to the danger and excitement he offers.
But her daring choice to escape Demeter’s control comes with consequences that could unravel her world.
37. Of Earth & Shadow by Kimberly A. Rogers
Persephone, Zeus’ daughter and an earth elemental, is kidnapped by Hades as part of a promised marriage alliance.
Initially skeptical of her captor, she discovers Hades’ kind heart and his devotion to his people.
When Zeus declares war, Persephone must step into her power to protect her new home and the Shadow King she’s come to love.
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So, which of these books will you pick up next?
I’d love to know what you think, so share your TBR or your reviews in the comments.
And if you loved this list, why not share it with a fellow mythology fan?
Happy reading, and may your TBR pile be as epic as the Underworld itself!
