I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Queen of the Underworld is the prequel to Felicity Heaton's Guardians of Hades series. Having read Ares and Valen the first two books in the series, I was curious to see where it all began, hence my decision to read Queen of the Underworld.

It pains me to have to write this review, especially since the author is a favourite of mine - and I’ve enjoyed all her books that I’ve read so far. Unfortunately, Queen of the Underworld did not fall into my favourite category. I had high hopes for Hades and Persephone’s story, but it failed to deliver as per my expectations.

The story started out with Hades dreaming of finding love like his brothers Zeus and Poseidon.  He teleported to Olympus where he landed in a special garden. In this garden he saw the beautiful Persephone and he knew he wanted her for his queen. He approaches Zeus seeking permission to take her as his queen. When Zeus granted him his wish he kidnaps her and takes her back to his kingdom, the Underworld. The events which unfolded from this action led to many angsty moments between the Hades and Persephone.

Queen of the Underworld did not come close to what I’ve come to expect from this author. This was longest and painfully boring story I’ve read in the longest time. It took me eight excruciating days to get through this one. It would seem I’m a sucker for punishment. 

For the majority of the story readers are subjected to Hades and Persephone’s insecurities, uncertainties, indecisiveness and constant woe is me internal monologue. One minute Persephone is thinking of ravishing Hades then the next she wants nothing to do with him. Hades also runs hot and cold for most of the story. At one point he is calm and then the darkness takes over and he becomes a raging monster. Now I have no problem with their insecurities, especially after learning the reasons behind them - but when the majority of the story focuses on it with nothing much else happening besides the characters’ never ending internal monologue, then that’s where I would have issues.

An event with one of Hades warriors had the potential to change the trajectory of the story and bring some colour into what was becoming a lack luster story. Alas, not much happened and that aspect of the story was short-lived. It wasn’t until the last couple of chapters that the story took a turn, culminating in a magical ending that would have been worthy of a great love story.

I loved the world the author created in this series and I enjoyed seeing how it all started. It was interesting seeing the Underworld and Olympus through the author’s eyes.

Despite my disappointment with this installment, Heaton remains on my favourite author’s list. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading