Book Boyfriends and Booze

In Neon Gods, Katee Robert delivers a sultry and modern reimagining of the Hades and Persephone mythology, set in the glittering yet treacherous city of Olympus. Persephone Dimitriou has spent her life navigating the ruthless politics of the Thirteen Houses, but when her mother forces her into an engagement with the dangerous and controlling Zeus, she has no choice but to run. Seeking refuge in the forbidden undercity, she strikes a desperate bargain with Hades, a man long thought to be a myth. What begins as a strategic arrangement quickly ignites into a passionate, all-consuming affair—one that threatens to upend the delicate power balance of Olympus. But as their connection deepens, Hades must decide whether to stay in the shadows or risk everything to protect the woman he never expected to claim as his own.

A Greek Mythology Retelling with a Contemporary Twist

If you’ve been on BookTok or Bookstagram, chances are you’ve heard of Neon Gods by Katee Robert. This book is the modern-day Hades and Persephone retelling that everyone raved about, so naturally, we had to pick it up and see if it lived up to the hype. And while we loved the concept and the way the Greek mythology elements were woven into a contemporary setting, we have to be honest—this version of Hades didn’t quite hit the bad boy mark that we were expecting.

A Modern Olympus with a Gritty Edge

One of the best parts of Neon Gods is how Katee Robert reimagines Olympus as a city controlled by powerful ruling figures akin to mafia families. It’s dark, political, and layered with tension, which makes it a really cool setting for a forbidden romance. Persephone, desperate to escape an arranged marriage to Zeus, flees to the undercity and finds herself in the arms of the enigmatic Hades—a man she’s only ever heard of in whispers.

The Hades and Persephone dynamic is one that thrives on dark, brooding energy. We expected a shadowy antihero with a dangerous edge, but instead, Hades reads more like a misunderstood sweetheart who happens to carry a gun but isn’t entirely comfortable using it. It’s giving more golden retriever energy than a tortured villain, which is unexpected.

Is Hades Really a Dark Romance Hero?

One of the things that left us a little underwhelmed was how much the book tells us that Hades is dangerous rather than actually showing it. There are constant reminders from Hades himself that he’s not a good man, that he’s ruthless, that he’s into things Persephone might not be ready for—but then we don’t really see that reflected in his actions. Sure, he’s protective, he’s powerful, and he’s a leader in his world, but at no point did we feel like he was the dark and brooding bad boy that he kept insisting he was.

That being said, he adores Persephone, treats her well, and is fiercely protective of her, which is great. But if you’re looking for a morally gray, take-no-prisoners Hades, this one might not completely scratch that itch.

The Spice: A Little Less Than Expected

For a book that hyped up its spice level, we were expecting a bit more variety in the bedroom department. Hades introduces a conversation about kinks and preferences, which set up the idea that we were about to enter some very steamy, boundary-pushing territory… but it turns out that exhibitionism is the only kink really explored. And while those scenes are well-written and definitely hot, the buildup made it seem like we were in for a lot more experimentation than we actually got.

It’s not that the spice wasn’t enjoyable (it absolutely was), but it felt more standard romance than dark and depraved, which would have been totally fine if the book hadn’t hinted at something more extreme. If you’re expecting Priest-level filth or Haunting Adeline-style darkness, that’s not this book.

Final Thoughts: A Fun Read, but Not the Darkest Hades

Neon Gods is a great choice for readers who love Greek mythology retellings with a modern twist, solid tension between the leads and well written spice. It’s an engaging story with a fresh take on Olympus, and if you go in with the right expectations, it’s a fun ride. Hades is protective, sexy, and totally devoted to Persephone, but if you were expecting a truly dark, twisted, villainous Hades, you might be left wanting more.

If you love Greek mythology, light BDSM elements, and a protective hero who wears the mask of a bad boy but is really a big softie underneath, this book is for you. We think managing expectations is key to enjoying this one for what it is.