Review of Persephone (Into Shadow, #2) by Lev A.C.
When I first stumbled upon Persephone (Into Shadow, #2), I was both intrigued and a tad confused—wasn’t this supposed to be a Hades and Persephone tale? Yet, as I listened to the audiobook over the weekend, while trotting about town and sipping too much coffee, I realized I was in for a wonderfully unexpected ride. Lev A.C. has an uncanny ability to weave young, complex characters into labyrinthine emotional journeys, and Persephone, the protagonist, is no exception.
The crux of Persephone revolves around a young girl navigating her coming-of-age story in the wake of her father’s mysterious disappearance five years earlier. The emotional weight of her grief is palpable, pulling you into her world where every interaction carries hidden depths and longings. It all comes to a head with her crush—an incident so explosive, it’s both literal and metaphorical. The rawness of her disappointment is expertly conveyed, and I couldn’t help but feel a swirl of empathy and frustration, especially when it led to her accidental harm of two classmates.
Honestly, I understand why some readers have been underwhelmed. This novella feels like it’s just warming up when it teeters off into the sunset, leaving behind loose ends. I too wished for more, a fuller exploration of the budding powers and implications of her actions. There’s a thrill to being left wanting more, but a part of me craved the narrative to dig deeper into Persephone’s psyche.
And let me be frank—Persephone can be a “whiny brat” at times. I could feel that grating annoyance creeping in during her moments of self-pity. Yet, I found it easier to overlook these aspects because Lev’s writing kept me hooked. His narrative pacing is brisk yet engaging, managing to fuse humor and heartbreak in a way that feels refreshingly honest, echoing the tumultuous journey of young adulthood. There were moments where dialogue felt as genuine as a heartfelt late-night chat with a friend, which I cherished.
What stood out most was Lev’s flair for vivid imagery. His descriptions wrapped around me like a cozy blanket, and I found myself transported into Persephone’s world. I can’t remember the exact lines, but several of them linger in my mind, stirring emotions long after I’ve closed the audiobook. It was a delight to listen to, and despite the many tribulations Persephone faced, her story ultimately felt like a heartfelt exploration of resilience wrapped in supernatural threads.
So, who would enjoy Persephone? If you’re looking for a quick read that seamlessly weaves together grief, growth, and the supernatural, this novella could fit beautifully into your reading list—especially if you’re in between heavier tomes. While it didn’t follow the narrative I expected, it provided an engaging experience that left me curious about what’s next for Persephone. As I left my weekend behind, I couldn’t shake off the sense of hope mixed with my residual yearning for a more conclusive resolution. Here’s to embracing unpredictability in literature, and to Lev’s magic as a storyteller. Can’t wait to see where he takes us next!
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