Review: Daughter of the Earth and Sky by Kaitlin Bevis

Cover Blurb:

Some vows can never be broken.
          Persephone thought she could go back to her normal life after returning from the Underworld. She was wrong. 
          The goddess Aphrodite is born among the waves with more charm than she can control. Zeus is stalking Persephone and her loved ones, and Thanatos is no longer content with Persephone's silence.
          He wants her soul.
          Persephone can't tell anyone about Thanatos' betrayal, and it drives a wedge between her and Hades. Her mother is still keeping secrets, and Melissa's jealousy of Aphrodite threatens to tear their friendship apart.
          Alone, Persephone turns to a human boy for comfort. But will their relationship put him in danger? 
          Sacrifices must be made, and Persephone must choose between her human life and her responsibilities as a goddess. If she doesn't, she could lose them both.
          But will either life be worth choosing once Zeus is through with her?

I feel there's always a bit of risk involved when started a sequel. If the sequel is magnificent, then great. Go ahead and read it. But if it shines one smidgen less than the original, suddenly no matter how much you enjoyed the original before it doesn't seem that great. And you think, what was the point of all that if it doesn't get any better.

          These were just a few thoughts running through my head as I started Daughter of Earth and Sky, sequel to Persephone. But they only stayed there for about five pages. After that, Boom! the story was back with all it's deliciousness.

          Persephone is definitely getting more mature. This book had more angst than the last one, but it was angst that made sense. I got to see Persephone living under unimaginable stress and dealing with it really highlighted the best of her character. I loved the interaction between Persephone and Hades. I was worried their characters would shift between the books as sometimes happens, but nope! As far as Aphrodite, I don't feel like I got to know her very well in this book, but she looks like a promising addition to the cast. And Zeus! I knew he was a dirt-bag from the myths, but what a dirt-bag!

Characters 4.5 Stars

          I love seeing ancient mythology translated to modern times. Kaitlin Bevis makes it work so well. The tension built with each chapter. I thought things couldn't get worse, so of course with every chapter they did. I have this book to thank for at least one sleepless night. To make matters worse, the ending finished with a no holds barred cliff-hanger, so be warned. There's no turning back.

Plot: 4.6 Stars

          Kaitlin Bevis has such a talent for writing addictively. Her writing is simple and straight-forward, but loads of fun!

Style: 4.7 Stars

Rating: 4.6 Stars

Source: Author

Genre: Fantasy

YA Fiction

Check out my review of Persephone!

Review: Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis

Cover Blurb:

There are worse things than death, worse people too.

The "talk" was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they're a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn't until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.

          Persephone was very easy to identify with, despite how *Ahem* unusual her circumstances were. When I started reading, I was a bit apprehensive that this book would turn into another pile of disgustingly artificial mush, with another teenage girl battling angst and hormones as she takes on problems. And there's nothing wrong with that once in a while, but this book was so much more enjoyable for having emotionally grounded characters. Persephone was believable and likable as she struggled with coming to terms with her situation. I felt there were a few times she could have acted more maturely, but I loved that she didn't immediately fall into the stereotypical kick-butt girl category  Oh, she was no pansy to be walked upon, but she wasn't unnaturally invulnerable either. She became a very real and unique character. I also appreciated how well developed Hades character was. Seriously, never thought I'd learn to love Hades, and, even though the relationship between Persephone and Hades hinted of insta-love, I could buy it.
Characters: 4.4 Stars
          I would classify this as a lighter, pool-side read, but it was definitely not straight fluff. The world was very well thought out. Not only were their no plot holes (which is always nice), but there were no plot excuses either! Plot excuses being defined as exciting plot developments that provide a good story but lack any true reason for existing (e.g. Captain America being forced to crash land his jet in an icy wasteland. Dramatic? Yes. Necessary? Not so much. Plot excuses appear in movies all the time, and don't get me started on a recent NYT Bestseller I've read.) I started reading and couldn't put it down, because it was fun, exciting, and the plot made sense. Every action had motivation. There was no meaningless meandering. The easiest most-direct route was taken. The story-line felt genuine. The ending was completely satisfying, but, needless to say, I will be looking up the sequel as soon as I'm done with this review!
Plot: 4.7
          This book has a very light, easy style. The story was neither forced, nor drawn out to ridiculous lengths. I didn't feel like any word was were it was simply to take up space. There was enough story there to fill the whole book, and I could relax without getting shunted out of the tale by discontinuities. I found Kaitlin Bevis' writing witty and refreshing.
Style: 4.3 Stars

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Source: from author for review
Genre: Fantasy
YA Fiction

Author Info: 
Website--kaitlinbevis.com
Twitter--@KaitlinBevis
Facebook--Kailtin Bevis