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Have you been curious about clean hades x persephone books? I’ve got you covered!
Ah, the Hades x Persephone trope. It’s literally everywhere, right? If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably hunted through bookstore after bookstore (or, more accurately for us introverts, scrolled until your finger cramped) looking for that perfect, clean take on the tale.
You know, stories where the spice level wouldn’t make your grandma blush, but still have all the sweet, wholesome vibes that make your heart do that funny fluttery thing. Well, friend, welcome to your haven!
I’m just a fellow book-lover who fell head over heels for this mythological power couple, and along the way, I’ve amassed a small mountain of these books. (Where I find the time to read them all is a mystery even to me.)
Over time, I’ve become something of an accidental expert on the clean Hades and Persephone scene – think of me as your friendly neighborhood guide. I’m here to save you from the endless scrolling and share my treasure trove of finds.
Trust me, I’ve been there, and I’ve got your back. Let’s dive in!
My top 3 Hades and Persephone retelling books
The King’s Captive by K.M. Shea
✅ Unique plot line with tons of laugh out loud moments
Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden
✅ Perfect mix of Hades x Persephone and a Beauty and Beast Retelling
Peaceweaver by Everly Haywood
✅ Epic worldbuilding with a swoony elf romance
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List of the best Hades x Persephone books
1. Of Earth & Shadow by Kimberly A. Rogers
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.39 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Fantasy Romance | ✅ Read it!
Persephone, Zeus’ eldest daughter, is a pawn in her father’s power play until Hades, the king of shadow elementals, marries her as part of an alliance. Away from Zeus, she discovers a world where Hades and his realm challenge the monstrous myths. Unlike her power-hungry father, Hades aims to win her love.
As Zeus starts a war using her marriage as an excuse, Persephone must decide: surrender or embrace her earth elemental strength and fight with Hades, who desires her love, not her power.
Why should you read this retelling book?
This book has got a sweet, slow burn romance that’s so pure and filled with just the right amount of action to keep you totally hooked.
I absolutely adored the fresh spin on Hades, emphasizing consent and the whole journey of winning Persephone’s heart. Instead of the usual “gods” from traditional mythology, they’re magical elementals. How cool is that?
2. The King’s Captive by K.M. Shea
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.29 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Fantasy Romance | ✅ Read it!
Chloe, who can transform into a housecat, finds herself an outcast in a world of vampires and werewolves. During a chase by fae, she encounters the powerful elven king Noctus, who takes her as a pet.
As Chloe navigates life with Noctus, involved in his secretive and dangerous missions, she must hide her true identity to avoid the harsh fate of prisoners under elves. Escaping Noctus becomes her main goal in this treacherous supernatural world.
Why should you read this retelling book?
I absolutely adore everything K.M. Shea writes, especially this series—it’s a top favorite! It’s packed with humor, super engaging plot, and the way the romance unfolds slowly is just spot-on for anyone who’s not all about that intense love story vibe.
(Fleeing for your life is an excellent motivator for a lifetime of general physical fitness.)
― K.M. Shea, The King’s Captive
3. Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.72 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Fantasy Romance | ✅ Read it!
Persephone lives in a beautiful, yet confining paradise controlled by her powerful, overprotective goddess mother. Yearning for freedom and something more exciting, she encounters a mysterious stranger who offers her a dangerous but thrilling choice.
This choice could risk everything she loves, including the earth itself. In a magical land, Persephone embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging her to find out who and what she truly is.
Why should you read this retelling book?
This book is all about Persephone’s journey, a real coming-of-age story that had me hooked. The author took the Hades x Persephone trope and put her unique take on it.
For anyone who’s into YA, romance, and a sprinkle of Greek mythology, this one’s a no-brainer.
4. Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.17 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Historical Regency Romance | ✅ Read it!
Persephone Lancaster turns down, then accepts, a marriage proposal from the Duke of Kielder for a large sum of money to save her family. She travels to his remote, gloomy castle in Northumberland, where she meets the Duke, a man scarred inside and out.
Despite his coldness and efforts to guard his heart, the Duke finds himself attached to Persephone. She tries to break through his defenses, facing rejection but persisting in her efforts. When a serious threat emerges, the Duke is forced to confront his feelings or risk losing Persephone forever.
Why should you read this retelling book?
This regency book is a delicious blend of a marriage of convenience trope, mixed with a sprinkle of Beauty and the Beast, and Hades and Persephone retelling.
I loved reading about the different perspectives of the characters. Plus, there’s this layer of mystery that just hooks you right in and makes it impossible to put down.
“Adam pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Why did Hades go after her?” he asked in a low voice, his lips still brushing her face. She barely managed to keep breathing. “He must have loved her,” she whispered. Adam’s response emerged breathless. “He must have.”
― Sarah M. Eden, Seeking Persephone
5. The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.56 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Fantasy Romance | ✅ Read it!
Maya is cursed with a horoscope predicting a disastrous marriage, earning her the scorn of her kingdom. Preferring scholarly pursuits, her life changes when her father, the Raja, arranges a political marriage to quell rebellions. As the queen of Akaran and Amar’s wife, Maya discovers her power and voice, along with compassion, protection, and desire.
However, Akaran hides secrets—locked doors, glass gardens, and a tree bearing memories. Maya fears for her life, unsure of who to trust. As the fate of all realms hangs in the balance, Maya must solve an ancient mystery to save her loved ones and herself.
Why should you read this retelling book?
Diving into this book is like stepping into a magical fusion of Greek myths with an enchanting Indian twist.
Roshani’s writing? Absolutely unique and captivating – I was hooked, living and breathing alongside the characters. For anyone who’s into a wholesome Hades x Persephone vibe, this is your next must-read!
“I wanted a love thick with time, as inscrutable as if a lathe had carved it from night and as familiar as the marrow in my bones. I wanted the impossible, which made it that much easier to push out of my mind.”
― Roshani Chokshi, The Star-Touched Queen
6. The Soulless Slipper by Abigail Manning
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.46 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Fantasy Romance | ✅ Read it!
Priscilla Korinder, working in the cursed fields of Mortalia since her mother’s disappearance, suffers daily due to a curse against divine magic. Mistaken for lazy by her disbelieving stepmother, Priscilla’s life takes a turn when Prince Aaron of Olympia becomes infatuated with her.
He demands his uncle, King Hayden of Underworth, to use divine portal magic to bring Priscilla to him.
When Hayden refuses, Aaron plans to lure her with a ball. Faced with his nephew’s obsession, Hayden must decide whether to intervene or let events unfold, even considering kidnapping Priscilla himself to protect her from Aaron’s scheme.
Why should you read this retelling book?
This book is a gem in the clean fantasy romance genre! Characters you’ll adore, a plot that zips along, and worldbuilding that’s just chef’s kiss. Though it stands alone, you’ll be itching to binge the whole series.
7. Linnet and the Prince by Alydia Rackham
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.43 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Fantasy Romance | ✅ Read it!
Sixteen-year-old Linnet is given a lethal mission: marry Prince Rajak of Badi to protect her people, then kill him. Her mother sends her to stop Rajak from finding a chamber that could revive a powerful king.
Torn between duty and her feelings for Rajak, Linnet struggles as she uncovers the truth about the legend and Rajak’s kindness. Faced with a critical choice as the assassination plan speeds up, Linnet, initially his would-be assassin, may become his only chance to survive.
Why should you read this retelling book?
Oh, you’ve got to check out this gem I stumbled upon on Kindle Unlimited! It’s like finding an unexpected treasure. The characters? Superbly crafted. And the plot? Captivating to no end.
Plus, the romance takes its sweet time to build up, making every moment count. The conversations? Absolutely delightful and keep you hooked.
8. The Darkest Summer by Rebecca J. Greenwood
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.81 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Regency Historical Romance | ✅ Read it!
Lady Cora Winfield’s life, orchestrated by her mother, takes an unexpected turn when she encounters the notorious Duke of Blackdell. Despite her mother’s disapproval, the Duke kidnaps Cora, leading to a potential scandal.
Now, Cora must choose between succumbing to love’s unforeseen challenges or embracing a new, self-determined path.
Why should you read this retelling book?
This book is packed with main and side characters who are so well-developed, you’ll be totally drawn into their world. It’s got this semi-gothic regency romance vibe that I absolutely adored.
Plus, the perfect blend of suspense, action, and romance just made it an incredible read. Trust me, you’ll love it!
9. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.79 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Fantasy Romance | ✅ Read it!
Kate moves back to her childhood home to cope with her mother’s terminal illness. Enrolling in a new school while dealing with her mother’s impending loss, she meets Henry, who claims he’s Hades, god of the Underworld.
He proposes a deal: if Kate passes seven tests, he will keep her mother alive and make Kate his bride and a goddess. Skeptical but desperate, Kate’s skepticism fades when she sees Henry resurrect a girl. Caught in an extraordinary bargain, Kate undertakes a challenging journey to save her mother and grapples with the potential reality of becoming a goddess.
Why should you read this retelling book?
I recently read this cute YA romance that’s all clean vibes with a hint of a closed-door moment. I absolutely adored the characters and how they spun the classic Hades and Persephone story in a fresh way.
10. The Dark King and the Eternal Dance by Alesha Adamson
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.18 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Fantasy Romance | ✅ Read it!
Rayna, usually not the boldest among her sisters, takes drastic measures to prevent her sister Faelynn from accepting the Dark King, Drake’s, proposal. Despite his fearsome reputation, Drake, who actually does not deserve such infamy, creates a weekly ball to win Faelynn’s affection but faces continuous rejection.
Unexpectedly, he finds Rayna disrupting his plans and must decide whether to follow his heart or live up to his dark reputation, potentially ruining multiple chances at happily ever after.
Why should you read this retelling book?
This gem of a book is actually number 7 in a super cool series where various authors give a classic fairy tale a fresh spin. I totally fell for the characters and their quirks, and the plot? It zipped along, keeping me hooked.
Oh, and let’s not forget the romance—it was absolutely dreamy.
11. The Concord Coalition by Kenley Davidson
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.31 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Science Fiction, Romance | ✅ Read it!
Phillip Linden, once the heir to Earth’s most powerful corporation and now a disgraced outcast, lives under an assumed name on the fringes of civilization.
His encounter with Persephone, a woman fleeing her past and seeking freedom, leads them to a monumental discovery that could alter humanity’s future. Together, they face a mystery that could either be their downfall or their chance for redemption and a new beginning.
Why should you read this retelling book?
Diving into the second installment of the Conclave Worlds series, you’re in for a treat—even though it stands alone, trust me, you’ll want to start from the beginning for the full experience. The dynamic between the grumpy and sunshine characters?
Absolutely delightful and a total win for the dialogue. Plus, it’s a whirlwind of science fiction action that’s bound to have you burning the midnight oil just to see how it ends.
12. Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.75 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Paranormal Romance | ✅ Read it!
Last spring, Nikki Beckett disappeared into the Everneath, a realm where immortals feed on human despair. Now, she’s returned for six months before being forced back to the underworld. She has six months to say goodbye, seek redemption, and reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, whom she deeply loves.
Cole, the immortal who drew her to the Everneath, wants to take her back as his queen. As time runs out and her relationships fade, Nikki must choose: stay with Jack or return to the Everneath with Cole.
Why should you read this retelling book?
Alright, so the book’s got this love triangle thing going on, which usually isn’t my cup of tea, but guess what? The author totally nails it, making it absolutely perfect for the characters.
Seriously, the way these characters grow through the story is something else, and the plot? It’ll hook you in and not let go until the last page, leaving you itching to grab the next book in the series.
“He leaned forward and said, “Tell me, friend. Is there more for us?” I looked down at my feet. “There’s everything for us.”
― Brodi Ashton, Everneath
13. Peaceweaver by Everly Haywood
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.02 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Fantasy Romance | ✅ Read it!
In a world where peace demands human brides for dark elves, an elfin healer named Persis is sent to kill Gelairan Prince Haryk but instead falls in love with him. Facing his own mysterious illness and political pressures, Haryk finds himself drawn to Persis over his intended human bride.
As dark forces threaten their world, Haryk and Persis must navigate their forbidden love and the intricate politics of their realms to prevent war and ensure peace among their people.
Why should you read this retelling book?
Oh, you’re in for a treat! This book is a total gem – it’s got everything you want. Think stunning worldbuilding that’ll make you want to live in it, characters so lovable you’ll wish they were real, and a story so gripping, hello sleepless nights!
The author’s genius move? Mixing up Hades and Persephone with some Norse mythology to whip up something truly unique. And if you’re here for some heart-fluttering, elf romance, say no more. This book’s got you covered.
FAQs about Hades and Persephone romance novels
Are all Hades and Persephone books full of steamy scenes?
Nope, not at all! While some books might turn up the heat, there are plenty of clean Hades and Persephone retellings out there that focus more on the romance and plot without getting into explicit territory. It’s all about the emotional connection, you know?
The list above is perfect for readers looking for all the swoony romance without any explicit scenes.
Can I find any of these clean romances that are suitable for younger readers?
Absolutely! There are versions of the Hades and Persephone story tailored for a younger audience or for those of us who prefer a sweet romance without mature content. These books keep the swoon-worthy moments while ensuring everything stays PG.
How can I tell if a Hades and Persephone book is clean before I start reading it?
Look for reviews or ratings on sites like Goodreads, or check the book’s description and tags. Many authors and publishers will indicate if a book leans more towards a clean or sweet romance.
Oh, and don’t forget to bookmark my website! I’ve got loads of fresh, clean reads coming your way every week. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out!
Did you discover the best clean Hades x Persephone books?
And there you have it, folks! Your ultimate guide to losing yourself in the intoxicating world of Hades and Persephone romances, minus the steam but full of heart-fluttering moments.
Remember, whether you’re into the drama, the mythology, or just here for those tender, lovey-dovey feels, there’s a book on this list with your name on it. Before you dash off to grab one (or, who am I kidding, probably five) of these reads, here’s one last piece of advice.
Grab my book journal!
It’s a game-changer for keeping track of all your TBRs, especially when they start piling up faster than Hermes on a delivery run.
Plus, jotting down your thoughts on each read can be super gratifying. Don’t miss out, snag yours and start organizing your bookish life today!
Happy reading, and may your adventures through the Underworld come with lots of romantic sparks (and no actual underworldly peril)!
Want more fantasy book recommendations?
Check out my other fantasy book lists!
