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Of Gods and Fate #1

Claimed by Hades

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Everyone fears the God of the Underworld. Hades is a name only spoken of in scared and hushed whispers.

My mother told me not to wander far from home, but I did not heed her warning.

When one of the Olympians decides to pursue me, I’m forced to hide and take shelter in Hades' Temple.

I never expected Hades to come to my aid, much less to Claim me.

The Lord of the Underworld is far from what I expected, and I find myself drawn to him in ways that I do not fully understand. Despite what I feel, I hesitate to trust him.

Hades carries a dark secret, and I am determined to find out what it is.

Now I find myself wondering, what does it mean to be Claimed by the Lord of the Dead?

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2021

231 people are currently reading
337 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Grayson

67 books776 followers
USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Grayson writes scifi and fantasy romance with strong heroines and the otherworldly heroes that cannot help but fall in love with them.

She lives with her husband, cat and dog in the San Antonio, TX area. In addition to reading and writing scifi romance, she loves swimming, chai and dark chocolate.

For more information, follow her on www.jessicagraysonauthor.com

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5 stars
168 (35%)
4 stars
138 (29%)
3 stars
133 (28%)
2 stars
29 (6%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for ❁ lilyreadsromance ❁.
2,081 reviews1,169 followers
March 12, 2022
I don't know if any of these were spoilers or not but if you want to go into it blindly, skip reading this.

If you don't care, welcome. This is the premise of the book. Imagine the basic story of Hades & Persephone. He fell in love with her in the field, kidnapped her to the Underworld, she changed the Underworld with her plant magic and they lived HEA. Now, supposedly after this happened, the Titans managed to get out from Tartarus. I don't know how none of these gods noticed their escapes but Fates (those 3 old women) stopped them. But in doing so, the spider webs of fate got broken (yada yada). Because of these, some of the gods' lives were changed. It's like they're on a different parallel world. This is what caused Hades to rule alone in the Underworld and he felt as if there was something missing in his life.

Anyhow, I was hooked initially. I really like the lore with the jagged timeline/new lifeline. However, towards the end, I started to hate all these characters. Hades acted like a sulky brooding child who got tricked by her younger brothers by drawing the short stick to rule over Underworld. My Hades would never, he would revel and wouldn't care less about power struggle in the Olympus. Now, Persephone or Kore was an okay character. She's a little bit clueless, easy to sway and likes to jump to conclusion. Already you can tell misunderstanding is a huge plot device in the climax.

In the end, it is a decent retelling. The final 80% was definitely the weakest part of this book. But if you're fine with all of the above, hell, you should try it out.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,334 reviews89 followers
December 28, 2021
Wow! This is an absolutely awesome fantasy/paranormal romance.. I loved reading it, and did not want to put it down! Loved the way this mythological romance has been brought to life! This couple has always been one of my favorites..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
207 reviews20 followers
possibly-safe-to-read
December 30, 2022
Note to self- excerpt:
Profile Image for Mackenzie Janssen.
192 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2025
This book is everything I love in a Hades x Persephone retelling - darkly romantic, beautifully immersive, and full of rich mythology. Jessica Grayson’s ‘Claimed by Hades’ delivers a fresh take on the classic love story, bringing out the power dynamics, devotion, and undeniable chemistry between Hades and Kore in a way that makes this book utterly irresistible.

Plot: ★★★★★
The plot is captivating from start to finish, weaving a perfect blend of romance, tension, and mythology. I love how it takes the traditional Hades x Persephone tale and adds new layers to it, making Kore an active participant in her own fate rather than a passive victim. The balance of fate, choice, and destiny is so well explored, making this retelling stand out among the many others I’ve read.

Character: ★★★★★
Hades is everything I hoped he would be - intense, powerful, and utterly devoted. His depth and complexity make him more than just the dark, brooding god we’ve come to expect. Kore is just as incredible, and I truly appreciate that this book allows her strength to shine rather than portraying her as helpless or naive. She is a force in her own right, making the romance feel like an equal partnership rather than a captor/captive dynamic. Their chemistry is perfect, and their interactions had me completely enthralled.

Setting: ★★★★★
The Underworld is vividly portrayed, filled with stunning details that make it feel both ethereal and hauntingly beautiful. Jessica Grayson does an amazing job of bringing this world to life, making it more than just a backdrop - it feels like an integral part of the story itself.

Engagement: ★★★★★
From the moment I picked up this book, I was completely hooked. The slow-burning tension, the emotional depth, and the irresistible romance made it impossible to put down. Even on rereads, I find myself just as invested as the first time. There’s something so timeless and enchanting about this story.

Readability: ★★★★★
The writing flows beautifully, drawing you into the story with lush descriptions and compelling dialogue. It’s an easy yet immersive read, with a perfect balance of lyrical prose and engaging storytelling.

Enjoyment: ★★★★★
I have read this book more times than I can count, and I know I’ll read it again and again. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, that you find yourself craving when you’re in the mood for an intoxicating romance with mythological depth. Absolutely one of my favorites!

If you love Hades x Persephone retellings, this is a must-read! Jessica Grayson has crafted a mesmerising story that honors the heart of the myth while giving it a fresh and deeply romantic twist. ‘Claimed by Hades’ is a book I will always return to, and I highly recommend it to any fan of dark, passionate, and empowering mythology retellings.
Profile Image for Rebecca Grove.
3,492 reviews26 followers
January 3, 2022
Hades has been struggling with a sense of lost. Confused he goes to visit the fates and runs into Eros and Ares. The have also lost something important to them. The fates are very mystical but show them a terrible disaster with the strands of fate. Something happened that allowed the Titans to be free and they only way for the world to be saved is for the fates to change the world. The change that was made required a sacrifice from Hades, Eros and Ares. The fates won't say what was done but they tell the three they has one last chance. They have to get a mortal woman to fall in love with them without using their god powers. If they suceed then their loss will be made whole. If they fail, it will be true death for them. The fates will undo their strand. The other two gods are confident that they will succeed but Hade feels hopeless. No one wants to be near the lord of the underworld. No woman could love him. Then he gets a call from one os his temples. He discovers Kore, a beautiful mortal woman who is about to be forced by Poseiden. Kore begs for his protect and doesn't seem to fear him like other people do. Hades claims her and carries her to the underworld. He believes that maybe with Kore, he will have a chance to meet the challenge set by the fates.

Kore is a poor but beautiful woman who caught the eye of Poseiden. She wants nothing to do with a god and runs away from him but he won't let her go. Desperate Kore runs to Hades' temple . She would rather face death from Hades than treated like Medusa by Poseiden. To her surprise, Hades doesn't kill her but takes her to the underworld instead. He shows her all the secrets of the underworld and trats her very well. He listens to her and seems very kind and caring. She is starting to fall in love with him but she knows that never ends well for mortals.
Profile Image for Mary Lynne.
780 reviews
January 2, 2022
Claimed by Hades is such an interesting take on a story that’s so popular in romance that it’s practically become its own trope: the Hades and Persephone myth. Here Kore is a human girl who’s being pursued by Poseidon (who definitely does not have her consent for what he aims to do). When she runs to Hades’ temple and he grants her protection, they set in motion actions that have both been and not been predicted by the Fates.

I loved this fascinating play on the myth, first by making Kore human (and yet not). There are real twists on the traditional myth, such as the Demeter character playing almost no role in the story. Instead, we get a deep dive into Hades’ realm, exploring the Underworld’s various regions as well as the major demigods of that realm. Hypnos, Hecate, and especially Thanatos receive a degree of characterization that’s rare to nonexistent in other Hades/Persephone romances. I loved getting to know them better.

Both Hades and Kore are just marvelous characters, each richly developed and yet helping the other enhance and grow through their interactions. The other gods are the antagonists, and the role of both the Titans and the Fates play key aspects in this story that is both old and new.

Sometimes I feel like Hades/Persephone stories don’t offer a lot of variation, but there have been some fantastic takes on it in the last couple of years. Claimed by Hades is a great addition to that canon.
1,353 reviews12 followers
January 4, 2022
I have always loved Greek and Roman mythology. The gods, the fantastic and also awful things that they did. The very unfaithful Zeus has a lot to answer for in many ways, the silver tongued Hermes and the fickle Aphrodite, it was magic of a different kind. I love the Fae stories by this author but if you are expecting the same feel to this one it is not the case and I have to say this so that the book is appreciated in its own right. It is just as magical as the others but different. I thought that Hades was such a wonderful character. You can feel the sense of sadness, betrayal and loss yet he is not afraid of asking for help, even when everyone else seems terrified of him. He is kind-hearted but has no real option to show it. He answers a call for help in his temple and is rewarded with a chance to truly live. Kore is running for her life from Poseidon, who let's face it does not have a good track record with women. After all just look at what Medusa had to go through because of him! She throws herself on the mercy of Hades, knowing she is just going to be rejected. When he does actually appear and saves her she is more than a little surprised. She knows that she shouldn't fall for a God but then despite all the doom and gloom, Hades is not the monster he is always depicted. Is there more to him? What sort of future would there ever be?
413 reviews5 followers
January 9, 2022
A fantastic story that I instantly loved because of the Greek mythology and the emotions this read provoked.
According to most, gods are not capable of love like mortals are.
Hades is told by the fates that he must make a mortal fall in love with him but he never expected he could do the same.
Her purity and heart have made him massively protective and possessive of this mortal who he must save from his brother.
Everyone expects Hades to be a cruel and vicious leader of the underworld but Kore sees the man in him also.
With lies, secrets and danger between them... Can they change the end that will come?
I was mesmerised by this story and the flow it had which meant I couldn't help but binge this read.
My heart was affected by the pure emotion within the pages and I was gobsmacked by the connection they have.
Hades has an ache within him that is soothed by her presence and his softness is endearing.
I loved every moment of this book with tears filling my eyes and pain seeping into my chest during certain points.
A talented and intelligent story that has fixed itself into my brain quite like a virus that must take over.
I long for the next book and the story that must belong to Ares.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,268 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2022
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW of Claimed by Hades, the first book in the Of Gods and Fates series by Jessica Grayson. This is my first Jessica Grayson read and I am in love with her characterization of Hades and Persephone. I absolutely love mythology and there are many different versions of the Hades and Persephone tale. From the start, I was pulled into the story and found myself easily dropping into the background and watching this story unfold as a spectator, not a reader. The writing is deliciously crisp and emotion evoking, the twists and turns are well thought out and delivered in a deceptively seductive manner. The reader is hooked before they even know it! Grab a tissue and prepare to amused, horrified and delighted by this retelling of a classic tale. Mature Readers Suggested. I can not wait for Ares' story.

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
2,490 reviews13 followers
January 4, 2022
Four & Half Stars - Enjoyable story based upon the Hades and Persephone theme with a few twists and a good start to a series. This first is a standalone and it gives the basis of the series. Hades, Eros and Ares feel something is different, so they go to the fates and are told they must have a mortal women fall in love with them, or they will die in the great battle against the Titans. Meanwhile, Kore Matthiou is being chased by Poseidon and runs to Hade's temple praying to be saved. Hades answers the call and Kore pledges herself to him. What occurs afterward is an engaging story that was enjoyable to read that I volunteer to review via Booksprout. If you enjoy reading about Hades and Persephone theme-based stories like I do, this is a good story to read.
Profile Image for Josephyne.
143 reviews
May 22, 2024
It wasn't very bad, just not very good either. I think what bothered me most is how a lot of things in the story are ignored, brushed over or not given any explanations. Why was Kora's mother with Zeus? How did she know the world was renewed when the rest of the Gods didn't know? How did the Titans escape the first time and what did they know about Hades? For that matter, some kind of closure on his parents would've been nice.

Kora was pretty naïve and her character was written a bit too perfect and amazing. She is sunshine, she is life, she is love, blah blah blah... It made the story bland and I kept feeling like I was missing something.

Overall a bit of an unsatisfying and disappointing read.
Profile Image for Kat .
146 reviews19 followers
December 29, 2021
Straight Forward retelling, Solid 3.5 ⭐

I wanted to love this book. I think I expected so much because this author's fae books were just that good.There wasn't anything absolutely wrong with the story it if I'm being honest, but there wasn't an aha moment in the book to have me wanting to come back for a reread either.

This is a fairly nice retelling of Hade and Persephone with several twists. I think that the new takes on situation would have hit harder if the story had been longer or a duology. Otherwise, this was a good read and one I would recommend to others. If you love Hades and Persephone this is another story for you to add onto your shelves.
387 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2022
Lovely Retelling with Amazing Twists

I love the story of Hades and Persephone in general. I've always wanted a version that gave details like a real love story. This one does and it is incredibly satisfying. I find that the alternating POV chapters help to create the world and story in a most satisfying manner. I can't wait for the next in the series, as this was just wonderful. We know how it ends, and seeing the path in-between is what makes it worthwhile. If you love the story of Hades and Persephone, or just Greek mythology in general with a twist - this book's for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dayzee.
931 reviews14 followers
January 3, 2022
Gods and Monsters

Its a new twist to Olympians gods mythology! I liked it! It was interesting although i felt the chemistry was backwards - It was instant love first, however the cute moments and getting to know each other took place later versus at the beginning. I wish there were more cute moments at the beginning so we could see them falling for each other- versus seeing them later. Overall it was enjoyable and definitely swoony. Ares is next and i can’t wait to see how he turns out to be.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,470 reviews49 followers
January 4, 2022
I loved Hades and Kore’s story I don’t care how many times I read a Hades story if it has a good plot and storyline then that’s all I care about. Kore is being chased by Poseidon he intends to take Kore unwillingly but Kore manages to run into Hades temple and she begs his statue to save her the next minute Hades shows up and he tells Poseidon that he claims Kore as his own then he takes her to the underworld. There is so much more going on in this fantastic story I loved it and I highly recommend this book it’s well worth the read.
Profile Image for Rachel Benham.
580 reviews5 followers
January 5, 2022
I love Greek mythology and the stories of the Gods of Olympus, but this book makes you think about what you have read. Hades isn't the evil one, Zeus and Poseidon are. Persephone has been reborn into a mortal body but has kept her Goddess magic for life. No matter the life that she leads or is born into, her love for Hades never waivers. This is such a great book to read and if you love Greek mythology I definitely recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,376 reviews50 followers
January 6, 2022
A great story based on the classic tale of Hades and Persephone! I've always loved Greek mythology, but haven't read many stories based on or incorporating those mythological figures. So reading this book made me feel happy and nostalgic in a way, all while thoroughly enjoying a new fresh story. Great world building. The story kept me in rapt attention from the story. I loved the characters, and it was really sweet seeing Hades and Kore together. An excellent start of a new series, and I can't wait for Ares' story next! 5 stars.
Profile Image for Malischa Nijenhuis.
1,216 reviews32 followers
December 29, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a hades and persephone retelling.
And wow i loved every second of it.
I even couldnt put it down because it hooked me from the first page till the last one.
I trilled to read book 2.
Hopefully it wont take that long for it comes out hihihi.
I love the way this mythological romance has been brought to life in this book!
1,043 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2022
I love stories that are a new take well known myths, legends, and fables. This book is a twist on Hades and Persephone. Kore is a human girl running from Poseidon, she seeks shelter with Hades. This was my time reading a Jessica Grayson book, I really like her writing style. The story was captivating and the take on Hades/Persephone was different enough so this wasn't a typical stale reiteration of a story we have all heard dozens of times.
Profile Image for Caitlyn Thomson.
5 reviews
January 25, 2026
As a lover of the Hades × Persephone trope, I really wanted to love this book, but I was left with too many unanswered storylines. Rhea and Kronos were set up as an imminent threat that never truly materialised, and the Demeter and Zeus relationship felt confusing and underexplored.

Not a bad read by any means, but it did feel unfinished. Will I still read the sequel in the hope it clears things up? Absolutely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christina Sneeringer.
456 reviews
January 4, 2022
Hot and Sexy!
Classic myths are filled with romance and sex and give so much material to draw on for this story. I was impressed with this imaginative, heated mythic romance. You will not be disappointed in this spicy story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.4k reviews8 followers
January 6, 2022
The first book in the Of Gods and Fate series. A retelling of Persephone and Hade's story, this is a well written story that kept me turning pages. The story was well worth reading and I want to read the rest of this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Blue.
563 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2022
Someone give me a fan because this book was fire!!!! I loved absolutely loved this book so much!!!!!! I loved the gods of fate this series is an epic as hell retelling and completely different from anything Ive read thus far!!!! And I can’t wait to see what pother gods get their own book because this is an epic world I can’t wait to read more about!.
Profile Image for Grisely.
6 reviews
November 8, 2022
captivating

Honestly if you're looking for reviews like I normally do just to have an idea if the books is good, the answer is Yes. Read it. The story is short but beautiful. First time reading Jessica's books but i'm definitely glad this book was recommended to me. Can't wait to read book 2
Profile Image for Mariam K.
254 reviews
July 20, 2023
little spoiler

It was different. I was waiting for Persephone to become a goddess all the time but it never happened. Little bit disappointed. But overall it was a good book.
Would I read it if I knew what would happen? yes, I would because I love Hade’s and Persephone’s stories and the author did a good job.

Virgin h
Knot
Spice-2
God/mortal
6 reviews
November 16, 2023
Beautiful Retelling of Greek Classic

A very enjoyable retelling of a classic Greek mythology story. Spoiler: I loved the description of the god's looks and the wings. I was very disappointed in Demeter as a character. When Persephone informed her of Posiden's trying to rape her. She is like I don't believe you, wtf!! This was the definition of gaslighting
Profile Image for Heather.
950 reviews7 followers
January 2, 2022
Good

Hades knows something is missing in him , so he seeks answers upon hearing what the fates said he hears a plea from a woman a mortal to save her. Upon saving her he decides to claim her but his mortal is not all she seems . good book
5,450 reviews32 followers
January 3, 2022
3.5 Stars
This was a good start to a new series that retells old tales. The character work and story line were well written and kept me entertained.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,504 reviews24 followers
January 5, 2022
This is an enjoyable and unique take on Hades and Persephone's story. It includes elements of mythology pits an interesting twist on it. I found myself engrossed in the story. I look forward to reading other books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews