Description
Scarlett St. Clair’s A Touch of Malice is a stunning continuation of the Hades x Persephone series. It’s a modern, deeply passionate, and unflinchingly dark retelling of one of mythology’s most famous love stories. This third book builds on the intensity and emotional depth of the first two. It is deeper, more perilous, and more moving, as it takes readers to a realm where divine politics, mortal revolt, and burning passion all come together.
Persephone is no longer the innocent goddess who wandered into Nevernight and made a deal with the feared God of the Dead. She is now the Queen of the Underworld, a goddess who is finding her own strength and voice. But there is a risk that comes with such authority. Everyone in the globe, both living and dead, is watching her to see if she will rise as a beacon of hope or fall into the hands of those who want to dominate her.
There is a war brewing between gods and people. Divine propaganda is stirring up trouble in the mortal realm and making people violent. Ares, the god of war, is always looking for ways to take advantage of the turmoil to gain power and get rid of his enemies. The other Olympians surround like predators, ready to attack if they see a weakness. Persephone is at the center of this fight because she is defiant, sympathetic to mortals, and has the unique power to disrupt the gods’ rule.
Her connection with Hades, on the other hand, has become even more intense and convoluted. Their love is strong and all-consuming, a bond that goes beyond the limits of their species that have been in place for hundreds of years. But there is also a lot of stress. Hades would do anything to keep Persephone safe, even if it means dominating her or keeping her away from the harsh reality of their existence. But Persephone won’t let anyone control her or protect her like a princess. She wants to fight for herself and for the people who are suffering because the gods don’t care.
The push and pull between them makes for some of the most emotionally charged and passionate scenes in the series. St. Clair paints their relationship with a mix of passion and weakness, presenting two imperfect but passionately loved characters who need to learn to understand one other’s strength. Their love isn’t easy or safe; it’s life-changing because it forces them to face their fears, insecurities, and the truths they don’t want to see.
A Touch of Malice adds a lot of interesting and fascinating details to the legendary realm outside of the main romance. Gods, both old and new, become clearer, each with their own plans and reasons for acting. The Underworld isn’t just a dark kingdom anymore; it’s a place where the dead deserve justice and respect. Persephone is determined to change it. The book deals with issues of power, freedom, and the moral weight of being a leader through this.
The trip of Persephone is the main event in the book. She is no longer happy to be defined by what other people expect of her, whether it is her mother Demeter’s smothering control, the Olympians’ disdain, or even Hades’s overprotective affection. She battles to define herself on her own terms. Anyone who has had to stand up for themselves in the face of a lot of pressure may relate to her struggle.
Scarlett St. Clair’s writing is rich, movie-like, and full of feelings. She mixes high-stakes celestial intrigue with passionate, character-driven romance to give readers a story that is both exciting and very human. A Touch of Malice is more than just a fantasy romance; it’s a strong look at love, freedom, and the bravery it takes to stand up to the gods.
This book is great for people who like dark romance, modern retellings of myths, and stories that mix love and rebellion. It will leave readers eager for the next chapter in Persephone and Hades’s epic love story.
About the Author
Scarlett St. Clair is a bestselling author of fantasy and romance known for her Hades x Persephone and Adrian x Isolde series. With a master’s degree in library science and a lifelong love of mythology, she crafts dark, immersive worlds where love is both a weapon and a refuge. Her stories are known for their steamy tension, complex characters, and fearless dives into themes of power, consent, and transformation.
Product Details
- Title: A Touch of Malice
- Author: Scarlett St. Clair
- ISBN-13: 9781728258478
- Publisher: Sourcebooks Bloom Books
- Published: May 2021
- Pages: 456
- Binding: Paperback
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