The Immortal Throne

Goodreads Synopsis:    Daphne Raines was not expecting to wind up Queen of the Underrealm. She knew it was risky to enter the underworld to save the love of her life, Haden, who had sacrificed his own honor as an Underlord for her sake. But she could never have predicted that she’d end up betrothed to Haden’s conniving half-brother, Garrick, new King of the Underrealm—and bound to his dark world.

Even worse, Haden is banished to the mortal realm, and has just days to live as poison takes over his body and mind. Only Daphne’s kiss can save him, but how can she escape Garrick and reach Haden in time?

Surprises lurk around every corner in the final chapter of this romance story as Haden and Daphne fight to fulfill their destinies, challenging their fates and confronting the reality that they might die in the process.

My Thoughts:

-    I have nothing but praise for this series! The ending did not disappoint. It was everything I wanted and more.

-    I love how these characters have grown and developed. They each had their own moments to shine, and I've grown really attached to each one. 

-    I was able to predict some of the story twists, but not all. There were still a lot of surprises for me, and I loved it.

-    Daphne's dad and Tobin really shined. They didn't have any special powers, but they really stepped up and didn't shy away from the battle. I loved how they did everything and anything they could to help Daphne. I especially loved Daphne's dad. He really redeemed himself and turned his whole life around. 

-    I enjoyed Haden and Daphne's relationship. Their relationship didn't take over the story even though it was central. There was still plenty of other things going on, and it was the perfect amount of romance to action/scheming/awesome stuff. 

-    This is my new favorite Persephone and Hades retelling. It was a really fun trilogy. I'm glad Bree didn't give up on it. She fought through all the obstacles, and I really admire that.

Previous books in the Into the Dark series

(covers are linked)

 

The Eternity Key

From Goodreads:    Fan-favorite author Bree Despain continues her modern-day romance trilogy inspired by the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades with this second book in her Into the Dark series. 

Haden Lord, the disgraced Prince of the Underrealm, has chosen love over honor and will do everything in his power to protect Daphne Raines, the human girl he was supposed to bring to the Underrealm. Haden’s choice is put to the test as the Skylords and a figure from his past arrive in Olympus Hills with a plan that could destroy all of the realms.

Embracing her destiny as the Cypher, Daphne begins to understand the immense power of her musical ability to control the elements, but she must come to terms with her feelings for Haden and what she must sacrifice in order to protect him and her friends.

Believing the Key of Hades is the only thing that can stop the Underrealm Court from releasing the monstrous Keres on the mortal world, Haden, Daphne, and their friends set out to find the Key before Persephone’s Gate opens again on the spring equinox.

My Thoughts:

-    I love this series! This book didn't have middle book syndrome at all. It moved the story along nicely and kept me hooked the whole way through.

-    The story is very well thought out. I love the twists and surprises.

-    The characters are awesome. I loved them in the first book, and each character grows so much in this book. Great character development!

-    The ending is awful, but in a good way. It is one of those cliffhanger endings where you want to chuck the book across the room and weep, but you love the author for it because it is just great storytelling. 

-    I love the relationship between Daphne and her father. Her dad made huge mistakes, but he is really stepping up as a father, and I love seeing good father figures in books. We need more of that.

-    I also love the Daphne and Haden relationship. It is full of tension!

-    Love this series! So many emotions! More gush gush gush! 

Previous book in the Into the Dark series

(cover is linked)

The Shadow Prince

Goodreads Synopsis:    Haden Lord, the disgraced prince of the Underrealm, has been sent to the mortal world to entice a girl into returning with him to the land of the dead. Posing as a student at Olympus Hills High—a haven for children of the rich and famous—Haden must single out the one girl rumored to be able to restore immortality to his race.

Daphne Raines has dreams much bigger than her tiny southern Utah town, so when her rock star dad suddenly reappears, offering her full tuition to Olympus Hills High’s prestigious music program, she sees an opportunity to catch the break she needs to make it as a singer. But upon moving into her estranged father’s mansion in California, and attending her glamorous new school, Daphne soon realizes she isn’t the only student in Olympus who doesn’t quite belong.

Haden and Daphne—destined for each other—know nothing of the true stakes their fated courtship entails. As war between the gods brews, the teenagers’ lives collide. But Daphne won’t be wooed easily and when it seems their prophesied link could happen, Haden realizes something he never intended—he’s fallen in love. Now to save themselves, Haden and Daphne must rewrite their destinies. But as their destinies change, so do the fates of both their worlds. 

My Thoughts:

-    This has been sitting on my nightstand since the launch party, and I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I loved it!

-    This is my new favorite Hades and Persephone story. It had everything: action, romance, friendships, mystery, tension, music, great characters, and a great story.

-    The plot was really well done. It was intricate and interwoven. I was hooked from the beginning, and the ending delivered. 

-    I loved every character. They were all great, and each have their own roles to play. I suspect some characters will play bigger roles later. 

-    I have nothing bad to say about this book. Just gush gush gush!