Bride Of Death by Celina Summers

PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Bride of Death
Author: Celina Summers

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Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press

Genre:Historical/Paranormal/Romance

Length: 102 pgs., plus the author's biography and an exerpt from her new book
Other: M/F

Reviewed by: Keri Stratton Alley

About The Book: When the mischievous god of love targets Hades, the god of death falls hopelessly in love with the spring maiden Persephone--the one immortal most ill-suited for his dark domain. Her mother, Demeter, will never allow the lord of the Underworld to court her beloved daughter. The king of the gods proposes an unconventional solution: Hades may kidnap Persephone and take her to the Underworld to woo her. If Persephone agrees to marry Hades, Zeus will support the match. 

But neither god has reckoned on Demeter's inconsolable grief at the loss of her daughter. If Persephone is not returned to her, the goddess has vowed to destroy all life. Can Hades win Persephone's heart before her mother discovers who has taken her? Or will Persephone make her own wishes known as the intended bride of death? Even in the world of immortals, time is not on Hades' side.

The Review: Simply brilliant. In the world of practicing pagans, who hasn't already heard the story of Hades and Persephone? It's one of the many death/resurrection stories my circle tells at Samhain to illustrate the cycle. But usually when it's told, the focus is on Persephone's kidnapping and subsequent rescue by her mother. Hades remains personified as a stereotypical chauvinistic bad-guy who kidnaps pretty children.

Ms. Summers puts a spin on every aspect of the classic myth. Hades is portrayed as the dark, handsome, mysterious, overly-serious black sheep of the family who sneaks out to watch sunrises with Pan and longs for a wife. Persephone may be young, but she's a willful young woman who knows what she wants, and how to get it. Demeter is not heroically rescuing her despoiled daughter from Hades evil clutches - she's an over-protective, interfering, future mother-in-law who doesn't know when to let go.

Such an interesting perspective makes for an entertaining read. Plus, Ms. Summers is an excellent storyteller, leading the reader through a fast-paced romantic romp, with some steamy love scenes once Persephone admits to her attraction to Hades. This is not a very long book, so it can easily be devoured in one decadent sitting. I was quite pleased to discover that it was the first of several retellings of classic myths; I look forward to reading more of Ms. Summer's work.

Pagan Elements: Based on a classic Greek myth, Ms. Summer's story features many of the Greek pantheon, including Hades, Persephone, Demeter, Zeus, Styx, Pan, and Aphrodite.

Cover (Rated 1-10): 8-I thought the mix of classical statuary and modern photography was inspired. I would definitely have picked this book up to read the blurb on the back, based solely on the cover art.

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