“No soul has ever healed by dwelling on the past,”
What begins as a game of control and cunning soon turns into much darker and more sinister things—a deadly obsession that will kill them both. With high-stakes gaming, seductive manipulation, and a world of dark magic, A Touch of Darkness summary entices readers into a world where danger and desire are inextricably bound.
A Touch of Darkness Book Review
Scarlett St. Clair delivers a sizzling, tension-filled romance that is equal parts angsty and enthralling. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology with a modern twist, this book offers a fresh take on the legendary love story of Hades and Persephone. The contemporary setting adds an exciting new layer, where gods run nightclubs, make backroom deals, and wield their power over mortals in unexpected ways.
Persephone’s process is a resistance and self-improvement cycle. Since she has been trained in efforts to fight her fate, her journey to self-acceptance and the embracing of her true strength is compelling and satisfying. Hades, alternatively, is the perfect brooding shadow love interest, a mysterious, sinister, but somehow endearingly gentle one when he’s hot-headed. They have some awesome chemistry, and the interactions that they share are full of tension, so that slow burn love is passionate and unstoppable.
The suspense seethes within the pages throughout, exploring interwoven storylines around themes of fate, power struggles, and battle for freedom. Pacing lags at times with some parts spinning through plot revelation at rapid rates while drawing out the tensions for the love too long. But if forbidden love, morally questionable love interests, and a heroine who will stop at nothing to make her own way are your thing, these minor complaints won’t detract from the book’s hook.
A Touch of Darkness is a hot, sexy re-telling that injects fresh life into Greek mythology. St. Clair’s writing is poetic and sensual and immerses readers in a world where gods walk among men and love is both beautiful and lethal. If you’ve read and loved A Court of Thorns and Roses or Neon Gods, you owe it to yourself to read this book.
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 for its sexy romance, gripping world-building, and retelling an ancient myth in a new, hot way.
A Touch of Darkness Book Characters
Persephone – The Spring Goddess who has been chosen to remain with mortals and struggling to assert her own power in a world willing to overpower her.
Hades – The brooding and enigmatic king of the Underworld, feared by all but far more complex than the myths suggest.
Demeter – Persephone’s controlling mother, whose manipulation and control have prevented Persephone from reaching her potential.
Lexa – Persephone’s friend and confidant, bringing humor and comfort to the novel throughout.
About Scarlett St. Clair
Scarlett St. Clair is a USA Today best-selling author of dark mythological retellings and high-stakes romances with rich world-building. Her A Touch of Darkness has gained a loyal readership among fantasy romance lovers with a new, sexy retelling of the timeless myths.
What’s A Touch of Darkness About?
Fundamentally, A Touch of Darkness is a tale of choice, of power, and of love forbidden. Persephone is caught between two worlds—the mortal world she understands so intimately and the divine power she has not yet acquired. Hades, ruler of the Underworld and powerful, is both challenging and frightening temptation. Theirs is a tale of challenge, of passion, and of ultimate confrontation of fate and free will.
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Date Published: May 23, 2019
Pages: 438 pages, ebook
Goodreads Rating: 3.8/5
The End of A Touch of Darkness
Without giving away too much, the highlight of A Touch of Darkness is rife with secrets, suspense, and promise of more action ahead. Persephone’s adventure is far from over, but the novel has fans prepared to discover how she will continue to navigate the world of gods and mortals. Stakes are rising and romance only makes things more complicated, the last chapter sets up readers well for the sequel to the series.
A Touch of Darkness is a must-read for fans of mythological retellings, forbidden romance, and books that blur the line between love and power. If you’re ready for a darkly seductive journey into the Underworld, this book is for you.
What is “A Touch of Darkness” about?
A modern Hades and Persephone retelling where Persephone, a journalism student, makes a dangerous bargain with Hades.
Is “A Touch of Darkness” spicy?
Yes, it contains explicit adult content with steamy romance scenes between the main characters.
Is “A Touch of Darkness” part of a series?
Yes, it’s the first book in the Hades and Persephone series by Scarlett St. Clair.
How many pages is “A Touch of Darkness”?
How many pages is “A Touch of Darkness”?
Approximately 400 pages, making it a substantial fantasy romance novel.
Should I read “A Touch of Darkness”?
Should I read “A Touch of Darkness”?
Recommended for mythology fans who enjoy steamy romance and modern retellings of classic myths.
I’m John Stauffer, a Harvard professor and book lover. Here at John Stauffer Books, I share my thoughts on the books I read through honest reviews and recommendations. I cover everything from well-known classics to lesser-known works that deserve more attention.
Leave a Reply