Review: "Blossom of Ash" by Kennedy Vega
Hi guys! Sorry it's been a while, life has been crazy for me. Anyway, a little note before we begin. I'm doing this review today because I love this story, no other reason. All these opinions are mine. Let's get started everyone!
Blossom of Ash is a short story by Kennedy Vega (I know her from Instagram, @januaryrabbit). She wrote this amazing Hades and Persephone retelling, which can be found on wattpad. She plans to have it out soon, and is debating whether or not to turn it into a full novel. I hope she does, because this story is fantastic!
Persephone is a beautiful girl born with a curled foot, making her useless to her aristocratic parents. She has a sister, Anathema, who is born with a blood disease that would kill her at a young age. Persephone's parents seek help from Hades, offering up Persephone in return for their younger daughters life. Hades tells them that he will let Anathema live, but won't take Persephone right off the bat. He tells them that when Persephone turns 18, she must make the choice to go willingly with Hades. If she doesn't, he will bring back Anathema's blood disease, killing her like she was supposed to.
Persephone grows up not knowing any of this, instead being forced to scrub the floors, caring for Anathema, and doing any other chore her mother could think of for her to do.
One day at her flower stall at the market, she meets a handsome stranger, who becomes a close friend to her. From then on, everything changes.
Lets start with the story. It is a retelling of the Hades and Persephone story from Greek mythology. Now, most retellings of this story can become repetitive, not straying too much off the original story. This is not the case for this short story. The characters are unique, the plot is new, and the writing refreshing. It is hard not to love this story. The structure is fantastic, not forced at all, which is nice.
Next, the characters. I have firm opinions on them already, and I only had a short story in which to get to know them. I dislike Persephone's parents, because of their severe dislike for their older daughter over something she couldn't control. Then fawning over their youngest, leaving Persephone to do a lot of their chores.
Persephone herself is a sweet girl, who tries to forget about her situation through her garden and flowers. She deserves the good friend that is Aita, who is amazing! He talks to her, makes her feel wanted, taking away some of the hurt her family causes. Fantastic.
Then, there's Hades. He's the best, just the sweetest guy there is! The creation of this character was flawless, and focused on his benevolent, more caring side rather then the 'i'm going to wreak havoc on all you souls because I can *evil laugh*'. Vega made him more like he was in the myths, the poor Olympus brother who got stuck with the kingdom of the dead. He is fleshed out to be more kind, which I find refreshing.
I loved how he gave Persephone a choice, that she could choose to stay, or go with him and let her sister live. It made me so happy.
That's all I can say for right now. When it's published as a short story and/or full-length novel, I will do a more in-depth, spoilery review. for now, I'm done.
Happy Reading everyone!
