The Untold Story of Persephone and Hades – Shadows of Spring

Shadows of Spring – A Love Story Born in Darkness

A Myth Rewritten

For centuries, the myth of Persephone and Hades has been retold in countless ways—most often as a tale of abduction and captivity. But what if that wasn’t the truth? What if Persephone walked willingly into the shadows, driven by love, power, and the call of destiny?

In Shadows of Spring, I peel back the layers of this ancient story to reveal a narrative rooted in forbidden love, hidden strength, and the delicate balance between light and dark. This is the untold myth—the story of how the Goddess of Spring fell not as a victim, but as a queen.

A Story of Light and Shadow

Shadows of Spring reimagines the relationship between Persephone, the daughter of Demeter and the embodiment of life and renewal, and Hades, the stoic and powerful ruler of the Underworld. While the gods of Olympus feast in eternal sunlight, Persephone finds herself drawn to the quiet strength of Hades—the one god who lives in the realm no one dares enter.

Their love is one that defies fate and the will of gods, hidden for centuries in the shadows of the Olympian gardens. But during one fateful summer solstice, their carefully guarded secret is shattered. Demeter, Persephone’s overbearing mother, discovers the affair, unraveling the delicate threads that have held their worlds together.

Now, with the eyes of the gods fixed upon them, Persephone and Hades must navigate the fallout, balancing the weight of love with the looming threat of divine retribution.

Characters that Breathe New Life into Myth

🌷 Persephone – Goddess of Spring, bearer of life, and the heart of the Underworld. Far from the innocent maiden of legend, this Persephone wields quiet power, growing into the formidable Queen of Shadows.

🔥 Hades – Ruler of the Underworld, a god feared by mortals and divines alike. Beneath his cold exterior lies unwavering loyalty and love for Persephone. His kingdom is not a prison, but a sanctuary for those bold enough to stand beside him.

🌾 Demeter – Persephone’s mother and the Goddess of Harvest. A formidable force of nature, Demeter’s love for Persephone fuels her obsession with control, sparking conflict that threatens the balance of Olympus.

🪽 Hermes – The ever-curious messenger of the gods and one of Persephone’s closest confidants. Hermes walks the line between loyalty and secrecy as he moves between the realms of Olympus and the Underworld.

Themes of Power, Choice, and Love

At its core, Shadows of Spring is more than a love story—it’s about reclaiming power and rewriting one’s fate. Persephone’s journey mirrors that of many who feel torn between expectation and desire, family and independence.

Key Themes in Shadows of Spring:

• Forbidden Love – A romance hidden in shadows, defying divine law.

• Coming into Power – Persephone’s evolution from sheltered goddess to fierce queen.

• Fate vs. Free Will – The gods may weave the threads, but Persephone and Hades will cut them.

• Family and Rebellion – The tension between Demeter’s control and Persephone’s yearning for freedom.

What Inspired Shadows of Spring?

I’ve always been fascinated by mythology, but the story of Persephone and Hades stood out to me. The original myths often paint Persephone as a victim—stolen away against her will. But as I delved deeper, I saw an opportunity to explore her strength, her choices, and the possibility that love isn’t always bright and simple.

Shadows of Spring was born from a desire to tell that story—the version where Persephone is not a pawn but a queen who chooses her throne.

Why You’ll Love Shadows of Spring

If you love stories brimming with forbidden romance, powerful heroines, and gods who walk the line between light and darkness, this book was written for you. Fans of mythology retellings like Lore Olympus, A Touch of Darkness, and Circe will find themselves at home within these pages.

Expect passion, betrayal, redemption, and a world where love can bloom even in the coldest corners of the Underworld.

A Glimpse Inside:

“I didn’t steal her. She found me.

In the shadows, she bloomed—and in her light, I was reborn.”

– Hades

“The Underworld isn’t a prison. It’s a kingdom. And I am not a captive—I am its queen.”

– Persephone

Join the Journey

Shadows of Spring is more than a retelling—it’s a call to those who have ever felt out of place in the light and found solace in the dark. Persephone’s story is waiting to be told, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.

📅 Release Date: January 31, 2025

Pre-order Now

Follow along for sneak peeks, character art, and behind-the-scenes glimpses as we prepare to step into the Underworld.

Let the shadows bloom, and may love find you where you least expect it.

With love and darkness,

Athina Fernwood