Review: Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

August 30, 2011

Feiwel & Friends

Synopsis:
Bethany and Xavier are even closer since battling Jake Thorn and his evil influence (in Halo) and Beth and her angel siblings must still protect Venus Cove from the Dark Forces.

When a party game – a séance – inadvertently releases Jake from the Underworld, he disguises himself and tricks Beth into taking a ride on his motorcycle. When the highway opens up and swallows them, Beth learns too late that she’s now a prisoner in hell. What happens to angels there? As her archangel brother, Gabriel, her sister Ivy, Xavier, and her best friend, Molly search for her, Beth must weigh Jake’s bargaining for her freedom: one night with him, and she will be released back to Earth.
Can Jake be trusted in this wager? And is he also using Beth to engineer the fall of the archangel Gabriel? Xavier has already lost one love – when Jake tricks him into thinking that Bethany is dead, his grief and anger result in a betrayal that will leave Bethany – and readers – wondering if he is so good after all.

It will be up to Beth to use everything she’s learned about her powers as an angel – and about love – to free herself and those she loves from the clutches of Hades.

My Review:
While I wasn't all that impressed by what Halo had to offer, I decided to give Hades another try. The synopsis made it sound much more action-packed and exciting so I was happy to give the series another chance. I have to say, I am very glad that I did because Hades delivered. The main characters were still painful to read about, but at least the action was there!

Bethany is back and just as annoying as ever, but her trip to Hell really shapes her into someone that I could be friends with. She actually gains a backbone and isn't afraid to let those around her know that she isn't happy. Of course, she is still pining for Xavier and that is the main reason why she wants to go home, but I give her props for standing up for herself.

I still cannot stand Xavier. He acts like he is big and strong and can save Bethany for anything. Well, he is sure in for it this time because he can't go to Hell and back to get Bethany, no matter how much he wants to. I hate how Xavier and Bethany have to spend every minute of their time together. That is not a healthy relationship, no matter what they say about it.

Thankfully, I only had to deal with my complaints about Xavier and Bethany for a few chapters in the beginning. When Bethany gets brought to Hell by Jake, the story starts getting good! So many plot twists were thrown in and I was cringing at how Adornetto described parts of Hell. We get to really know who Jake is and I was shocked at how bad he could really be. We also get introduced to some new characters who are likable and make the story much more interesting.


Even if you weren't crazy for Halo, I would still give Hades a chance. Sure, Bethany and Xavier will still drive you crazy, but you will have a much better time in this one.

My Rating: