This book. My emotions. I cannot.First of all, because it's been a while since I've said it, the Persephone and Hades myth is probably my favorite Greek myth of all time. I've read a couple of retellings in the past year, but this one? This one's on a whole new level. It blends this myth with another myth that I'm not going to say because it might be a bit of a spoiler. It was so well blended, it didn't feel like a retelling, it just felt like it's own story. A fascinating, heartbreaking story.Nikki was a pretty incredible protagonist. She was constantly in this conflicted state and she was never truly sure of herself and what she had to do, and all things considered, I don't blame her. It was realistic. But she was also brave and when she made a decision, she made a freaking decision. She did waste time, but she had her reasons. When she finally realized what she was doing, she made quick work of figuring out what she needed to do.Jack and Cole...these two. This story is a legit love triangle. I actually really liked Cole for a long time in this story. He was misguided, but he seemed to love Nikki, even though he could never admit it. He was selfish, but in a really sweet way. Meanwhile, Jack is one you come to love slowly due to reasons. Reasons you will understand when you read this book. HOWEVER, the ending? The ending changes all the rules. Cole needs to be kicked in the nuts and Jack needs to be hugged for eternity.Let's talk about the ending a bit, shall we? The ending was something that part of me saw coming, and the other part was in denial of. As we got to know the characters, the ending started to become clear. However, there were two ways it would work out and EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING wanted one ending. That ending didn't happen and now I'm left, confused and pouting because I have to wait a year to read book two. It's possible I'll go even more insane waiting.I read this book in a day, possibly in two sittings. It's addicting and wonderful but it also rips out your heart and stomps on it repeatedly. In a good way...kind of. So, clearly you should read it and suffer with me, yes? Yes.
