Story Summary
A Touch of Darkness reimagines the myth of Hades and Persephone in a modern world where gods and mortals coexist.
Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, lives in New Athens trying to lead a quiet, mortal-like life. Her magic barely works — she can't grow anything, not even a single flower. But when she meets Hades, the mysterious and feared God of the Dead, everything changes.
After a chance encounter at his nightclub, Persephone accidentally binds herself to a contract with Hades: she must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever. What starts as a punishment turns into a complicated, consuming relationship that challenges everything she thought she knew about love, power, and herself.
It's a dark, emotional, and sensual retelling of one of mythology's most iconic romances — where love isn't light, but transformation.
Main Characters
Persephone
- Age: Immortal (appears early 20s)
- Ethnicity: Greek Goddess
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Eye Color: Green
- Identity: Goddess of Spring / journalist
A sheltered goddess discovering her power and independence in a world that expects perfection.
Hades
- Age: Immortal
- Ethnicity: Greek God
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Dark
- Identity: God of the Dead / ruler of the Underworld
Cold, powerful, and feared — but beneath it all, deeply loyal and surprisingly gentle.
Hermes
- Age: Immortal
- Ethnicity: Greek God
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Gold
- Identity: Messenger god / trickster
Charming, witty, and often the comic relief, he brings balance to the book's heavier themes.
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Every Spicy Chapter – Breakdown & Highlights
Scarlett St. Clair builds a slow burn that's all about tension — lingering glances, power struggles, and that "we definitely shouldn't do this" energy. When things finally turn physical, it's passionate but emotional, showing both Hades's restraint and Persephone's awakening.
Here's what actually happens in the spicy chapters — scene by scene.
Chapter 18 – The First Kiss
Persephone goes to confront Hades about their deal, furious and determined to stand her ground. They argue, the way they always do, but this time the air between them feels heavier.
When she challenges him, he closes the distance — calm, controlled, and unreadable — until there's nowhere left for her to go. He admits he's wanted her for longer than he should have, and then he kisses her.
"His lips were fire, and I realized I'd never really been warm until that moment."
Chapter 24 – The Garden Scene
Persephone finally manages to make a flower bloom in the Underworld. It's the first time she's ever truly used her power, and Hades sees it happen.
He's proud, but more than that, he's captivated. When he touches her face, she doesn't pull away. The kiss that follows starts slow, all reverence, before it turns into something deeper.
"He looked at me like I was creation itself."
Chapter 27 – The Bed Scene
This is the book's most explicit scene and a turning point for their relationship.
Persephone goes to Hades's palace, knowing what she wants this time. They don't fight it anymore — no arguments, no denial. When he touches her, he's careful, patient, and fully in control, but every move is about her.
"There was no darkness between us, only fire."
Chapter 31 – The Aftermath
The next morning, Persephone is conflicted. She's not sure what their night means — or if it changes anything.
Hades is composed, almost distant, but there's a quiet tenderness in how he treats her. They talk softly, touch briefly, and avoid the bigger conversation — both pretending it was just one night, even though it wasn't.
"He made me feel like I could bloom, even in the dark."
Chapter 35 – The Reunion
After tension, heartbreak, and misunderstandings, Hades and Persephone finally come back together.
They've both made mistakes, and this scene feels more emotional than any before it. When they reunite, it's not rushed. Hades apologizes, Persephone softens, and their need for each other takes over.
"He didn't worship me like a goddess. He touched me like a woman."
Goodreads Reader Reactions
Readers describe A Touch of Darkness as a perfect mix of romance, mythology, and spice. It's emotional, dramatic, and full of chemistry between two characters who shouldn't work but absolutely do.
Positive Reactions:
"It's the kind of slow burn that pays off tenfold."
"Every scene between Hades and Persephone feels earned — nothing is rushed."
Critical Reactions:
"Persephone's doubts can feel repetitive, but the tension makes up for it."
"It's messy and dramatic — exactly what a modern Greek romance should be."
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Where to Buy or Read A Touch of Darkness
- Amazon: Paperback, Kindle, and Audible audiobook
- Barnes & Noble: Paperback and special edition with sprayed edges
- Apple Books & Kobo: Digital editions worldwide
- Libraries: Available through Libby and Hoopla
Related Books – The Hades x Persephone Series Order
Scarlett St. Clair's mythological world spans several books told from both Persephone's and Hades's perspectives.
Here's the best reading order:
1️⃣ A Touch of Darkness
Persephone's story begins.
2️⃣ A Touch of Ruin
Their love is tested by secrets, media scandals, and divine politics.
3️⃣ A Touch of Malice
The gods' conflict intensifies as Persephone embraces her role as Queen.
4️⃣ A Touch of Chaos (upcoming)
The finale to Persephone's arc.
Companion Hades POV Books:
- A Game of Fate
- A Game of Retribution
- A Game of Gods
These retell the same events from Hades's side, giving extra insight into his choices and emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How spicy is A Touch of Darkness?
It's definitely on the spicier side — with multiple explicit scenes that are emotional and descriptive. Think tension, buildup, and payoff.
Q: Does A Touch of Darkness have spice?
Yes. The romance is front and center, and the steam level is consistent throughout the second half of the book.
Q: How many books in A Touch of Darkness series?
There are four main books, plus three companion novels told from Hades's perspective.
Q: What order to read A Touch of Darkness series?
Read in this order:
- A Touch of Darkness
- A Touch of Ruin
- A Touch of Malice
- A Touch of Chaos (upcoming)
You can alternate the Hades POV books for extra context.
Q: What book comes after A Touch of Darkness?
A Touch of Ruin — it continues Persephone and Hades's story and expands on the fallout from the first book.
Q: How to read A Touch of Darkness series?
Start with the main Persephone books, then read the A Game of Fate trilogy if you want to see Hades's side.
Q: What chapters are spicy in A Touch of Darkness?
The main spicy chapters are 18, 24, 27, and 35, with Chapter 27 being the most detailed.
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