Greek Mythology: Kingdom of Hades
by Michael J Defosse
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Pub Date 17 Nov 2025 | Archive Date 16 Nov 2025
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Description
From the Anglo-Hellenic League Runciman Award–nominated author of Greek Mythology: Gods of Mount Olympus comes an unforgettable journey into the twilight world beneath the earth—where souls are judged, memory endures, and divine order rules in silence.
Greek Mythology: Kingdom of Hades unveils the shadowed realm of the ancient Greek afterlife—a place of consequence, not chaos. Guided by Hades, the unseen sovereign of the dead, and Persephone, the Queen of Spring and Shadow, this illustrated volume reveals the myths, laws, and moral structure that governed the Underworld.
From the five rivers that define its boundaries to the torments of Tartarus and the bliss of Elysium, readers are led through a world where every soul meets its truth. Along the way appear the ferryman Charon, the three judges of the dead—Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus—and heroes who defied mortality itself: Orpheus, Heracles, and Odysseus.
Rooted in the classical works of Homer and Hesiod, and brought to life through cinematic black-and-white illustrations inspired by Michelangelo, Kingdom of Hades transforms the ancient vision of death into a meditation on justice, consequence, and renewal.
Inside, readers will discover:
The myths and origins of Hades, Persephone, and the chthonic gods who ruled below
The sacred rivers—Styx, Lethe, Acheron, Phlegethon, and Cocytus—and the oaths, sorrows, and transformations they embody
The three realms of judgment—Elysium, Asphodel, and Tartarus—and the fate awaiting every soul
The heroes and mortals who dared to cross the veil between life and death
Mythic artwork and historical context that bring the Underworld to vivid life
Both mythic and philosophical, Greek Mythology: Kingdom of Hades reimagines the Greek afterlife as an ordered mirror of the living world—a realm where death is not an end, but a transformation.
Perfect for readers of Mythos, Circe, The Iliad, and other retellings of classical mythology.
Step beyond the veil. The kingdom of shadows awaits.
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798999700360 |
| PRICE | |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 9 members
Featured Reviews
A dark descent into myth and meaning.
Greek Mythology: Kingdom of Hades pulls you straight into the shadowed world beneath the earth, where gods, heroes, and souls all face their truths. I loved how it balanced the grandeur of mythology with a surprisingly human touch—the stories of judgment, love, and consequence feel timeless and deeply reflective. The writing is clear yet poetic, and the illustrations make the Underworld come alive in haunting detail. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause and think long after you’ve closed it. I enjoyed it not just for the myths themselves, but for how it made me see life, death, and justice through a new lens.
Reviewer 1479274
This book bears the hallmarks of badly edited AI writing, including overly florid text and cyclical repetition. I'm not an expert on Greek mythology but am familiar with the subject, and as far as I can tell everything is accurate. However, there isn't any new or unexpected information or speculation -- it's just a summary of what anyone can find on the subject online (another AI-author characteristic). The quotes from different Homeric epics are a nice touch.
🔥 Step aside, Mount Olympus—Hades just stole the show!
Okay, wow. This book had me geeking out over Greek myths like never before! Kingdom of Hades is dark, gorgeous, and totally fascinating—like taking a VIP tour through the Underworld with Hades himself. The art? Epic. The stories? Deliciously eerie and powerful. I couldn’t put it down because every page made me want to learn one more secret about the gods below. If you love myths, moody vibes, and a little mystery, grab this one and dive straight into the shadows. You’ll come out wanting to rule the underworld yourself. ⚡💀
Oktay G, Educator
Greek Mythology: Kingdom of Hades" is a captivating journey into the ancient Greek underworld. Michael J. Defosse masterfully reveals the silent rule of Hades, the dual nature of Persephone, and the moral depth of the afterlife. It’s not just mythology—it’s a reflection on justice, memory, and the unseen forces that shape our fate. I found it both visually stunning and philosophically rich.
When it comes to Greek mythology, the tales regarding Hades and Persephone will always have a special place in my heart. A beautiful tragic love story that never gets old and there's a reason why it stands true to this day!
This book transports you down into the deepest caverns and bowels of the underworld, where Hades ' lair resides and every aspect of the underworld disenchant the mind. It's scary, dark, terrifying and yet serene and comforting. These stories are beautifully written and full of mythological based research and references.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Greek mythology and the mystery that surrounds the underworld.
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
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