Hades by Mark Knowles

*** Review ***

Greek mythology has always held a special place in my heart. There’s something about the ancient tales of gods, heroes, and epic adventures that draws me in, and Mark Knowles’ book, Hades, did not disappoint in that regard. Although it’s the third installment in a series, I jumped right into the story without any prior knowledge of the earlier books and found myself immersed in a world of myth, heroism, and destiny.

The novel begins by painting a vivid picture of a world in turmoil. The Age of Heroes, that era of legendary deeds and noble quests, is fading into oblivion. The gods have seemingly abandoned Greece, and the ominous threat of the Sea People looms large. In this grim setting, we meet Xandros, the underappreciated son of Euneus, himself a descendant of the great Jason. Xandros is a character many readers can relate to – an underdog trying to prove himself in a world that undervalues him.

Xandros’s journey unfolds as he sets out to gather the scattered Argonauts, those legendary heroes of old, to defend their island and others from the marauding Sea People. This premise offers a fresh take on Greek mythology, and even if you’re not well-versed in the intricacies of these ancient tales, Hades is an accessible read.

One notable aspect of the book is its characters. They are well-drawn and believable, even the aging Argonauts who make a surprising and delightful appearance. The interplay between these characters, both old and new, adds depth and intrigue to the story. Knowles masterfully weaves these legendary figures into the lives of their possible descendants, creating a compelling plot twist that kept me engaged throughout.

The narrative itself is easy to follow, free from unnecessary details that can bog down a story. It strikes a balance between historical accuracy and engaging storytelling. However, it’s worth noting that the battle scenes, while potentially historically accurate, tend to be somewhat repetitive. If you’re a fan of action-packed fight sequences, you’ll find them here, but they weren’t my favorite part of the book.

What sets Hades apart is the evident dedication and research Knowles put into crafting this tale. It’s clear that the author has a profound understanding of Greek mythology, and he brings these ancient stories to life with skill and flair. The prose has a lyrical quality that harkens back to the old epic poems, making it feel both authentic and engaging.

Nonetheless, it’s not all praise for Hades. The pacing of the story is slow, and it relies heavily on action to keep the reader’s interest. While I typically prefer a faster pace, Knowles manages the slow build well, which allowed me to appreciate the unfolding of the narrative. Yet, the book does demand a certain level of patience to see it through to the end. I didn’t feel a strong drive to reach the conclusion, which may be attributed to my lack of connection with the characters and the pacing.

Furthermore, there’s a dearth of well-developed female characters in the story, which aligns with the traditional tales but may not fully resonate with modern readers. It wouldn’t diminish the story’s historical accuracy to provide more representation, especially in a retelling.

One standout character in Hades is Orpheus, a beloved figure from Greek mythology. Orpheus serves as a storyteller, recounting the adventures of the Argonauts and the challenges faced by Xandros, the grandson of Jason. Decades after the original Argonaut adventure, the Greek world is threatened by the enigmatic Sea People, and Xandros embarks on a complex journey to reunite the Argonauts for one last quest. Orpheus’s narrative adds a layer of depth and charm to the story, capturing the essence of the old myths.

In conclusion, Hades is a book that combines the allure of Greek mythology with a unique and fresh perspective. It possesses both strengths and weaknesses, with compelling characters, well-researched content, and the magic of Orpheus’s storytelling, but marred by a slow pace and the lack of compelling female characters. While it may not be a perfect retelling, it’s a worthwhile addition to the realm of Greek mythology-inspired literature. I’ll definitely consider going back to read the first two books in the series, Argo and Jason, to further explore the world Mark Knowles has created. If you share my fascination with Greek mythology, Hades is a book worth exploring, even if it has a few flaws.