Her Dark Wings

Gr 9 Up–Persephone from Greek mythology is reimagined for today through Corey Allaway, who lives on an island somewhere off the coast of Great Britain. Corey’s people pray to the old gods and follow some ancient traditions. Corey is in a funk because her former best friend, Bree, is now involved with Corey’s ex-boyfriend, Ali. At one time Corey and Bree were inseparable, so this betrayal hits extremely hard. At the annual Thesmophoria, Corey meets a masked boy whom she kisses, hoping Ali will see her. Later she discovers this masked boy is Hades. When Bree, who is a strong swimmer, drowns, Corey believes Hades heard her thoughts and granted her wish to end Bree’s life. In despair for what she thinks that she has done, Corey visits the Underworld. The Furies take her on in the hope that she will become one of them. The story is not exactly faithful to the original myth and does include archaic Greek words that may be unfamiliar to readers. The detailed descriptions of the Underworld, especially Erebus where the Furies live, will keep readers enthralled. The Furies are depicted as vengeful to the shades inhabiting the Underworld but find kindness for Corey.