Madi's Reviews > Death's Country

“You lived, Death replied. That was no waste. And you will continue to live. You’re not done yet, little prince.”

I’m not usually a fan of many retellings, I think that they are a hit or miss. When I read a retelling I want something that is unique and new and something that that the author took and really made their own. I what the original inspiration to be there, but not necessarily in your face. (Albeit there are some exceptions to this, but I always look forward to seeing what the author really turns on its head and adds their own personal touch to the stories). I think that Romero did a great job at taking a known myth that is becoming increasingly popular (especially with mythology constantly being used as a base for story retellings - I’m looking at you Hades and Persephone) and putting her own creative spin onto it that makes it her own. Romero remade it into a story about polyamorous teens (which I personally think we need more poly romance stories) in Miami trying to save their girlfriend’s soul. While it is very clear what Romero is retelling, I don’t actually mind it. It’s a story that is easy and straightforward, but also written is a poetic form that makes it very romantic and emotional and compelling in a way that an Orpheus and Eurydice retelling should be. I’m not a big fan of poetry, however I actually enjoyed the written prose way more than I thought.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick mythological retelling, as long as they don’t mind poetry.

Read with: NetGalley