Wow, what anentertaining story!The Persephone Code is the first book I have ever read by Julia Golding (or any of hers under other pen names). When I saw the cover and title I was incredibly intrigued (yes, what’s on the front does matter!) and knew I had to see what story was waiting inside. I was not sure what to expect but the book blurb sounded fascinating. I had a feeling I would enjoy it, though, and I can sincerely say I did! (Thank you One More Chapter for offering me the ARC.)
I found The Persephone Code to be a riveting and intriguing fast paced tale that never let up in its surprises and challenges. I loved the characters Dora and Jacob with their clever witty banter. And their ongoing fascination with and attraction to each other. I rightfully loathed the baddies with their sarcastic and snobbish inference and their ruthless vile acts! Which means the author has done her job well on both counts. This novel with its unusual plot, peculiar settings and significant historical time period (note the war of 1812) kept me pinned to its pages with curiosity and furiously turning the pages to see what would happen next.
This story focuses on the Hellfire Caves, a place where a secret society reigned for the rich and where they carried out socially unacceptable or unsavoury acts without conscience or care. When Dora’s brother, Antony Pennington, the club’s warden, is murdered, she must try to decode a strange set of clues to uncover his mystery killer. She does this with the help of Dr. Jacob Sandys, an ex-Army officer.
Jacob is a brilliant likeable character: a real gentleman and son of a Viscount. But as kind and generous as he is, he is not perfect and has had his own demons to battle. Such as: a past opium addiction. He keeps his distance from the drug so as not to become ensnared again. He is almost successful until an incident occurs that requires him to have more confidence and strength than he feels he can muster.
Dora, on the other hand, is not perfect either and has her own secret sins. Yet together they make a marvellous team in trying to solve the mystery. Of course, they run into all kinds of trouble and dangers on their journey that left me holding my breath many times! For they get caught in a conspiracy between the legendary Illuminati and the Hell Fire Club and their lives are on the line numerous times. There is so much happening in the twisty plot with these two in their race for justice, that there never is a dull moment.
I was quite satisfied with the ending but the events just before in the caves left me uncomfortable (as they should) and I was glad to be back out in the fresh air with our hero and heroine! Ms Golding has done an excellent job with the telling of this tale and got me reading further on these secret societies: much of which is quite alarming but certainly provides some great material for a novel. I think The Persephone Code deserves five stars for it achieves what it is meant to do. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy.
