Persephone's Replacement: Queens Of Olympus, #1.5

By Arizona Tape

Entering the Underworld to become the next Persephone was all part of Penelope's plan, but even she wasn't prepared for what she'd find there. 

Between the overcrowded docks, a sad Cerberus, and an ineffective Hades, she soon realises she may have bitten off more than she can chew. 

But Penelope is determined to make a difference in the Underworld, and the only way to do that is to go through with the inauguration ceremony and take her place as a Queen of the Underworld. 

- 

Persephone's Replacement is the prequel to Trouble In Hades, a fantasy retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone with an f/f romantic sub-plot.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vampari Press
• Release date: Nov 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393145721

Arizona Tape

Arizona Tape lives her dream life hanging out with her dog and writing stories all day.Her favourite books to write are urban fantasy and paranormal romances with queer leads, stories that she wished were around when she was younger.When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen, watching shows that make her cry, or trying her hand at her new hobby of the week.She currently lives in the United Kingdom with her girlfriend and her adorable dog who is the star of her newsletter. Sign up here for adorable pictures, free books, and news about her books: www.arizonatape.com/subscribeFollow The AuthorFacebook Page: http://facebook.com/arizonatapeauthorReader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/arizonatapeBookbub: http://www.bookbub.com/authors/arizona-tapeTwitter: http://twitter.com/arizonatapeInstagram: http://instagram.com/arizonatapeTikTok: http://tiktok.com/@arizonatapeHer books are available on all retailers and can be requested from most public libraries.

Book preview

1

I arrived in the Underworld by boat, but unlike all the other passengers on the ferry, I wasn’t dead. Although I might have well been, this was a one-way trip.

Standing on the deck, I watched the world go by as the ferry glided through the murky green water of the Styx. I’d always pictured a little raft or karve with a lonely ferryman sailing souls down to their final destination, but my imagination had let me down. The river was filled with large ships, all packed to the brim with passengers. It was busy here in Hades.

A slight breeze tugged on my hair and I sat down on a wooden platform, trying to enjoy the ride, if my nerves would let me. It wasn’t every day I travelled down to the Underworld.

It didn’t take very long for the ferry to slow down and I looked up, spotting the Harbour in the distance. Surrounded by a thick mist, the industrial haven fit my imagination a bit more. Large contraptions divided the dock into multiple sections and workers of all varieties ran around to coordinate the multiple ships coming in, trying to navigate the ensuing chaos.

I sighed. I’d have my work cut out for me, I could already tell. The current system looked highly ineffective.

After an excruciating wait caused by sheer incompetence, laziness, and bad coordination, my ship finished docking.

This way, my guide announced, gesturing to the exit.

I gathered a deep breath and walked down the rickety ramp where a regal woman greeted me.

My breath hitched as I bowed slightly. Persephone.

You must be Penelope, she said, not wasting any time on pleasantries. She loosened the long green scarf around her neck and turned away, expecting the workers around her to part as she walked over the dock. Follow me.

I shot a last look at the ferry that brought me here, not that it meant anything. I was already far beyond a point of return.

The Persephone escorted me away from the busy Harbour, giving me a moment to get a good look at her. She was beautiful and exuded power, but despite her young appearance, she looked tired. Running the land of the dead was hard work and it showed. Withered and pale from all her time here, I could tell she was ready to move on.

Not very promising.

The path led us to a larger, earthen road where a driverless golden carriage with black rams strapped in front of it was waiting for us. One of the goats bleated comically and I held back a chuckle.

This was not the time, place, nor company.

The door opened by itself and I stepped into the carriage and took a seat across from the current Persephone. Once we were settled in, the carriage set in motion and I watched the Harbour grow smaller as we rode away.

The Persephone stayed quiet as we moved through the Underworld, which gave me ample time to admire the view. For a place that was meant for the dead, it was strangely vibrant. Colourful plants and flowers decorated the fields while all kinds of strange creatures roamed around.