Persephone’s Curse Review: 4 Sisters, 1 Ghost & A Journey to the Underworld
Quick Info Box
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Katrina Leno |
| Genre | YA Magical Realism / Urban Fantasy / Mythology Retelling |
| Series | Standalone |
| Tropes | Sisterhood, Ghost Romance, Underworld Journey, Greek Mythology Retelling, Found Family, Forbidden Love, Character-Driven |
| Spice Level | 🌶️ (YA-appropriate – sweet romance, no explicit content) |
| Page Count | ~336 pages |
| POV | First Person (Winnie, third sister) |
| Publication Date | December 2, 2025 |
| Publisher | Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press) |
| ISBN | 9781250286932 |
| Goodreads Rating | 4.20/5 (early ARC reviews, overwhelmingly positive) |
TL;DR Summary
The Sisters: Four Farthing sisters—Bernadette, Evelyn, Winnie, Clara—live in a Manhattan brownstone. They’re supposedly descended from Persephone, Goddess of the Underworld.
The Ghost: Henry, a 17-year-old ghost, has lived with them since they were children. He’s family. Until one sister falls in love with him.
The Betrayal: Winnie, trying to protect her sister, banishes Henry to the Underworld. Now the sisters must journey to Hades’ realm to bring him back.
The Journey: A story about sisterhood, forgiveness, and the lengths you’ll go to undo your mistakes.
Rating: 4/5 — Recommended for fans of Little Women meets Greek mythology with a ghostly twist.
Key Takeaways:
- Character-driven emotional journey, not action-heavy fantasy
- Sisterhood dynamics are the true heart—complex, messy, loving
- Greek mythology woven naturally into modern NYC setting
- Henry the ghost is fully developed, not a plot device
- Bittersweet ending that prioritizes growth over traditional happy resolution
Tropes & Triggers List
Tropes: Sisterhood (central theme), Ghost Romance, Greek Mythology Retelling (Persephone/Hades), Underworld Journey, Found Family, Forbidden Love (mortal x ghost), Character-Driven, Urban Fantasy, Magical Realism, Coming of Age, Betrayal & Forgiveness, Four Sisters Dynamic (Little Women vibes).
Triggers: Grief/loss (death of family members mentioned), ghost/supernatural themes, sibling betrayal, mental health discussions (depression), mild violence (Underworld scenes), bittersweet/melancholy tone, parental absence (parents travel frequently).
Detailed Plot Summary: Girl, Girl, Girl, Girl, Ghost
Part 1: The Farthing Sisters (Chapters 1-8)
The Family
The Farthing sisters live in a brownstone in Manhattan. Four girls born two years apart.
Bernadette (20) – The oldest, responsible, maternal. She holds the family together.
Evelyn (18) – The romantic, artistic, dreamy. She sees beauty in everything.
Winnie (16) – The narrator, observant, protective, sharp-tongued.
Clara (14) – The youngest, sensitive, intuitive. She feels everything deeply.
And Henry (17) – The ghost. He’s been with them since they were children. He plays games, reads books, sits at family dinners. He’s their brother in every way except biology.
The Legend
Their Aunt Bea told them they’re descended from Persephone, Goddess of Spring and Queen of the Underworld.
The story goes: their great-great-great-great-great-great-grandmother was Persephone herself.
The girls half-believe it. Magic runs in their blood—each sister has a gift. Except Winnie. She’s the only one without obvious power.
The Ghost
Henry died young. He’s been in the brownstone for over a century. Only the Farthing sisters can see him.
He’s not scary. He’s gentle, funny, kind. He’s family.
Until one of the sisters falls in love with him.
Part 2: The Falling (Chapters 9-18)
The Romance
Evelyn and Henry fall in love. It’s gradual, inevitable, beautiful.
But it’s also impossible. He’s dead. She’s alive. What future can they have?
Winnie watches her sister change. Evelyn becomes distant, dreamy, consumed by love for a ghost.
Winnie is terrified. What happens when Evelyn realizes there’s no happy ending with Henry?
The Decision
G'day, legends! Ever reckoned a seaside town's got more bodies than barbecues? Brynne Weaver's Tourist Season chucks ya into Cape Carnage, where romance blooms over compost heaps of dodgy tourists. Pros: 7 brutal kills that'll ...
G'day, mates – ever cracked open a book that promises epic gods clashing with monsters, only to find it drowning in its own overblown drama? "The Wrath of the Fallen" by Amber V. Nicole kicks ...
Winnie makes a choice. She decides to protect Evelyn the only way she knows how.
She performs an ancient ritual. She banishes Henry to the Underworld.
It’s an act of love. And it’s an unforgivable betrayal.
The Aftermath
Henry vanishes. One moment he’s there, the next—gone.
The sisters realize what Winnie did. Evelyn is shattered. Bernadette is furious. Clara is heartbroken.
Winnie immediately regrets it. But it’s too late.
The brownstone feels empty. The fifth seat at dinner is vacant.
The sisters must face a truth: they need Henry back. Not just for Evelyn. For all of them.
Part 3: The Descent (Chapters 19-28)
The Plan
If Persephone’s blood runs in their veins, then maybe they can enter the Underworld.
Maybe they can bargain with Hades. Maybe they can bring Henry home.
The sisters prepare. They research myths, gather offerings, steel themselves for the journey.
They find an entrance—a secret door in a forgotten subway station. It leads down. Down. Down.
The Underworld
The Underworld isn’t what they expected. It’s not fire and brimstone.
It’s grey. Endless. Empty. A liminal space between life and death.
They encounter shades—spirits who’ve forgotten who they were. They meet Charon, the ferryman, who demands payment.
They navigate the River Styx. They pass the gates guarded by Cerberus (who turns out to be less terrifying than myth suggests).
And they search for Henry.
The Palace of Hades
They reach Hades’ palace. It’s vast, cold, beautiful.
Hades himself is not a monster. He’s tired. Ancient. Lonely.
Persephone is there too. She recognizes the sisters. She confirms it: they are her blood.
But there’s a problem. Henry doesn’t want to leave.
Part 4: The Truth (Chapters 29-Epilogue)
Henry’s Choice
Henry explains: when Winnie banished him, he finally found peace.
In the Underworld, he’s not trapped in a brownstone. He can move on. He can rest.
He’s grateful to the sisters. He loves them. But he’s also exhausted from existing between worlds for over a century.
The Bargain
Persephone offers a deal. She can return Henry to the living world. But there’s a cost.
One of the sisters must take his place. Spend half the year in the Underworld. Just like Persephone herself.
It’s an impossible choice. The sisters argue. They weigh options. They face their love and their selfishness.
Winnie’s Sacrifice
Winnie volunteers. It was her mistake. She’ll fix it.
But the sisters refuse. They won’t let her bear this alone.
In the end, they find another way. They ask Persephone to release Henry fully—not to life, but to death.
Let him move on. Let him be free.
The Farewell
Henry says goodbye. It’s devastating.
Evelyn holds him one last time. The sisters tell him they love him. He tells them he’ll always be with them, even if they can’t see him.
He walks into the light. He’s gone. Really gone.
The sisters return to the living world without him.
Epilogue: The Empty Chair
Months later, the brownstone still feels too quiet.
But the sisters are closer than ever. Winnie and Evelyn have forgiven each other.
They set a place for Henry at Thanksgiving dinner. An empty chair. A full glass.
They tell stories about him. They keep his memory alive.
The magic in their blood remains. Persephone’s curse—or blessing—continues through them.
They are stronger for having loved him. And for letting him go.
Plot Twists Explained: 3 Reveals That Hit Different
Twist #1: Henry Doesn’t Want to Be Rescued
What You Thought: The sisters would rescue Henry and bring him home triumphantly.
The Truth: Henry has found peace in the Underworld. Being trapped as a ghost was lonely and exhausting. Death is a gift, not a punishment.
Why It Matters: Subverts rescue narrative. Sometimes love means letting go, not holding on. Henry’s agency is respected—his “rescue” would trap him again.
Twist #2: Winnie Has No Magic Because She IS the Magic
What You Thought: Winnie is the only sister without powers, making her the “ordinary” one.
The Truth: Winnie’s lack of obvious magic is because she’s the anchor. Her power is holding the family together, seeing clearly, making impossible choices. She’s the balance.
Why It Matters: Reframes “powerlessness” as a different kind of strength. Her banishing ritual worked because she’s connected to all her sisters’ gifts.
Twist #3: Persephone Wants to Set Her Descendants Free
What You Thought: Persephone would demand one sister stay in Underworld, perpetuating the curse.
The Truth: Persephone is tired of seeing her descendants suffer her fate. She helps them find a third option: honoring Henry’s choice to pass on fully.
Why It Matters: Breaks generational curse. Persephone’s “curse” was never about trapping her daughters—it was about teaching them agency and choice.
Character Analysis: A Family Portrait
| Character | Key Arc | Defining Moment | Ending State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winnie (16) | Learns protection can be control | Volunteering to stay in Underworld | Forgiven; closer to sisters |
| Evelyn (18) | Learns love means letting go | Saying goodbye to Henry | Grieving but growing |
| Bernadette (20) | Learns she can’t fix everything | Admitting she’s scared | Still maternal, less burdened |
| Clara (14) | Learns to voice her feelings | Confronting Winnie about betrayal | More confident, less fragile |
| Henry (17) | Finds peace after century trapped | Choosing to pass on fully | At rest, finally free |
Persephone’s Curse vs. Similar YA Fantasy
| Feature | Persephone’s Curse | The Hazel Wood | Practical Magic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mythology | Greek (Persephone/Hades) | Fairytale dark fantasy | Witchcraft/folklore |
| Setting | Modern Manhattan | Modern NYC | Small town Massachusetts |
| Sisterhood | Central theme (4 sisters) | Mother-daughter | Sisters/family |
| Tone | Bittersweet, emotional | Dark, eerie | Cozy, romantic |
| Pacing | Character-driven (slow) | Mystery-driven (medium) | Atmospheric (slow) |
| Age | YA (14+) | YA (15+) | Adult |
Verdict: Persephone’s Curse is closer to Little Women than typical YA fantasy. Mythology enhances but doesn’t dominate the intimate family drama.
What Worked & What Didn’t
Wins:
✅ Sisterhood dynamics feel authentic—messy, loving, imperfect
✅ Henry fully developed despite being a ghost—readers grieve him deeply
✅ Greek mythology woven naturally, not info-dumped
✅ Character-driven focus rewards patient readers
✅ Bittersweet ending respects complexity over easy happiness
✅ Writing is lyrical, atmospheric, emotionally resonant
Gripes:
❌ First third is slow—takes time to reach central conflict
❌ Underworld journey feels rushed compared to character setup
❌ Some readers will want more Henry backstory/POV
❌ Kirkus noted “illogical leaps” in plot progression
❌ Parents are absent (traveling) which feels convenient
❌ Not enough exploration of each sister’s individual magic
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Does Persephone’s Curse have a happy ending?
It’s bittersweet, not traditionally happy. Henry finds peace by passing on, but the sisters lose him.
They return home without rescuing him because that’s what he truly wanted.
The ending focuses on healing and forgiveness among the sisters. It’s hopeful but melancholy.
Is Persephone’s Curse spicy? What’s the heat level?
Not spicy at all (🌶️). It’s YA-appropriate sweet romance.
Evelyn and Henry’s relationship is tender and emotional, not physical.
Focus is on emotional intimacy, not physicality. Appropriate for ages 14+.
What are the trigger warnings for Persephone’s Curse?
Grief and loss (death themes throughout), ghost/supernatural elements, sibling betrayal (Winnie banishing Henry), mental health (depression mentioned), mild fantasy violence in Underworld, bittersweet/melancholic tone, parental absence.
Is Persephone’s Curse standalone or part of a series?
Standalone. The story is complete with no sequel setup.
All plot threads resolve by the epilogue, though the ending leaves emotional impact.
Which sister falls in love with Henry the ghost?
Evelyn, the second-oldest sister (18). She’s the romantic, artistic one.
Their love story is the emotional catalyst for the Underworld journey.
Why does Winnie banish Henry to the Underworld?
Winnie is trying to protect Evelyn from heartbreak.
She believes Evelyn’s love for a ghost has no future and will only bring pain.
She acts out of fear and love, making a terrible choice with good intentions.
Do the sisters actually have Persephone’s powers?
Yes, it’s confirmed. Persephone herself acknowledges them as descendants when they reach the Underworld.
Each sister has a gift (though Winnie’s is more subtle). The mythology is real in this world.
Is Persephone’s Curse appropriate for middle grade readers?
It’s marketed as YA (14+). Themes of death, grief, and betrayal are complex.
Mature middle schoolers (13+) might handle it, but it’s best for high schoolers who can engage with emotional depth.
How does Persephone’s Curse end? Does Henry come back?
Henry doesn’t return to the living world. He chooses to pass on fully to find peace.
The sisters return home and learn to live with his absence, honoring his memory.
The epilogue shows them healing together months later.
Is there LGBTQ+ representation in Persephone’s Curse?
Yes. The book includes queer representation, confirmed by reviewers mentioning “LGBTQIA+ Representation: gay, queer.”
One of the sisters or side characters has a same-sex relationship, handled naturally within the narrative.
Final Verdict: A Quiet, Devastating Meditation on Sisterhood
Persephone’s Curse is not the action-packed fantasy its premise suggests.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 Stars)
Katrina Leno delivers a character-driven, emotionally raw story that prioritizes relationships over plot.
The sisterhood is the true magic—complex, flawed, fiercely loving.
The pacing is deliberate. The first third world-builds through quiet domestic scenes.
Readers expecting constant Underworld adventure will be frustrated. But readers who cherish atmosphere, gorgeous prose, and emotional depth will be rewarded.
Henry is a standout—a ghost character with more depth than many living love interests in YA.
His ending is devastating precisely because it’s right. The book trusts readers to handle grief and ambiguity.
The slow start and rushed Underworld section keep it from perfection. But the emotional core is flawless.
Who Should Read: Fans of Katrina Leno’s previous work (Horrid, Summer of Salt), readers who loved The Raven Cycle sisterhood dynamics, mythology retelling enthusiasts, anyone seeking Little Women energy with magical realism, character-driven fantasy lovers.
Skip If: You need fast-paced action, you hate bittersweet endings, you want traditional “save the day” hero narratives, you’re allergic to slow-burn character studies.
Support This Review:
- 💰 Buy me a pomegranate (or coffee) if this helped
- 📢 Share with your mythology-loving book club
- 💬 Drop which Farthing sister you’d be
- 📚 Grab Your Copy (Dec 2, 2025): Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads
Final Word: Katrina Leno proves mythology retellings don’t need to be epic quests. Sometimes the most powerful magic is knowing when to let go. Pass the tissues. 🌸👻
G'day, mates! As a fair dinkum Aussie bookworm who's devoured the Powerless Trilogy like a snag at a barbie, I'm here to yarn about Fearful, Lauren Roberts' latest novella droppin' on September 2, 2025. It's ...
What if you were just a waitress in Glastonbury, grieving your dead boyfriend, and some weirdo in a cloak told you that you're actually Queen Guinevere and Camelot is waiting for you? That's the hook ...