The Catacomb King
Book 1 in the Rise of Persephone Duology

Do not cross the border. Do not eat their fruit. And do not let them touch you.

Persephone has one duty: Protect her dying mother, no matter the cost. Even if that means risking her life stealing medicinal herbs from the underworld — a wild, unknowable land teeming with vicious spider-monsters.

Until she’s dragged to the depths by Hades, the underworld’s dark, brooding prince.

Hades is no spider-prince. He looks perfectly human, and perfectly handsome, not that that will stop Persephone fighting tooth and nail to escape. But Hades has his own reasons for abducting Persephone, and he will do anything to keep her.

And as Persephone discovers Hades's buried secrets — and as her loathing for him yields to a forbidden attraction — she uncovers an evil that threatens to destroy not only the underworld, but her own village.

If Persephone escapes, she will be dooming both of their worlds. But if she doesn’t, she risks her mother’s life.

Make no mistake: There’s nothing she won’t do to leave.

But there’s nothing he won’t do to make her stay.

The Catacomb King is the first book in the Rise of Persephone duology, a romantic fantasy series. Featuring slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, imaginative worldbuilding, and lots of spicy banter, this loose Hades and Persephone retelling is perfect for fans of hot, plot-heavy, character-driven romantasy like Servant of Earth, Quicksilver, and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Book 2 Coming 2026!

About Cordelia

I'm the author of The Catacomb King, forthcoming on Kindle Unlimited.

I've been writing since I was a child. My mom still tells anyone who'll listen about my first-ever fantasy story, written at the age of four about a girl who meets a sacred deer in the woods. (Everyone loves a supernatural deer!)

I've always loved the Greek myths: Pygmalion and Galatea, Athena and Arachne, Hades and Persephone. I especially love how in the myths, Persephone quickly steps into the role of formidable queen of the underworld. She's not just the frightened girl depicted in her kidnapping; she's a powerful and unforgiving ruler, keeping even Hades, the god of the dead, in line.

Now, I've turned my love of words, magic, and strong female characters into sexy, action-packed romantasy novels for adults — and written a book that gives Queen Persephone her due.

When I'm not writing, I love to take barre3 classes, explore new restaurants, and practice my French. I live in Philadelphia with my husband and cat.

Sign up for Cordelia's mailing list and get a FREE book!

Sign up for Cordelia's mailing list to get a FREE copy of The Dawn Damsel, the companion novella to The Catacomb King. Here, you'll get a tantalizing glimpse into the Rise of Persephone world... and see the famous kidnapping scene from Hades's POV.