Coming Fall 2025:
The Catacomb King

This close to the underworld, there are only three rules: Do not cross the border. Do not eat their fruit. And above all — do not fall in love.

Persephone has one duty: Protect her dying mother, no matter the cost. Even if it means risking her own life stealing medicinal herbs from the mouth of the underworld.

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

Little does he know that Persephone is no easy prey — she will fight 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 the underworld, she will be dooming both of their lands. 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 trilogy, a high-spice romantic fantasy series. Featuring enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and our unlikely heroine saving the world, this Hades and Persephone retelling is perfect for fans of plot-heavy, character-driven romantasy like Servant of Earth, Spark of the Everflame, and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

About Cordelia

I'm the author of The Catacomb King, coming fall 2025.

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. In particular, I 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 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.