Neon Gods

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses violence and threats of violence against women and references graphic depictions of sex.

“‘It makes me think he was different from the rest of them.’ ‘He wasn’t,’ Psyche says flatly. ‘It’s easy to pretend when he’s dead and the title no longer exists. But every one of the Thirteen is the same, even our mother.’ She’s right—I know she’s right—but I can’t help the fantasy.”

Robert establishes the cynicism and disillusionment that unite Persephone Dimitriou and her sisters. Psyche points out that even their mother is not a protector, but is, rather, drawn to power. Persephone’s fascination with Hades, the “fantasy” of an alternative to the world they know, foreshadows why she will become drawn to the real man.

“Everyone is dressed to the nines, a rainbow of designer gowns and tuxes, flashes of horribly expensive jewels and finery. They create a sickening kaleidoscope as people move through the crowd, mingling and networking and dripping beautiful poison from painted-red lips. It reminds me of a fun-house mirror. Nothing in the reflection is quite what it seems, for all its supposed beauty.”

Persephone’s words here underline that beauty is not synonymous with safety or security—the “rainbow” of clothing is a “sickening kaleidoscope” not a source of joy or welcome fascination. The tension of “beautiful poison” suggests that what attracts may also kill, establishing that danger lurks everywhere. Persephone’s sharp commentary and observations cast awareness as a survival skill. The mirror analogy develops the theme of public persona versus private self: Persephone acts like those around her, but fears and despises them.

“I set Persephone on the counter and keep a hand on her shoulder to prevent her from taking a nosedive. She blinks big hazel eyes up at me, little shivers racking her body. ‘She called you Hades.’ ‘It’s my name.’ I pause. ‘Persephone.’ Hermes laughs and sets the wine bottles on the counter with a clink. She points at herself. ‘Hermes.’ She points at him. ‘Dionysus.’ Another laugh.”

Robert uses descriptions here to set up Hades’s role as a highly observant protector: He holds Persephone in place for her safety, not to capture her. He is drawn to her eyes, but he is just as concerned with her health. Hermes’s amusement contrasts to the seriousness of the moment, and Persephone’s realization—she makes a joke out of what would otherwise be profound.