From Books to Films: I Wasn’t Prepared to Fall This Hard for ‘Seeking Persephone’
Very rarely do I review a TV series or film on this book blog, but I’m making an exception for Seeking Persephone, based on the novel by Sarah M. Eden—because OH. MY. WORD.
THE SYNOPSIS:
Set in Regency England, Seeking Persephone follows Persephone Lancaster, a spirited young woman who agrees to a marriage of convenience with the wealthy and notoriously reserved Adam, Duke of Kielder. What begins as a practical arrangement between two very different people slowly becomes something neither expected. As Persephone finds her place in Adam’s world—and begins breaking through the walls he has built around himself—their marriage develops into a beautifully slow-burn romance filled with humor, vulnerability, mystery, and plenty of longing.
And now? Do not be surprised if this blog occasionally becomes a Seeking Persephone fan account. 😂 I am OBSESSED.
For all my love of dark romance, morally gray men, and stories with a little danger, deep down I am an absolute romantic—though you probably wouldn’t guess it by looking at me. 😂 Give me yearning. Give me restraint. Give me two people falling desperately in love through lingering looks, almost-touches, and everything they’re not saying. There’s something about a clean romance that can create that kind of breathtaking tension without needing anything explicit that will always have my heart. It’s probably why Pride and Prejudice remains one of my favorite films. And Seeking Persephone tapped directly into that part of me. ❤️
Adam and Persephone are everything I love about grumpy/sunshine. Their dynamic gave me a little Beauty and the Beast energy—the guarded, seemingly unapproachable man and the woman who refuses to be intimidated by him. But what really sold me was their character development. Their relationship unfolds slowly, and the ANGST is delicious.
Photo via Pinterest
There were so many moments when I was practically yelling at the screen: Is she going to say it?! Is he going to kiss her?! SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING! 😂
And then that finale. Without spoiling it, Adam’s declaration absolutely wrecked me. I was crying—the ridiculous, blubbering kind where you’re emotional and ridiculously happy at the same time. I genuinely cannot remember seeing a declaration that romantic on screen in the last 20 years. ❤️ I also adored Persephone. She’s strong in her convictions without being emotionally invulnerable. Her softness and vulnerability exist right alongside her strength, which made me love her even more.
And the supporting cast? Harry is the MVP. 😂 His humor was exactly what the story needed. I also loved Adam’s mother, especially toward the end. Her vulnerability brought so much of Adam’s story full circle. Then there’s the mystery surrounding what happened to Persephone. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING. Once they started questioning whether it really was an accident, I was completely invested. 👀
And visually? Gorgeous. The cinematography, costumes, locations—all of it. If you’re going to give me a sweeping period romance, I want to feel transported, and this absolutely did that. 10/10 for me. ❤️
Also… immediately after finishing the series, I ordered Books 1 & 2. Because apparently watching it wasn’t enough. Now I need to live there. 😂📚❤️
The Original Score by James Schafer
If the film itself hadn’t already completely swept me away, we need to talk about the score.
James Schafer’s original score is breathtaking. It doesn’t simply accompany the story—it feels woven into it. The music captures that sweeping, grand, old-fashioned kind of romance: yearning, tenderness, loneliness, anticipation. It’s the kind of score that takes a lingering glance and a quiet moment between two people feel like the most romantic thing in the world.
I especially love how the music connects back to the story’s Hades and Persephone imagery. Even the track titles carry pieces of the story and mythology, with compositions such as Letter from Artemis, Persephone’s Despair, Persephone and Adam’s Dance, and Hades Goes After Persephone. The full score has 25 tracks, all composed by Schafer. (Amazon Music)
There’s something about hearing the music on its own that brings you right back into the emotional world of the film. It’s lush, romantic, and full of longing—which, as we’ve established, is apparently my kryptonite. Naturally, I’ve had the soundtrack playing practically nonstop since yesterday. Because you know I don’t do anything halfway. 😂 If I’m going to become obsessed with Seeking Persephone, apparently the film, the books and the soundtrack are all coming with me.
Wonderful book link-ups I enjoy—
It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? at The Book Date
Top Ten Tuesday at The Artsy Reader
The Friday56 at My Heads if Full of Books
Book Beginnings on Friday at Rose City Reader
First Line Friday at Reading in My Superpower
Stacking the Shelves at Reading Reality
Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Monthly Round-Up at Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Foodies Read at Based on a True Story (monthly)
