The Dark Olympus series begins with Neon Gods, which focuses on Psyche’s sister, Persephone, whose resistance to the prospect of an arranged marriage with Zeus (Perseus’s father) forces her to flee to the realm of Hades, a fallen Olympian leader. Hades grants her sanctuary in his realm, agreeing to protect her from Zeus until spring, when she can access her trust fund (and her independence). As the two spend time together, they develop a passionate romantic and sexual relationship and grow to see each other as equal partners. When Hades trespasses in Zeus’s territory in order to rescue Persephone’s younger sister, Eurydice, this move sets off a political crisis. Attempting to negotiate peace, Persephone tells Demeter that she will return to Olympus and make public appearances by Hades’s side—but only if Demeter dethrones Zeus and protects Persephone and Hades from the fallout. As the crisis unfolds, events accelerate toward a climactic struggle between Hades and Zeus, in which Zeus ultimately falls to his death. In the aftermath, Demeter hides all evidence of the fight and adheres to Persephone’s bargain. 

As the second book in this well-established series, Electric Idol reintroduces familiar characters and builds on their dynamics while adding new characters and political complications.