Silenced

A Russian Mafia, Hades & Persephone Retelling (The Forgotten Boys, Book 1)

By: Serena Akeroyd

Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Celestine Wolf

Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

TOP #75 AMAZON BESTSELLER!

A standalone, Hades and Persephone modern-day retelling.

I sit on a throne of sins.

Silent in the shadows, untouchable like the King of the Underworld himself.

Few even know the sound of my voice, but those who fear me call me Monster. My men just call me Pakhan.

To her, I am Nikolai.

Her savior. Her captor. Her lover. With hair as bright as the sun, a face that could sink a thousand ships, and more curves than I can handle, Cassiopeia. Is. Everything.

But she’s in danger.

And safety comes with a price tag.

She can fight that, can even fight me, but I’m her Hades and I won’t let my Persephone go…

This is book one of The Forgotten Boys, a Russian Mafia series set in the Five Points' Mob Universe

©2023 Serena Akeroyd Publishing Ltd. (P)2024 Serena Akeroyd Publishing Ltd.

Hard to put down

This is book one in the Forgotten Boys series and I cannot wait for the next book. Gritty, emotional, had me on the edge until the end. Once again Serena builds a world that you will not want to leave!

The narrators perfectly bring these characters to life.

So good 🔥🔥🔥

Loved it!! Worth a credit as it will not disappoint. Can’t wait for the next book in the series

Niko and Cassie!

Silenced, The Forgotten Boys, book one by Serena Akeroyd introduces us to Nikolai Veles who is a bada$$, to his men he is Pakhan. Due to past trauma, Niko speaks very little and communicates by signing. I was intrigued by this about Niko, along with his obsession and will to stop at nothing to protect Cassiopeia.

Cassiopeia Rundel is a determined woman who is not afraid to exude sass when needed. Cassie has experienced some terrible moments and has mostly pulled through the other side. Can Niko protect her?

I am here anytime for Serena to take me into her incredible worlds! I discover something new each time I read one of her books. Silenced is certainly another intricately written book I could not put down.

Celestine Wolf and Jason Clarke’s performances of Cassie and Niko plus all the supporting characters is so good! Couldn’t ask for more.

Thank you Serena for another fantastic read! Looking forward to more from The Forgotten Boys.
I was sent an Advanced Listener Copy for an honest review.

Epic start to a new series!

This book drew me in and had me immersed from cover to cover. The depth of Akeroyd’s writing and attention to details is phenomenal. The basis being The Forgotten Boys instantly tugged at my heartstrings with the bond between these self proclaimed brothers and son. Akeroyd’s portrayla of the ruthless, alpha possessive Pakhan who spent his whole life in the trenches to care for his brothers and the depth of his love for them is what makes this trope so unique and captivating. Cally, the object of his obsession and his “sun” is a strong, resilient women I couldn’t help loving them for each other. By the end of the story I was already anxious to be able to dive into the next brother’s life in the following book which I hope comes out soon!! This one is definitely going into my “favorites” file.

Couldn't Stop Listening

This book is absolutely fantastic, especially in audio format! It offers a modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone tale, featuring, Nikolai, a Russian Mafia man haunted by his personal demons, often referred to as a Monster. He FALLS FIRST when he finds, Cassiopeia (“Cassie”), is in danger, and he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe; he simply won't let her go.

The listening experience is unmatched. The number of times we hear “Mine” in the first five chapters, narrated by Jason Clark with his captivating Russian accent, is truly ear candy and absolute perfection. Celestine Wolf delivers a perfect performance, showcasing strong defiance, her internal struggles, and her evolving emotions.

I eagerly await more from Serena! Amazing job! This is a MUST OWN!

Undoubtedly my favorite of Serena Akeroyd!

Silenced is undoubtedly my favorite Serena Akeroyd ebook and now an audiobook!
Just an epic storyline, that is filled with every Mafia book whore would die for!!!
Plus add a crazed, soulfully delicious Russian Pakhan Nikolai and you will be a goner!
The bonus is the duet narration perforated by Jason Clarke and Celestine Wolf, it's wickedly good.
BOOM A HIT!!!

Hot Bratva Romance

"I am so happy that Cassie got her own book. We first met Cassie in the five points series. She reaches out to Savana to help her escape from her abusive husband. Since then she has been on the run from him, but he has finally caught up with her.

Nikolai is on the hunt for Harvey Rundel, but instead finds his injured ex-wife. As soon as Nikolai sees her he knows that Cassie is the one for him. He will do anything he has to in order to keep her safe.

This dark mafia retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth was hot, hot, hot. The characters are dynamic and compelling. It left me enthralled with the story from the start. I loved this book and can't wait to read the next book in the forgotten boys series.

The audio book brought an amazing new dimension to the story. The voice actors really brought the characters to life. I will say that I expected Nikolia to have more of a Russian accent when he was ""speaking"". Overall I really overed the audio book. I was sent an Advanced Listener Copy."

Grumpy/Sunshine with a lot of spice

Silenced is book one of the author’s new Russian Mafia series “The Forgotten Boys,” boy did she deliver. You meet the MMC Nikolai, he is the head of his faction out of Florida. He does a favor for his brother by rescuing Cassie from her abusive husband. When he finds Cassie in dire circumstance, he falls instantly and claims her as his and takes her back to his place in Florida. Niko calls Cassie his “sun” by bringing the light back into his life. Niko is the strong, silent man, as he does not hardly speak at all. Cassie learns to find herself again after surviving a long term abusive marriage. Niko protects her from the dangers her husband brought into her life. Niko & Cassie’s relationship is not a slow burn. The spice is off the charts in this book. Niko has a kinky side. I learn something new everytime I read one of her books. I can not wait for the next book in this series. The narrators did an amazing job voicing Nikolai & Cassie.
I was sent an Advanced Listener Copy

Wow!

Um, wow…I’ve read a lot of Serena Akeroyd’s books, and Silenced may be the steamiest romance with the most ruthless MMC yet. When Savannah O’Donnelly called on Nikolai Veles to save her friend, he obliged but never expected the instant protectiveness he felt for Cassiopeia Rundel. She may be free of her abusive husband’s clutches, but the den of vipers she’s fallen into may be even worse. Book one in the Forgotten Boys series, Silenced sets the scene of Florida’s seedy underbelly with Nikolai as the feared Pakhan of the Bratva. This contemporary Persephone & Hades retelling was captivating, spicy AF, unsettling (in a good way), and heartwarming. Niko is the walking red flag you can’t help but love; he is a sign language speaker and sophisticated powerhouse head of the Russian mob desperate to hold onto the piece he never knew he was missing. Cassie is the FMC in trouble who finds her power within her rescuer’s gilded cage. I loved Serena’s vivid imagery and magnificent storytelling; it was as though the trio of goddesses were weaving Nikolai and Cassie’s fated love story as I read. I loved every sordid, pulse-pounding, heartbreaking, swoon-tastic second!

Jason Clarke and Celestine Wolf were outstanding as Nikolai and Cassiopeia. Jason’s portrayal of the vicious, compassionate, and seductive Pakhan was mesmerizing. Jason’s Russian accent was impeccable and his performance of Nikolai’s gritty, unyielding, yet endearing character was unforgettable. Celestine Wolf was utterly enchanting as she portrayed Cassie’s transformative story arc. Her passionate performance was gripping and charming. I adore both of these artists on their own, and their talents combined in the duet narration of Silenced was marvelous! If you enjoy dark mafia romance, Serena, Jason, and Celestine will keep you on your toes with Silenced!

Jason Clarke's Russian accent!

📚 Book Review 📚

His word is law. Even if he doesn’t say it. So, when Nikolai sees his sunshine for the first time, he knows that he will do whatever is necessary to keep her. Her enemies will be his and, in return, she will become his whole world. But Cassiopeia brings more to this Pakhan’s life than he could have ever imagined and the stakes may be higher than originally thought. All that matters, though, is keeping her safe. No matter what the cost.

I always love what Serena writes and this one was no exception. I am not sure how she does it but all of her characters are so different from each other to the point that you know who would do what…and in such a complex world with so many facets I find it amazing. I think that Niko might be my new fave. And it is difficult to unseat Hunter but somehow Niko managed it. Maybe it was Vasily that sealed the deal. 🐊🤔

🎧 Audio Review 🎧

Jason Clarke and Celestine Wolf do an amazing job as Nikolai and Cassie. Let’s face it, you haven’t lived until you have heard Jason Clarke growl “Mine” in a Russian accent! Seriously 🔥.