Review: Lore Olympus Volume 6 by Rachel Smythe

Title: Lore Olympus: Vol. 6

Author: Rachel Smythe

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus Series (Volume 6)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Romance, Retelling

Pages: 432

Publisher: Inklore

Year Published: 2024

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Witness what the gods do after dark in the sixth volume of a stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology, feeling exclusive behind-the-scene content from creator Rachel Smythe.

'We have to make an example of her.'

Chaos reigns in Olympus as Zeus publicly declares Persephone a traitor and issues a warrant for her arrest. But Hades defies his brother's decree, sheltering Persephone in the Underworld- and as the pair spend more time together, they are able to speak openly about their pasts. The goddess of spring admits the truth behind the bloody secret that led to Zeus's ire, and the king of the Underworld shares the trauma he suffered at the hands of his power-hungry father, Kronos.

But as Hades and Persephone's relationship grows stronger, others begin to fall apart. The bond between Hades and Zeus is stretched to its limit, threatening to fracture the peace between their realms. Persephone and Artemis's friendship hangs by a thread as the goddess of the hunt slowly uncovers the vile truth about her twin, Apollo. A line is being drawn in the heavens, putting everyone's loyalties into question as all the gods are forced to choose sides.

And as the cracks in the foundation of the pantheon spread, something darker and more earth-shattering might soon be released..."

My Rating: 4/5

I liked this volume but it wasn't my favorite out of the series. As per usual the art is excellent, and the character growth was great but it was just missing a little something plot-wise for me. While the book was long, it also felt long which is not what I hope for from a graphic novel. I look forward to seeing how Rachel Smythe finishes the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Lore Olympus Vol. 3

Title: Lore Olympus Vol. 3

Author: Rachel Smythe

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus (Volume 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Mythology, Romance, Adult

Pages: 384

Publisher: Del Ray

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Witness what gods do after dark in the third volume of stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology, featuring a brand-new, exclusive short story from creator Rachel Smythe.

'It is natural for a King to be curious about his future Queen....'

All of Olympus- and the Underworld- are talking about the God of the Dead and the sprightly daughter of Demeter. But despite the rumors of their romance, Hades and Persephone have plenty to navigate on their own.

Since coming to Olympus, Persephone has struggled to be the perfect maiden goddess. Her attraction to Hades has only complicated the intense burden of the gods' expectations. And after Apollo's assault, Persephone fears she can no longer bury the intense feelings of hurt and love that she's worked so hard to hide. 

As Persephone contemplates her future, Hades struggles with his past, falling back into toxic habits in Minthe's easy embrace. With all the mounting pressure and expectations- of their family, friends, and enemies- both Hades and Persephone tell themselves to deny their deepest desires, but the pull between them is too tempting, too magnetic. It's fate."

My Rating:5/5

I am so glad that these are being physically published! I absolutely love the art style and the storytelling. The way the story is laid out keeps me coming back for more without being too much overall. I would highly recommend it to fans who want a cute retelling with a slow burn!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Lore Olympus Volume 2

Title: Lore Olympus Vol. 2

Author: Rachel Smythe

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, 

Pages:368

Publisher: Inklore

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Persephone was ready to start a new life when she left the mortal realm for Olympus. However, she quickly discovered the dark side of her glamorous new home- from the relatively minor gossip threatening her reputation to a realm-shattering violation of her safety by the conceited Apollo- and she's struggling to find her footing in the fast moving realm of the gods. Hades is also off-balance, fighting against his burgeoning feelings for the young goddess of spring while maintaining his lonely rule of the Underworld. As the pair are drawn even closer, they must untangle the twisted webs of their past and present to build toward a new future."

My Rating: 5/5

I want to preface this by saying that I had read some of this series through webtoons before the physical copies had started to be published. And I loved them then, and I continue to love them now. Rachel Smythe's merging of mythology and current world technology leads to fun story telling and excellent art. I loved this instalment and look forward to reading more soon. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: Lore Olympus: Volume 1

Title: Lore Olympus Volume 1

Author: Rachel Smythe

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus Series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Mythology,

Pages: 384

Publisher: 2021

Year Published: Del Rey

Format: Hardcover (Own It)

"Experience the propulsive love story of two Greek gods- Hades and Persephone- brought to life with lavish artwork and an irresistible contemporary voice.

Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love- witness what the gods do after dark in this stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of mythology's most well-known stories about creator Rachel Smythe. Featuring a brand-new, exclusive short story. Smythe's original Eisner-nominated web-comic Lore Olympus brings the Greek Pantheon into the modern age with this sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel."

My Rating: 5/5

I had originally read most of the comics through webtoons as they were published weekly and once they were traditionally published I was quick to buy the first volume. This series has an amazing art style, an addicting storyline and great character changes. I look forward to continuing the series and reading the physical additions. I highly recommend it, it's worth the hype.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny