Book Review: Lore Olympus Vol. 7

Title: Lore Olympus Volume Seven

Author: Rachel Smythe 

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus (Volume 7)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Romance, Mythology

Pages: 416

Publisher: Inklore

Year Published: 2024

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love- the Greek tale of Hades and Persephone gets a romantic modern update in the gorgeously illustrated, Eisner Award-winning Lore Olympus, including a brand new bonus short story!

An ingenious take on the Greek Pantheon, Lore Olympus is a modern update on the story of Hades and Persephone. Follow the propulsive love story of two Greek gods, told with lavish artwork and contemporary sensibilities.

This full-colour edition of Smythe's original Eisner Award-winning webcomic Lor Olympus features exclusive behind the scenes content and brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel."

My Rating: 5/5

I have loved this series for a while. I first found it on webtoons and then as they've been published, kept up with them in the bindup versions of the stories. I love Rachel Smythe's work and I think that her creative lense is fantastic. Her ability to work with drama, create cliff hangers and a slow-burn romance is fantastic. I can't wait to read the next instalment!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

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 Volume 5

Title: Lore Olympus: Volume Five

Author: Rachel Smythe

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus (Vol. 5)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Romance, Mythology

Pages: 400

Publisher: Del Rey

Year Published: 2023

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love-- the Greek tale of Hades and Persephone gets a romantic modern update in the gorgeously illustrated, Eisner Award-winning Lore Olympus, including behind-the-scenes content!

An ingenious take on the Greek Pantheon, Lore Olympus is a modern update on the story of Hades and Persephone. Follow the propulsive love story of two Greek gods, told with lavish artwork and contemporary sensibilities.

This full-color edition of Smythe's original Eisner Award-winning webcomic Lore Olympus features exclusive behind-the-scenes content and brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel."

My Rating: 5/5

If there is ever a time these aren't 5 stars for me I will be surprised. The series as a whole is tremendous, the art is gorgeous and the storyline is so fun. I love the modern twists that we are getting alongside the myths that are sprinkled in around the side characters as well. I look forward to getting the next volume as soon as it's available at my library.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Lore Olympus Vol. 4

Title: Lore Olympus: Vol. 4

Author: Rachel Smythe

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus (Volume 4)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Mythology

Pages: 416

Publisher: Random House Worlds

Year Published: 2023

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The rumor mill of Olympus is constantly churning, but Persephone and Hades are all anyone can talk about. With the constant gossip creating intense pressure on the pair, they decided to slow down their budding romance and focus on sorting out their own issues first.

But that's easier said than done.

Hades struggles to find support in his personal life, with Zeus trivializing his feelings and Minthe resorting to abusive patterns in their relationship. And while Hades tries to create healthier boundaries where he can-- likely finally putting a stop to his sporadic, revenge-fueled hookups with Hera- he still feels lonely and adrift.

Persephone feels equally ostracized as her classmates shut her for her connection to Hades, and she can find no refuge at home, with Apollo constantly dropping by unannounced and pushing his unwelcome advances. And on top of it all, the wrathful god of war, Ares, has returned to Olympus to dredge up his sordid history with the goddess of spring, threatening to surface Persephone's dark and mysterious past and ruin her tenuous position in the land of the gods.

Despite agreeing to take it slow, Persephone and Hades find themselves inextricably drawn toward each other once more amid the chaos. The pull of fate cannot be denied."

My Rating: 5/5

I have loved reading these physical copies of the Webtoon original comics. The art, the way the story is told, the setting of Olympus as a modern space while the mortal realm is still in traditional god-themed times. I can't wait to continue 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