A review by mapscitiesandsongs
Lore Olympus: Volume One by Rachel Smythe

adventurous dark emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Let's start with the positive aspects. 
  • The artwork is just stunning.
  • Beside that, the only good thing I can find is the portrayal of Hera. I am used to her being a jealous and crazy wife, so it was nice seeing her as kind of a motherly figure that  has protective feelings towards Persephone and calls men out for their bullshit. 

Now onto the negative aspects: 
  • So far the plot feels a bit shallow. 
  • The infantilization of Persephone. I don't like how Persephone is portrayed as this naive little thing. She is the personification of the No thoughts Head empty meme. I just hate this portrayal in any kind of story.  It's actually driving me insane. Being naive and a damsel in distress is not cute. 
  • I was bit uncomfortable concerning the age gap and power imbalance between Hades and Persephone, especially because Persephone is written as a naive and young cinnamon roll. 
  • Aside from that, the humour wasn't funny. I don't know how to describe it. It's essentially this typical YA humour, that makes me cringe.  
  • Everything was just too oversexualized...especially the women in this series. There is in general a heavy focus on sex and at times it felt like it's the only thing that's important. I didn't mind the
    rape scene
    since it's true to Greek mythology and it wasn't distasteful in any way. Though it seem like it is used as a plot device for our heroine to be saved by the love interest. I really thought we were over that, but apparently not. 

I wanted to continue with this series, but after sitting with my thoughts for a while, I've decided to call it quits. There were just too many flaws. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings