Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
I like it when books end up being better than I think they will be.
I’m on a mythology kick recently, and I figured this book was pretty much The Purge but with Greek gods. A fun popcorn read.
The basis of the novel pretty much IS The Purge with Greek gods, but it also has original world-building, charismatic characters, and plenty of twists to keep it from being too predictable. The author turned what could have been derivative into something better (and I have nothing against fun popcorn reads). Hats off to the author also for representation- white, Asian, and black main characters; gay characters who aren’t around for comic relief or to give relationship advice; and an exploration of ways people can be strong without physical strength.
YA content notes: There’s plenty of violence in this book, including some violence and cruelty to children. The violence is mostly around warfare/battle and isn’t terribly graphic. There’s some swearing, and no sex scenes.
I’m on a mythology kick recently, and I figured this book was pretty much The Purge but with Greek gods. A fun popcorn read.
The basis of the novel pretty much IS The Purge with Greek gods, but it also has original world-building, charismatic characters, and plenty of twists to keep it from being too predictable. The author turned what could have been derivative into something better (and I have nothing against fun popcorn reads). Hats off to the author also for representation- white, Asian, and black main characters; gay characters who aren’t around for comic relief or to give relationship advice; and an exploration of ways people can be strong without physical strength.
YA content notes: There’s plenty of violence in this book, including some violence and cruelty to children. The violence is mostly around warfare/battle and isn’t terribly graphic. There’s some swearing, and no sex scenes.
i just finished this book a few minutes ago and i would highly recommend reading it while listening to movie soundtracks/classical music.
it was very confusing in the beginning but i grew to adore the characters and the plot was so packed with action and I really loved it.
it was very confusing in the beginning but i grew to adore the characters and the plot was so packed with action and I really loved it.
adventurous
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cancer, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
Minor: Sexual harassment
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Lore follows a descendent of Perseus during the Agon — what can be described as a gruesome “hunger games” style battle to the death between Greek gods and their hunters. The Agon takes place every seven years for seven days, and gives mortals descended from Greek gods the ability to kill Greek gods, take their power and essentially replace them.
The book began with action and violence and didn’t slow down until the very end! It was very fast paced and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The intrigue was fascinating and the book featured plot twists I never would’ve seen coming! Whilst the book is incredibly gruesome and violent, that made the stakes just that much higher.
All of the characters were fascinating, from Lore running on pure trauma and hatred with Castor as her moral compass, to Miles taking on the role of the “Unblooded” comedic relief. I did, however, feel as though the relationships that developed between characters were slightly rushed. The emotions between long lost best friends turned lovers Lore and Cas were largely brushed over in favour of chapters dedicated to action and plot advancements. This was even worse with the development of Van and Miles’ relationship. I found myself rolling my eyes at their kiss and not wanting them to be together. They had known each other for less than a week and had hardly any time to actually speak to one another — how could they have developed feelings for one another beyond physical attraction? This is an unfortunate and disappointing but not wholly damning side effect of having such an intense and ambitious plot.
The writing, at times, felt confusing to me. The description was lacking unfortunately, and I often was confused about where the characters were placed, and what the setting looked like. There were many occasions where I had to redraw the visuals I was imagining as I was reading as it seemed one line about the setting contradicted something written a page or two earlier. But I don’t know if this is just a me problem.
TLDR; the book was entertaining and gripping for the whole 500 pages, even if the middle section was slightly weak. Whilst the relationships developing between the characters and the writing was lacking, the plot and characters themselves were thoroughly enjoyable.
Would recommend for those who want: an action packed read that will remove you from reality, a villain you’ll hate even when you close the book, a plot heavy read
Wouldn’t recommend to those who want: a character/relationship focused read, something relaxing and calming
The book began with action and violence and didn’t slow down until the very end! It was very fast paced and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The intrigue was fascinating and the book featured plot twists I never would’ve seen coming! Whilst the book is incredibly gruesome and violent, that made the stakes just that much higher.
All of the characters were fascinating, from Lore running on pure trauma and hatred with Castor as her moral compass, to Miles taking on the role of the “Unblooded” comedic relief. I did, however, feel as though the relationships that developed between characters were slightly rushed. The emotions between long lost best friends turned lovers Lore and Cas were largely brushed over in favour of chapters dedicated to action and plot advancements. This was even worse with the development of Van and Miles’ relationship. I found myself rolling my eyes at their kiss and not wanting them to be together. They had known each other for less than a week and had hardly any time to actually speak to one another — how could they have developed feelings for one another beyond physical attraction? This is an unfortunate and disappointing but not wholly damning side effect of having such an intense and ambitious plot.
The writing, at times, felt confusing to me. The description was lacking unfortunately, and I often was confused about where the characters were placed, and what the setting looked like. There were many occasions where I had to redraw the visuals I was imagining as I was reading as it seemed one line about the setting contradicted something written a page or two earlier. But I don’t know if this is just a me problem.
TLDR; the book was entertaining and gripping for the whole 500 pages, even if the middle section was slightly weak. Whilst the relationships developing between the characters and the writing was lacking, the plot and characters themselves were thoroughly enjoyable.
Would recommend for those who want: an action packed read that will remove you from reality, a villain you’ll hate even when you close the book, a plot heavy read
Wouldn’t recommend to those who want: a character/relationship focused read, something relaxing and calming
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia, Rape
adventurous
fast-paced
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced