Reviews tagging 'Rape'

Daughters of Olympus by Hannah Lynn

4 reviews

bookedbymadeline's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

4.5

Thank you netgalley and sourcebooks for the eARC! Number 4 in Grecian Women series but they’re more interconnected, stand alone books that can be read separately/out of order.

I loved Lynn’s Athena’s Child and was so excited for a Demeter and Persephone story. Love getting Demeter’s story and some justice for her! She’s one of my favorite goddesses and doesn’t get enough love 💗 I also enjoyed getting to know other gods and goddesses too, like Hephaestus and Hecate!

The story is told through Switching POVs from Demeter and Core (Persephone) which I always love in my books! I was engaged most of the book, there were times it slowed a little in the middle but overall the pacing was well done. Atmospheric writing made me feel like I was in the Underworld and traveling the islands picking flowers with Core!

So far Lynn has done an amazing job of retelling myths and stories of Greek goddesses! This is only my second from her and I’ll definitely be reading her other books!

I loved the explorations of grief and love! The book could be dark at times given some of the topics but they were handled well in my opinion.

Characters are complex and flawed and multi dimensional! I could connect and feel for most of them (🖕🏻Zeus and Poseidon). I didn’t completely hate how Hades was portrayed? He was a bad guy but had a soft side so it felt weird but I’m not mad about that choice. I did however get a little upset by the last few chapters. I HATE when Persephone and Hades are romanticized and being put into this view of love when he KIDNAPPED AND IMPRISONS her?! It was a 5 star read up until this point and I’m kinda mad that Lynn took the same direction that everyone does with their story. I wanted Persephone to stay upset with begrudging respect for Hades not fall for the guy!!!

I think Hannah Lynn handled this retelling very well for the most part. Such an emotional, moving story of mother-daughter relationships, womanhood, grief, freedom, and claiming your power/voice. 

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jo_cbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I want to start off with a trigger warning for r*pe and SA. Because, though it is known that Greek mythology is ripe with these aspects of the god’s tales, readers need to be aware that this story does not hesitate to stay true to those stories. 

Hannah Lynn does it once again with her retelling of Demeter and Persephone’s stories in Daughters of Olympus. She captures the raw emotions of her characters and does a fantastic job contrasting mother and daughter. The way she intertwined all the little pieces of Greek mythology that cross both goddesses paths was so well done. Lynn made me fall in love with Hades, and not in the typical morally grey or comedic portrayal we often see. The depth of Demeter’s love, loss, grief, and pain was poignant and unabashed. The growth of both characters was so admirable. I would say that this is Lynn’s best story yet in the Grecian Women series!

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daniellereadslikealot_'s review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

WOW. I am completely blown away by this book. For how much I love the myth of Persephone and her mother Demeter, I’ve not read a book that focused on them as main characters before. I’m so glad this was my first. The way Lynn showed the contrast of the pain and horrors of Demeter’s life and how protective she was of her daughter against Core’s loneliness and isolation because of her mother’s grief and fear was absolutely beautiful. You really empathize and understand both characters so well. Like any Greek mythology book, there are some truly heartbreaking moments, but this book really showcased resilience, female power and independence. Also, I LOVED how Hades was written. There was so much complexity within him, but he never overpowered Persephone’s story. I HIGHLY recommend this one and I can’t wait to read the rest of Lynn’s books!
TW: rape, death of a child, violence, kidnapping, death, grief

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. 

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cneighbors36's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

From the very first page, Daughters of Olympus hooked me with its captivating writing style. Hannah Lynn created a vivid atmosphere that draws you deeply into the story. Additionally, the author did a great job of using multiple points of view of the same events, allowing you to gain a richer understanding of the events and develop a deeper connection to each individual. Each character's voice was distinct and authentic, offering unique perspectives on the story. While the initial chapters focus on establishing the characters and setting, the pace picks up as the story unfolds. 

Overall, Daughters of Olympus is a compelling retelling of a classic myth that explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of family bonds. It's a must-read for fans of mythology and strong female characters. Before reading the book, I would recommend checking trigger warnings. I would rate it 4.5/5 stars, and I will definitely pick up more of Hannah Lynn's books in the future! 

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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