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reeiro's review
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
thatswhatimtolkeinabout's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
daniellereadslikealot_'s review
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Child death, and Death
Moderate: Kidnapping
skeena8's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I didn't know what to expect with this book as I pick it based on Hades and Persephone story. However I absolutely fell in love with this story. It now has a permanent little piece of my heart. If you enjoy mythology I would recommend this book. It makes me appreciate winter a little bit more.
andrea_gagne's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I am always here for a mythology retelling centering women's perspectives!
Daughters of Olympus follows Demeter, one of the Olympians birthed from Titans, who wants nothing but to enjoy the beauty of the earth in bloom with her daughter at her side. The other Gods, especially her brother Zeus, may be cruel and callous, but they have underestimated what the Goddess of spring is capable of. The story alternates between the perspectives of Demeter and her daughter Core, and looks at the pain of motherhood, as well as the choices a daughter are forced to make between two worlds.
This is a great addition to the contemporary mythology retelling genre, with a story that has so much space to explore complex relationships, the mistakes made out of love, the grief of loss, and the meaning of free will. Lots of very interesting conversations to be had here!
I also really enjoyed the vivid imagery of nature, flowers, fields of wheat, mountains and seas. Because the story centered around two Goddesses of spring and harvest, this beauty was present throughout. Also, the way that life and growth was presented reflected the changing moods of the characters in a way I thought worked very well. Different flowers and plants, even thorny vines and frost, reflected the tone and setting of the story in a way that highlighted how connected the main characters were to the natural world, setting them apart from the other Gods of Olympus.
The beginning of the book was fast-paced and I couldn't stop turning the pages as I learned more about how Demeter's cruel family shaped her. And the last quarter of the book was exciting and action packed, keeping me on the edge of my seat as the pieces I knew about this mythology story all fell into place. I do think there was a bit of a lag in pacing in the middle, though. I will caveat that by saying that was when the themes of grief are most deeply explored, and I don't personally find myself so interested in reading about grief -- so, that may say more about <i>me</i> than about the book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC to read and review
Daughters of Olympus follows Demeter, one of the Olympians birthed from Titans, who wants nothing but to enjoy the beauty of the earth in bloom with her daughter at her side. The other Gods, especially her brother Zeus, may be cruel and callous, but they have underestimated what the Goddess of spring is capable of. The story alternates between the perspectives of Demeter and her daughter Core, and looks at the pain of motherhood, as well as the choices a daughter are forced to make between two worlds.
This is a great addition to the contemporary mythology retelling genre, with a story that has so much space to explore complex relationships, the mistakes made out of love, the grief of loss, and the meaning of free will. Lots of very interesting conversations to be had here!
I also really enjoyed the vivid imagery of nature, flowers, fields of wheat, mountains and seas. Because the story centered around two Goddesses of spring and harvest, this beauty was present throughout. Also, the way that life and growth was presented reflected the changing moods of the characters in a way I thought worked very well. Different flowers and plants, even thorny vines and frost, reflected the tone and setting of the story in a way that highlighted how connected the main characters were to the natural world, setting them apart from the other Gods of Olympus.
The beginning of the book was fast-paced and I couldn't stop turning the pages as I learned more about how Demeter's cruel family shaped her. And the last quarter of the book was exciting and action packed, keeping me on the edge of my seat as the pieces I knew about this mythology story all fell into place. I do think there was a bit of a lag in pacing in the middle, though. I will caveat that by saying that was when the themes of grief are most deeply explored, and I don't personally find myself so interested in reading about grief -- so, that may say more about <i>me</i> than about the book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC to read and review
cneighbors36's review
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
lornamac88's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.0
nm_'s review
4.0
Like all other books I've read by this author, I ended up really liking this. The first part had some flaws imo, mostly that it starts a bit slow and that I found the whole thing about
Then again, it is a story about gods so things are not supposed to be too rational, I suppose. I also have to say that the book remains engrossing even during this part of the story, mostly because of how well-written it is.
At the beginning of the second part some things we already read about are shown again from a different character's perspective, but it isn't too repetitive, as the different POV is quite interesting and refreshing. The two characters have very different personalities and views of the events in the story. I though this was very well done, in the sense that I was quite surprised to find that many things were not as they appeared in the first part. This repetition also doesn't drag the story too much, but rather makes you want to keep reading because you'll want to know what happens after the big cliffhanger at the end of the first part.
The third part was by far the best and picked up the pace a lot. Like with all the other books in the series, the last chapters are very engaging and at the end of the book nothing feels unfinished. Overall, it's a very enjoyable book and I will keep recommending Hannah M. Lynn's greek mythology retellings.
Final note: I read the translated italian edition of the book, which is edited terribly (a recurrent problem in this series), so I would recommend to any italian speakers to read the original version instead.
Spoiler
Jason to not be so convincing. I get it that it's a book about mythology so it's bound to be unrealistic, but 1/3 of the book is Demeter grieving a man she knew for only a few hours and I feel like that wasn't "explained" well enough to make sense. I guess to me the falling in love part seemed a bit rushed, maybe it needed some more context.Then again, it is a story about gods so things are not supposed to be too rational, I suppose. I also have to say that the book remains engrossing even during this part of the story, mostly because of how well-written it is.
At the beginning of the second part some things we already read about are shown again from a different character's perspective, but it isn't too repetitive, as the different POV is quite interesting and refreshing. The two characters have very different personalities and views of the events in the story. I though this was very well done, in the sense that I was quite surprised to find that many things were not as they appeared in the first part. This repetition also doesn't drag the story too much, but rather makes you want to keep reading because you'll want to know what happens after the big cliffhanger at the end of the first part.
The third part was by far the best and picked up the pace a lot. Like with all the other books in the series, the last chapters are very engaging and at the end of the book nothing feels unfinished. Overall, it's a very enjoyable book and I will keep recommending Hannah M. Lynn's greek mythology retellings.
Final note: I read the translated italian edition of the book, which is edited terribly (a recurrent problem in this series), so I would recommend to any italian speakers to read the original version instead.
jamiekaylynn's review
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Daughters of Olympus by Hannah Lynn is set to release in July 2024. Thank you @Netgalley and @sourcebooks for the ARC!
Daughters of Olympus is a Greek mythology set in three parts, which gives voices to both the Goddess Demeter and her daughter Core, as Demeter is trying to shield and protect her daughter form the world, while Core is trying to gain freedom.
I’ve always enjoyed learned about Greek mythology in school, but I haven’t ventured into the world of Greek mythology in books. I truly enjoyed it. This book paints the story in such a beautiful way, and shows true character development.
The story touches on real issues, such as the relationships between mothers and daughters, and how being too protective can be a detriment to relationships. It shows grief, love, and hope.
This was a quick read for me, and kept me captivated.
Hades was the best character, and I 10/10 wish there was more of him present in the story!
Daughters of Olympus is a Greek mythology set in three parts, which gives voices to both the Goddess Demeter and her daughter Core, as Demeter is trying to shield and protect her daughter form the world, while Core is trying to gain freedom.
I’ve always enjoyed learned about Greek mythology in school, but I haven’t ventured into the world of Greek mythology in books. I truly enjoyed it. This book paints the story in such a beautiful way, and shows true character development.
The story touches on real issues, such as the relationships between mothers and daughters, and how being too protective can be a detriment to relationships. It shows grief, love, and hope.
This was a quick read for me, and kept me captivated.
Hades was the best character, and I 10/10 wish there was more of him present in the story!
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