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jo_cbooks's review
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual content
dilayra's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
reeiro's review against another edition
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 against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
daniellereadslikealot_'s review against another edition
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 against another edition
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
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 against another edition
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