Read and Review: Lore Olympus Volume 1

Verse of the Day:

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest". 

DISCLAIMER: I read a wide variety of work and review those of interest to me. I have an appreciation and respect for ALL art forms. This is a BOOK REVIEW and is in no way or form a means of expressing spiritual/religious conflict. This blog will include conversations about Greek Mythology and Lore, if that makes you uncomfortable, please do not read farther. Thank you.

I was introduced to this graphic novel through an online web comic site called webtoon and have been hooked ever since. The doomed and forbidden romance of Persephone and Hades take on a modernized view of Olympia's politics and corrupt hierarchy through Rachel Smythe.

My thoughts: I looked into the ORIGINAL story of Hades/Persephone and although it is a far cry from it, I can't help but think of it as way of romanticizing trauma in a way that's interesting for someone younger (preteen to young adult) but disturbing for older readers (29 and up). That's not to say that the story isn't amazingly written! I enjoy the flow of everything, the atmosphere was written to be a healthy blend of intense and lighthearted while keeping us ensnared into the world of good and evil. There are representations of many conflicts throughout the story: mother/daughter dynamic (the pressure of being idolized by a parent who demands perfection), SA victims and predators (having dominance and mind control over their victims while viewing their crime as a favor or trophy to their victims), Morally gray characters (not good, not bad, internalized fight to do whats "right" while being seen as evil), The consequences of inappropriate relationships (toxic co-dependent relationships, situationships, affairs and the glorification of the good wife that has to grin and bear it.), Sibling conflict, betrayal of interest and so many more! We have issues that would be considered modern, in the world of eternity where beings never die and that makes for a very compelling back drop for our unlikely protagonists. Let's talk about the illustrations! they are absolutely gorgeous! I love the blue and pink combo and how Smythe uses color to either intensify or deescalate a situation. You just KNOW what the mood is going to be based on the strength of the hues present and as an artist that is something to appreciate!

My Rating:

I give it 9/10 Quills! I recommend it to those who are into historical fiction, and anyone who's a fan of Greek mythology and stories.

"For the love of life and the pursuit of the arts, stay prayerful and write on!"