Review: Lore Olympus (Volume 1) by Rachel Smythe
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Review: Lore Olympus (Volume 1) by Rachel Smythe
Lore Olympus (Volume 1) book review – a graphic novel for anyone that loves art and a modern-retelling of Greek mythology, especially the retelling of Hades and Persephone.
This book is based on the number 1 Webtoon, Lore Olympus. Lore Olympus has been on Webtoon for almost 4 years (since 2018) and has been loved ever since by readers of all backgrounds.
Readers were thrilled to have found out that Lore Olympus would be getting a book in 2021.
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Book Information:
Title: Lore Olympus (Volume 1)
Author: Rachel Smythe
Book Series: Lore Olympus
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology
Pages: 384
Publisher: Del Rey Books
Amazon Rating: 4.9/5
Goodreads Rating: 4.53 (goodreads choice awards 2021 – Graphic Novels & Comics)
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Lore Olympus (Volume 1) Summary:
Experience the propulsive love story of two Greek gods—Hades and Persephone—brought to life with lavish artwork and an irresistible contemporary voice.
Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love—witness what the gods do after dark in this stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of mythology’s most well-known stories from creator Rachel Smythe. Featuring a brand-new, exclusive short story, Smythe’s original Eisner-nominated web-comic Lore Olympus brings the Greek Pantheon into the modern age with this sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.
Lore Olympus (Volume 1) VS Lore Olympus Webtoon:
Before we jump into the review, it is important for readers to know the difference between the Lore Olympus books and the Webtoon.
Lore Olympus is not only getting one book/volume. The graphic novel is going to have probably more than 3-5 books.
This is because Volume 1 of Lore Olympus consists of chapters 1-25.
As of date, Lore Olympus on Webtoons has 188 chapters. You can already imagine how many volumes are to come with that amount of chapters.
In case you’re wondering, Lore Olympus on Webtoon has the same plot, characters and chapters as the graphic novel series.
So you’re essentially reading the free Webtoon comics (chapter 1-188 is free, the next few chapters on the app are always on “fast pass” you will need to purchase or win coins to unlock these chapters. Read here to find out how you can get coins) in the form of a graphic novel that you will have to pay for.
So do you need to own the Lore Olympus books?
This is based on personal preference.
Some feel that they don’t need to own the graphic novel since it’s essentially the same as the comics, whereas some fans want to collect the volumes and get satisfaction from reading the physical copy.
Personally, I really enjoyed having the physical copy although I’ve read the Webtoons years ago (still reading as it is an on-going webtoon series).
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository | Kinokuniya MY
Lore Olympus (Vol 1) Review:
The Art
I read Lore Olympus (the Webtoon series) about 2-3 years ago when Webtoon was still a fresh comic/manga app.
Now, the app has been around for quite some time and yet – as an avid webtoon reader, I have never seen such art before.
It is truly unique. Magical in my opinion. The art truly captures something beyond us (like the Greek Gods in this retelling).
The shades of blue and pink are widely used throughout this comic to represent the worlds of Hades and Persephone (a.k.a Kore/Goddess of Spring).
I love how the colours show that these two characters come from two different sides of the world. It perfectly portrays the opposite attract kinda trope.
I like how each god has its own colour – it is easier to remember the characters that way (eg: yellow – Hera, blue – Hades, pink – Persephone, dark purple – Artemis and Apollo who are siblings, etc)
How does the art in Lore Olympus on Webtoon differ from the book?
The art is the exact same. What you get on the Webtoon app, you get in the form of a graphic novel as well.
However, in my opinion, the reading experience felt better on the app because of two reasons:
- The glossy pages in the book were too reflective (I know, that’s what glossy papers do – but it did disturb the reading experience as I always had to adjust my reading position to look at the art without any light disturbances)
- The book was so heavy! It was not as comfortable to hold and read for long periods of time.
- Because this is a graphic novel, you’ll have to flip pages instead of scrolling. Nothing wrong with that, I just prefer the scrolling as it felt more “continuous” when reading – like it was one whole big piece of art.
These are minor details about the book that irked me a couple of times while reading. By no means is it a deciding factor to not purchase the book.
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository | Kinokuniya MY
The Plot and Characters
Besides the stunning art, this graphic novel and webtoon had an enticing plot and all our favourite Greek gods (it’s just one big fun party). Some even say that this is the best retelling of the Hades-Persephone Greek mythology.
Having read the Webtoon, I do agree.
It’s not just pretty to look at, the book discusses some heavy themes such as toxic relationships, physical and mental abuse and more.
The setting is modern and relatable to current times.
There’s dating, exchanging of texts, social parties, materialism, sexual tension. (Greek gods, duh)
As for the characters, they are inspired by the original Greek gods – their powers and tales but there is definitely a younger, more refreshing take on these characters.
I love how Artemis and Persephone are besties.
I really enjoy reading scenes where the big 3s meet up for brunch and be themselves.
Example – although they’re misogynistic at times and are always talking about sex, that’s how Zeus, Hades and Poseidon are in greek tales and I like that certain characteristics of these characters were maintained in this retelling.
I also like that there’s a whole Greek myth retelling of Eros, in this graphic novel. It’s about how the god of love went through a heartbreak – tales like this just reminds us that even the most powerful can bleed.
Lore Olympus FAQ:
This section contains answers to the most asked questions. There are NO SPOILERS in this section, it is safe to read.
Why Is Lore Olympus So Popular?
Hands down, the art. Nothing like you’ve seen before. It looks magical and it should as it is a retelling of the Greek Gods. Besides the art, the modern plot and fun characters make it popular.
Readers can relate to them despite them being immortal and magical.
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository | Kinokuniya MY
Is Lore Olympus Getting A Netflix Series?
Yes. It is reported that the Netflix animation is in the works as of December 2021.
Is The Lore Olympus Book The Same As The Webtoon?
Yes, it is exactly the same. However, it is important to note that this is Volume 1 and therefore it only contains the first 25 chapters from the Webtoons.
You are not going to get the whole series in one book.
Is Lore Olympus A Finished Webtoon Series?
Lore Olympus is not a finished webtoon series. It is on-going and has 188 chapters up-to-date.
Will There Be A Volume 2 of Lore Olympus?
Yes! Fans are excited for the release for Lore Olympus Volume 2 on 5th July 2022. You can pre-order this Volume from amazon.
Where Can I Get Lore Olympus Merch?
You can get Lore Olympus merch at:
- Official Webtoons Merch Store (get free wallpapers here too)
- Redbubble
Is There A Bonus Chapter In Lore Olympus Volume 1?
Yes there is an exclusive Lore Olympus chapter. The author included a note along with a never seen before chapter at the end of Volume 1.
The same goes for the next book – Volume 2.
Lore Olympus Volume 1 / Webtoon Age Rating
Lore Olympus Webtoon and Book age rating is PG 13.
Final Thoughts
If I could sum up my Lore Olympus (Vol 1) review, it would be this: magical and entertaining.
The vibrant art along with raw human traits expressed by the Greek Gods in this webtoon/graphic novel makes the reader emotionally invested.
Mythical, yet relatable.
Overall rating: ⅘
Would I recommend this graphic novel?
YES if you’re someone who likes reading physical books or collecting books. If you don’t, then you can read it for free and wait for a weekly upload on the Webtoons app.
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository | Kinokuniya MY
