Lore Olympus: Volume One

by Rachel Smythe

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

The webtoon sensation is finally in print, and it is a stunning celebration of one of the first love stories ever told. With her trademark wit and exquisite art, Smythe tackles the complicated relationship and origin story between Hades, god of the Underworld, and his beloved Persephone. We already cannot wait for book two.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love—witness what the gods do after dark in this stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology, featuring a brand-new, exclusive short story from creator Rachel Smythe.

HUGO AWARD FINALIST • ONE OF NPR’S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR • “What Scott Pilgrim did for Canadian slackers, Lore Olympus does for the Greek pantheon, while being so beautiful that you know Aphrodite is just staring daggers in its direction.”—Kieron Gillen, co-creator of The Wicked + The Divine

Persephone, young goddess of spring, is new to Olympus. Her mother, Demeter, has raised her in the mortal realm, but after Persephone promises to train as a sacred virgin, she’s allowed to live in the fast-moving, glamorous world of the gods. When her roommate, Artemis, takes her to a party, her entire life changes: she ends up meeting Hades and feels an immediate spark with the charming yet misunderstood ruler of the Underworld. Now Persephone must navigate the confusing politics and relationships that rule Olympus, while also figuring out her own place—and her own power.

This edition of Smythe’s original Eisner-winning webcomic Lore Olympus brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.

This volume collects episodes 1–25 of the #1 WEBTOON comic Lore Olympus.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593160299
Publisher:	Random House Worlds
Publication date:	11/02/2021
Series:	Lore Olympus , #1
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	6,257
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Rachel Smythe is the creator of the Eisner-winning Lore Olympus, published via Webtoon.

Editorial Reviews

07/26/2021

The Greek gods get cast as Kardashian-types in Smythe’s addictive soap opera, her trade debut that was originally a hit online comic. Hades, king of the underworld, meets newbie spring goddess Persephone at a swanky party and sparks fly. But divine forces assemble to keep the couple apart, including jealous love goddess Aphrodite, rapacious leather-jacketed bro Apollo, and Persephone’s protective roomie Artemis. The gods inhabit a modern world of luxury cars, cell phones, and espresso machines. Persephone is chased by paparazzi and Hades is in therapy over nearly being eaten by his father Kronos (an Oedipal complex predating Oedipus). Smythe draws curvy confetti-colored characters against misty backgrounds that suggest opulence but lack detail. The softly glowing artwork, influenced more by children’s illustration and animation concept art than traditional comics, unfurls like a sexy update of The D’aulaires Book of Greek Myths. It’s hard not to argue when Eros declares of Persephone, “She’s like the personification of a friggin cinnamon roll!” Though Smythe plays with the comedy potential of her premise, she takes the characters’ internal dramas seriously and deals directly with the problematic elements of Greek mythology, with its gods forever abducting and coercing hapless mortals. As rich as baklava but snacky as a bag of potato chips, this romance is hard to resist. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

If eyes could eat, [Lore Olympus] would be a feast. Smythe’s artistic style features bright washes of color and bold, suggestive lines. . . . It’s paced as a soap opera, all drawn-out tensions and long-simmering secrets, and I, for one, am thrilled to be along for the ride.”—New York Times Book Review

“It’s easy to see why the internet has fallen in love with Lore Olympus. This dazzling interpretation of the classic Greek myths is as charming as it is provocative, and as witty as it is startlingly romantic. Prepare to be swept away!”—Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles
 
“This is a refreshingly modern and surprisingly poignant take on the Hades and Persephone myth. Not only does Rachel Smythe’s talent as an illustrator shine in Lore Olympus but also her skill with weaving a steamy, often laugh-out-loud funny, and emotional retelling.”—Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times bestselling author of From Blood and Ash

“With vivid, irresistible art and storytelling that would make even the Muses swoon, this modern myth deftly tackles the darkness of the ancient stories while never losing its brilliant light. I couldn’t devour it fast enough.”—Alexandra Bracken, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Lore

“Sheer bliss. Rachel Smythe is a master storyteller, filling each gorgeously illustrated page with equal parts humor, heart, and joy.”—Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries and Abandon series

“Lore Olympus is a visual feast! It’s sexy and clever, taking ancient Greek myths and spinning them to be relevant today. I could not put this graphic novel down and cannot wait to see more of Persephone and Hades—and the rest of the Lore Olympus pantheon.”—P. C. Cast, New York Times bestselling author of Spells Trouble and the House of Night series

“Smart, sexy, romantic, and full of heart . . . an unforgettable and startlingly relatable epic that combines addictive storytelling, engaging characters, and a lush, unmistakable art style.”—Kami Garcia, New York Times bestselling author of Teen Titans: Raven and coauthor of Beautiful Creatures

“An inspired, sweet, and thoroughly modern reimagining of Hades and Persephone’s tale. Its cast is memorable, and its central relationship absorbing and spellbinding.”—Aliette de Bodard, award-winning author of Fireheart Tiger

“Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus is a stunning reimagining of classical myth. Smythe adapts the story of Persephone and Hades, removing it from its dark origins and building a brand-new epic with her own complex and beautiful characters. The rest of the gods, nymphs, and creatures of Smythe’s world are the icing on top.”—Liv Albert, author of Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook and creator of Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby! podcast

“A sweepingly romantic story that offers new meaning with each and every rereading, Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus perfectly balances humor and tragedy, heartbreak and desire. Fans who enjoyed it as a webcomic will be thrilled to hold this luscious work of art in their hands.”—Jo Rochelle, creator of Girl Wonder podcast
 
“Lore Olympus is an addictive, romantic gem of a comic, filled with complex, lovable (and hateable) characters. The artwork is rich and dramatic, with gorgeous colors and bold linework, each panel a dreamy treat for the eyes. I can't wait to continue reading Hades and Persephone’s story.”—Faith Erin Hicks, Eisner Award winner and New York Times bestselling cartoonist
 
“Lore Olympus is the perfect escape. Rachel Smythe’s artwork is vivid and enchanting, with deeply relatable characters and a deft handling of their dark pasts. For anyone looking for a fresh take on Hades and Persephone, Lore Olympus brings us a sexy and delightful romp that captivates until the very last page. Whimsical and heartfelt!”—Ashley Poston, author of the national bestseller Geekerella
 
“Lore Olympus is a delicacy. Funny, dark, sexy, and lavishly illustrated, it delights on every page. I can’t recommend it enough.”—Kate Leth, author of Marvel’s Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat!
 
“Moody, beautiful, and funny . . . Be transported to a gorgeous reimagining of Greek gods in a modern fantasy setting. Romance, drama, trauma, and goofs! You will not be able to put this down once you start!”—Babs Tarr, professional comic artist
 
“Romantic, radical, and relatable, goddesses have never been more gloriously grounded. A must-read for any girls figuring out their own power.”—Sam Maggs, co-creator of Tell No Tales: Pirates of the Southern Seas
 
“The tale of Hades and Persephone is one of the most recognizable in all of Greek mythology but in Smythe’s hands, against a sleek modern backdrop, it is made new again. In this reimagining we get a Persephone with agency and nuance, and a Hades with a conscience. The storytelling is immersive, the characters are engaging, and the art is exquisite. I loved every single frame!”—Kalynn Bayron, bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead

“Lore Olympus is my favorite graphic novel—ever. I have read and reread this brilliantly crafted work of art and cannot get enough of this story. Even though the legend of Hades and Persephone is thousands of years old, you will fall in love with these characters in a whole new way—and you’ll never see the twists and turns coming!”—Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Across the Universe

“Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus is an addicting, swoony delight. This clever take on a timeless tale is destined to become a modern classic.”—Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of Fable and Namesake

“Sensitive and elegant . . . Beautiful artwork and compelling characters [take] the forefront of this romantic, tech-savvy retelling of Greek mythology.”—Booklist

From the Publisher