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
“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
“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
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.)