Lore

Lore lives in a world where the Gods of Greek Myth are hunted and killed every few years, only to be replaced by new Gods. Lore ran from that world, but now she finds herself getting sucked back in.
What works: I love Greek myths and this was a fresh take on that. The idea that these powerful Gods can be left helpless was an interesting angle. The lead character has a traumatic past and feels she has to help, even though she just wants to be left alone.
What left me wanting more: I felt at times that I would have liked a bit more background to some of the events as when I started reading I thought I had picked up book 2 by mistake.
Final thoughts: I like where the story goes and Lore is a great character. If you are a fan of Greek myth and books like the Hunger Games then this is for you.

LORE is a sweeping and enthralling stand-alone YA fantasy based on Greek mythology. Lore is a descendent of the bloodlines involved in the punishment of the gods by Zeus. Every 7 years, they must walk the Earth for 7 days as mortals, during which time they can be killed and their powers handed to the person who dealt the death blow. The family lines which hunt these gods do so for the power which their family can hold upon the successful killing. Many of the lines are dying out as their rivalries are detrimental to their existence.

Lore is the last mortal in the Perseous line, and she has tried to stay away from the Agon and the families since her family was brutally slain following the previous one seven years ago. However, when her former best friend, Castor, shows up with a warning for her, and then a wounded Athena is found on her front stoop, Lore must quickly decide whether the revenge she desires for her family's murders is worth re-entering this world she tried to leave behind.

What I loved: This book was full of action and carried a quick pace that really made the pages turn quickly. I was quickly invested in Lore's story and the alliances and friends she has made. Her life has been difficult through her training and friendships through to betrayals she has and will face. This story really came to life through her - and it is really brutal and raw, in the vein of Greek mythology. The connections with the mythology are plentiful throughout, and this would definitely work for people who enjoy retellings, particularly with modern twists.

There are also some interesting themes about destiny/fate and the ways that this concept can become twisted, as well as the problems with a patriarchy and its ability to be abused. Lore has faced the patriarchal society and seen its brutal realities in many ways. Although she is a talented fighter, her skills are considered secondary and in many cases unnecessary. The discussion around the meanings of sacrifice and the ways that "justice" are carried out were also intriguing. Although there was a focus on action and suspense, the book also presents some thought-provoking themes that would be interesting to discuss with a book group.

What left me wanting more: I did want to see more of Lore's past. We do get some tidbits throughout, but it wasn't enough to really immerse in it (and these were not clearly delineated but just occasional reflections). I also wanted a bit more of the romance, as I really liked it, and it was minimal/background at best. I would have enjoyed this book also being more spread out so that we could get more insight into other characters as well. The gods/goddesses were pretty intriguing, and I felt we only got glimpses of them. On the other hand, this does keep the book moving quickly and action-packed, so I do see the other side.

Final verdict: Enthralling, brutal, and raw, LORE is a riveting stand-alone YA fantasy with ties to Greek mythology. Recommend for fans of THE YOUNG ELITES by Marie Lu, HALF-BLOOD by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and THE TRIALS OF APOLLO by Rick Riordan.