The writing in this book was really good. I am not usually the biggest fan of mythology in books due to not knowing most of the lore and motives that push all of the character plot lines. Lore was writen in a way that made the mythology aspect of it very accessable to readers that are new to it. I also liked that just when you thought you had figured out where to plot was going, it implemented new points to keep you guessing.

I gave this a four out of five stars. I enjoyed reading this but I was hoping for a little bit. I would recommend especially if you like stories of the Greek gods.

This book was a fantastic new way to look at the Greek Gods in modern times. I would highly recommend it. It is a must-read as it is riveting and brings to life interesting characters that engage the reader and make one care about what happens next. I could not put the book down.

I found lore to be a fun protagonist and the story hooked me in. i really enjoyed the connections to greek mythology and i've always loved bracken's writing.
3.5
cant wait to read the rest

I had been hanging out for this book, I just adore Alexandra bracken and a Greek mythology mash up? Sounded AMAZING. this book is dark at times and brutal. I had quite high expectations, as i had known about it for a long time - Alexandra brackens email newsletter is amazing and she was really generous with her writing progress and process on this book. I was thrilled to love it, it’s a harrowing story in a lot of ways but so gripping and I just adore lore, castor and miles. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Greek gods are real! And they walk among us for 7 days every 7 years. But if you can kill one, you can take their power. Lore swore that she would never become involved in all of this mess. Especially since her family was murdered by the “fake” ares. At least until she finds Athena bleeding out on her doorstep.

This was a sample of this new book. I love Greek mythology so I was immediately intrigued by this premise! It’s slightly confusing getting all the details of the reasons behind the gods being able to walk among us but it’s good! I’m definitely gonna read the rest of the book to see if Lore is able to get vengeance for her family!

I really thought this book was great. I loved the characters, especially Lore, and the setting of the city. The battle scenes were epic and the influence of the gods and goddesses was interesting in relation to Lore’s storyline. I ended up purchasing a copy to add to my classroom library and encouraged the school library to purchase copies for our students to read. The feedback from the students has been great; especially from those who loved the Percy Jackson series as well as the mythology they study in our courses.

I absolutely adore Greek mythology and Greek mythology retellings. I was so excited to read Lore by Alexandra Bracken. The storyline was spectacular, and the plot points were laid out with vivid detail that I could really imagine this mythological plot playing out in our modern day. The pacing was a little bizarre for me as was the sequencing of events. I finished the book with a few unanswered questions. However, it was well written, and that cover is everything.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Things I loved: Lore was a strong female character. The love between Castor and Lore. The way the mythology was twisted to make sense for the plot. The fact that Athena was shown to not be a good character (too many stories do this!). That there was a long game that wasn't found out until the final pages of the book.

Dislikes: Lore felt too powerful at times. Also, while I get /why/ the ending was deus ex machina, I still wasn't the biggest fan of it.

The biggest thing I loved? That it's a standalone. Do I want more story? Yes. Do I need more story? No. This is a perfect, wrapped up in one book, story that can stand the test of time.

I did not finish this fantasy after several attempts. It may be that it just didn't appeal to me as an adult reader.

Propulsive and addictive! Would love to see this as a series on a streaming service, but of course the best way to enjoy it is by indulging in Alex Bracken's prose. Cannot wait for more books from her!

I really enjoyed this as a standalone book!
The Agon gives me Hunger Games vibes and I really liked the mythology and world building (even if I kept wondering "but what about Demeter???"). Lore is a prickly heroine and I liked her complexity, and the supporting cast of characters was strong as well. I felt Bracken did a great job of including foreshadowing but also enough clues that I was able to predict somethings, but there was at least one reveal/twist I didn't see coming that I really enjoyed.
All in all, a great mythology inspired standalone fantasy with a strong, prickly female lead.

Lore hooks your interest in from the first line- what it struggles with is keeping it. I was drawn to Lore from the moment I saw the cover, it truly is gorgeous! After reading the synopsis, I was even more excited to realize I had been approved for a short sample. The premise is unique and interesting and the main character is a bad-ass; these two elements alone should guarantee a great time. In my opinion where Lore struggles is with pacing and tension, varying between intense action scenes and then total drops. In my opinion, Lore does fall short of it's potential, however, many people will still enjoy it.

The first chapters of Lore were very interesting. I can't wait to read more and see where the story will take it.

i love Alexandra Bracken. That being said, Lore is probably my least favorite book by her. While it was well paced, and engaging, the characters lacked the depth and relatability of those from her debut novel, Brightly Woven, which remains one of my all time favorites, even ten years after first reading it. If you enjoy Greek mythology, Lore might be better for you!

Every seven years, the Agon begins and nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals. They are hunted by the descendants of ancient heroic bloodlines, all eager to kill a god and seize their power and immortality. Seven years ago, Lore fled that brutal world, but as the Agon descends upon New York City she finds herself drawn into the hunt once again.

Believe the hype! I have seen this book all over Bookstagram for months as people read their ARCs, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, emotional, and filled with incredible, well-developed characters.

This book has a large cast of characters, but each one was beautifully developed and multifaceted. Lore is incredibly strong and fiercely loyal, but haunted by trauma and hungry for revenge. Miles, her completely human roommate, is funny, likeable, and devoted to his friend. I loved their friendship and support for each other, even in the midst of fear. Lore’s childhood best friend, Castor, provides a great foil for her. He’s idealistic and gentle, believing the best in people and refusing to play the game on anyone’s terms but his own. And Van, Castor’s best friend, is quick-witted and reserved, but such a compelling character. Those four characters drive most of the story, but other members of the Agon are brought into the action and fully realized. I truly am amazed that Bracken was able to build so many three-dimensional characters into this action-driven story.

The concept of the Agon is so compelling. The idea that an ancient, brutally violent game could be playing out in front of us without our knowledge is fresh and mesmerizing. And, the action is truly nonstop. This is one of those books where you say, “I’m just going to read to the end of the chapter” and then the chapter ends on a cliffhanger and you just have to keep going. Twists happen frequently and the hidden motivations of every character keeps you on your toes. On top that thrilling action, Bracken manages to weave in some really important conversations. Patriarchal power structures are dismantled, sexual assault is addressed, and the pain and lasting impact of grief is shown in an authentic and moving way.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. It’s one of the best YA fantasies I have read in some time and definitely one I’ll read again. Recommended for fans of Greek mythology, strong but flawed characters, and thrilling fight sequences.

I really enjoyed this chapter sample and I will definitely be reading the book. I have loved mythology since I was a child and can't wait to get my hands on the full book.

I received a chapter sample without realizing this was not the whole book. Even though this was disappointing, I enjoyed what I read. This book would be up my alley, as Greek Mythology is one of my favorites in a culture standpoint.

I love Greek myth retellings and so I figured this book would be right up my alley. The premise of this book was interesting and I'm glad I was given a chance to read it. The writing style was good and the inclusion of the myth elements were some strong points, but there were also some weaker points that I was not a fan of.
I would be interested in reading this book again.

Overall, I enjoyed reading it. Lore is definitely an interesting and new take on Greek mythology in the modern world. I just wish some concepts were more fleshed out and that some character relationships were more developed in the present as opposed to being set up past feelings.