I love retellings of Greek myths and legends, especially ones I am less familiar with. Which means I was over the moon when I received a copy of Daughters of Olympus from @netgalley and @sourcebooks
I was completely hooked from the first page.

Demeter has spent her entire existence trapped in the belly of her father along with her siblings, until their youngest brother Zeus sets them free and the age of the Olympian’s begins.
Demeter’s life will be marked by great tragedies and she will seek a quiet life with her daughter, Core, at her side. But the gods of Olympus will not be content to let these two live as they choose. And Core might need a bit more then to be her mother’s constant companion. The immortals will seek love, justice, and vengeance as they choose.
Absolutely fantastic. I am a bit familiar with the story of Demeter and Core and I loved getting even deeper into it. @hannahlynnwrites did an amazing job writing gods who while relatable still maintained their immortal indifference to mortals.
Hitting shelves July 1 2024, keep your eye out for this fantastic epic.
#bookstagram #netgalley #daughtersofolympus #demeter #persephone #greeklegend #greekmythology #reader #readersofinstagram #reading #booksbooksbooks #bookworm #booklover #booknerd #bookrecommendations #bookreview

3.5 stars.
It's hard for me to turn down a Greek Mythology retelling, and I was excited for one telling the story of Demeter, who seems to play the villain in most interpretations. While this was a well-written perspective that offered new insight on Demeter, Demeter's sections of the book dragged. However, Core/Persephone was a super compelling character, and her relationship with Hades and her mother saved the book for me.

Hannah Lynn writes in a straightforward but captivating manner about the Greek gods and goddesses, untangling their dalliances from the tapestry of immortality and bringing them down to us on earth in the here and now. For me, this tale of Demeter and Core (a’la Persephone) fell apart in the middle act and never completely recovered for me. But I would read more from Ms. Lynn in the future. And certainly for clarity in a mythology which can be difficult to track (who did what and with whom!), her books are worth reading.

It might be a little preemptive to give 5 stars to my second book of the year... but, at least in my opinion, it's well deserved.

"Daughters of Olympus" is a Greek mythology retelling centered on the stories of Demeter, the goddess of harvest and fertility, and her daughter Core, better known as Persephone. The novel is broken out across alternating perspectives, opening first with Demeter's entry into the world (thanks to her well-known brother Zeus) through her own self-imposed exile from Olympus to the island of Siphnos, where she's followed by her daughter Core and her loyal nymphs. From there, we switch to Core's perspective as she struggles with the conflicting feelings of love and resentment she harbors towards her mother and her desire for her own freedom - regardless of the consequences that follow. Her actions lead to her eventual kidnapping to the Underworld, a devastating loss for her mother and the mortal world she's left behind.

I'm incredibly impressed with the added layers and complexity to this simple tale that author Hannah M. Lynn has imbued in her story. She builds each of these protagonists with so much emotion and unique voices; I was immediately drawn into Demeter's opening - from her chaotic birth to the difficulties of navigating her relationship with her god siblings and the near-constant vigilance she had to maintain. Her love for her children as well as the extent of grief and loss she has to experience is beautifully conveyed, and makes for a seamless understanding of Core's perspective as she tries to forgive her mother's weakness and find her own identity in the world. I appreciated Lynn's take on the complicated relationship she has with Hades, as she comes to question her own understanding of love and her own strength and powers. Lynn's writing is beautifully woven and enthralling, and she makes the novel approachable for readers who have little or no background on the originating mythology.

Very much a recommended read once the novel is published in July 2024, especially for fellow avid readers who love a feminist take on Greek mythology retellings!

It might be a little preemptive to give 5 stars to my second book of the year... but, at least in my opinion, it's well deserved.

"Daughters of Olympus" is a Greek mythology retelling centered on the stories of Demeter, the goddess of harvest and fertility, and her daughter Core, better known as Persephone. The novel is broken out across alternating perspectives, opening first with Demeter's entry into the world (thanks to her well-known brother Zeus) through her own self-imposed exile from Olympus to the island of Siphnos, where she's followed by her daughter Core and her loyal nymphs. From there, we switch to Core's perspective as she struggles with the conflicting feelings of love and resentment she harbors towards her mother and her desire for her own freedom - regardless of the consequences that follow. Her actions lead to her eventual kidnapping to the Underworld, a devastating loss for her mother and the mortal world she's left behind.

I'm incredibly impressed with the added layers and complexity to this simple tale that author Hannah M. Lynn has imbued in her story. She builds each of these protagonists with so much emotion and unique voices; I was immediately drawn into Demeter's opening - from her chaotic birth to the difficulties of navigating her relationship with her god siblings and the near-constant vigilance she had to maintain. Her love for her children as well as the extent of grief and loss she has to experience is beautifully conveyed, and makes for a seamless understanding of Core's perspective as she tries to forgive her mother's weakness and find her own identity in the world. I appreciated Lynn's take on the complicated relationship she has with Hades, as she comes to question her own understanding of love and her own strength and powers. Lynn's writing is beautifully woven and enthralling, and she makes the novel approachable for readers who have little or no background on the originating mythology.

Very much a recommended read once the novel is published in July 2024, especially for fellow avid readers who love a feminist take on Greek mythology retellings!

This was an unexpected treat - one of those books you fall in love with the first page and forget the world for as long as it takes to finish it. The story of Persephone and Demeter and her siblings is almost a tale almost as old of time but it blossoms to a whole new level in the capable hands of author Hannah Lynn. Romantic, poignant and rife with lyrical writing and riveting character development, Daughters of Olympus is captivating and stays with you long afterwards. The vulnerability of the 'gods' and the humanity of their courage and/or their lack of morality and hunger for power balance the beauty of the old myths. It is a story that works on many levels making it ideal as a private pleasure or book club pick.

I was so excited to read this and I was not disappointed.

Daughters of Olympus is a breath of fresh air in the realm of Greek myths. Forget predictable retellings - this story throws you onto a rollercoaster of surprises, even for seasoned mythology buffs.

Pain, joy, hope, fear, desperation, anger, amusement, love: I felt it all.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Daughters of Olympus by Hannah Lynn is set to release in July 2024. Thank you @Netgalley and @sourcebooks for the ARC!
Daughters of Olympus is a Greek mythology set in three parts, which gives voices to both the Goddess Demeter and her daughter Core, as Demeter is trying to shield and protect her daughter form the world, while Core is trying to gain freedom.

I’ve always enjoyed learned about Greek mythology in school, but I haven’t ventured into the world of Greek mythology in books. I truly enjoyed it. This book paints the story in such a beautiful way, and shows true character development.
The story touches on real issues, such as the relationships between mothers and daughters, and how being too protective can be a detriment to relationships. It shows grief, love, and hope.
This was a quick read for me, and kept me captivated.
Hades was the best character, and I 10/10 wish there was more of him present in the story!

Hello Book friends!

Today I’m reviewing Daughters of Olympus by Hannah Lynn. In this Greek Mythology, split into three parts, giving voice to the Goddess Demeter and her daughter Core, a story about a mother and daughter and how they both perceived the bond between each other.

Now, let’s chat about the book itself.

Greek Mythology is a fan favorite and I loved how Hannah Lynn portrayed each character in a new and interesting light. Showing Demeter’s obsession of keeping Core safe and Core’s reaction to her mother’s smothering inability to let her live her own life. We also saw the way in which grief can become all consuming. A second self living in a purgatory of endless sorrow, where Demeter is not capable of being the mother Core needs, so she seeks comfort and solace elsewhere.

As the story turns to Core we see her become the Goddess we know as Persephone. Where she is taken from her home to the Underworld. Now friends, let me tell you I absolutely LOVED Hades! If you read this book be ready, because he is what readers will savor. Although he plays a supporting role, he is FANTASTIC. He’s the complete opposite of Zeus, and although he is appearance is of course godly, I loved how Lynn gave him a stammer, it particularly showed when he was out of his element. But he never forces himself upon Persephone. He desperately (in his quiet way) wants her to realize the potential he sees in her. Most importantly he gives her a choice. Showing her that by his side she could do so much, and she finds along the way that he’s right.

A bold retelling of two Goddesses who often are left to the side lines of the the epic stories of Greek Mythology and show the bonds between a daughter and mother, while giving the daughter a voice for herself.

2.5. Overall, this retelling was just fine, but the characters felt extremely flat. Everyone seemed a bit one-track until they introduced Hades.

Received a free copy from Netgalley.

𝑨 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒖𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎.

In Greek mythology throes of women have been vilified on the page--Medusa and Medea are two that instantly come to mind, but Demeter is another to add to that list. The story of Demeter and Persephone is widely known; it's the nature myth that explains how the seasons came to be. But it's so much more than that, and the author gave Demeter a heartbreaking backstory that removed her portrayal as an overbearing mother and a spiteful woman when she didn't get her way.

You do not have to be familiar with mythology to understand and deeply appreciate this story. It truly gave new meaning to this age-old myth. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the early read. This book will publish July 9, 2024.

Mythology written by Hannah Lynn is an automatic want to read for me. She does a great job with her retellings!! This story stood out from some of her others and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I love a good Greek mythology book. This was one of them. I’ve read so many different versions but not many told from Demeter’s pov. What a breath of fresh air, I learned so many new things while also able to follow the names/lore I already knew.

“Daughters of Olympus” by Hannah Lynn is a retelling of the Persephone myth, but this time from the viewpoints of Demeter and Persephone. If, like me, your knowledge of the myth doesn’t take into account the various stories, you may wonder who “Core” is for a chunk of the book - it’s another name for Persephone (Kore means maiden in Greek). Anyway, back to the story - because this is a retelling, there’s some addition of minor (lesser known?) myth threads, but Ms. Lynn does a good job weaving them together (though I will admit to doing a lot of online checking). This book is divided into three sections - the first from Demeter’s POV, the second from Core/Persephone’s, and the third from both women. I must admit that around the 60% of the book, I found the story a lot more interesting - as that’s about when Hades makes his appearance. Ms. Lynn’s a great storyteller, but I can see why some reviewers feel that there’s a bit too much repeated information (however, for the most part it didn’t bother me). Overall, if myth retellings are of interest to you, this may be one to check out.

The mythology surrounding Persephone, Hades and Demeter is likely one of the most circulate Greek Myths, with countless retellings and stories inspired by and based on it. A great many of those retellings have been released in the past few years, I was incredibly happy that as I was reading Daughters of Olympus, I was able to see that it stood out amongst the others, as engaging, accessible and memorable.

Hannah Lynn writes gateway Greek Mythology, the books are written in a manner that is approachable for a casual Greek Mythology fan, or someone who hasn't consumed much of it since they were in high school. It is written in a manner that doesn't patronise the audience or sanitise the content as though it were for small children.

We are able to see, appreciate and understand the complex emotions experienced by female figures in Greek Mythology, who for some time, were left out of retellings, or had their contributions minimised. The writing and characterisation were phenomenally well done, the pain and emotions jumped off the page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmarked for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had the privilege of being able to read this book prior to release and let me tell you, you’ll be in for a wild ride. I truly wasn’t prepared for the emotional roller coaster this book took me on. I resonated with this book on multiple levels, not only as a mother and a daughter but as a survivor of a horrible act.

I was able to feel the pain that Hannah Lynn wrote on this pages, witnessing the impact of Demeter’s loss of her innocence, her anger, and protective nature for her daughter and herself. Wanting to keep Cora sheltered and hidden from the ugliness of the world both humans and Gods. Cora came into this world through acts of violence but yet her mother never held that against her. Cora was shown love, compassion, and kindness. Although she was taken care of, she wanted to experience life, to see the wonders of the world. She understood why she wasn’t allowed but part of her was empty, she could view the human world but never be apart of it.

In this story, you’ll experience the growth of these two strong women, you’ll watch them fight for love and happiness. You will see families torn apart and broken trust. Yet, you experience the relationship between a mother and daughter, their bond and the lengths a mother goes to protect her child. You get the dirty history of what happens between the gods, how power can corrupt and change people, and that with time trust can be restored if you only have the desire to let it go.

If it’s a Greek retelling I want to read it, and this was no different. One story I will never get sick of reading, and that is anything to do with Persephone. Hannah Lynn did a wonderful job telling this in her words.

A nice Greek retelling that I loved with voices that were mesmerizing and well-crafted. I really loved the prose similar to Madeline Miller and the stories of both Demeter and Persephone. The author really gave weight and nuance to a character such as Demeter, and her side of history. 4 stars. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Greek mythology and the retellings of it are among my favorite things to read. This story, of hades and Persephone, is one that I've read retellings of countless times. Their story is one of my favorites in Greek mythology. However, Hannah Lynn gave me a new perspective. In so many retellings of this tale, Demeter is painted as a villain. A controlling, overbearing mother that refuses to acknowledge that Core (also seen as Kore, Persephone's first name) is a grown woman who should be allowed freedom to live her life. But what Hannah Lynn does by telling this tale first through Demeter's eyes, along with backstory on how her brother Zeus killed her husband, then how both Zeus and Poseidon assaulted her, resulting in Core, is give life to the guttural fear that Demeter has. Yes, she is over protective and smothering of Core, but she has seen the truly evil side of this life. She knows the horrors her brothers and other gods are capable of. By giving me Demeter's perspective, I can honestly say that I look at this tale completely different now. The pain and anguish she felt when Core is abducted and then learning that none other than Zeus is behind it and responsible for it? I can't imagine her pain and fear.

Then the book switches to Persephone's point of view. This is the part of the legend I'm all too familiar with, having read so many of the retellings. Hannah Lynn's story telling and prose makes this one stand out, though. In the beginning Persephone is terrified, rightly so, but she finds that Hades isn't a dark monster after all. She beings to have freedoms unlike she's never had. All the while, Demeter is fighting tooth and nail to be reunited with her daughter.

Will Demeter burn the worlds down to get her daughter back?

Will Persephone remain in the underworld forever?

Find out in Hannah Lynn's dynamic and enthralling Daughters of Olympus

I would like to thank Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, and Hannah Lynn for giving me the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

DAUGHTERS OF OLYMPUS
BY: HANNAH LYNN

About 4.25 Stars!

Having read three others of Hannah Lynn's Greek Mythology re-imagination interpretations I was beyond excited to read her latest one called, "Daughters of Olympus." This latest one seemed darker to me or it could possibly be the timing. I still feel that Madeline Miller's two fantastically written books called, "Circe," and "The Song of Achilles," are my lifetime favorites, and highly recommend them to those of you, who have yet to discover her brilliance. You don't need to know any background material on them regarding Greek Mythology to experience her gifted storytelling. One more exceptional recommendation that struck me as close to Madeline Miller's lush prose is called, "Clytemnestra," by Costanza Casati which is superbly written, and remains a lifetime favorite. They lull you in written with beautiful language and are the kind of books that you are extremely saddened when you finish them.

One of my graduate degrees is of the Classics so I have high expectations that a re-imagining of Greek Mythology should adhere as closely to the scholarly records as possible. I do admit to being many decades since I studied those scholarly records, so my recollection isn't perfect and I enjoy some authors more than others. I was really looking forward to "Daughters of Olympus," not realizing that its focus was on Demeter and Persephone, because I requested this solely on the entertainment of reading another retelling by Hannah Lynn.

I read "A Spartan's Sorrow," by Hannah Lynn, four years ago which shares similar themes regarding Clytemnestra. I remember enjoying it which led me to read her other books about Greek Mythology which I enjoyed, "Athena's Child," about Medusa and Perseus. My favorite of this author was called, "Queens of Themiscyra," about the Amazon Queens, Hippolyte and Penthesilea. I did enjoy this one about Demeter and Persephone, just have to say that the first half is about Demeter and she calls her daughter "Core." which means maiden. I thought Persephone's name was "Kore." so I wondered why Hannah Lynn chose to name Demeter's daughter "Core," until she takes the name Persephone while Queen of the Underworld after being snatched by Hades while she was in a meadow.

Since this is also historical fiction I'll begin by where Hannah Lynn begins this story with telling of how Cronus was afraid of his loss of power because of a prophecy so he ate his and his wife, Rhea's newborn children. The ones that Cronus swallowed were Hera, Demeter, Hades, Poseidon and Hestia. Demeter was the second born of Cronus and Rhea and all of the offspring remained in Cronus's stomach with the exception of Zeus. Rhea with the help of her mother Gaia tricked Cronus into thinking her last birth which was Zeus, but instead Cronus swallowed the material which was swaddled like a newborn and Zeus escaped. Cronus was given an emetic which caused him to retch up the five children.

The first half of the novel's section is called, "Demeter," and it tells her point of view of her early relationship with Zeus being harmonious until he uses his thunderbolt like power to kill her mortal husband. Demeter leaves Mount Olympus but gets raped by both Zeus and Poseidon. Of the twins that are fathered by Zeus, one is a female who she names "Core," who I learned long ago was "Kore." I'm going to go with Hannah Lynn's story and call her beloved daughter Core for the rest of the review.

Demeter is worried that something will happen to Core and entrusts her care of Core to nymphs who are supposed to accompany Core when she is not with her mother. Demeter with her deep love and attachment to Core is too overprotective. At around the 50% mark the reader gets the perspective of Core who is finally able to leave her mother's Island and explore. For the sake of not spoiling it the second part is called Core and she gets to experience her independence. It mirrors Demeter's point of view but deviates to tell Core's side which is written beautifully and without too much repetition creates a coming of age story throughout Core's point of view. The nymphs who accompany Core aren't supposed to not let Core out of their sight. They don't necessarily follow Demeter's edicts and Core is given free reign.

In Hannah Lynn's version the last section is after Core is abducted by Hades and taken to the Underworld which she is at first horrified, but isn't pressured by her Uncle Hades into consummating their union. She is visited by the witch Hecate who tells her she was sent by her mother who is trying to get Core back to the land of the living. Hecate tells Core that she must not eat anything in the Underworld or land of the dead or she won't be able to leave. Demeter is furious and learns that Zeus was behind the abduction.

There is much more that I could say that is common knowledge about Persephone and Demeter, but will leave it here for those who aren't familiar with this story. Does Persephone get reunited with Demeter? What discoveries does Persephone encounter while she is Queen of the Underworld? Hannah Lynn has used her trademark storytelling to reward the reader with a dark but enchanted nuanced tale. I can't put my finger on why this was more violent and monochromatic in my mind to me more so than others. Maybe as a visual reader I pictured everything in the Underworld black in my imagination even though Persephone had some wonderful realizations and was happily reunited with a person of great significance in Core's section. I would recommend this and wish the author my very best wishes with success.

Publication Date: July 9th, 2024

Thank you to Net Galley, Hannah Lynn and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for generously providing me with my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#DaughtersofOlympus #HannahLynn #SourcebooksLandmark #NetGalley