The story of Persephone and Hades may be one of my favorite parts of Greek mythology, and this one offered a more robust version by giving equal weight to Demeter. This one is very palatable to a casual reader of Greek re-tellings, while also feeling quite mature. Sometimes in order to make these stories accessible, they become juvenile, but that's not the case here.

It's not quite as poetic as Madeline Miller, but it's close. and it's told in such a way that you're really embedded with these women. Hades is present, but he doesn't overwhelm the story; it's not really about him, anyways, and it's nice that the fact of it remains true throughout.

All in all, a nice retelling that casual or more serious fans of Greek mythology will enjoy. 4 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Hannah Lynn's "Daughters of Olympus" is a compelling and beautifully written novel that reimagines the myth of Persephone and Demeter with a fresh, emotional depth. Lynn masterfully intertwines the grandeur of Greek mythology with the intimate complexities of a mother-daughter relationship, creating a story that is both timeless and deeply human.

The character of Demeter, traditionally known as the goddess of harvest and fertility, is given a poignant and relatable portrayal. Lynn delves into her psyche, exploring her fears, her love for her daughter, and her sense of loss, which transforms her into a character of immense depth and vulnerability. The depiction of Demeter’s retreat from the world after a traumatic event adds a layer of emotional resonance to the narrative, making her a figure of both strength and profound sorrow.

Core, who becomes Persephone, is brilliantly reimagined as a character torn between her devotion to her mother and her yearning for independence. Lynn captures the essence of a young woman on the brink of discovering her identity and power. Her journey from the naïve Core to the Queen of the Underworld is not just a tale of abduction, but a story of self-discovery and empowerment. The dynamics of her relationship with Hades add an intriguing dimension to the story, offering a more nuanced view of the infamous god of the Underworld.

Lynn’s writing is lush and evocative, bringing the world of Olympus and the Underworld to life with vivid imagery and rich detail. The narrative is paced beautifully, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the emotional landscapes of the characters. The novel goes beyond the traditional myth, offering insights into themes such as maternal love, personal freedom, and the intricate bonds that tie us to our destinies.

"Daughters of Olympus" is a remarkable novel that will appeal to fans of Madeline Miller and Claire Heywood, as well as to anyone who enjoys a fresh take on classic mythology. Lynn has created a story that is both a tribute to the original myth and a unique tale in its own right, exploring the complexities of love, loss, and transformation. It’s a powerful and moving read, perfect for those who appreciate mythology retold with emotional depth and literary finesse.

This was such a good book. If you loved the song of Achilles or Circe you will love this book. It was a very good retelling of a popular Greek myth. I would highly recommend.

If you’re after a Demeter/Persephone story then this is for you. I love a good Greek mythology telling and this was just another good time story. I loved the inclusion of history. Although it could get a little dull, I overall enjoyed.

Zeus has never been my favorite Olympian nor has his brother, Poseidon. Both have always come across as manwhores who care little to none about the person they are pursuing and what sort of repercussions will come out of this. Zeus does this because, you know, he is the King of the Olympian Gods so you should be honored that he has taken any interest in you.



However, I felt sorry for Demeter when Zeus's lust turned toward her. He came to her under the pretense that he wanted to observe the humans while in snake form. Unfortunately, this was merely a ruse that Demeter should have set off warning bells in her head. She knew that her brother was not to be trusted. She had seen what he had done to Hera to force her to become his wife. She had been the focus of his obsession and she knew that. So, I did not understand why she trusted him to begin with.



I would never trust Zeus as far as I could throw him. But I liked how humanized we see Demeter. This portrayal is so different from the ones I have seen of her - a domineering mother who has already mapped out how her daughter's life should and would be accordingly. While there are some of those traits within this Demeter, we do see that she begins to allow Kore/Core to become her person.



The book's second half finds Kore/Core carving a path from beneath her mother's shadow. Kore/Core has always been the security blanket that Demeter has clung to. She has kept Kore/Core away from the world, hiding her away on an island making sure that no one can find them. But Kore/Core is not one to be kept within her mother's shadows and Demeter learns that Kore/Core needs to be free. Demeter is reluctant to do so but she allows her daughter the freedom. From the first taste of love to the moment her world is tilted upside down by Hades, Kore/Core is given a seat of power, one never allotted to her when she and her mother were on Olympus. Here in the Underworld, her rule is equal to that of her husband, something none of the other Olympian wives have.



I liked this version of Demeter and Kore/Core's story. Demeter's character was humanized in a way that made her relatable and sympathetic. Her love for her daughter and the pain she felt when Kore was taken away by Hades was palpable. It was heart-wrenching to see her mourn and fall into despair, recognizing the absence of her daughter in her life.



At the same time, Demeter's determination and strength shone through as she went on a journey to find Kore/Core and bring her back. Her transformation into the powerful goddess we know her to be was empowering to witness. She showed resilience and refused to give up, even in the face of immense obstacles.



Core/Kore's character, on the other hand, had a sense of innocence and vulnerability that was endearing. Her curiosity and desire to explore the world outside her mother's watchful eye were relatable, as many young individuals long for freedom and independence.



The dynamic between Demeter and Kore/Core was portrayed beautifully, showcasing the unconditional love between a mother and her daughter. Their separation and reunion were emotional, and they emphasized the importance of family bonds and the lengths one would go to protect and save their loved ones.



This retelling of Demeter and Core/Kore's story brought depth and emotion to their characters, making them more human and relatable. It allowed readers to connect with their experiences and understand the range of emotions they went through. It was a refreshing and engaging take on a classic myth.

Definitely for lovers of Madeline Miller! Beautiful prose, excellent details and imagery.

I’m a sucker for Greek mythology retelling. This one was no different! I really enjoyed it!

Did sort of lull from 40% to 60%. I did enjoy reading certain pivotal moments happen from a different POV, but I found myself skimming a lot, because it was just copied and pasted dialogue from a few chapters prior and it didn’t seem fully necessary.

I found myself feeling so heartbroken for Demeter the entire time. I didn’t expect to feel so sad for her for over half of the book. The Hades in this retelling is a little different from the other retellings I’ve read, and I really enjoyed the difference. It makes more sense as to why Persephone would have probably ended up returning to the Underworld, even if she wouldn’t have eaten the pomegranate seeds.

I hate to be this person because I don’t think EVERY book needs a romantic subplot, but if Demeter can get a spicy scene, and Core and Ione can get several spicy scenes, I would’ve just loved to have gotten a little something-something in the epilogue between Persephone and Hades. With the way she was already warming up to him at the end, and how kind and caring he had been to her… COME ON. I think that would’ve made it a 5 star for me. Otherwise, I feel like the ending just didn’t wrap up completely.

Other suggestions: Chapter 70 and chapter 75 there were POV switches that weren’t labeled.

Thank you for the ARC. Full review will be posted on release!

3.5 stars

Overall, I quite enjoyed "Daughters of Olympus" but I enjoyed the other retelling of the Demeter/Persephone myth I read this year a bit more.

This book felt somewhat repetitive in some places and I think the characters weren't as fleshed-out as they could have been.

The heartbreaking and wonderful story of Demeter and Persephone. The story of Persephone has long been one of my favorite Greek myths, but I never considered just how heartbreaking it must have been for Demeter to lose her most beloved child and be subject to her brothers’ rampaging lusts.