Daughters Of Olympus was an excellent retelling of Persephone's story. The first half of the book focuses on Demeter and her experiences as a mother and a goddess. The second half follows Persephone and her experiences both as Core and as she becomes Persephone, goddess of the Underworld.
I preferred Demeter's character and story much more than I cared for Persephone's. Demeter describes her story of love and loss as she fights to keep her daughter safe, all the while mourning the loss of the man she loves and her mistreatment at the hands of Zeus and Poseidon. Persephone, on the other hand, spent most of her time complaining about Demeter's protectiveness.
The romances in this book were not convincing. Demeter fell in love with a man that she had known for an hour or two, and spent centuries mourning him? Persephone was also irritating in this respect. Her romance with Ione, a young mortal woman, lasts perhaps a chapter before Ione dies (as mortals do), and there was no chemistry or emotion behind the characters. Furthermore, when Persephone meets Ione in the Underworld, she spends most of her time with her, yet falls for Hades and chooses to erase Ione's memories as payback for the pomegranate incident.
The writing in this book was excellent. Gorgeous imagery of fruit, flowers, and the harvest really brought the setting and world of the book to life. I wish the characters had had more depth. While I really enjoyed Demeter's development, neither she or Persephone had any true personality that allows the reader to sympathize with them or their experiences.
I enjoyed this book because of the exquisite writing and the new twist on Persephone's story. I wish more emphasis had been placed on the mother-daughter relationship though, instead of giving the readers a few lackluster romances that had no emotional impact.

Thank you to Netgalley and SourceBooks for the digital ARC!

I was excited for this novel as a lover of myth retellings and as a witchcraft practitioner who incorporates this tale in my work. Because of this I was intimately familiar with this tale, yet I was still intrigued with how Lynn wove this story. While I did enjoy this as a whole, I found that some parts really slowed down the story for me, especially toward the middle section. I also found myself a bit exasperated with how repetitive some of the writing was. With characters repeating the same lines within the same part of dialogue. I also found it hard to distinguish between character voices. I did love how Hades as a character was written, often he is seen as completely a villain or overly sexualized/romanticized. Lynn's version of a softer, kind, just King is how I've always seen him, and it was a breath of fresh air to see him written in this way. Overall, I love that we are getting a story where the Persephone-Hades relationship is a C-plot, and we are focusing on what the myth itself values: the relationship between Demeter and Persephone.

I really enjoyed this book! It was refreshing to have Demeter's story told - I feel like she is often pushed to one side or made into a pseudo-villain whenever Core/Persephone is written about. I felt a lot of emotions while reading this book - a lot of anger and indignation, as well as joy and laughter. I loved seeing the various relationships play out, my favourite was awkward/shy/devoted Hades near the end.

I look forward to reading more from Hannah Lynn!

"Daughters of Olympus" by Hannah Lynn is a captivating and imaginative retelling of Greek mythology that breathes new life into ancient tales of gods and mortals. Set against the backdrop of Mount Olympus and the mortal world below, Lynn's novel transports readers to a world of divine intrigue, forbidden romance, and epic adventure.

The story follows the journey of Callista, a young woman born to a mortal mother and an absent godly father. When Callista discovers her true heritage and is summoned to Olympus by her estranged father, she finds herself thrust into a world of divine politics and familial drama. As she navigates the treacherous waters of Olympus, Callista must confront her own destiny and forge her own path in a world where gods and mortals collide.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is Lynn's skillful reimagining of familiar myths and legends. Drawing inspiration from classic Greek mythology, she weaves together a rich tapestry of gods, goddesses, and heroes, while adding her own unique twists and interpretations. The result is a story that feels both timeless and fresh, with characters that leap off the page and into the hearts of readers.

The characters in "Daughters of Olympus" are vibrant and multifaceted, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Callista is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery resonates with themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning. The supporting cast is equally compelling, from the wise and enigmatic Athena to the charming and roguish Hermes. Lynn deftly explores the complexities of family dynamics, friendship, and love, crafting relationships that feel authentic and deeply felt.

At its core, "Daughters of Olympus" is a story about the power of choice and the importance of forging one's own destiny. Lynn deftly explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of our actions, challenging readers to consider what it means to truly be in control of our own lives. The novel is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets of Olympus and the fate of its inhabitants.

Overall, "Daughters of Olympus" is a captivating and immersive read that is sure to delight fans of Greek mythology and fantasy alike. With its engaging characters, richly imagined world, and thrilling plot, this novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever been enchanted by the timeless tales of the ancient gods. I eagerly await Hannah Lynn's next foray into the world of mythology.

Daughters of Olympus by Hannah M. Lynn explores the dynamic between Demeter and Persephone as they navigate the tumultuous realms of gods and mortals. After enduring a traumatic ordeal at the hands of divine beings, Demeter seeks refuge on a secluded island with her daughter, Persephone. However, Demeter's fervent desire to shield Persephone drives a wedge between them, pushing Persephone’s desire for freedom beyond her mother's over protection. As Persephone forges her own path in the mortal realm, she discovers a sense of independence and identity previously unknown to her. Yet, her newfound freedom is shattered when she is abducted by Hades. Meanwhile, Demeter, consumed by grief over the loss of her daughter, unleashes a devastating winter upon the world. Among the bleakness of the underworld, Persephone unearths hidden powers within herself, reshaping her understanding of both her identity and her destiny. Hannah M. Lynn's narrative captivates with its exploration of love, loss, and resilience, breathing new life into the ancient myth of Demeter, Persephone and Hades.

Hannah M. Lynn's retelling of Hades' abduction of Persephone is a richly detailed narrative that delves deeply into Demeter's history and her bond with her daughter. Lynn's vivid descriptions and characterizations breathe life into familiar figures from Greek mythology, transforming them into vibrant, multidimensional beings. Lynn's deft hand extends beyond world-building to character development, where she fleshes out figures deeply ingrained in mythology. Each character comes to life with a richness and vibrancy that captivates the imagination, making them feel simultaneously familiar and refreshingly new. Though the storytelling occasionally slows, these moments serve to enhance character development and add depth to the storyline. Overall, Lynn's masterful storytelling creates a captivating and immersive reading experience that brings a fresh perspective to a classic tale.

Daughters of Olympus by Hannah M. Lynn is a 4/5 star read for me! This refreshed Greek Mythology retelling that left me excited to read more of Hannah M. Lynns books!

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel. I loved both Demeyer and Persephone's stories. Demeter though was the goddess i thought had the worst luck. she found love, lost it but at the end with the love of her daughter and her friends she was able to find happiness. Persephone's story and finding love with Hades. with her tail, she spends half her time with Hades and half her time on earth and i liked how they both had the same beginning as many of their brothers and sisters. Demeter The goddess of Nature and Core's transition to maiden to goddess Persephone are stories worth reaading. This book was beautifull writen and i will be buying a copy when it's realeased.

This is the second book of Hannah Lynn’s I have read and they just fall a bit flat for me.
I am usually really enticed by Greek mythology books but I feel like this one just didn’t have a majorly strong plot the whole way through. It started well but fell flat in the middle.
I wasn’t a massive fan of any of the characters other than Hades.
I don’t think I’ll be picking up any more of her books unfortunately.

“Daughters of Olympus” is a compelling tale of Demeter and Persephone, depicting a strong familial bond and the journey of mother and daughter. This is a must read for lovers of mythology retellings. It was interesting to see Demeter’s perspective and understand her story as hers is lesser known. Persephone’s story is one of love and becoming - maiden to goddess. The writing style was beautiful, and the dual perspectives enhanced the delivery.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I was absolutely enthralled by this book. As someone who never went through a Greek Mythology phase, the amazing and wonderful stories I am now being introduced to are so interesting and engaging. This tells the story of Demeter, with whom I was not super familiar. However, the book was so wonderfully written and approachable, it did not make my reading any less fun just because I was not super familiar with the story. The characters were so wonderfully constructed and the story so interesting, that I did not want to stop reading at all. I absolutely loved this book, even more so than any of the previous Greek Mythology retellings I had read because it was written in such a fresh and new way, and made the characters jump off the page and seem as though you really knew them. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction books, regardless of whether you have any familiarity any mythology, because this story explains everything in enough detail that it does not dumb it down, but at the same time makes it easily understandable.

This ebook was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Daughters of Olympus was an excellent retelling of Demeter and Persephone’s story! The first half of this book follows Demeter and her point of view. This is the first Demeter centered story that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. She’s often portrayed as a bit of an antagonist, but we got to actually understand her actions and empathize with her. The second half of the book follows Core. We see her grow and mature and eventually become Persephone.

This book is definitely worth the read, especially if you enjoy Persephone and Demeter lore.

I have loved mythology for awhile and Hades and Persephone is one of my favorites. I loved how this story not just had Core’s point of view but also Demeter’s. You don’t see that too much in retellings. I loved the development of Persephone’s relationship with Hades too.

Overall I’d give this four stars.

This book was slow paced for me and I felt like I was struggling to stay in tune with it. The characters felt flat to me and I just wasn't enthralled with any of them. I never felt connected to any of their issues and I think this one was just a miss for me.

Readers need to read the TW for this book as it deals with weighty, heavy and often triggering material such as SA, abuse, death, emotional abuse such as gaslighting, toxic/unhealthy relationships, strange family dynamics, and much more.

This is the story of Demeter....but it is much more. The writing is absolutely beautiful and on cannot help but fall deeply in love with the story as they are emersed into a world not of this world.

Absolutely beautiful in all elements - and highly recommended read.

I received this as a review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This a great angle to Greek mythology. While it can be a little redundant, the story itself is fabulous.

I've always enjoyed Greek and Roman mythology and have read a few retellings of Persephone's tale but usually it has been a Persephone & Hades romance, so it was refreshing to have this story from the mother/daughter perspectives. The story is told in first person from both Demeter's and Core's (Persephone's) POV. The first part of the book belongs to Demeter and starts further back than most stories go with the Titans and Demeter and her siblings before Core. Demeter recounts her life, relationships, and tells of her close bond to her daughter until her daughter goes missing. Core then picks up the narration in the second part, but goes back to tell of some of the events from her perspective. Some readers may find it redundant, but I thought it was interesting to see the events from a different angle and fill in some of the details that Demeter wouldn't know. The third part of the tale alternates both narrators and continues the part of the tale that is more familiar to those that know this myth. I also appreciated that the story did not over-romanticize the Hades/Persephone relationship. The prose is well written, and though I wouldn't call it fast-paced, moves along pretty well. This should be on the to-be-read list for anyone who enjoys mythological retellings or a bit of dysfunctional family drama--just heed the content warning for anyone unfamiliar with the myth.
I received advanced access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

I loved that this focused on both Demeter and Persephone both. It gave so much nuance to the story. Overall, it was a really fantastic take on a well-known tale.

I wanted to love this book more than I did, but the pacing was so slow for most of the book only for the ending to be rushed right when I felt like there was more I wanted to read.

Demeter’s story was a little too redundant and Core’s story repeated a lot of the same happenings that we’d already seen in Demeter’s. This book was separated into multiple parts, but I feel like a dual POV approach would’ve been a better fit for the entirety of this book.

I wish I would’ve gotten a little bit more of Hades and Persephone when things got more interesting and the problems “resolved” so I am very sad of the rushed ending.

This was a really compelling retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone, told firstly from the point of view of Demeter, who I feel like we don’t often hear from, other than the typical controlling mother trope.
Romantic and brutal both, the author breathes fresh life into Persephone and Demeter’s stories.
I also found the section on the underworld far richer than many others have made it.
Highly enjoyable.
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital arc.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a stunning book. Beautifully written, capturing the emotions of Demeter and Core brilliantly. Whilst a little heavy in some points, this really was fantastic book in Greek mythology fiction, up there with the likes of Madeline Miller

In "Daughters of Olympus," Hannah Lynn, weaves a spellbinding narrative that transports readers into the heart of Greek mythology, exploring the intricate relationship between a mother and daughter torn apart by the whims of the gods. With lush prose and emotional depth, this novel offers a fresh and captivating retelling of the timeless story of Persephone and Demeter.

At the center of the tale is Demeter, a goddess of life who finds herself living in half-existence after a devastating act of violence shatters her world. Hiding among the grasses and wildflowers, Demeter's only solace is her daughter, Core, who will one day become known as Persephone. Their bond is unbreakable, yet as Core grows, she craves freedom and independence, longing to carve out a life of her own beyond the confines of Olympus.

As Core's desires lead her down a path of self-discovery, she catches the eye of a powerful god, setting into motion a chain of events that will forever alter the course of their lives. When Hades kidnaps Core and takes her to the Underworld, she realizes she may have a chance to reclaim the agency and freedom she so desperately seeks. However, her mother, Demeter, will stop at nothing to bring her daughter back, even if it means unleashing chaos upon the mortal world.

"Daughters of Olympus" is a story of love, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between mother and daughter. As Demeter and Core navigate the complexities of their relationship and the machinations of the gods, they ultimately find themselves at odds with each other, each willing to risk everything for what they hold most dear. Through their struggles, they shape the world in ways they never imagined, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of Greek mythology.

Fans of Madeleine Miller and Claire Heywood will delight in the lush storytelling and emotional depth of "Daughters of Olympus." With its compelling characters, richly imagined world, and timeless themes, this novel is sure to captivate readers from beginning to end. Whether you're a longtime aficionado of Greek mythology or simply love a tale of love and redemption, this book is not to be missed.