Lore by Alexandra Bracken- Review

Alexandra Bracken blessed me with an ARC of Lore!! This book has been on my radar since I saw it's release date and synopsis. I absolutely love Greek mythology and any story that incorporates that into their characters journey, and Bracken did not disappoint.

Every seven years, the Agon begins. As punishment for a past rebellion, nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals, hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines, all eager to kill a god and seize their divine power and immortality.

Long ago, Lore Perseous fled that brutal world in the wake of her family's sadistic murder by a rival line, turning her back on the hunt's promises of eternal glory. For years she's pushed away any thought of revenge against the man--now a god--responsible for their deaths.

Yet as the next hunt dawns over New York City, two participants seek out her help: Castor, a childhood friend of Lore believed long dead, and a gravely wounded Athena, among the last of the original gods.

The goddess offers an alliance against their mutual enemy and, at last, a way for Lore to leave the Agon behind forever. But Lore's decision to bind her fate to Athena's and rejoin the hunt will come at a deadly cost--and still may not be enough to stop the rise of a new god with the power to bring humanity to its knees.

SPOILERS

AHHH!! I have so many feelings after finishing this. But, most of all I think the aesthetic of this book is just breathtaking. I mean, look at the cover!! I was already intrigued by the plot and cover, but that was just the beginning. The world building is phenomenal, and Alexandra makes it so clear and easy to understand and follow. With Greek mythology, and Greek names and events, it can become overwhelming and confusing. This was not the case with Lore. Not only was her writing precise and easy to follow-- while also thickening the plot and provoking thought-- she also included a glossary for the different lines and their descendants, and a glossary at the end with a "cast of characters".

The idea of the Agon was so original and something I had never even thought of or imagined. It is such a creative twist to the Greek gods we have learned about and know. The idea of the gods becoming mortal for seven days every seven years, and basically having to fight to stay alive and keep their powers from being taken by a "new god"??? ALEXANDRA BRACKEN'S MIND.

Honestly, I love how she portrayed Athena. I kind of had a feeling she was up to something, and I didn't trust her. And, when she portrayed Lore I was still upset because that rooftop talk they had.. wow, I wanted them to be friends so bad, I really enjoyed watching Athena's character arc; it was raw and beautiful to watch. I also loved how Bracken had the poem, and the whole idea of cracking the code/meaning that Zeus had intended. It was so fun to watch and I just enjoyed the characters all working together and discovering their found little family, it was so sweet.

Now, my favorite part!!! THE CHARACTERS!! Let me start with saying that Castor and Lore are the childhood friends to lovers trope executed PERFECTLY. They balanced each other so well, Lore was always quick to temper and fight, while Castor was also the calm and collected one... I just loved them so much. THE BATHROOM SCENE. Whew, that was so intimate and they didn't even kiss?? I just love the good ole character a is injured so character b takes them to get cleaned up/take care of them. IT HAS MY WHOLE HEART. I adored watching them both come to know each other again, while also still trying to find themselves. It was a beautiful journey watching them discover themselves and their feelings for each other.

EVANDER AND MILES. I have no words. My gay kings. I am love with them both. They are literally the depiction of the grumpy and sunshine couple. Van was so caring and protective of Miles, and Miles was the only one who could break Van's façade. UGH, my heart. I loved both of their characters on their own, but them being together- *chefs kiss*.

As much as I loved it so much, there were a couple of reasons why I felt like I couldn't give it a full 5-stars. First, was the scene where Lore goes with Castor and she retrieves the shield with him. Then, continues to wear it, and just basically makes her own storm of thunder and lightening?? I felt like that whole scene should've been more dramatic/climatic. She kind of just put it on, did what she did, and was like "okay, let's go." MA'AM. THIS IS THE AEGIS. THE SHIELD OF ATHENA. GIFTED BY ZEUS. THE REASON SO MUCH BAD SHIT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU?? Ugh, I just wish the scene was more epic. I also thought the idea of the gods having to accept their mistakes and sacrifice themselves meaningfully for a human to get back to Olympus was kind of...eh. You're telling me the goddess of wisdom and war couldn't have figured that out in a thousand plus years? I don't know if I buy that... I still enjoyed it play out in the story though.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!! ESPECIALLY if you love Greek mythology and are looking for a new twist in the pantheon of gods.