Review of 'Lore Olympus: Volume 3'

Lore Olympus: Volume 3 continues to build up the relationship between Persephone and Hades while developing their characters and the pain they have let define them…until now.

Storytelling

I love Lore Olympus. I’ve said that before and will continue to say it until it is untrue…which I doubt will ever happen.

Rachel Smythe’s storytelling is fabulous. Graphic novels are not my typical read. I have nothing against them; I’m just exceeding picky about which graphic novels I read.

Lore Olympus is one I love.

Here Smythe continues to explore the romance between Persephone and Hades stylishly. Lore Olympus: Volume 3 collects episodes 50 – 75, which focus on Persephone as she struggles with her PTSD, the assault she suffered at the hands of Apollo. With that, she struggles to fit into the box of perfection her mother has always wanted her in.

Persephone is still struggling to find herself. Always the perfect daughter, always kept separated from everyone else, fitting in and discovering her strength has been a struggle. The reader feels her pain throughout the story. However, around Hades, she is allowed to be herself.

Hades allows her to voice her opinions; he encourages them. Around him, Persephone does not feel the need to be the perfect daughter or maiden; she is allowed to be flawed and herself.

Then there’s Hades. Hades continues to struggle with inadequacy. His realm is the realm of death, so he’s not looked too fondly upon. He feels as though he does not deserve love. This has led him to develop an unhealthy and toxic relationship with the manipulative and verbally abusive Minthe, who has her own issues.

But again, he can be himself around Persephone, explore, and overcome these feelings.

Smythe brings these characters to life in an incredible way. And while the main focus of Lore Olympus: Volume 3 may be about Persephone and Hades, the tale explores other Greek myths and other characters such as Hera, Eros, and Artemis.

These Greek mythological figures are relatable through Smythe’s powerful storytelling.

Artwork

However, is it not just her storytelling and writing that make Lore Olympus: Volume 3 so gripping.

Smythe’s artwork is terrific. The way they have compiled the separate episode and made full-page spreads pulls the reader in. The vibrancy of the pink that is Persephone compliments the blue of Hades and the Underworld.

The shading, lighting, detail, and characterization are all brilliant. Smythe is expressive in her artwork; the reader sees the shock and pain in the facial expressions. There could be a scene without any dialogue, and the reader can read the scene perfectly because of the emotion that bleeds off the pages. It is incredible to see how the story is put together as a graphic novel.

What is also impressive is the level of detail that goes into building up the scenes.

Final Thoughts

Lore Olympus: Volume 3 is a beautiful compilation of episodes previously read separately on WEBTOON. It gives the reader a more emotional and deeper feel while also presenting readers with complex themes and topics that help the characters become more tangible and relatable to the reader.

• Writing Quality : 10/10
• Image / Illustration Quality: 10/10
• Character Development : 10/10
• "Couldn't Put It Down"-ness : 10/10
• Intellectual Depth: 10/10
• Originality: 10/10
• Overall Rating: 5 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband, son and daughter and their two cats.