DNF at chapter 5.

Honestly? This book just didn't click with me. It felt as though it was trying to be something it wasn't. Someone else could love this book and be obsessed, it has the potential. I just didn't vibe with it and I'm not going to force myself to read something I don't like.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was a rather easy read. I finished it in less than 4 hours. The cover is what attracted me most, especially the title. I tend to get interested in stories that have a Greek/Roman mythology theme to it. The most interesting parts of the book were, of course, the Gods and heroes themselves and their stories as to how they all ended up where they are when the reader begins the journey of Hope Diaz. If one is familiar with Greek mythology, there should be plenty of familiarity with the actions and inactions of these Gods, demi-gods, and heroes, such as Heracles or Ariadne.

Set in modern times, the divide between the Gods and humans have caused strife due to a barrier separating their worlds. Hope Diaz is just one of many random New Yorkers, all the age of 17, to be selected to compete for a single wish and to help get rid of the divide as the newest Olympian hero. The competitions the champions are chosen to do all relate to the Gods and heroes in some way. Hope Diaz, the main girl of the novel and unwilling contender, has a selfless love for all those she befriends and helps out throughout the story. This selflessness gets her into more trouble than it would normal people. She sacrifices much of herself for the sake of others, especially her closest friends, which is explained in detail in the novel, and it often causes more trouble for her than would be necessary should she have been more selfish. At times, however, it won her the attention of both allies and enemies alike. I found it rather hard to believe anyone could be that selfless for a stranger, even those that one must fight in the end, but it is fiction!

The novel was rather decent (the Gods and heroes were the most interesting part to be honest) up until a little more than halfway when the romance started with Hope Diaz. I feel that the novel as a whole could have done quite well with just a platonic relationship for Hope. The romance seemed quite rushed and made Hope no longer seem as a 17 year old, but a 13 year old who is worried that the boy she likes won't like her and that she must do everything to win his heart and think about him at all times. I would have really liked a more build of their friendship to relationship. It would have transitioned more smoothly and could have been solidified in the next book of the series.

Overall, the novel had concise language and grammar. The imagery was spot on; I could just imagine myself in the Gods' palaces and the forest where many of the trials took place, battling monsters or looking for answers. The only thing that I feel that the author could improve on is doing more to establish and have more interaction in the relationships between characters, platonic or romantic, in order to get the reader to feel a kinship of sorts with the characters themselves. I could not feel close to Hope nor any of her other friends or enemies, and I found that to be the greatest pity of my reading experience.

What is it about?

Every high school senior in New York receives an invitation, but only a few can actually read the riddle written on it. Hope is one of these special people, and ends up dragged to Mount Olympus to compete in a tournament to become the next great Greek hero. 

Was it good?

I enjoyed the study of mythology in school, and was always fascinated by the stories. I've forgotten a lot of the information since then, so I was hoping this book would include some of the mythology behind the gods. I was disappointed that this book glossed over that goldmine of story telling. 

Also, I thought the characters seemed flat and their relationships were not believable. All the friendships and love seemed instant, and the love one did not speak to a healthy future relationship. 

Still, the book WAS interesting, and it was a quick and easy read. If you like competition, finding strength in love, Greek gods and monsters, then this might be the book for you.

i really liked this book. It was a great mix of urban and fantasy, and a nice touch of mythology. I really enjoyed the romance aspects, as well as the world building and strong series opener. The characters were strong and likeable, a solid read.

”Your humanity- that is your greatest beauty.”

Hope Diaz is living a busy and somewhat difficult life. She’s on the swim team at school, her father left, and her mother has Alzheimer’s. And then one day, she and a bunch of other students (in the US? All over the world?) receive mysterious letters to prove their bravery in order to be granted a wish. She accidentally meets the requirements and finds herself in Olympus competing in a competition in order to grant a wish, a wish that could save her mother’s life.

Olympian Challenger had a decent set up to become a pretty good book. There was a competition, Greek mythology, a fictional (or not?) location, and an opportunity to make a point about humanity. But where it failed in becoming a great, or even a good book was with the characters and the writing.

All of the characters were flat and not very well-rounded. The main character especially got on my nerves constantly saying how selfish she was when she LITERALLY did nothing wrong. If there’s one thing I hate, it’s a character with no real flaws. But something that REALLY got to me was that one of the characters identified as LGBTQ+ and his main purpose in the book seemed to be proving how kind the main character was. Majority of the dialogue that came out of his mouth were insecure thoughts in front of the main character so she could then say “Why would you think like that? You’re PERFECT.” 8.) But did she ever mention her insecurities? No.

Also, the writing felt very juvenile. From the way the sentences were worded, to the way the characters talked and sometimes acted. Everything felt very young.

The quests/challenges were very interesting to read and creative. I think if there had been more challenges and less of the main character talking/thinking this would have been better. Although, there weren’t any real twists, which also kept it kind of dull.

Do I recommend?
This would maybe be suited better to a young young adult. Maybe someone 12-15 would enjoy this a lot more and find it cute.

I received a copy of this for a fair and honest review. I had a few worries when I started reading this. I was not sure how it would turn out and them getting the news that they got was not what I thought would happen, but them being sponsored by Olympian Gods or Goddesses. There are a lot of trials and challenges that they have to go through. They are given a limited time to train and try to impression the gods to help them along the way. The winner and hero will be granted a wish. They are wishing for something they believe will make their lives better. I want to see what is going to happen next. I wish the Greek Mythology for the story would have been a little more in-depth. It was a good read over all.

— I recieved a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review —
Reminiscent of the Percy Jackson series, this is a very fun, quick read. Hope Diaz accidentally ends up on Mount Olympus, forced to compete to become the next great olympian hero. She is determined to return home to her mother with dementia, but eventually has to accept that she cannot move backwards, only forwards.
While the story has a wonderful premise, I did feel that it was rather predictable and full of clichés. I don’t think there was any moment in the book where I was truly surprised. I also felt that the characters were rather one-dimensional. But nevertheless, this was a fun read!

The Hunger Games with a Greek myth twist. Challengers must survive trials to gain a wish from the gods and the potential to be a hero. Hope is no Katniss, but this is still a fun, enjoyable read.

I loved this book!!! So thrilling, and fast paced!! Hopes story is so sweet. I strongly recommend this book.

Loved this book the moment i started it.

The only issues is in a few places i got confused because the story jumps and so it took me a moment to work out what was going on and stopped the flow of the books.

But other then that i loved the story line, the research in to the deities and the minor deities.

Hope’s world doesn’t have room for heroes. She barely has time for schoolwork, swim team, and taking care of her ailing mother. But when she’s invited to a mysterious tournament, which promises to make her deepest wish come true, the all-powerful hosts won’t take no for an answer.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley. I was drawn to this book by the cover and the title. The cover is unique among other books I've read in this genre so far this year. It's odd to see a full body cover or even any character on a cover anymore. The title was also interesting as it clearly referenced greek myths. While I'm partial to Roman myths ( as we've discussed on this blog before ) I was also excited to see what this author had to offer to the genre.

Overall, I thought this plot was a bit derivative of other Greek-myth based stories. In fact, it's the second or third I've read so far this year to circle around this motif. While there were some twists to some parts of the plot that made it different from others in the genre, most of the plot points were predictable. While I was entertained, I never felt completely invested in this book as I have others so far this year.

Hope was a great character for this quintessential "Hero's Journey". She's simultaneously reluctant and eager. She's relatable but there's something "special" about her. I found her a bit cold and difficult to connect with at the beginning of the story, but definitely warmed up to her as the plot progressed. Her chemistry with her love interest with other characters was interesting, but, most like the plot, predictable as the books continued on.

What I appreciated most about this book, especially when considering the genre, was the setting. While there are many books about the Greek Gods, how many actually take place on the Greek God home turf, Mount Olympus? I'm sure some diligent readers of the genre could correct me, but I felt, as only a recreational reader, that the change of scenery was much appreciated. I also enjoyed the references to lesser known Gods and Demigods that you don't see quite as often in popular literature. It's clear the author did her research and is invested in the background of the book. Well done!

Olympian Challenger is the first book in it's series. It is a fun, entertaining story with a fairly typical hero's journey plot line and relatable but normal narrator. Fans of the genre will enjoy the unique elements of the story, including the setting and the diversity of the characters. As a more recreational read of Greek Myth-based novels, I enjoyed the book but found it predictable.

Olympian Challenger ~ Astrid Arditi
HYLIANREBEL June 20, 2018

An amazing journey into the world of the Greek Gods. It is hard to find a way to do a spin on the Olympians that hasn’t been done in some form of fashion, but I believe the Astrid Arditi has done just this. The story was well written and well read. I was waiting to find out what came next every time I had to step away from the book.

Astrid has managed to instantly establish a secure and emotional connection with the heroine. Quickly giving you a sense of their personality without taking more than a couple of pages. She has even managed to give a good well rounded personality to the supporting characters. Making a lasting impression on each and every player on the board. You cant help but hate the villains (even though they aren’t who you think at first), love the underdogs, and want to save every single friend.

She has awaken the Olympus that we have all imagined at one point growing up. From the colossal temples to the cloud filled surroundings. Every aspect of Mount Olympus is as you would expect it to be with out feeling like you just watched a Disney movie. Hopes home in New York is described in such a way that it could be your own home adding to the attachment to the character.

I will personally be awaiting the next installment in this fast paced new series from Astrid Arditi.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

I normally rate books on an integral system but I had trouble rating this one because while I did like it, I wasn’t quite sure it deserves 4 stars.

I requested Olympian Challenger because I really quite enjoyed Percy Jackson and wanted to read another book where fiction and mythology come together. And while it lacked the comical wit and easy writing of Rick Riordan’s books, it did have a great plot which made it a worthy read.

That being said, I did have issues with the pacing of the book. Despite the fact that it was filled with heroic quests and action, I found it really slow in parts. I also wasn’t the biggest fan of the romance in the novel because it seemed unnecessary.

As for the characters, despite the fact that Hope is the main character, I liked her friends Amy and Gabriel a lot more. They were quite interesting.

Normally I love anything that has to do with Greek Gods. They have always fascinated me so when I saw this beautiful cover and synopsis I was sold. However when I actually got to reading it, I felt different about it. To the point that it was a DNF for me.

The writing just seemed childish to me. Nothing of great detail, and I'm a lover of detail!
It was really repetitive in the beginning about the letter and she was the only one to be able to read it. I just couldn't get passed the writing style to be able to get to the good parts. However, I am not comfortable rating it lower because I didn't finish it. So this book could have some great qualities but I couldn't get to them.

I received a free copy of this book and chose to review. I loved loved loved this story! A beautifully written and totally unique tale featuring the Greek gods. Now I'm in love and can't wait for a sequel. Wonderful for young adults and up. You won't be able to put it down.

3.5/5

I got an ARC copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for honest review. Thank you for providing me this ARC.

I like the cover so much. When I read the description I was like, yass another Greek mythology. Then, I requested this ARC.

This book is like the Hunger Games meets Greek mythology. It took me back to the good old times reading Percy Jackson. I could get into the book because I know some basics of Greek myth.

Every New York teenagers got a mysterious invitation but only some who could make it. Hope Diaz, the main character was one of those "lucky" teenagers who made it. They were transported to Mount Olympus to compete, yet there was only one who could win. The one who had heroic heart and the winner could wish only one thing that would be granted.

I liked the idea of this book. The more I read, the more I understood the gods and the world.

The plot was good and I liked how it moved forward. It wasn't that fast-paced nor slow-paced. That didn't make me bored.

The characterization were good. And how Astrid pictured the characters was good. Even I annoyed by some characters and liked some.

The English used here was easy to understand for a non-native English speaker like me.

The quests, the friendship, and the world fascinated me, yet I didn't get the romance sorry. I liked this book but it didn't make me wowed. But, this book is GREAT!

Thank you for writing this book, Astrid!

That gosh darn cover! I freaking love it! I love Greek Mythology, Zesus still sucks, Hades is truly a bad man, and the rest....Well you read it let me know! LOL Hope Diaz is a teenager trying to take care of her mother, who has dementia. Hope is able to take care of her mother with the help of her mom's bestfriend. Hope receives an invitation in the mail about a challenge but so does every student in her school. Hope goes for a walk to clear her mind, and see's someone jump into the water. She instantly jumps in to save them and is transported to Olympus after being saved by a God. We see Hope coming to terms with the idea that she will actually have to compete in the challenge. Hope makes friends and unfortunately enemies too! The challenges went by pretty quick, and every challenger wanted to be there except Hope. I would have loved more back story on Hope, and the other challengers. I kept confusing everyone, and had to go back and read about them again lol. The END..what?? After all that, I cannot wait for the next book because I was a little upset at the ending, I mean come on. HUGE cliffhanger, like HUG!

Greek mythology at it’s finest!

SPOILER FREE

P L O T

I love how the intro didn’t drag too long and it got straight to the point by bringing the teens to Olympus and starting with the competition. This book really focuses on the challenges that the demigods will face, the competition, all set in Arditi’s version of Olympus.

It may seem kind of slow sometimes but every scene was necessary because they play a part in later events. The only other Greek Mythology YA Fantasy books I’ve read are by Rick Riordan and Astrid Arditi’s Olympian Challenger is a breath of fresh air. It’s light, we have a female lead, just enough action because too much isn’t really my thing.

C H A R A C T E R S

Hope

She’s the perfect candidate, she didn’t want to take part in the competition but she has no choice now. She’s always putting the happiness of others first and it sometimes annoys me but maybe that’s just my selfish self talking.

I don’t entirely feel the romance, I think it was kind of forced but I’m a sucker for love so I’m going along with it. The curious boy and the humble girl, what an unusual match. But I do love the feminism in this book where the girl advances on the guy even though he constantly avoids her every chance he gets. The future is female!

W R I T I N G

I love how the author chose minor gods and goddesses who aren’t very known by the people. I myself just know the basics - the twelve major gods and some minor ones. It is kind of confusing in the world of the gods where they have children and sleep with each other. Who’s who, and who’s child is who?

I must say, I like the author’s version of Olympus. It makes sense, the level godliness is obvious, and that little tidbit about minor gods not being entirely immortal was great too.

O V E R A L L

It was beautiful, exciting, and heart-breaking!

This books is obviously not a stand alone, and I’m super excited for the next installment. I have no idea what to expect next but I hope it’ll be a thrilling ride!

I was so excited to read this book when I first requested it. It sounded like a YA version of Percy Jackson and I love anything and everything to do with Greek Mythology. But I was so disappointed . I hate giving negative reviews, but I can't really get away from the terrible aspects of this book.
First of all the writing is really obvious, and too vague at the same time. The Fate's prophecy at the start of the book gives away the ending. But at the same time, the writer withholds so much information from us, it makes it hard to read. But I carried on reading anyway.
It read a little like a children's book. The plot was too simple, and too obvious. But even some children's books have more interesting characters. Hope, the protagonist of the story, was so annoying that I could barely stand being inside her head. And Gabriel was the most stereotyped LGBT 'Gay-Best-Friend' you could get. That angered me the most, there isn't enough LGBTQ+ representation in books as there should be, and it doesn't help when books like this stereotype homosexuality. As a supporter of LGBTQ+ I found that a little hard to get over. But for some reason, I still didn't DNF the book and kept reading. Amy was the book's saving grace. She was the only character I liked, but even then, she lacked depth. The author gave us one piece of information about each character, and that was it, the rest of their personality centred around this. Amy and her thieving, Gabriel being gay, Heath being spiteful, Hope being 'selfless', etc. And we knew even less about the other supporting characters except 'one has muscles', 'one has glasses', 'one's mean', and this made it very hard to enjoy the story.
I kept reading though because despite the bad writing and characters. I did actually enjoy the general concept of this book. And the fact that it's based on Greek Mythology would keep me reading any book, even if I hated most things about it.
Hope is meant to be the brave, heroic protagonist of the story, but to be honest I found her weak, moany and all round a bit of a wimp. She gives up, she doesn't try very hard, and to be honest, although I understand that the author was trying to put an arc of growth into the story, I wasn't ever really routing for her through the competition. and you are meant to route for the protagonist, to want them to succeed. but with hope, I didn't. I didn't actually like her enough. With Hope, things happen to her, she isn't a very active character, and she doesn't really actually do much. I think that's what frustrated me the most about her. I just wanted to shake her and tell her to actually do something to fight against and change her situation. But she doesn't, she just lets the others do things for her. It took until chapter 27 for her to finally do something good. And that's really not right for a supposed hero protagonist.
I kind of wish Amy was the protagonist really at least she was less of a damsel in distress. I saw Hope as being a bit of a 'Mary Sue'/'Special Snowflake' character who was a little too much to be realistic. I didn't really believe in her, she was a character, and didn't really seem much like a real person.
Hope's dislike of Heath from the start really annoyed me too. I couldn't see why she was resenting him for what happened, when it wasn't really his fault. She was the one who caused her fate, but she constantly projects it on Heath. Which is really weird, and really frustrating. She also gets really angry over the stupidest things. When she meets Delphi in the woods, she listens to the prophecy (which is actually really obvious and not cryptic at all like she makes out) and then she storms off in a temper that literally makes no sense, or has no real reason. And then later when she does have a chance to get more of her questions answered. She doesn't bother to ask them, wasting the questions on stupid, pointless stuff instead. A classic case of the author withholding information again.
But the thing that annoyed me the most about Hope, was her constant insistence that she wants to go home. If you read this book, or have read it. You will know what I mean. It's stupid!
This book is so outrageous, that I think that's why I kept reading it. Because it was amusingly over the top. I actually found myself rolling my eyes at parts of it... actually rolling my eyes.
I also just have to put this out there. KIERON. She named a minor Greek God (who is so obviously Erebus) KIERON.... I'll just leave you all to think about that one... Kieron...
I did like the idea of the fountain to reveal their Greek ancestry though. But of course Hope would be the only one to have two ancestors, and of course the author would keep withholding, and withholding and withholding who the other ancestor is like it's some big surprise. Instead it's just frustrating, especially as WE ACTUALLY EVEN FIND OUT IN THIS BOOK. Don't tease something right towards the start of the book if you are not even going to write it in this book. That's just cruel.
The challenges are the best part of the book, and they are the thing that stopped me from DNFing the book altogether. They were interesting, and things actually happened in them. And I love the idea of the Demi-God illness that affects a lot of the character's parents. But the romance was terrible Instalove that I really couldn't get over. It was, again, laughable really.
I’ve seen some people compare this to Percy Jackson. But no. Just no. It’s so pale in comparison, with pale characters and weak plots. Its an insult to Riordan to compare this to Percy Jackson just because it shares the theme of Greek mythology. Reading the description, I even thought it would be a little like a YA Percy Jackson. But it doesn't even come close. I was so excited about this book. But now I’m so disappointed. I probably won’t read the sequel.

This book is a gem for readers who were captivated by the Rick Riordan Olympus series. Similar in some ways but darker. This was a book difficult to put down. I have found a new author for our young adults and look forward to the other books in this series