★ I received a chapter sampler from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ★

I honestly loved the first 6 chapters of this book and can't wait to get my hands on the full book once it releases. This gave me major The Mortal Instruments vibes and I am very excited!! This book has a lot going for it:

✔️ beautiful cover art
✔️ kickass female protagonist
✔️ mysterious love interest
✔️ gay best friend
✔️ family revenge
✔️ greek myth retelling

Main Characters:

Lore - Melora Perseous (The House of Perseus)

Iris - old lady Lore lived with after her family was murdered, died 6 months ago and left Lore her brownstone as inheritance.

Castor Achilleos (The House of Achilles) - tall, dark and handsome. childhood best friend returned from the dead.

Miles (South Korean descent) - gay best friend. Hipster college student from Florida who lives with Lore in Iris' old New York brownstone.

False God Ares - Aristos Kadmou, leader of The House of Kadmos - responsible for the death of Lore's family.

Athena - one of the last original nine gods remaining, betrayed by Artemis and in need of a new alliance.

New Poseidon - Tidebringer, one of Lore's ancestors who killed the original Poseidon and took his mantel, even though it is forbidden for a woman to do so. This caused her to be shunned and her family to be murdered except Lore's great-great grandfather, the other family's split The House of Perseus' empire between themselves. The leader of House Kadmos at the time took her family's heirloom: The Aegis -the shield of Zeus, given to The House of Perseus by the king of gods himself to aid them in their hunt for immortality (was once Athena's). Only a heir to The House of Perseus can wield it.

Synopsis:

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. Once the power is seized by another - that person is then susceptible to the same mortality every Agon after, continuing the games between the Hunter families. Originally nine families, there are only four left participating in the Agon.

During the last Agon, Lore's entire family was murdered by a rival family - The House of Kadmos, who's leader is now the new god Ares. Lore turned her back on the Agon, but now as the next hunt dawns over New York City, two participants seek out her help: Castor, a childhood friend believed to be long dead, and a gravely wounded Athena, among the last of the original gods. The goddess offers an alliance against their mutual enemy the False Ares, and 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.

That little glimpse was not enough. When you get to the last page of a sampler and keep pushing the button for the next page insistently because you need more, you know it's good. I love Alexandra Bracken's writing style and I immediately got sucked in to the story. I need to know what happens! Will Miles survive being her friend? How did Castor survive and what does he mean to Lore? Will he help her or betray her? So many questions!

I received this chapter sample in exchange of a honest review... This sampler was very intriguing! I am a huge fan of Greek mythology and how authors rework the stories of ancient gods and heroes.

I really enjoy Lore's character; she's a very convincing heroine that's trying to survive in the situation she's put in. Great characters and writing!

I have a weird thing where I usually don’t read previews of books. I prefer to gobble up what I’m interested in ASAP! But I guess the time is now to make exceptions for Alexandra Bracken’s Lore. The six chapter preview is now available to all on NetGalley.

“You can gain immortality by becoming a god, but you can also gain it through glory. Kleos is the honor that comes from becoming a legend—someone others keep alive through stories and songs. Your body can die, but your name will live forever.”

I was drawn to this book for many reasons, the least of which is seemingly different take on aspects of Greek mythology: what if Greek gods could become human? Fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus and Trials of Apollo will not be disappointed with Bracken’s Lore.  

Thousands of years ago, nine gods - Athena, Artemis, Poseidon, Dionysus, Apollo, Hermes, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, and Ares – staged a rebellion against Zeus. As punishment, every seven years they become mortal and are hunted. If they’re killed by a hunter, they lose their immortality. The hunters are descendants from famous Greek heroes – Perseus, Kadmos, Achilles, Herakles, etc, hoping for a shot at immortality. It’s a never ending game for all involved.

Six chapters was a perfect peak into Lore. The characters and scene are quickly set. I felt immediately comfortable in this world, with the characters, and the trajectory of the plot. Lore is the last member of the House of Perseus. She’s turned her back on the game years ago and is still reeling from the death of Iris, her pseudo-grandmother only six months prior. She steps in the ring and fights to cope. Then her deceased best friend shows up wanting to play a game, and the severely injured Athena shows up on her stoop, Lore is drawn right back into the action. Lore binds herself to Athena who promises to help her kill the man-god who murdered her family.

This is my first time reading Bracken, and I found her writing style really wonderful. I loved the descriptions of New York, the underground fighting ring, and the characters. I really enjoyed all the characters thus far, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes! Will be adding to my to be read list for 2021.

Thank you NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for this chapter sampler.

This chapter sampler was very intriguing! I am a huge fan of Greek mythology and how authors rework the stories of ancient gods and heroes. The layout is well done, though it can be confusing in the beginning (though most stories are and this isn't a full version anyway). The last few chapters in the sampler do a great job of making me desire to read more!

I really enjoy Lore's character; she's a very convincing heroine that's trying to survive in the situation she's put in. Great characters and writing! Four stars so far based off what I was given.

I was given access to the first six chapters via a chapter sampler, and I already found myself starting to feel invested in the characters and the plot itself. Miles already has my whole heart and he needs to be protected at all costs. Almost immediately there is a lot of information thrown at the reader in these first six chapters, which is good because the prologue dumps you right into the middle of a god arriving for the Agon, but it's also a bit overwhelming. I could feel the plot starting to slow down in pacing by the end of the sixth chapter, which is what I think is necessary in order to allow the reader to process some of the big background points that are discussed.

I was really enjoying Bracken's writing style, especially in the prologue where there was a very gritty yet poetic atmosphere. Her writing became less flowery once the story proper began, which makes me feel as though she knows when to hold on to her purple prose until she needs it to really pack a punch.

I was already interested in this book because of the synopsis, and this sampler just deepened my intrigue even more. I want to know more about the different bloodlines and their relationships with each other as well as their influence on the outside world, and I am excited to see how deep Bracken's world building goes. I'm also looking forward to getting to know the characters more (obviously Miles owns my heart, but I'm ready to extend my love to the others as well), and I was greatly impressed by the feminist undertones that have already made an appearance, mainly in the main character, Lore. I'm a sucker for strong feminists, and I hope to see more of this theme pop up throughout the whole book.

I think it's clear that I am definitely impatiently awaiting the moment I can get my hands on a copy of the full novel!

Intriguing and captivating! This sampler gives us a peak of what the rest of Lore will be like: revolutionary.

The chapter sampler is great at laying out the beginning of a story that I just wanted so much more of!! It’s giving me some Percy Jackson vibes and I’m absolutely down for that!
I’m super excited to see where this story goes, I’m really enjoying the main character, what a badass- ugh, I need more!

Based on what I’ve read of this so far I’d give it 4 stars.
Fingers crossed I get approved for the arc when it's up, I don’t think I can wait until January to see where this story is going to go!

**Won't be giving a review on Goodreads because I only read 70 pages

This was such a beautiful chapter sampler/snippet of a sneak peak into Alexandra Bracken's new world. It's intriguing, and captures the readers attention, making me want more. I am looking forward to the full novel when it releases.

This sampler only made me even more excited for LORE. I love Alexandra Bracken and can't see what she has in store for the rest of this story!

I didn't realize that this was a chapter sampler when I requested it but I have to say that reading this has made me even MORE excited to read this book when it releases in January 2021..The cover is simply stunning.

I really enjoyed this chapter sampler! I am always a fan of Alexandra Bracken's writing and I have been following her on Instagram as she has documented her journey writing this novel. The first couple of chapters of this book that were provided in this sampler were really enjoyable. I like the introduction of Lore as a character and I think the prologue to the book was an amazing way to start! I am extremely excited to dive into the full version when I get my first chance!

Really enjoyed sneak peak of this highly anticipated January 2021 release.
Alexandra Bracken has always been a must read author.
This Greek mythology tale centered on Lore and Castro should appeal to readers of Circe.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a sampler of this book! Everyone has a favorite author who they know will never disappoint them. For me, it's Alexandra Bracken. I'm familiar with most of her works and have enjoyed everything I've read by her and Lore is no different!

I just absolutely loved all the chapters I read so far. Lore seems like such a badass, determined, and sassy heroine. Her voice is very convincing and definitely makes you want to root for her with the little information you have about the world or the characters. Chapter six had me completely hooked and I can't wait to see how Athena and Lore's oath will unfold. It's a shame that the sampler ended when it did because I would've loved to find out what happens in the next one.

And man, I've been in love with Alex's writing for years and found myself highlighting quotes already. I'm a big fan of greek mythology and I can't wait to find out more about the history of agon and the different houses. It just seems like such an intriguing world. My excitement for this book has hit the roof after reading this sampler! I would definitely recommend anyone who is a fan of greek mythology, splendid writing, and well-developed characters, to check out this book!

I knew I wanted this book and after reading this sampler I want it even more. If you have any interest in Greek mythology I strongly encourage you to check this book out and add it to your list! I cannot wait to find out what happens next for Lore.

This sampler solidified my thoughts about the book. I love mythology and it seems to be incorporated in a very natural way. Since we are already familiar with those stories (or most of us are, anyway), it is very easy to understand the connections. And this new system that is introduced in the book seems very interesting so far.
The few characters we have been introduced to have a lot of potential, and having read other books written by Alexandra Bracken, I am confident they will be fully developed throughout the whole book. In just a few chapters, we get to learn a lot about them but still feel like there is a lot more to come. I am particularly intrigued by the characters that we have not seen much from for now.
As a feminist (and activist in a more global sense), I enjoyed the social commentary. I am always a fan of it being sprinkled throughout the stories I read. That is another thing I look forward to seeing more of when the book comes out.
Overall, it was a very easy to follow story. I really want to read the book as soon as it comes out and I know I will be thinking about it from time to time, which is always a good sign.

This is a very interesting concept for a book. I love the incorporation of greek mythology into modern day. It provided a great opportunity t educate students about mythology while connecting it to their everyday lives. It has the feel of American gods by Neil Gaiman but for a younger audience. I am definitely interested in reading the full book and not just the sampler.

I'm ready for more! Bracken has returned with her trademark writing style, descriptive and engaging as she pulls us into a new and thrilling world. She has walked down a well-familiar path of gods and Greek mythology but molded it into a world of her own, inviting us to explore a compelling new passage into immortality, survival, and loyalties. I am absolutely ready to see what is in store for our vividly drawn characters. I know the stakes will only get bigger and the action more seat-gripping. She has set the stage magnificently; next year can't come soon enough!!

This chapter sampler was amazing and super entertaining. I always love to read about greek mythology, its one of my favorite topics to read. I need more of this please

Title: Lore
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Pub. Date: January 5, 2021
Rating 3 stars for now, but I'm betting this is a 5 star read after I read the full book!

This will be a spoiler free review. Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free chapter sampler in exchange for an honest review.

Give me Greek Mythology and I will eat it up. Give me an Alexandra Bracken book, and I will eat it up. I’m so excited to see her take on Greek Mythology and how she weaves a unique story with characters of legend that we already know. I’ve really liked what I’ve already read, and I can only assume the rest of the book is going to be just as good.

If you’re a Greek Mythology fan, or an Alexandra Bracken fan, you’re not going to want to miss this book. I have a feeling it’s going to be utterly fantastic.