The Agon is a punishment that occurs on a seven-year cycle. This is when nine Greek gods are forced to return to earth as mortals and be hunted. If they are killed, the person will take the divine power and the immortality that comes with it. Lore decided not to participate in the ritual because her family had been brutally murdered by another bloodline. As the next cycle begins, though, Caster (a childhood friend) and Athena (one of the last original gods) both ask Lore for help. Will Lore take the chance to leave the Agon for good? What costs will Lore need to pay to reenter the contest?

Lore is a stand-alone fantasy novel that is full of action and backstabbing. Readers who are not familiar with the Greek gods can still enjoy this story because Bracken gives all the basic information needed to enjoy the storyline. Events transpire primarily across New York City and those who have visited or watched movies about NYC will recognize many locations. It is nice to read a good fantasy that isn’t part of a series. I recommend Lore to all fans of Riordan and Hamilton.

This book is BADASS! Wow. For seven days every seven years, the gods will walk on earth as mortals and if a hunter kills one they will become a new god and take their power and immortality, but then they will have to take part in the next Agon.
Lore is a hunter. But she doesn't exactly live that lifestyle anymore after losing her family. However, this Agon changes everything... and it's insane!!
This book is a brutal mythology based Hunger Games with the Arena being NYC. Full of surprises, this book won't let you down. I highly recommend this read!
And thank you Netgalley for this ARC!!

This review is tough. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. Firstly, I must say that the concept of this book is really fascinating and engaging. It was what first drew me to this book in the first place. I liked how the author tried, and generally succeeded, in weaving ancient Greek mythology together with modern life. It made for a very unique and interesting world. It's clear to me that the author did a lot of research and is very well versed in Greek myths and legends. And I liked how the author ensured that each god has his or her own unique powers and abilities. That was a wise choice and ensured that each god had a distinct personality and allure to them. However, while I loved the concept and its clear the author understands Greek history, I can't help feeling that the actual book failed to live up to it's potential. The author failed to make me emotionally invested in the characters. There just wasn't enough meaningful interaction between them for me to actually start to care about them. Furthermore the fight scenes in this book seemed lack luster and the writing of them was a little jarring and hard to follow. I also managed to figure out several of the key plot points long before the big reveals, which somewhat tarnished the reveals for me when they did, eventually, occur. In the end this book just didn't thrill or captivate me. Which is a shame because I genuinely believe that this book had all the makings of being fantastic, and perhaps even the start of a good series.

5/5

Greek mythology meets the Hunger Games in this stunning fantasy standalone from author Alexandra Bracken. Long ago, nine Greek gods rebelled, and as punishment for this rebellion, the Agon was created. Every seven years those same gods would be stripped of their immortality and forced to fight against an onslaught of humans desperate to gain power and immortality in their death. Lora, an outcast from the supposedly wiped out line of the Perseides, is drawn back into the hunt upon the arrival of the famed Athena on her doorstep. Together the two will form a tethered bond, joining unlikely allies in search of revenge, and an end to the Agon forever.

I just want to start by saying how in awe I am of this. This book delivered in every sense of the word, flawlessly executing complex plot and strategy, all while developing the personal relationships amongst the main characters. The writing style is one that slowly took hold, enveloping me within the world like it was greeting an old friend. Upfront there certainly was a lot to digest in order to move forward, but it seemed necessary given the nature of the story and how thoroughly it was explored. The character of Lora, whose complicated past begins to hold power over current events and alliances, is just one example. The internal conflict of her seeking revenge for the death of her family versus escaping from the horrible legacy of the Agon was one of the most compelling aspects of the novel. Bracken surely drew out the revelations to her past, in relation to the progression of the hunt and the meaning behind it all. There were definitely moments when I wanted to throw this book at the wall, as I came to terms with yet another expertly placed plot-twist. My only bone to pick with this is that I needed more of a definitive answer as to the point of the Agon. In the concluding events, what was the fate of the gods, and what was Zeus's plan all along? These are questions that needed to be answered for me to really feel like the book had concluded in a finite way. This truly is a book that will take the world by storm, and I look forward to witnessing it in January.

HER NAME WILL BE LEGEND

Thank you NetGalley and Disney Books for the advance copy.

LORE-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.

I just finished this book and all I can say is WOW! It’s an epic novel with a great fresh idea. Lovers of fantasy need to read this one. The blending of the traditional Greek gods with mortal life is a definite winner. Fear paced and delightful! So many characters and side stories to like in this one. There is definitely something for everyone. The author does a superb job of giving enough detail without overwhelming the reader in this new world. Definitely going to be a standout book for 2021! Be sure to reserve your copy!

In bustling New York City lives a 17 year-old girl named Melora. Known to all of her friends as Lore, she is the last living member of her families ancient bloodline. Of course, no one in her life knows she was born into a war among mortals and Greek Gods. Having disassociated herself from that “world”, Lore is constantly keeping a low profile. Try as she might, she can’t avoid that the ancient hunt for power by killing Greek Gods has touched down in her city.

“Bind your fate to mine”
Lore is forced back into the hunt when she crosses paths with a wounded and bleeding Athena. Athena is close to death, a fate only possible because of a curse placed by Zeus. Every seven years, for two weeks, all of the Gods are made mortal. Should a human manage to kill a God within those two weeks, they are reborn with the said-God’s powers. Until the next seven year cycle when they themselves will be hunted.



It will come as no surprise that Lore will have a love interest in this story. What did surprise me was the swoon-worthy moment when he admits that he loves her. Even knowing that moment would eventually come, I clutched the book to my chest and squealed for a few seconds. I wish I could share the direct quote without spoiling the magic. It’s become one of my favorite “I love you” reveals.

The most ultimate of all betrayals.
While we can always rely on a good plot twist to keep a book interesting, I was not prepared for the ultimate betrayal that rips Lore’s heart wide open. The author makes you care deeply about every player within Lore’s alliance. So at the moment that all the pieces align in Lore’s mind, it is devastating. This moment is up there in top 5 book-betrayals I’ve ever read. Again, I wish I could explain why! Kudos to you Alexandra Bracken for shocking me to my core!

Love, friendship, Greek Gods, a war for immortality… this book has it all! One of the best books I’ve read in 2020.

After trying to escape the life she was raised in Lore is dragged back into the Agon. She is dragged back in to the battle amongst Greek Gods and families trying to be the next in power. As she fights her way through, she might just find a new family to help deal with the loss of her own family.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Alexandra Bracken, and Disney Books for the chance to review the eARC!

First off, I am a huge fan of Alexandra Bracken's novels. She has a unique charm that she brings to everything she writes, and Lore is no different. In fact, Lore has many of the elements of Bracken's writing that are familiar to her regular readers: a lovable cast of characters, a memorable voice, and incredible twists and turns within the plot.

There is never a dull moment reading this novel. The story is tightly action-packed, and each twist manages to yank the rug out from under you every time. Bracken pulls off the fight sequences against a stunning New York City setting with ease, and these Murder Olympics are sure to entice any fan of Greek Mythology.

Lore is a fantastic main character! Brilliant, brutal, and absolutely wonderful. She is awe-inspiring in every way, and she's a very easy person to root for even at her lowest and most vulnerable points. The rest of the main cast fill out the story well, and the quick banter makes for some hilarious moments at the heart.

Although it would be easy to fall into the trap of predictability when tackling stories rooted in Greek mythology, Bracken's unique take will draw in all readers. This was an enjoyable read from beginning to end, and I look forward to it coming out in hard copy.

Alexandra Bracken and I do not have a good relationship. I considered not reading this book just because she wrote it. But, holy smokes is this good. It had edge, violence, some slow burn romance, and Greek mythology. This was superb and I enjoyed every word.

I love Bracken’s new book Lore. I had no problem with visualizing this book. In fact I could see it as a movie in my mind. Lore is actually a person. This book is like the Hunger Games of Greek Mythological Gods set in modern times. Extremely entertaining I look forward to more books of Bracken to come.

"She was here because her father had taught her to hold a blade, because her mother had raised her strong and proud, because her sisters were forever unfinished people."

Solid 3.5 stars.

Greek mythology thrown into modern New York city, with some of the classics still strutting around? Yes please!

What was rad: Athena's snarky ass. Lore learning to accept herself and trust others (and not being stupid about it), the Agon and it's 7 year "kill or be killed" battle for power. Also, a stand alone book! Hallelujah!

What was less rad: Keeping up with who was who. Following who "new {god name}" was and loyal and which house, was challenging, but I kept up. And the ending. It was "meh" in my opinion.

Favorite quote: "Fear is a foreign land I shall never visit and a language that will never cross my tongue.” Good ol' Athena!

This book has major False God by Taylor Swift vibes!!! I love this book so much!

Every seven years, the Agon occurs—Greek gods become mortal and they are hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines. If a Greek god is killed, the hunter takes their place and becomes immortal. The main character, Lore, has tried to distance herself from her bloodline and lead a normal life in New York City. But an injured Greek goddess shows up at Lore’s doorstep at the beginning of the next Agon, and this thrusts her back into the hunt. Will she choose to avenge her family members who were tragically murdered during the last Agon?

THE WORLD

The worldbuilding is incredible and unique. Bracken seamlessly combined Greek mythology with our present day world and technology. I’m blown away by this concept. Personally, I don’t have much experience with Greek mythology. (Now all I want to do is read and learn about it.) For readers who don’t know much about Greek mythology, Bracken is magic. She has this way of integrating exposition within the scenes so you’re learning without a bunch of info-dump. While I didn’t know everything, like each gods’ backstory, I was able to understand the story. Amazing!

THE CHARACTERS

The characters are well thought out, and there’s a lot of plot twists that come with it!

In the beginning, it was a little hard to picture each character distinctly (i.e. the chapters where Peter and Van are introduced). I think it’s because there are a lot of characters at the beginning of the Agon, but this only lasted for a few short chapters. All of the characters are unique and purposeful to the story.

Miles and Athena... Miles and Van... Gosh, Miles was adorable with everyone in every scene. Also, I would’ve liked to have read more about Iro, or maybe Lore’s memories of her sisters. The characters are so compelling that you just want to read more about them. Basically, I’d love it if there was a second book, or even a book from other characters with their POVs and backstories.

PLOT AND PACING

Every chapter is intense; it feels like they could end in tragedy or death at any moment. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. Because of the wide range of characters and their journey not always going as planned, I found myself pausing to think: Why did Lore and her friends go here? Why is it important that they’re meeting/running into this character? This made it a very engaging read!

I can’t wait for January so I can buy a hard copy and underline all of the beautiful passages!! This is a book that I will continue to pick up and read over the years.

Thank you Disney Publishing Worldwide for the opportunity to read and review a digital advance copy!

Mark your calendars! Lore comes out January 5, 2020!

I really liked this book. I have always liked myths and legends and this brought it into todays world. Great Read!

I was originally going to give this book 4/5 stars because I was left a little confused in the beginning with all the names and rules of the Agon being thrown at me, but damn, I ended up loving this book so much, it became a 5 star read for me.

Lore is the last member of her family at the start of the Agon; an event that takes place once every seven years, for seven days, in which time hunters try to kill Greek Gods. If they succeed, they inherit the God’s power as reward. This year’s Agon just so happens to take place in Lore’s current city, New York. Lore had thought she left this life behind, but you can never really escape your destiny.

If you love adventure, fantasy, intense battles and a little romance, then this book is for you. It was truly action packed through it’s entirety with some twists that I did not see coming. Our main character is a strong female character and we can always use more of those in the world.

Wow. I don’t even know what to say. That was fantastic. It’s been a long time since any book sucked me in from the very beginning, but this one did for sure.

It was nice for me to have a genre change and get sucked back into the world of Greek mythology with a modern twist.

I don’t want to go into any spoilers, but I highly recommend this one. It was fun, super character driven, and had the perfect amount of past and present thrown in.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was wonderful! As soon as I picked it up I was pulled into Lore’s world, and all of the characters just were amazing! The pacing was very good, and it was the perfect blend of Greek mythology and almost The Hunger Games!
I have never read anything by Alexandra Bracken, but I am excited to read more from her!
TW- Intense violence, blood, and gore; sexual assault

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Mixing the modern world and Greek mythology, Lore is an action-packed, emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. A group of multi-dimensional characters is led by Lore, the last human descendant of the house of Perseus. It’s humans vs. gods, and even gods vs. gods, as the time has come for a long lost prophecy to be fulfilled.

This story was such a great read. I did not want it to end, but when it did it was satisfying. Everything from the world building and character development for these complicated, yet capable, characters was truly well done. As a long-time fan of Alexandra Bracken’s books, this one did not disappoint.

I want to start by thanking NetGalley, Alexandra Bracken, and Disney Books for the chance to review the eARC of this amazing story. Make sure to pick this up when it comes out on January 5th, 2021!

-Characters- (1/1)

Lore's journey is one of fate and revenge, as her past is filled with horrors unspoken and memories left buried by time. Her development over the course of the story is incredible, as she goes from a girl filled with hatred for the person that murdered her family, to a girl who will do anything to save her city and friends. Castor was the only character I wish I'd had more connection with. I feel like Lore mostly saw him as a big-muscled friend, rather than a person she could love and confide in.

-Plot- (1/1)

Love this story! Lore's past is interwoven throughout the novel, building suspense and raising tension. Bracken ensured that no matter what twist came Lore's way in the story, the protagonist would handle it in a way that was true to herself and made even the most surprising decisions understandable. Greek mythology is prevalent through the entirety of the book—definitely for fans of Riordan and all things Greek mythology!

-World-Building-(1/1)

Phenomenal. As I said above, Bracken's take on Greek mythology is outstanding. Many mythological stories involve the end-of-the-gods or something to that effect, but this was completely different. A mix of Greek weaponry, myths, settings, and the overall plot make LORE one of the best mythological fictions I've ever read.

-Romance- (0.5/1)

LORE is an unusual case as far as romance goes. There is nothing exactly *wrong* with the romance at all. I just couldn't feel the chemistry or underlying suspense/tension between Lore and Castor. I think my main issue is that we got a lot of his backstory, which was heartbreaking and powerful, but not a lot of who he was in the present. I would definitely have given this 1 full point if I'd seen more of his true colors in his dialogue with Lore, and if she had tried to look upon him in a more friendly way than how he was heavily muscled.

-Writing- (1/1)

No surprise here, Bracken's writing (especially in those action scenes) is masterful. Pacing? Check. Diction? Double check. Need I go on? Obviously since this is an ARC, revisions for repeated words will be made, but other than that, an outstanding story with even better characters.

Final grade: 4.5/5⭐

This was an action packed take on a retelling about the gods. I really enjoyed the main character, and how relatable her thought process was. I also liked that you didn't have to be super into Greek gods or myths to enjoy the storyline. It felt like an original idea. I would definitely reccomend.

Percy Jackson meets the Hunger Games in this newest story by Alexandra Bracken. Lore is the story of Melora who is drawn back into the Agon— a one week battle that occurs every seven years. During this week the Olympian Gods are made mortal and the descendants of Heroes attempt to kill them and claim their power. At first Lore thinks that she can kill the man who killed her family, but as the week wears on, and as she befriends gods and mortals alike, she realizes that there is much more at stake.

The book is an amazing look into the legacy of our ancestors, the mechanisms of fate, and the strength of one’s own will. I give this book 4/5 stars and highly recommend it to all YA fans when it is released in January.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of the book.