Staff Reviews

For a fun reference point, I would describe this as Circe and Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games. This smart mythology based tale explores what would happen if Zeus had banished the Greek gods from Olympus centuries ago, and the descendants of great heroes had the chance to hunt and kill them every seven years in a seven day battle called Agon. When a warrior was lucky enough to kill one of these gods on the run, they became a god in their place. Obviously, it is highly desirable to succeed. This has an almost allegorical vibe that warns of the corrupting force of power, the dangers arising from blind faith in rhetoric and dogma, and the flaws in believing honor is gained through revenge and death. It also has a strong feminist voice that criticizes clinging to long-held traditions, which perpetuate a highly patriarchal society. We are given a damaged and vulnerable (yet physically and mentally strong) heroine in Lore who is drawn back into the fight despite her best attempts to disappear and reject this unwanted and dangerous life. With intrigue and betrayal around every corner, I found this book almost impossible to put down as New York City becomes an intense battleground under the clueless noses of the mere Unblooded while the members of the Houses scramble for power and control. Alongside Lore, I found myself questioning who she could trust and wondering how it was going to end.