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Lore Olympus #4
Lore Olympus: Volume Four
Witness what the gods do after dark in the fourth volume of a stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content from creator Rachel Smythe.
"I don't always get to do as I please."
The rumor mill of Olympus is constantly churning, but Persephone and Hades are all anyone can talk about. With the constant gossip creating intense pressure on the pair, they decide to slow down their budding romance and focus on sorting out their own issues first.
But that's easier said than done.
Hades struggles to find support in his personal life, with Zeus trivializing his feelings and Minthe resorting to abusive patterns in their relationship. And while Hades tries to create healthier boundaries where he can--like finally putting a stop to his sporadic, revenge-fueled hookups with Hera--he still feels lonely and adrift.
Persephone feels equally ostracized as her classmates shun her for her connection to Hades, and she can find no refuge at home, with Apollo constantly dropping by unannounced and pushing his unwelcome advances. And on top of it all, the wrathful god of war, Ares, has returned to Olympus to dredge up his sordid history with the goddess of spring, threatening to surface Persephone's dark and mysterious past and ruin her tenuous position in the land of the gods.
Despite agreeing to take it slow, Persephone and Hades find themselves inextricably drawn toward each other once more amid the chaos. The pull of fate cannot be denied.
This edition of Rachel Smythe's original Eisner-nominated webcomic Lore Olympus features exclusive behind-the-scenes content and brings the Greek pantheon into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.
This volume collects episodes 76-102 of the #1 WEBTOON comic Lore Olympus.
"I don't always get to do as I please."
The rumor mill of Olympus is constantly churning, but Persephone and Hades are all anyone can talk about. With the constant gossip creating intense pressure on the pair, they decide to slow down their budding romance and focus on sorting out their own issues first.
But that's easier said than done.
Hades struggles to find support in his personal life, with Zeus trivializing his feelings and Minthe resorting to abusive patterns in their relationship. And while Hades tries to create healthier boundaries where he can--like finally putting a stop to his sporadic, revenge-fueled hookups with Hera--he still feels lonely and adrift.
Persephone feels equally ostracized as her classmates shun her for her connection to Hades, and she can find no refuge at home, with Apollo constantly dropping by unannounced and pushing his unwelcome advances. And on top of it all, the wrathful god of war, Ares, has returned to Olympus to dredge up his sordid history with the goddess of spring, threatening to surface Persephone's dark and mysterious past and ruin her tenuous position in the land of the gods.
Despite agreeing to take it slow, Persephone and Hades find themselves inextricably drawn toward each other once more amid the chaos. The pull of fate cannot be denied.
This edition of Rachel Smythe's original Eisner-nominated webcomic Lore Olympus features exclusive behind-the-scenes content and brings the Greek pantheon into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.
This volume collects episodes 76-102 of the #1 WEBTOON comic Lore Olympus.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published June 6, 2023
About the author
Rachel Smythe
18 books7,591 followersRachel Smythe | #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Rachel Smythe is the creator of the Webtoon phenomenon Lore Olympus. Debuting on Webtoon Originals in 2018, Lore Olympus captured hearts and minds with its glamorous setting, razor-sharp comedic timing, complex characters in messy relationships, and above all else, its breathtakingly beautiful visuals. Rachel’s craftsmanship and storytelling have seen the series rise to greater and greater success, winning many industry awards, including an Eisner in 2022 & 2023 and an animation adaptation with Jim Henson Studios currently in development.
"IF EYES COULD EAT, LORE OLYMPUS WOULD BE A FEAST." —NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
Rachel Smythe is the creator of the Webtoon phenomenon Lore Olympus. Debuting on Webtoon Originals in 2018, Lore Olympus captured hearts and minds with its glamorous setting, razor-sharp comedic timing, complex characters in messy relationships, and above all else, its breathtakingly beautiful visuals. Rachel’s craftsmanship and storytelling have seen the series rise to greater and greater success, winning many industry awards, including an Eisner in 2022 & 2023 and an animation adaptation with Jim Henson Studios currently in development.
"IF EYES COULD EAT, LORE OLYMPUS WOULD BE A FEAST." —NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,043 reviews
October 23, 2023
welp.
reading 115 chapters of this in a day is absolutely an effective way to avoid being responsibe for once lol
reading 115 chapters of this in a day is absolutely an effective way to avoid being responsibe for once lol
June 15, 2023
➽ Volume One ★★
➽ Volume Two ★★★
➽ Volume Three ★★★★
reading these bind ups physically has really been such a treat for me over the last year. the art is so beautiful and intriguing, the characters are endearing and finding ways into my heart, and i just really appreciate what this creator is doing with this project. yes, there is a romance that will obviously eventually happen, but this really is a series about abuse and all the different ways that can take shape and, in turn, shape people and their lives.
lastly, i feel like this fourth installment had a lot of extra greek mythos jokes and i really was obsessed (zeus swan and all). oh, and i still cant believe that hecate is my favorite of all the gods, but here we are.
cws from the author at the start of this book: physical + mental abuse, sexual trauma, + toxic relationships
other tw/cw i wrote down: trauma depiction, infidelity, anxiety, blood splatter implications, injury, hospital setting, brief mention of infertility.
♡ buddy read with Penny
✰ read for free on webtoon
blog | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon
➽ Volume Two ★★★
➽ Volume Three ★★★★
reading these bind ups physically has really been such a treat for me over the last year. the art is so beautiful and intriguing, the characters are endearing and finding ways into my heart, and i just really appreciate what this creator is doing with this project. yes, there is a romance that will obviously eventually happen, but this really is a series about abuse and all the different ways that can take shape and, in turn, shape people and their lives.
lastly, i feel like this fourth installment had a lot of extra greek mythos jokes and i really was obsessed (zeus swan and all). oh, and i still cant believe that hecate is my favorite of all the gods, but here we are.
cws from the author at the start of this book: physical + mental abuse, sexual trauma, + toxic relationships
other tw/cw i wrote down: trauma depiction, infidelity, anxiety, blood splatter implications, injury, hospital setting, brief mention of infertility.
♡ buddy read with Penny
✰ read for free on webtoon
blog | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon
June 17, 2022
WHAT THE FUUUUUUUUUUUUCK
amo absolutamente todo de esta novela gráfica.
Y QUE WEA ESE FINAL POR LA CHUCHA
amo absolutamente todo de esta novela gráfica.
Y QUE WEA ESE FINAL POR LA CHUCHA
August 10, 2023
Yeah, this series has my heart now.
With every instalment, my love for it grows. The romance, the character development, the journey Hades and Persephone are going on (individually and together), the story itself. So sweet and deliciously slow.
Pretty sure this is becoming a comfort series.
With every instalment, my love for it grows. The romance, the character development, the journey Hades and Persephone are going on (individually and together), the story itself. So sweet and deliciously slow.
Pretty sure this is becoming a comfort series.
July 8, 2023
|| 2.0 stars ||
Pfft okay, I think I’m really over this now. The pacing is horrendous, and there’s literally no progression at all. Nothing seems to be moving forward.
I’m so sick and tired of Persephone’s “I need to stay a virgin” shtick, and I’m even more done with Hades’s “I’m gonna bottle up my feelings and just continue to be in a relationship with someone else” thing. This was all already pretty annoying at first, but the fact that it’s still happening? Yea, I’m bored.
'Lore Olympus' series:
Volume One - 3.0 stars
Volume Two - 4.0 stars
Volume Three - 3.0 stars
Volume Four - 2.0 stars
Volume Five - 1.5 stars
Pfft okay, I think I’m really over this now. The pacing is horrendous, and there’s literally no progression at all. Nothing seems to be moving forward.
I’m so sick and tired of Persephone’s “I need to stay a virgin” shtick, and I’m even more done with Hades’s “I’m gonna bottle up my feelings and just continue to be in a relationship with someone else” thing. This was all already pretty annoying at first, but the fact that it’s still happening? Yea, I’m bored.
'Lore Olympus' series:
Volume One - 3.0 stars
Volume Two - 4.0 stars
Volume Three - 3.0 stars
Volume Four - 2.0 stars
Volume Five - 1.5 stars
June 30, 2023
I shamelessly love this series that more or less amounts to a spicy soap opera starring the Greek gods in a modern, corporate world. I mean, how can you not?
This volume doesn’t push the story much but does bounce from joke to joke quite satisfyingly and continues to explore how much everyone just sort of…well sucks and fucks (each other over). There is a lot of Zeus being a terrible husband (he even admits it) and while I’m always rooting for Hades we get a lot of insight into why everyone warns Persephone away from him. This volume was worth it alone for the scene where Zeus, Poseidon and Hades disguise themselves as mortals for a “night on the town.” We also see Persephone trying to take control of her own destiny a bit more, having a lot of big decisions to make and dealing with a lot of fertility goddess issues. But I just want her and Hades to figure their shit out, c’mon guys get it together. So yea, another solid issue. Apollo continues to be a complete asshole, Hecate needs a LOT more page time, and while I’d like the plot to progress a little more at least the constant reiteration of everyone doing the wrong thing every time doesn’t get old. The art is still wonderful, with a lot of visual gags and, hey, you can see something really filthy check this
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Anyways, Lore Olympus is so much fun and I’m not going to stop reading anytime soon.
This volume doesn’t push the story much but does bounce from joke to joke quite satisfyingly and continues to explore how much everyone just sort of…well sucks and fucks (each other over). There is a lot of Zeus being a terrible husband (he even admits it) and while I’m always rooting for Hades we get a lot of insight into why everyone warns Persephone away from him. This volume was worth it alone for the scene where Zeus, Poseidon and Hades disguise themselves as mortals for a “night on the town.” We also see Persephone trying to take control of her own destiny a bit more, having a lot of big decisions to make and dealing with a lot of fertility goddess issues. But I just want her and Hades to figure their shit out, c’mon guys get it together. So yea, another solid issue. Apollo continues to be a complete asshole, Hecate needs a LOT more page time, and while I’d like the plot to progress a little more at least the constant reiteration of everyone doing the wrong thing every time doesn’t get old. The art is still wonderful, with a lot of visual gags and, hey, you can see something really filthy check this
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Anyways, Lore Olympus is so much fun and I’m not going to stop reading anytime soon.
July 8, 2023
I have said it before, I am but a simple man. The art is pretty, the characters are compelling. I appreciate the chapters for what they are. It's like dipping back into episodes of a TV show that you grew up watching. Does some of the content feel like it functions as filler? Mayhaps it does, but I'm content and that's really all I want anytime I pick up one of these volumes.
June 8, 2023
3.5 Stars. This volume collects episodes 76–102 of the Webtoon Comic. Lore Olympus is a modern day retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone.
This volume more explicitly shows why those around Hades have questioned his motives with Persephone. It also shows that while he is working towards being a better man he is not quite there.
I’ve struggled a bit with Persephone's lack of agency. She’s been so passive in her story up until this point. Things happen to her. This was the first volume where I felt she really started to take back control over her life and relationships and I am here 👏 for 👏 it 👏.
This volume more explicitly shows why those around Hades have questioned his motives with Persephone. It also shows that while he is working towards being a better man he is not quite there.
I’ve struggled a bit with Persephone's lack of agency. She’s been so passive in her story up until this point. Things happen to her. This was the first volume where I felt she really started to take back control over her life and relationships and I am here 👏 for 👏 it 👏.
March 22, 2023
Leave it to Lore Olympus to make me hate apollo and LIKE ares
November 1, 2022
I want this to never end
September 22, 2023
Ah, those cliffhangers are killing me! 😄Soo I'm absolutely going to continue this series on Webtoon. Still, I have plans to revisit the hardcover editions when all the volumes are out.
December 31, 2022
the physical edition isn’t out yet, but I read the WebToon this year, so I’m counting it 🤣
February 17, 2023
yes yes i know its not out -i read it on webtoon ok??
i just have to say. i think persephone is so valid. iykyk. also, i would give up my firstborn to be friends with hermes and eros. throw thanatos into the mix. thats my squad right there.
i just have to say. i think persephone is so valid. iykyk. also, i would give up my firstborn to be friends with hermes and eros. throw thanatos into the mix. thats my squad right there.
April 8, 2024
It just keeps getting better and better. Five Stars.
July 11, 2023
Volume 4 of Lore Olympus is fantastic. I have been reading the series on Webtoons and it’s nice to go back and revisit these early episodes. It puts a lot of the story into perspective. You can see the foreshadowing and the attention to detail Smythe puts into her story line. We get a few more hints that something bad has happened in Persephone’s past but we don’t yet know what it is. We see more of the history between Hades and Hera. The flashbacks are solid storytelling that shows more about who the characters are and why they act the way they do. I love the unique way Smythe blends current issues and the modern world with the myths of long ago. Persephone deals with a lot from the fallout of what happened with Apollo. The abusive relationship between Minthe and Hades is awful as well. The trigger warnings at the beginning are very important because these are very real problems and trauma. The details Smythe gives her characters - whether physical attributes, personality traits, or symbolic details - are beautifully rendered and make her characters more layered. The backstories are interesting. These episodes certainly make a reader want to know more about Persephone, the Six Traitors, Ares, Eros, Ampelus, Metis, Nyx, and so many more. She could easily give it all away but she does a slow reveal, which keeps a reader hooked. I love the playful sense of humor that balances the mysterious undertones and difficult subject matter. There are a few panels that always make me smile or even burst out laughing.
I do wonder about some parts of the overall story. The gossip is pretty strong on Mt. Olympus and at least a couple people know what Persephone really is (besides the goddess of spring). However, no one gossips about that. I suppose because those who know want to use it for their own designs. Semele was not how I imagined her. Her story is rather sad since she was tricked into asking to see Zeus in his godly form. She always seemed a tragic figure. Here, she’s a little kooky. I still have so many questions about how the Six Traitors took out Kronos because it’s important for later story lines.
I do love these books and I am excited to see volume five come out in a few months.
I do wonder about some parts of the overall story. The gossip is pretty strong on Mt. Olympus and at least a couple people know what Persephone really is (besides the goddess of spring). However, no one gossips about that. I suppose because those who know want to use it for their own designs. Semele was not how I imagined her. Her story is rather sad since she was tricked into asking to see Zeus in his godly form. She always seemed a tragic figure. Here, she’s a little kooky. I still have so many questions about how the Six Traitors took out Kronos because it’s important for later story lines.
I do love these books and I am excited to see volume five come out in a few months.
August 6, 2023
More of the same: Slow, soapy pacing. Way too many characters floating around, with some going unnamed. Good-looking folks bullying, crying and/or swooning.
Like me, you're obviously hooked for the long term or you never would have made it this far.
Like me, you're obviously hooked for the long term or you never would have made it this far.
August 29, 2023
I love this story so much! The depiction of the Olympians is just amazing, and I can't stop giggling over bro-Poseidon and Zeus' never-ending need to get brunch! But Persephone is SO DARLING, and so is Hades, and the art is just stellar!
July 27, 2023
This volume felt so much more scandalous. But it a good way. As always, Smythe delivers with such a good storyline and characters that I love keeps me hooked. I love the Barnes and Noble exclusive cover for this one. It’s really stunning and I’m glad I got my hands on it.
I have to say this was so much more scandalous because for one- Hades and Hera. Didn’t see that one coming. And secondly Persephone and Ares. Really didn’t not see that one coming. Although Eros’ reaction to Persephone telling him that he “hooked up” with his dad was hilarious. Oh thirdly, Zeus and with his son’s girlfriend, Aphrodite. Oh Zeus, Hera doesn’t deserve you.
The mutual pinning in the book is off the rails. I love Hades and Persephone’s relationship and I’m just waiting for those to wake up and realize that they are meant to be. It’s frustrating, but a good frustrating. It’ll be worth it in the end.
“𝘑𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦, 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘷𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦.”
I loved seeing Persephone get a bit of back bone in this volume. I like seeing her stand up for herself and not just be the typical sweet bimbo. And most importantly, stand up against Apollo.
I actually like the introduction of Ares. I’m interested to see where his story is going to go.
Overall, I’m so deeply invested with this storyline. I can’t wait for October to roll around and I can get my hands on volume 5. I definitely recommend this series.
I have to say this was so much more scandalous because for one- Hades and Hera. Didn’t see that one coming. And secondly Persephone and Ares. Really didn’t not see that one coming. Although Eros’ reaction to Persephone telling him that he “hooked up” with his dad was hilarious. Oh thirdly, Zeus and with his son’s girlfriend, Aphrodite. Oh Zeus, Hera doesn’t deserve you.
The mutual pinning in the book is off the rails. I love Hades and Persephone’s relationship and I’m just waiting for those to wake up and realize that they are meant to be. It’s frustrating, but a good frustrating. It’ll be worth it in the end.
“𝘑𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦, 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘷𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦.”
I loved seeing Persephone get a bit of back bone in this volume. I like seeing her stand up for herself and not just be the typical sweet bimbo. And most importantly, stand up against Apollo.
I actually like the introduction of Ares. I’m interested to see where his story is going to go.
Overall, I’m so deeply invested with this storyline. I can’t wait for October to roll around and I can get my hands on volume 5. I definitely recommend this series.
March 3, 2024
❀❁❀ 5 stars ❀❁❀
Well, damn. What more can I say that I haven't already said in my other reviews?
Hades, my man. I'm in love with you. 🛐🫦
Persephone, my baby. I'm so proud of you! Finally you did it! 🥹💖
This has to be (so far) my favorite volume of the series. So much happened and my emotions were a constant roller coaster 📈📈📉📈📉📈📉📉📈📉📈 to be honest this is so good and I don't know how it keeps getting better.
I've found my new addiction! 🤓
"I didn't think I would ever have such a strong connection with another being."
Well, damn. What more can I say that I haven't already said in my other reviews?
Hades, my man. I'm in love with you. 🛐🫦
Persephone, my baby. I'm so proud of you! Finally you did it! 🥹💖
This has to be (so far) my favorite volume of the series. So much happened and my emotions were a constant roller coaster 📈📈📉📈📉📈📉📉📈📉📈 to be honest this is so good and I don't know how it keeps getting better.
I've found my new addiction! 🤓
November 10, 2022
Well, this is going to become my personality for the rest of my life.
WHY CAN’T I STOP READING THIS. it’s fine. Dreaming about this is normal. It’s consumed me.
Waiting for more is pure torture.
READ THIS SERIES!!!!
WHY CAN’T I STOP READING THIS. it’s fine. Dreaming about this is normal. It’s consumed me.
Waiting for more is pure torture.
READ THIS SERIES!!!!
July 5, 2022
I'm reading the Song of Achilles in the meantime and I can say I DO NOT LIKE THETIS.
Okay, where's season two now.
Okay, where's season two now.
February 4, 2023
i read 115 chapters of this in a day and let me tell you... IT WAS AMAZING, BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE
April 20, 2024
fine lore olympus, you win 😤🫶
January 14, 2024
This series is soooo addictive!!!
I have now signed up for a Webtoon account because waiting for the next volume from the library sucks.
I have now signed up for a Webtoon account because waiting for the next volume from the library sucks.
June 5, 2023
Once again Lore Olympus never fails to be amazing. I just love watching the relationships between the characters grow.
Now I just need Persephone and Hades to get together.
Now I just need Persephone and Hades to get together.
May 3, 2023
I loved this so much I can’t wait for volume 5
September 18, 2023
okay fine I take back the 'throwing hands with Hades' thing. this is as adorable and fun as the rest of the volumes. I am still loving the story. I just think that I need to take a liiiitle break because reading straight 102 episodes of this was not a healthy choice.
July 19, 2023
4.5⭐️❤️
How I am feeling at this point in the series:
Artemis. Please. For the love of Gods. COME GET YOUR BROTHER, Apollo.
He is acting 25% thirsty, 25%wack, and 50% delusional. And he is EXTREMELY annoying!!!
THIS IS PATHETIC!!!
🙄🙄🙄…🤭🤭🤭
How I am feeling at this point in the series:
Artemis. Please. For the love of Gods. COME GET YOUR BROTHER, Apollo.
He is acting 25% thirsty, 25%wack, and 50% delusional. And he is EXTREMELY annoying!!!
THIS IS PATHETIC!!!
🙄🙄🙄…🤭🤭🤭
April 21, 2024
Not much to say these are just very cute and bingeable I just love hades and persephone romances
April 8, 2024
i love the art and i like where the story is going but the way all the female characters are dainty and all of the men are broad is kind of irksome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,043 reviews