Lore (Excerpt) – Alexandra Bracken

First of all, I want to thank Netgalley for once again allowing me the amazing opportunity to review this short excerpt of Alexandra Bracken’s newest novel. Since it is just an excerpt, I was able to read the prologue and first six chapters of the novel and let me tell you, I am hooked!

Plot

This book is kind of centered around Greek mythology. Every seven years, the Agon begins and nine Greek Gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals. These Gods are hunted during the Agon by descendants of the ancient bloodlines in order for the hunters to gain immortality and power. 

The story jumped right into New York City, with our main character, Lore, fighting in a ring to take the edge off. We’re introduced to another character named Castor, who she thought was actually dead, and Lore realizes that the hunt is taking place in New York City, and she should have gotten out. 

After her surprise meeting with Castor, Lore meets up with her roommate, and friend, Myles who seems incredibly human compared to the characters we have met so far. The two of them walk back to their house, only to find Athena, one of the Greek Goddesses injured and lying on their front steps. 

After explaining her history to Myles, Lore realizes what she must do to avenge the family that was murdered in her past, and she sets out to find her old friend Castor to help. 

From just these six chapters, I can tell you, I’m completely hooked. I absolutely loved this entire plotline, and I think it’s so creative. Honestly, I’ve never been that into Greek mythology, but this takes it to a whole new level. I feel like it’s going to be such an interesting plotline to follow, especially since the story just jumped right in the middle of the main character’s life instead of giving a ton of backstory.  

Characters

Lore is definitely a badass character. I feel like she knows what she wants and goes for it, which I always love in a character. Along with that, she can hold her ground and isn’t convinced by one of the most powerful Goddesses that she should do a certain thing. I feel like she’s really going to add a lot of depth to the storyline, especially since we don’t much about her yet. 

Myles is a character that I found kind of adorable. He’s just so innocent and I kind of want to protect him from the world! I’m glad that he is involved in Lore’s life because I feel like he will be a good base for her to come back to when she gets too lost in that other world. 

Castor is an incredibly mysterious character. We really don’t find out much about him in the first six chapters except that he was Lore’s old best friend, and she thought he was dead. I really hope we find out more about his character and what exactly is the reason for his mysterious appearance and fake death. 

Athena is also a very powerful character who seems like she’s really badass for an ancient goddess. I feel like Lore and Athena are going to have a lot of back and forth banter, and while they might act like they hate each other, they actually become friends. (At least that’s what I’m hoping for). 

Writing

This is the first Alexandra Bracken novel I’ve read or six chapters of it, and I really like it. I feel like her writing style is kind of unique to most of the other authors I’ve been reading recently and it’s a really nice change. She made the book super easy to fall into, especially with her choice to put us right in the middle of the main character’s life. I really like how we didn’t get a ton of backstory because it makes me want to read more to find out more!

Setting

This novel takes place in New York City so far, but there has been mention of other places too. I think a large city like New York City is the perfect setting for a “hunt” like this. There a ton of hiding spots, and it’s a big city that our main character is familiar with so it’ll make it easier for Lore to get around too. 

In Conclusion… 

After reading only six chapters of this novel, I’m completely obsessed. I can’t wait for it to come out on January 5th, 2021. Definitely one of my most anticipated reads!