“The Agon isn’t a punishment. It’s a test. One that the gods deserve to fail.” – Alexandra Bracken, Lore
Lore by Alexandra Bracken is a bold mix of Greek mythology and modern-day New York City. It brings together two very different worlds—ancient gods and city streets—into one intense story.
Every seven years, powerful Greek gods are forced to walk the Earth as mortals during a deadly hunt called the Agon. They can be killed, and their powers taken by those strong enough to do it. This isn’t a game—it’s violent, dangerous, and full of betrayal.
At the center of the story is Lore Perseous, a girl who comes from a long bloodline of hunters. She used to be part of this world. But after her family was murdered, she ran. She wanted nothing to do with the bloodshed anymore. She changed her name, built a quiet life, and tried to forget everything she had seen. But forgetting doesn’t always mean healing.
Plot Summary
“Be careful what you let live in your heart. It will shape you.” – Alexandra Bracken, Lore
The story starts in the dark and violent world of the Agon, a deadly event that happens every seven years. During this time, a group of ancient Greek gods are forced to live as humans. For seven days, they walk among people—no longer untouchable, no longer safe. If one of them is killed, their powers are passed on to the person who took them down. This person becomes the new god, gaining their strength and name. Families with old bloodlines, like hunters, have trained for generations just to take part in this brutal game.
Lore Perseous, once part of one of the most respected hunter families, has tried to erase that life. After her parents and sisters were killed, she cut ties with that world and tried to blend into the crowd in New York City. She trains in secret, lives quietly, and trusts no one but her best friend Miles. She’s spent years keeping her head down. She wants peace. She wants to forget.
But peace doesn’t last.
Just as the new Agon begins, Castor, Lore’s childhood friend who she believed was dead, shows up—very much alive and very changed. He’s not just back. He’s something more now. And his return stirs up feelings Lore buried long ago.
Then comes the biggest shock of all—Athena, one of the last original gods, appears at Lore’s doorstep. She’s badly hurt and desperate for help. Athena offers Lore a deal: protection in exchange for help winning the Agon. Lore knows this is dangerous. She knows stepping back into this world could destroy her.
Characters and Themes in Lore
- Lore Perseous: Strong, angry, smart, and scarred. Her past is heavy, and her decisions show that. She tries not to care, but you can tell she still does. Through the book, Lore learns to trust again—just barely.
- Castor: The golden boy turned powerful god. He’s gentle but fierce, and the light to Lore’s shadow. His return changes everything.
- Athena: Ruthless and proud. She’s not kind, but she’s honest, and she sees the bigger picture.
- Miles: Lore’s human best friend. He brings humor, loyalty, and balance to the chaos. He’s the reminder of what normal looks like.
Each character grows, especially Lore. She wrestles with her rage, grief, and guilt, and learns she can’t run from who she is.
Some big ideas in this book include:
- Power and how it changes people.
- Grief and revenge.
- Found family vs blood family.
- Free will vs fate.
It mixes old gods with modern problems—making it feel fresh but still deep.
What Genre Does Lore Focus On?
Lore is a mix of:
- Urban fantasy
- Mythology retelling
- Action/adventure
- Dark fantasy
It’s not light-hearted. There’s a lot of action, blood, and tough choices.
What to Expect
- Fast-paced plot
- Brutal scenes and twists
- Greek gods reimagined
- Deep emotions and inner battles
- Strong friendships and trust issues
Ratings and Reviews
“If we can be brave enough to face the past, we can be strong enough to survive it.” – Alexandra Bracken, Lore
Ratings
Lore has a 3.84-star rating on Goodreads from over 46,000 readers and a 4.3-star rating on Amazon from more than 1,800 reviews.
Goodreads & Amazon Reviews
- “This book ripped me apart and stitched me back together with Greek gods and betrayal.”
- “It’s not a love story. It’s not a fairy tale. It’s painful, sharp, and powerful in the best way.”
- “A little hard to follow at the beginning, but once it clicks, it’s gripping.”
- “Loved the idea of gods walking in modern NYC. Brutal and smart.”
- “The mythology part is deep, and Lore’s emotions hit hard.”
- “Not your usual YA fantasy—it’s darker and more intense.”
Unlike many myth-based stories, Lore doesn’t just retell old tales. It reworks them into something gritty and real. The gods aren’t charming—they’re terrifying. The story isn’t about love—it’s about survival, memory, and identity. That makes it stand out.
Who Should Read Lore?
This book is best for ages 14 and up. It has:
- Violence and bloodshed
- Mentions of trauma
- Heavy emotional themes
It doesn’t hold back. So, if you’re looking for lighthearted fantasy, this might not be it.
People Who Liked These Books Will Enjoy Lore
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Percy Jackson (the darker parts) by Rick Riordan
- An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Book Recommendations if You Liked Lore
If Lore left you wanting more of that fast-paced, myth-heavy, high-stakes feel, here are some reads you’ll enjoy:
-
Circe by Madeline Miller – Greek mythology from a witch’s POV.
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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – Love, war, and fate.
-
House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig – Dark, mythical vibes with eerie twists.
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Lovely War by Julie Berry – Gods meddling in mortal love stories, set during WWI.
-
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong – A gritty, historical retelling with complex characters and political drama.
Conclusion
Lore is not just another mythology book. It’s sharp, brutal, and thoughtful. It talks about power in ways that feel real. It’s about carrying pain and still moving forward. It’s about who we choose to be when the world tries to break us.
If you like deep character stories, strong female leads, and Greek myths that don’t feel sugarcoated, this one’s for you.
It’s not always easy to read. But it sticks with you.
You’ll remember Lore and what she lost. But more importantly, you’ll remember what she chose to fight for.
More from This Author
Alexandra Bracken is a New York Times bestselling author known for writing fast-paced books that blend action, strong feelings, and bold ideas.
She writes mostly in the fantasy and science fiction genres, and her stories often focus on characters who are trying to find their place in a world that’s hard to survive. Her books don’t shy away from tough choices, deep friendships, and the cost of power.
Other Books by This Author
- The Darkest Minds series – Teens with strange abilities try to survive in a harsh world.
- Passenger duology – Time travel, love, and danger across centuries.
- Brightly Woven – A stand-alone fantasy with magic and political struggle.
Her books usually include themes like rebellion, self-discovery, and the cost of power.
