If you’re a fan of mythology, romance, or just really gorgeous artwork, then Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus is definitely one to add to your bookshelf.

I’d known about Lore Olympus for a while, as a few friends were reading it on Webtoon, and I’d always meant to give it a go myself. But when I found out they were releasing physical copies, I was sold. I’ve been collecting them as they came out over the last couple of years.

Having now read all eleven volumes, I can safely say that both the story and the books themselves have lived up to the hype.

Moving a webcomic into physical books might not always work perfectly, but these editions are an absolute dream. Having all eleven volumes lined up on my bookshelf is incredibly satisfying, but the real treat is getting to appreciate Rachel Smythe’s artwork on the page. The glossy paper makes the colours really pop, from Persephone’s vibrant pinks to Hades’ deep, moody blues. There’s so much detail in the shading and backgrounds, and the whole thing feels even more immersive when you can take it all in on the page rather than a phone screen.

At its heart, Lore Olympus is a modern retelling of the romance between Persephone and Hades, and I love how Smythe puts her own spin on such a well-known myth. Ancient Greek mythology meets modern-day life, complete with technology, complicated relationships and plenty of political drama on Olympus. Persephone’s journey towards independence and Hades’ more vulnerable side give their relationship real depth, and watching their connection develop kept me invested throughout the series.

They’re not the only characters who make the story so enjoyable, either. Plenty of other gods pop up along the way, each adding something to this modern take on Olympus. Hermes and Hera were particular favourites of mine, and I always enjoyed seeing them appear throughout the story.

Overall, Lore Olympus is a fantastic blend of romance, mythology and beautiful visual storytelling. Whether you’ve been following the Webtoon for years or are discovering the series through the physical editions, I’d absolutely recommend giving it a read. And if you love a good hardback collection, these editions are the cherry on top!

Side note: I may have to buy Volumes 2 and 3 again so the text on the spines matches the rest of the collection!