Over the summer, the library staff book club read Lore by Alexandra Bracken, an action-packed novel with a focus on Greek mythology. Every seven years, the Greek gods and goddesses are forced to take on a mortal body and participate in the Agon as punishment for past rebellion. During the week of Agon, the gods are hunted by descendants of ancient bloodlines. If someone succeeds in killing a god, that person will become the new god until the next Agon when the hunt begins anew. Though Lore grew up in this world, she has rejected everything that has to do with the Agon. But when a childhood friend and the goddess, Athena, finds her and asks for her help in a plan to end the Agon forever, she hesitantly decides to participate.
Book club members share their thoughts about the novel below.
What were your overall thoughts and feelings about Lore?
Rachel Bloomingburg, Circulation Manager, answered: I felt half-hearted towards the book. The cover and description drew me in, but the story itself did not capture my attention as well. It was a little disappointing. I may not have finished it if we had not been reading it for book club.
Sara Hand, Circulation Associate and Administrative Secretary, answered: While reading Lore I felt like I should be reading a screenplay, rather than a novel. I kept thinking that if I watched Lore as a movie I would be interested, but as a novel it was disappointing. Unfortunately, I never felt emotionally invested in the characters.
Micah Rhodes, Cataloging Associate, answered: I was unimpressed with Lore. While a few uses of Greek mythology and symbolism were intriguing, the constant action and incessant plot development pulled me along too quickly. There was not enough time for me to sit in the admittedly interesting worldbuilding or get to know the characters in meaningful ways. The conclusion was abrupt and unsatisfying, but without enough threads left to guarantee the necessity of a sequel. It left me longing for the well-established mythos, developed characters, and better pacing of the Percy Jackson series, a much better option for a modern-day Greek-pantheon fix.
Amber Wessies, Instruction Librarian, answered: This was not my favorite book, as far as execution goes. I thought the story line was very interesting and unique, but I think it fell a little flat as I was reading it. I really struggled to keep track of all the characters and their back stories. It almost felt like this was the second book in a series, but it is a stand-alone book. I do think it would be a good movie though.
In your opinion, what could have made Lore better?
Rachel answered: I think having more character development would have improved the novel. Several of the characters were known by different names, so it was confusing and hard to keep track of everyone.
Sara answered: Less is more. If the author had narrowed down the plot and removed a few characters I may have enjoyed this better.
Micah answered: I think Lore read like book 3 or 4 of a series. If Alexandra Bracken took the time to flesh out her characters and world over the course of a few more books, nearly every character interaction or plot development in Lore would have felt of more consequence, and she may have had more momentum to deliver a fitting end to her story.
Amber answered: I think more character development, or at least more focus on main characters rather than everyone. I would have liked more back story (maybe a prequel) before reading this one. A lot happens at the end but not at the beginning, so maybe more about the characters’ relationships and personalities in the beginning would help add depth to the novel overall.
Are there any lingering questions you still have about Lore?
Rachel answered: I wondered if the author ever considered having it be a series, rather than one book. I felt if we had more back story and buildup of the characters, it would have been more appealing.
Sara answered: The ending was confusing and left me wondering what exactly occurred, but I was so happy to be finished with the novel that I quickly decided I did not care.
Micah answered: I am quite curious about a specific inspiration behind Lore’s traumatic past. The story of Medusa is referenced in the novel, and I wonder if Bracken took Medusa’s sisters and relationship to Athena as the starting point for Lore’s own backstory.
Amber answered: (SPOILERS) I am curious what happens to the rest of the characters at the end. Does the Agon continue? Are there any gods still left? I would also be curious to know a bit more about the previous Agon.
Books read for book club can either be a hit or a miss, and sadly Lore was a miss for all of us. However, it is a New York Times Bestseller and some reviews found online are highly positive. So, if you like a plot-heavy and fast paced novel, Lore might be a book you want to read. You can check it out from the Recreational Reading section of our library today!
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