Alexandra Bracken’s Lore blends Greek mythology with a modern, action-filled narrative. Praised for its inventive premise and strong female lead, the book captivates with its world-building and fast-paced plot. However, some readers note inconsistencies in pacing and characterization. Overall, it's an engaging read with a unique mythological twist.

Readers who relish modern twists on Greek mythology and enjoy strong, resilient protagonists akin to those in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series will find Lore by Alexandra Bracken captivating. Fans of Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games may also appreciate the novel's intense, action-packed narrative and intricate world-building.

In Alexandra Bracken's Lore, young Lore must navigate modern-day New York City during the deadly Agon, a hunt occurring every seven years where descendants of Greek heroes vie to kill Greek gods and gain immortality, while grappling with her family's murder and forming precarious alliances to confront the lethal threat of Wrath. The book includes scenes of violence and loss.

Adventurous / Fantastical / Suspenseful / Dark / Emotional

- Lore by Alexandra Bracken reimagines Greek mythology by introducing a brutal hunt known as the Agon, where Greek gods become mortal and are hunted by descendants of ancient bloodlines.
- The novel draws inspiration from the classic Greek myth of the Gorgons, particularly Medusa, weaving these elements into a modern narrative set in contemporary New York City.
- Alexandra Bracken's Lore has received praise for its unique blend of action, mythology, and themes of power and destiny, making it a compelling read for fans of urban fantasy.

**Melora (Lore) Perseous**  
Lore is the last living descendant of the House of Perseus and initially believes she has escaped the dangerous world of the Agon, driven by anger and resentment toward it. She has a distinctive scar on her face and battles with emotional scars from past family tragedies.

**Castor Achilleos**  
Castor is Lore's best friend and a member of the House of Achilles, who ascended as the new Apollo after the previous Agon. He struggles with a weakened state upon returning to a mortal body and shared a past of being ostracized with Lore due to his illness and their respective house origins.

**Athena**  
Athena is the Greek goddess of battle and strategy, known for her strategic prowess and intelligent mind. Her character embodies the ongoing gender inequality within the Agon's world, showcasing the sacrifices women make to gain recognition and influence.

**Miles Yoon**  
Miles is Lore's roommate, a creative individual with a body covered in tattoos, who is initially untouched by the world of the Agon. His characterization highlights the inescapability of the Agon's impacts, which eventually draw him into its orbit.

**Evander (Van) Achilleos**  
Van is Castor's cousin in the House of Achilles and showcases confidence despite a past injury that limits him to information gathering. His character grapples with a superiority complex while forming a tentative relationship with Miles.

**Wrath (Aristos Kadmou)**  
Wrath, known as Aristos Kadmou, is the leader of the Kadmides and represents the male-dominated, power-driven ethos of the Agon. His commanding presence and belief in his superiority drive the central conflict within the story.

**Artemis**  
Artemis is the goddess of the hunt and harbors a grudge against Castor, holding him responsible for her brother Apollo's death. Her connection with Athena plays a crucial role in the unfolding narrative.

**Iro Odysseos**  
Iro is a former friend of Lore from the House of Odysseus, initially devoted to the Agon's violent ways. Throughout the story, her perception evolves, contributing to her complex relationship with the Agon.

**Gil/Hermes**  
Present only in the Prologue, Hermes, disguised as Gil, played a protective role for Lore during the interlude between Agons. His presence and advice impact Lore's understanding of herself and the world.

**Lore’s Family**  
Lore's family represents the devastating loss she experiences due to the Agon, serving as a haunting reminder of her past. Their memory provides both pain and strength to Lore throughout her journey.

**Philip Achilleos**  
Philip Achilleos leads the Achillides and epitomizes the ruthlessness and ambition inherent in the world of the Agon. He is willing to take significant risks for power and authority.

**Dionysus (The Reveler)**  
The Reveler is Dionysus reborn and is one of the characters whose actions nearly unravel Athena’s deceptive plans. He plays a pivotal role in challenging Lore's understanding of her past.

**Tidebringer**  
Tidebringer is the only other surviving Perseide and is reborn as Poseidon. Her actions—specifically confronting Athena—are instrumental in revealing hidden truths and altering the course of events.

Alexandra Bracken

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Study Guide

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Before You Read

Explore Lore reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Lore | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Lore and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Lore Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “City of Gods”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 3

Lore Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

Lore Part 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 7-Ten Years Earlier

Lore Part 1, Chapter 7-Ten Years Earlier Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-12

Lore Part 1, Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 13-15

Lore Part 1, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Carrying Fire”

Part 2, Chapters 16-18

Lore Part 2, Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 19-21

Lore Part 2, Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Seven Years Earlier-Chapter 24

Lore Part 2, Seven Years Earlier-Chapter 24 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 25-28

Lore Part 2, Chapters 25-28 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Deathless”

Part 3, Chapters 29-31

Lore Part 3, Chapters 29-31 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 32-34

Lore Part 3, Chapters 32-34 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 35-37

Lore Part 3, Chapters 35-37 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Dark Rivers”

Part 4, Seven Years Earlier-Seven Years Earlier

Lore Part 4, Seven Years Earlier-Seven Years Earlier Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 41-43

Lore Part 4, Chapters 41-43 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Mortal”

Part 5, Chapters 44-47

Lore Part 5, Chapters 44-47 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 48-52

Lore Part 5, Chapters 48-52 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 53-55

Lore Part 5, Chapters 53-55 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 56-58

Lore Part 5, Chapters 56-58 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Lore Character Analysis

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Themes

Lore Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Lore Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Lore Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Lore Essay Topics

Introduction

Lore Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Lore Before Reading

During Reading

Lore During Reading

After Reading

Lore After Reading

Lore

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Lore?

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Book Details