YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

From the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Darkest Minds comes a sweepingly ambitious, high-octane tale of power, destiny, love and redemption.

Every seven years, the Agon begins. As punishment for a past rebellion, nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals, hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines, all eager to kill a god and seize their divine power and immortality.
Long ago, Lore Perseous fled that brutal world in the wake of her family's sadistic murder by a rival line, turning her back on the hunt's promises of eternal glory. For years she's pushed away any thought of revenge against the man--now a god--responsible for their deaths.

Yet as the next hunt dawns over New York City, two participants seek out her help: Castor, a childhood friend of Lore believed long dead, and a gravely wounded Athena, among the last of the original gods.

The goddess offers an alliance against their mutual enemy and, at last, a way for Lore to leave the Agon behind forever. But Lore's decision to bind her fate to Athena's and rejoin the hunt will come at a deadly cost--and still may not be enough to stop the rise of a new god with the power to bring humanity to its knees.

I am starting this today

I'm just waiting for it to get here in the mail. Should have it in a couple days at the latest

Katrina wrote: "I'm just waiting for it to get here in the mail. Should have it in a couple days at the latest"

Crossing my fingers

I’ll start this one tomorrow!! :)

About 100 pages in- (view spoiler)[ The start of this reminds me a little bit of the beginning of Legendborn. With so many names, and family bloodlines...It's a lot to take in for me. I'm enjoying it, but it's a lot for me to grasp right now. (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "About 100 pages in- [spoilers removed]"

I felt the same way too about the start of the book

Part One
(view spoiler)[At the start of the book I didn't know how much I was going to enjoy the book but I am glad I kept going. Lore is growing on me as a character and I don't know if I truly trust anyone yet. I don't know where this series is going and I am loving it. I am still wanting a little more back story (hide spoiler)]

Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos) wrote: "Katie wrote: "About 100 pages in- [spoilers removed]"

I felt the same way too about the start of the book

Part One
[spoilers removed]"

Yes, I agree... (view spoiler)[ I'm really enjoying Lore's character, and everything is growing on me. It's definitely a "me thing" that I don't follow Mythology very much. I'm really enjoying this, and I think I would LOVE it if I knew more about Greek Mythology and Greek Gods. (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos) wrote: "Katie wrote: "About 100 pages in- [spoilers removed]"

I felt the same way too about the start of the book

Part One
[spoilers removed]"

Yes, I agree... [spoile..."

(view spoiler)[I know some about Greek mythology just mainly who the gods and goddesses are but that is about it. (hide spoiler)]

Couple Chapters into part two (view spoiler)[ I am really enjoying this book but I am taking my time with reading it. I don't want to miss anything. I don't trust Van nor Athan but maybe that will change. I will also die if something happens to Miles. He is one of my favorite characters. Another hope is that Lore will be a smart heroine and actually listen to other people. Now I am off to read some more. (hide spoiler)]

Part Two
(view spoiler)[I am shocked about this part and my head is going crazy. I am still really loving Miles and now Athan is getting up there now. I am loving the ride it is taking me on. The revelation about Gil had me dropping my kindle fire. I didn't see that coming at all an it had me...WOW! I am off to read part three now (hide spoiler)]

Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos) wrote: "Part Two
[spoilers removed]"

SAME!!!!! (view spoiler)[ Last night I stayed up kind of late (anticipating a snow day today), and I promised myself I was going to be done for the night when I got to the end of the section. It made it SOOO fun not being able to turn the page to see who it was!!!! HA! I'm surprised I had the will power to not peek! (hide spoiler)]

I was talking to a friend about this book, and she is also reading it and said there was a list of characters in the back of the book...if anyone was wondering. I don't usually look in the back of the books for this kind of stuff, so that was super helpful for me since I don't know a ton about Greek mythology.

Katie wrote: "I was talking to a friend about this book, and she is also reading it and said there was a list of characters in the back of the book...if anyone was wondering. I don't usually look in the back of ..."

I have been sneaking looks at it

Part Three and Four
(view spoiler)[ My heart is hurting and I know I will cry soon. I didn't know how I should be feeling. I am loving the book and I wanted to hold off on finishing it but it looks like I will be. I am on part five and not very many chapters left. Now I think Van has a little crush on Miles. I really hope there is a happy ending for them all. (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos) wrote: "Part Two
[spoilers removed]"

SAME!!!!! [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I loved that I didn't guess it and it was hard not to peak (hide spoiler)]

I don't remember where it was in the book (I think it was in part 1, but maybe it's in part 2...and I'm just starting part 3, so I know it won't spoil that part for sure)

But there was a scene where (view spoiler)[ Miles wanted to add Lore's phone to his phone tracking....I hope he doesn't end up turning on her because I really like his friendship with Lore. But it just felt so specific...I hope it's because he cares about her and nothing more!

And maybe I'm just suspicious because the other two series I've been reading from this month had some good guys end up being spies, etc. HA! (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "I don't remember where it was in the book (I think it was in part 1, but maybe it's in part 2...and I'm just starting part 3, so I know it won't spoil that part for sure)

But there was a scene wh..."

I think it was part two

Finished
(view spoiler)[I finished yesterday but I need a day to get my thoughts together. I loved this book and I want no I need more lol. I have to say Miles and Van are my favorite characters and I need some fan art now of them. I really hate Athena and Wrath, I think they got what the deserved. I loved that this book I had me guessing and I couldn't guess were it was going. The twist and turns were perfect to me. I need to get me a physical copy of this book now.

Who was your favorite character? (hide spoiler)]

Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos) wrote: "Part Three and Four
[spoilers removed]"


YES!! (view spoiler)[ I'm LOVING these two!! (hide spoiler)] I have part 5 left, but I might tackle it tomorrow!

Katie wrote: "Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos) wrote: "Part Three and Four
[spoilers removed]"


YES!! [spoilers removed] I have part 5 left, but I might tackle it tomorrow!"

I can't wait to hear your thoughts

Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos) wrote: "Finished
I finished yesterday but I need a day t.."


Yes about the characters! (view spoiler)[ Miles and Van were also some of my favorites!!!! :) :) And I'm so glad neither of them ended up being a secret bad guy...I've had that so happen so many times recently, that I'm relieved that it didn't happen with this plot! (hide spoiler)]

Finished- (view spoiler)[ I enjoyed this overall. It wasn't my favorite, but I would recommend it to people who love Greek Mythology. I lack in that department, so this book fell a little flat for me, but it's completely a "me" issue with that! Very fast paced, and I liked the plot twists! (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "Finished- [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I was very glad about Van and Miles too. I am also glad nothing happened to them. I can see how it could fall flat for some. I am glad you enjoyed it and I would also recommend this to people who love Greek mythology. (hide spoiler)]

Excited to start this today!

Starting this one today as well! I'm about 25 pages in and super intrigued.

Starting now :) I got this one for the cover, I admit. But it sounds good

Chapter 5
(view spoiler)[ This is so much different than any other book I have ever read about mythology. I like that Lore is already super tough and able to take care of herself and doesn't need anyone to come to her rescue. (hide spoiler)]

I'll be starting tomorrow! So excited. I agree Ashley, the cover is stunning!

Ashley wrote: "Chapter 5
[spoilers removed]"

I agree. (view spoiler)[ I've read a lot of mythology books but this one has me scrambling to put everything together. I'm really liking the set up that Bracken is doing. I feel bad for Lore getting dragged into everything again (hide spoiler)]

I’m starting this one later today. It has a pretty cool concept.

Chapter 10 (21%)
(view spoiler)[ woah, that was a huge info dump. I feel like.. wow that was a lot lol.
Anyways, apparently the Wrath wants to take over all the gods and wants to rule everyone? And Castor is the new Apollo? I think that means he killed Apollo, but I remember Athena saying he died during the last Agon which means Castor was 12 when he killed Apollo?
As you can see I don't really know what's going on but that's okay XD. (hide spoiler)]

Jenn wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Chapter 5
[spoilers removed]"

I agree. [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[ OMG SAME I'm still trying to figure out what's going on lol. (hide spoiler)]

Ashley wrote: "Chapter 5
[spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[ me too! I've never read a mythology like this one before. I think the concept is so well thought out and I'm excited to see how it progresses (hide spoiler)]

Evelyn wrote: "Chapter 10 (21%)
woah, that was a huge info dump. ."

I'm right there with you. I feel like I'm trying to gather all this info and see how it fits!

Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[ Ok whoa, a lot just happened. How is Castor Apollo if Apollo already died? I feel like there's something missing from that story. So now that just leaves Artemis and Athena of the old Gods. This whole Agon thing is a little confusing, I feel like I'm still trying to sort out the game (hide spoiler)]

Evelyn wrote: "Jenn wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Chapter 5
[spoilers removed]"

I agree. [spoilers removed]"
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ there is a lot of information and lots of characters. I’m also still trying to wrap my head around it. It is a cool idea though. There aren’t many new books that are completely unique but this one seems to be very different from everything else I’ve read. (hide spoiler)]

Jenn wrote: "Chapter 10: [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[ I think the mortal who kills the god gains all their power so that is why Castor killed Apollo so he is now the "new Apollo." The Agon thing is definitely confusing haha. (hide spoiler)]

Aaron wrote: "Evelyn wrote: "Jenn wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Chapter 5
[spoilers removed]"

I agree. [spoilers removed]"
[spoilers removed]"
[spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[ The characters! SOOOO many! Every time they mention the bloodlines there are like 200 other names that go with/associate with it and I have to keep switching back to the first page where it says all the info lol (hide spoiler)]

Evelyn wrote: "Aaron wrote: "Evelyn wrote: "Jenn wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Chapter 5
[spoilers removed]"

I agree. [spoilers removed]"
[spoilers removed]"
[spoilers removed]"
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ that’s smart. I didn’t even think to do that. I’ve been trying to figure out who people are based off context. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10
(view spoiler)[ it mentioned Castor’s ascension was 7 years ago which fits in with Apollo dying in the last agon but how could a sick kid kill a god? Lore thought he was dead so maybe after he became a god they pretended he was dead to keep him hidden? I need the full story here. (hide spoiler)]

Part 1: (view spoiler)[ I'm just saying, if anything would have happened to the dog, I was done. It's crazy to see all of the Gods this way. artemis was always my favorite and to see her just so broken. And castor was obviously trying to get answers about what happened to him so I don't think he even understands how he is the new Apollo. (hide spoiler)]

Part 2
(view spoiler)[ well... I'm even more confused now? but I think Lore is with me on this one as well... doesn't seem like she knows what's going on either. Apparently Hermes was with her all along? I'm guessing it's the guy who took care of her and Miles. I understand Wrath wants to find her because he believes she's the only one who can read the prophecy thing, but I wonder what she did to "humiliate" him.
Also, I don't really like the romance. It kinda seems forced to me. (hide spoiler)]

Jenn wrote: "Part 1: [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[ oh yea same. That little dog is super cute, I wonder if he can actually really tell Castor isn't Castor anymore. From all the flashbacks Castor/"New Apollo" still seems old Castor to me, but I guess not to everyone else. (hide spoiler)]

Evelyn wrote: "Jenn wrote: "Part 1: [spoilers removed]"
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ it's interesting to see a mortal exists with a gods power. I like how the author is slowly revealing these little tidbits of castor/apollo. I'm so intrigued (hide spoiler)]

Part 2: (view spoiler)[ well shit, Gil was Hermes?? This is getting really good. I feel like there's more to Lore than what's been said. And I still want to know how castor killed Apollo. Also, I'm now hoping that Miles is just Miles and not someone else hidden (hide spoiler)]

Part 3: (view spoiler)[ oh artemis, she was so lost without her brother. I had hoped she would come to work with them and shed some light on Castor. I don't think he's dead though. Artemis had asked what he was so there's something else besides Apollo's power that resides there (hide spoiler)]

Part 3
(view spoiler)[ .....so Artemis just died? wow. I don't know if it was her own doing or Castor's. I think Wrath may be attacking them now and they just shot Castor through the heart but I hope he can still survive (hide spoiler)]

Jenn wrote: "Part 3: [spoilers removed]"
(view spoiler)[ It would of been so cool if Artemis could have worked with them! I do really want to find out more about how Castor gained Apollo's power, because he's definitely not normal like Artemis said (hide spoiler)]

Part 4
(view spoiler)[plot twist! wow, so Athena was the evil one all along, but Wrath also wants Lore still? Probably because she was the one to steal the Aegis from him in the first place I think. I wonder what Lore did with the shield and why it hasn't been mentioned until now? Did she forget or something? Maybe like how Castor doesn't know how he gained his power I guess?
Lore can't be dead right now, can she? I mean she's the main character so some god will probably bring her back to life or something (hide spoiler)]

Evelyn wrote: "Part 4."

(view spoiler)[ 100% it had something to do with Castor I just can't figure out what. The Athena part actually shocked me. I was too busy looking at Wrath I didn't even think to suspect her. And Lore stabbing herself! What a way to end that section (hide spoiler)]