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Olympian Challenger #1
Olympian Challenger
A hero’s tournament. A defiant contender. Does one girl have the courage to take on Mount Olympus?
Hope’s world doesn’t have room for heroes. She barely has time for schoolwork, swim team, and taking care of her ailing mother. But when she’s invited to a mysterious tournament, the all-powerful hosts won’t take no for an answer.
Transported to Mount Olympus, Hope comes face to face with her new trainers—the pantheon of Greek gods. While other contenders train hard to gain a fighting edge, Hope searches for a way out. Instead, she finds a gorgeous shadow god who may just convince her to stay…
As each round unfolds, the ultimate prize draws closer—the granting of her heart’s deepest desire. If she survives the final challenge, her mother’s cure would be within reach…but only if Hope can ignore the tournament’s dark purpose.
Olympian Challenger is the first book in a bold YA urban fantasy trilogy. If you like Greek mythology, forbidden romance, and feats of courage, then you’ll love Astrid Arditi’s heroic coming-of-age tale.
348 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2018
279 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
About the author
Astrid Arditi
11 books412 followersAstrid Arditi has studied at Hogwarts, ridden a dragon, swam with mermaids and flown to the moon. Recently, she traveled to Mount Olympus…
She leads a double life: one of words and whimsy; the other one chasing her two young kids around the playground and kissing away booboos.
She’s a spy, a princess, a unicorn, a wife, a mother and an author. Life is never dull in her messy home in Brooklyn, or in her dreams where she escapes as often as she can.
She writes from experience, of course. You may not believe it, but everything in her books has actually happened to her…even if only in her imagination.
She leads a double life: one of words and whimsy; the other one chasing her two young kids around the playground and kissing away booboos.
She’s a spy, a princess, a unicorn, a wife, a mother and an author. Life is never dull in her messy home in Brooklyn, or in her dreams where she escapes as often as she can.
She writes from experience, of course. You may not believe it, but everything in her books has actually happened to her…even if only in her imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
July 8, 2018
⭐3 stars⭐
I LOVE Greek Mythology so I was pretty excited to read this book.. The premise of the story was something I'd normally really really enjoy.
BUT
what ruined it for me were the characters and the romance. We get one detail about each character and then everything revolves around it. I couldn't like any of them and as for the romance, well, there was zero chemistry there and it was just not believable.
Overall it was fun and I enjoyed the quests and trials and will probably read the next book.
★Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book★
I LOVE Greek Mythology so I was pretty excited to read this book.. The premise of the story was something I'd normally really really enjoy.
BUT
what ruined it for me were the characters and the romance. We get one detail about each character and then everything revolves around it. I couldn't like any of them and as for the romance, well, there was zero chemistry there and it was just not believable.
Overall it was fun and I enjoyed the quests and trials and will probably read the next book.
★Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book★
August 14, 2018
"When he's near, I'm a moth circling a flame--trapped and forgetful of the danger ahead."
As a HUGE sucker for anything related to mythology... this was a such a treat to read. It's reminiscent of The Goddess Test trilogy, which I really enjoyed too. Olympian Challenger is a mix of romance, fierce battle scenes, humor and diversity.
It all started with a strange invitation:
You’re cordially invited…
To embark on a singular journey.
If your heart is true,
And your soul heroic,
Dare to face your fears,
And your most precious wish will be granted.
If these words you can read,
Don’t breathe them to a soul,
The punishment would be severe,
That confidant may disappear.
You have until midnight.
Essentially, you're following a teenage girl and her struggle in dealing with her mother's debilitating illness, trying to keep up her grades up to get into MED school and, somehow, manage to take care of herself (just barely). One day, everyone at school receives a very strange invitation, but only Hope (our MC) is able to decipher the full message. And to win a wish? Hmm... this invitation seems very tempting. So what happens when our MC is thrown into a world she never thought could possibly still exist? Ha, not what you're thinking. Our MC here doesn't give a crap about the prize and the outrageous tests that she must go through in order to get it - she just wants to get back home, back to her mother and spend whatever time left she has with her before she's gone. I mean, that was until she met Kieron, Hades and Persephone's (smoldering) son. It was then, that maybe, just maybe, she could win this wish to save someone who she really cares about with the encouragement of someone she's gaining feelings towards. But are they reciprocated?
Olympian Challenger did not disappoint! This was a such a fun page-turner and I am excited to see what happens in the next installment to this trilogy.
Artwork by DaniMarieDraws: https://twitter.com/DaniMarieDraws <3
Thanks a million to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. Quotes are subject to change upon publication.
As a HUGE sucker for anything related to mythology... this was a such a treat to read. It's reminiscent of The Goddess Test trilogy, which I really enjoyed too. Olympian Challenger is a mix of romance, fierce battle scenes, humor and diversity.
It all started with a strange invitation:
You’re cordially invited…
To embark on a singular journey.
If your heart is true,
And your soul heroic,
Dare to face your fears,
And your most precious wish will be granted.
If these words you can read,
Don’t breathe them to a soul,
The punishment would be severe,
That confidant may disappear.
You have until midnight.
Essentially, you're following a teenage girl and her struggle in dealing with her mother's debilitating illness, trying to keep up her grades up to get into MED school and, somehow, manage to take care of herself (just barely). One day, everyone at school receives a very strange invitation, but only Hope (our MC) is able to decipher the full message. And to win a wish? Hmm... this invitation seems very tempting. So what happens when our MC is thrown into a world she never thought could possibly still exist? Ha, not what you're thinking. Our MC here doesn't give a crap about the prize and the outrageous tests that she must go through in order to get it - she just wants to get back home, back to her mother and spend whatever time left she has with her before she's gone. I mean, that was until she met Kieron, Hades and Persephone's (smoldering) son. It was then, that maybe, just maybe, she could win this wish to save someone who she really cares about with the encouragement of someone she's gaining feelings towards. But are they reciprocated?
Olympian Challenger did not disappoint! This was a such a fun page-turner and I am excited to see what happens in the next installment to this trilogy.
Artwork by DaniMarieDraws: https://twitter.com/DaniMarieDraws <3
Thanks a million to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. Quotes are subject to change upon publication.
July 2, 2018
DNF at chapter 5.
Honestly? This book just didn't click with me. It felt as though it was trying to be something it wasn't. Someone else could love this book and be obsessed, it has the potential. I just didn't vibe with it and I'm not going to force myself to read something I don't like.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Honestly? This book just didn't click with me. It felt as though it was trying to be something it wasn't. Someone else could love this book and be obsessed, it has the potential. I just didn't vibe with it and I'm not going to force myself to read something I don't like.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 12, 2018
Olympian Challenger is a the first book in a trilogy about Hope. I just loved her story. What a magical Greek mythology retelling! I thought it was a powerful, fun story. The cover is absolutely gorgeous. I can not wait to read the next book.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 29, 2018
You can also find my review here: https://devouringbooks2017.wordpress....
Honestly, I was a little weary starting this one out, because I just read The Goddess Test and he sounded very similar. I didn't want to do nothing but compare the two in my mind the whole time I read this one. But the more I heard friends of mine enjoying it, the more I thought that I should give this one a shot. Some of the similarities were possibly impossible to ignore them. Both books are about Greek mythology, both involve some sort of test , both main characters participate because they're trying to say there's like mothers and both main characters jump into rivers trying to save someone. But after hope is brought to Mount Olympus for the challenges, the similarities between the two books end.
Both the plot and pacing of this novel are really good, the book kept moving forward with all the challenges while Hope battle through. I really enjoyed all the Greek gods included throughout the book and how the challenges related to some of the major stories of heroes in mythology.
The characters were kind of immature at times. There was something about the writing that failed to convey the intensity of the super dramatic moments. The writing failed to capture my emotions, so some of these moments fell flat and felt anti-climactic. I didn't feel the romance at all. The buildup just didn't work for me and at one point Kieron started to act completely differently from the character that he was developed to be. It was insta-love and it did not feel authentic at all.
The plot and ideas were all really good, but the execution wasn't great. Without invoking any feelings for the characters some of the points that were supposed to feel like big moments didn't. It was a cool story and full of mythology that made this a good retelling, but something just felt like it was lacking. I did thoroughly enjoy following the story though, so I would pick up a sequel or continue with Astrid Arditi's writing.
Honestly, I was a little weary starting this one out, because I just read The Goddess Test and he sounded very similar. I didn't want to do nothing but compare the two in my mind the whole time I read this one. But the more I heard friends of mine enjoying it, the more I thought that I should give this one a shot. Some of the similarities were possibly impossible to ignore them. Both books are about Greek mythology, both involve some sort of test , both main characters participate because they're trying to say there's like mothers and both main characters jump into rivers trying to save someone. But after hope is brought to Mount Olympus for the challenges, the similarities between the two books end.
Both the plot and pacing of this novel are really good, the book kept moving forward with all the challenges while Hope battle through. I really enjoyed all the Greek gods included throughout the book and how the challenges related to some of the major stories of heroes in mythology.
The characters were kind of immature at times. There was something about the writing that failed to convey the intensity of the super dramatic moments. The writing failed to capture my emotions, so some of these moments fell flat and felt anti-climactic. I didn't feel the romance at all. The buildup just didn't work for me and at one point Kieron started to act completely differently from the character that he was developed to be. It was insta-love and it did not feel authentic at all.
The plot and ideas were all really good, but the execution wasn't great. Without invoking any feelings for the characters some of the points that were supposed to feel like big moments didn't. It was a cool story and full of mythology that made this a good retelling, but something just felt like it was lacking. I did thoroughly enjoy following the story though, so I would pick up a sequel or continue with Astrid Arditi's writing.
dnf
April 27, 2018DNF @ 35%
**eARC received from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**
Unfortunately, I was not able to finish this. I could not connect with the characters, and everything seemed overly juvenile and lacked depth. I was sniffing out an insta-love as well, which never bodes well for me.
On the flip side, it made me want to re-read Percy Jackson....so there's that.
_____
Sounds like Percy Jackson, but with a prettier cover......
I'm in.
**eARC received from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**
Unfortunately, I was not able to finish this. I could not connect with the characters, and everything seemed overly juvenile and lacked depth. I was sniffing out an insta-love as well, which never bodes well for me.
On the flip side, it made me want to re-read Percy Jackson....so there's that.
_____
Sounds like Percy Jackson, but with a prettier cover......
I'm in.
February 21, 2018
3.5 STARS
Hope Diaz lives with her mother who is slowly losing her because of dementia. One day she receives a mysterious invitation, like every teenager in NYC. This invitation will throw her into a new world and she will discover many things about her past, her present and her possible future. Hope will get into an adventure and the question is if she will make it through it or if she will lose herself because of it.
When I fell upon this stunning cover on NetGalley I was immediately drawn to this book. I read the synopsis and I thought that the premise was really fascinating. I was certain that I would fall in love with the book. At first I did, because I love greek mythology (always did and I don't know if that's because I'm greek), plus the idea of a combination between Hunger Games on Olympus, seemed intriguing. But even though I enjoyed reading the book, there were parts that felt exactly like reading Hunger Games. So many mutual elements, like the weapon of choice, some phrases that are well known, etc etc. There were even parts that reminded me of Harry Potter. Not that I mind, but it just seemed like a mash up of fictional worlds and it sort of failed to deliver.
I did enjoy the book, the friendships that were formed, the stories of the heroes and the gods, the quests and the romance of course and I'm eager to read the continuation (January 2019 seems far away!) because I'm now invested in this story and I would like to know how it's going to evolve. If you're a fan of greek mythology, Hunger Games and fanfiction ,I think you're going to like this one :)
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"My love doesn't destroy; it heals."
Hope Diaz lives with her mother who is slowly losing her because of dementia. One day she receives a mysterious invitation, like every teenager in NYC. This invitation will throw her into a new world and she will discover many things about her past, her present and her possible future. Hope will get into an adventure and the question is if she will make it through it or if she will lose herself because of it.
When I fell upon this stunning cover on NetGalley I was immediately drawn to this book. I read the synopsis and I thought that the premise was really fascinating. I was certain that I would fall in love with the book. At first I did, because I love greek mythology (always did and I don't know if that's because I'm greek), plus the idea of a combination between Hunger Games on Olympus, seemed intriguing. But even though I enjoyed reading the book, there were parts that felt exactly like reading Hunger Games. So many mutual elements, like the weapon of choice, some phrases that are well known, etc etc. There were even parts that reminded me of Harry Potter. Not that I mind, but it just seemed like a mash up of fictional worlds and it sort of failed to deliver.
I did enjoy the book, the friendships that were formed, the stories of the heroes and the gods, the quests and the romance of course and I'm eager to read the continuation (January 2019 seems far away!) because I'm now invested in this story and I would like to know how it's going to evolve. If you're a fan of greek mythology, Hunger Games and fanfiction ,I think you're going to like this one :)
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I freaking loved this book - LOVED!
I read this in one sitting and I honestly couldn't put the book down. It made my boring day at work 110% better. I loved everything about Hope and watching her grow throughout the book.
Olympian Challenger definitely gave me a Percy Jackson/Hercules kind of vibe. It's pretty much why I feel in love with it. I liked all of the quests and the mysterious invitation. I liked all of the friendships/relationship formed.
Hope, the MC, was amazing from beginning to end. I love her friendship with Lily in the beginning. Then her journey throughout Mount Olympus and her views on the gods and this stupid challenge were just amazing. I laughed and I cried. Overall, I loved the girl.
Besides Hope, I learned to love Amy and Gabriel. They were complete opposites of each other but in the end they made such a dynamic trio of friends. I cried when bad things happened to either one of them and I almost didn't want to accept the ending.. but then Hope used her wish and it was the most adorable and sweetest thing ever. I'm sad that she only got one wish but I'm hoping that she will earn or get more throughout the series.
Speaking of a possible series, I seriously need the second book STAT. I'm already sad that the book is over. THAT CLIFFHANGER is making me want the next book even more. I loved every character in this book. I shipped so many people together and I'm happy that two of my ships were sailing at the end. I just hope that they are continually sailing well into the next book. If not, I will cry.
Overall, I loved this book. I don't think I could mention how much I actually loved this book. It was just amazing and I'm so happy that I got the chance to read it.
I freaking loved this book - LOVED!
I read this in one sitting and I honestly couldn't put the book down. It made my boring day at work 110% better. I loved everything about Hope and watching her grow throughout the book.
Olympian Challenger definitely gave me a Percy Jackson/Hercules kind of vibe. It's pretty much why I feel in love with it. I liked all of the quests and the mysterious invitation. I liked all of the friendships/relationship formed.
Hope, the MC, was amazing from beginning to end. I love her friendship with Lily in the beginning. Then her journey throughout Mount Olympus and her views on the gods and this stupid challenge were just amazing. I laughed and I cried. Overall, I loved the girl.
Besides Hope, I learned to love Amy and Gabriel. They were complete opposites of each other but in the end they made such a dynamic trio of friends. I cried when bad things happened to either one of them and I almost didn't want to accept the ending.. but then Hope used her wish and it was the most adorable and sweetest thing ever. I'm sad that she only got one wish but I'm hoping that she will earn or get more throughout the series.
Speaking of a possible series, I seriously need the second book STAT. I'm already sad that the book is over. THAT CLIFFHANGER is making me want the next book even more. I loved every character in this book. I shipped so many people together and I'm happy that two of my ships were sailing at the end. I just hope that they are continually sailing well into the next book. If not, I will cry.
Overall, I loved this book. I don't think I could mention how much I actually loved this book. It was just amazing and I'm so happy that I got the chance to read it.
March 1, 2018
I got sent this book in exchange for a honest review, all my opinions are my own and thank you so much to the publishers for sending me this book!
This book followed hope as she is entered into a competition at Mount Olympus to become the Olympian Champion and be granted a wish.
This book has so many Mythology references that I absolutely loved! If you are like me and love Greek Mytholgy then you will love this book cause it covers almost all gods and heroes.
The characters were very interesting and of course diverse.
We have Hope, our main protagonist who is actually very strong but also very merciful, she was such a great character to follow.
Kieran is the son of Hades and Persephone and the god of shadows, he is a very amazing love interest and he is the dark brooding guy with a soft spot for the girl, of course this is a trope but it's a good one.
The plot was filled with tasks like Hydra's, Siren's and all Greek goodies that were so amazing to read about.
This book followed hope as she is entered into a competition at Mount Olympus to become the Olympian Champion and be granted a wish.
This book has so many Mythology references that I absolutely loved! If you are like me and love Greek Mytholgy then you will love this book cause it covers almost all gods and heroes.
The characters were very interesting and of course diverse.
We have Hope, our main protagonist who is actually very strong but also very merciful, she was such a great character to follow.
Kieran is the son of Hades and Persephone and the god of shadows, he is a very amazing love interest and he is the dark brooding guy with a soft spot for the girl, of course this is a trope but it's a good one.
The plot was filled with tasks like Hydra's, Siren's and all Greek goodies that were so amazing to read about.
February 8, 2018
Oh, lord...lord have mercy on me.
DNF'ed at 30%
This book was a disaster...like this!
I couldn't help but DNF this...this... thing. I just couldn't go on, unless I wanted to hurl my kindle across the room, thru a window, and down into the road, where it would be run over by a car.
I received this ARC for an honest review, and I'm being VERY honest here.
Hope, the protagonist, lives in New York City, and attends a prestigious school, and is on the swim team. Cha! One morning, she receives a mysterious card with a (insert mysterious poem), which she later finds out, from her friend and social media, that she isn't the only one to have received this card. The difference is that while she can actually read the card and it's instructions, others can only see a few words.
She starts freaking out, believing she is losing her mind; like her mother who has the beginning stages of Alzheimer's. This mysterious cardtells her that she can't tell anyone else what she can see, and that to get to her destination, she has to do something that she fears the most. During the day, she begins to hear reports of other people in New York City who are doing daring, outrageous things. Like climbing the Empire State building, or robbing a jewelry store.
Hope isn't interested in attending this mysterious event, even though the card states that the winner will be granted one wish. And this one wish could save her mother. And, by event's that I don't care to summarize, Hope ends up in Olympus, where the God's dwell. She has to decide if she will compete with other teens for a chance to win a granted wish ooooor find a way out of Olympus to escape the competition.
Oh...and of course there is some lower God who seems to be interested in her.
1. Did I expect this book to be good?
No, but maybe interesting.
2. Did I expect amazing writing?
No, but at least something with a bit more feeling.
3. Did I want to finish this book?
...No...and I never will.
4. Did I want to give a 1 star review?
I hate having to dnf and I hate giving low reviews, but I'm picky and I'm not scared to be honest, even if I sound like a smartass, prick.
5. Would I recommend to others?
Only if you don't get annoyed easily and like every other YA book that gets churned out and recycled again and again.
In short, this book is horribly written, in a way that just lacks true emotion. And while it had an interesting synopsis, it just failed.
DNF'ed at 30%
This book was a disaster...like this!
I couldn't help but DNF this...this... thing. I just couldn't go on, unless I wanted to hurl my kindle across the room, thru a window, and down into the road, where it would be run over by a car.
I received this ARC for an honest review, and I'm being VERY honest here.
Hope, the protagonist, lives in New York City, and attends a prestigious school, and is on the swim team. Cha! One morning, she receives a mysterious card with a (insert mysterious poem), which she later finds out, from her friend and social media, that she isn't the only one to have received this card. The difference is that while she can actually read the card and it's instructions, others can only see a few words.
She starts freaking out, believing she is losing her mind; like her mother who has the beginning stages of Alzheimer's. This mysterious cardtells her that she can't tell anyone else what she can see, and that to get to her destination, she has to do something that she fears the most. During the day, she begins to hear reports of other people in New York City who are doing daring, outrageous things. Like climbing the Empire State building, or robbing a jewelry store.
Hope isn't interested in attending this mysterious event, even though the card states that the winner will be granted one wish. And this one wish could save her mother. And, by event's that I don't care to summarize, Hope ends up in Olympus, where the God's dwell. She has to decide if she will compete with other teens for a chance to win a granted wish ooooor find a way out of Olympus to escape the competition.
Oh...and of course there is some lower God who seems to be interested in her.
1. Did I expect this book to be good?
No, but maybe interesting.
2. Did I expect amazing writing?
No, but at least something with a bit more feeling.
3. Did I want to finish this book?
...No...and I never will.
4. Did I want to give a 1 star review?
I hate having to dnf and I hate giving low reviews, but I'm picky and I'm not scared to be honest, even if I sound like a smartass, prick.
5. Would I recommend to others?
Only if you don't get annoyed easily and like every other YA book that gets churned out and recycled again and again.
In short, this book is horribly written, in a way that just lacks true emotion. And while it had an interesting synopsis, it just failed.
May 2, 2018
3.5 stars
I saw the cover for this and immediately went to read the blurb. I was sold. Greek mythology, young adult, fantasy! All things I love so I dove in. I really enjoyed this book but I there are things I wish had more depth, like some of the other characters. Their backstories seem important but left to the imagination.
Hope takes care of her mom who suffers with failing health from dementia. Hope is slowly and agonizingly losing her mom. She gets and invitation to go to NYC and takes it. This seems a little off to me because anyone who has a family member with dementia knows you shouldn't leave them alone. The thing that entices her is if she goes and enters this competition she could win a wish.
She of course goes and is transported to Mount Olympus for the tournament. There are some familiar things with the completion and Hunger Games but I still enjoyed it anyway. The excitement of being a spectator to this competition through Hope is there.
Keirnan, one of the competitors, is the son of Hades and Persephone. He quickly becomes a love interest for Hope and of course he has the bad boy vibe. You can probably see where that is going because of Greek Mythology. I am glad this is a series because I would like to read more. Hopefully book two will explain more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I saw the cover for this and immediately went to read the blurb. I was sold. Greek mythology, young adult, fantasy! All things I love so I dove in. I really enjoyed this book but I there are things I wish had more depth, like some of the other characters. Their backstories seem important but left to the imagination.
Hope takes care of her mom who suffers with failing health from dementia. Hope is slowly and agonizingly losing her mom. She gets and invitation to go to NYC and takes it. This seems a little off to me because anyone who has a family member with dementia knows you shouldn't leave them alone. The thing that entices her is if she goes and enters this competition she could win a wish.
She of course goes and is transported to Mount Olympus for the tournament. There are some familiar things with the completion and Hunger Games but I still enjoyed it anyway. The excitement of being a spectator to this competition through Hope is there.
Keirnan, one of the competitors, is the son of Hades and Persephone. He quickly becomes a love interest for Hope and of course he has the bad boy vibe. You can probably see where that is going because of Greek Mythology. I am glad this is a series because I would like to read more. Hopefully book two will explain more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 4, 2018
Such a fun book! This did remind me of The Hunger Games though. I really loved reading Greek mythology as a child and this story takes place on Mount Olympus. Teens in New York City receive mysterious invitations. Some become able to read the writing on the invitation while others cannot see it at all. Those who can read it are forbidden to disclose what the invitation says. Hope Diaz is one of the few who are transported to Mount Olympus and involved in a challenge of quests for a hero put on by the Greek Gods themselves - the myths are real! A fun adventure as you follow the teens' quests for a winner.
Thanks to Astrid Arditia through Netgalley for an advance copy. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in this trilogy.
Thanks to Astrid Arditia through Netgalley for an advance copy. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in this trilogy.
February 9, 2018
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I just want to state the obvious... THIS COVER OMG. Love!
I really loved the story, it was a unique take on the classic Greek Mythology retellings. I felt like there was something slightly off about the pacing of the story. I wish we got to see more of Hope before the Olympus journey started. The first chapter she receives the invitation card, but I wish that that was either the second part of the first chapter or the second chapter. Even the ending happened really quickly. Also, it was never explained how the challengers knew what to do to get into the competition. They all seemed like the chose to be there, besides Hope, so how did they all know that "doing something brave" would lead them to Olympus?
As for the characters, I wish they were developed more, especially the supporting characters. The other challengers felt so basic that I didn't really keep track of who was who, except for Heath. Gabriel was not a likable character, even though I think he was supposed to be. He was so concerned with appearances that it was almost annoying. Same with Amy, she was obsessed with "things" but that aspect of her kept coming up. I guess I wish the characters were more multifaceted. There is also a Hate to Love trope in the book, but I didn't necessarily hate it. I actually really liked Kieron as a character.
This book is definitely set up for a sequel and I will be reading it when it comes out.
I just want to state the obvious... THIS COVER OMG. Love!
I really loved the story, it was a unique take on the classic Greek Mythology retellings. I felt like there was something slightly off about the pacing of the story. I wish we got to see more of Hope before the Olympus journey started. The first chapter she receives the invitation card, but I wish that that was either the second part of the first chapter or the second chapter. Even the ending happened really quickly. Also, it was never explained how the challengers knew what to do to get into the competition. They all seemed like the chose to be there, besides Hope, so how did they all know that "doing something brave" would lead them to Olympus?
As for the characters, I wish they were developed more, especially the supporting characters. The other challengers felt so basic that I didn't really keep track of who was who, except for Heath. Gabriel was not a likable character, even though I think he was supposed to be. He was so concerned with appearances that it was almost annoying. Same with Amy, she was obsessed with "things" but that aspect of her kept coming up. I guess I wish the characters were more multifaceted. There is also a Hate to Love trope in the book, but I didn't necessarily hate it. I actually really liked Kieron as a character.
This book is definitely set up for a sequel and I will be reading it when it comes out.
July 11, 2018
Kind off boring and predictable.
May 24, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am not a fan of mythology but this book may have just changed that. The main character Hope, who this book is centered on finds herself in Mt Olympus after trying to save a "drowning" boy. The only way to leave is to compete against other boys and girls who had also found themselves there in order to become a hero or heroine.
The winner of the challenge gets to win a wish from the gods who all make an appearance in this book. From Zeus, Hades, Aphrodite to Ares. What follows is a deadly competition where challengers are cut after every challenge.
Some things that I liked about this book.
1. The cover. This is one of the prettiest covers I've seen this year.
2. The pacing. I wouldn't describe it as fast paced but maybe the right pace? There was no lull in the middle or anywhere for that matter like in most books.
3. I liked Hope although she was such a goody-goody. Surely there is no one this nice.
4. The mythology
I removed one star because honestly that was the worst ending I have ever read. I can't wait for the next book, I want to find out more about Kieron. Please, please no random facts about him in book two.
I am not a fan of mythology but this book may have just changed that. The main character Hope, who this book is centered on finds herself in Mt Olympus after trying to save a "drowning" boy. The only way to leave is to compete against other boys and girls who had also found themselves there in order to become a hero or heroine.
The winner of the challenge gets to win a wish from the gods who all make an appearance in this book. From Zeus, Hades, Aphrodite to Ares. What follows is a deadly competition where challengers are cut after every challenge.
Some things that I liked about this book.
1. The cover. This is one of the prettiest covers I've seen this year.
2. The pacing. I wouldn't describe it as fast paced but maybe the right pace? There was no lull in the middle or anywhere for that matter like in most books.
3. I liked Hope although she was such a goody-goody. Surely there is no one this nice.
4. The mythology
I removed one star because honestly that was the worst ending I have ever read. I can't wait for the next book, I want to find out more about Kieron. Please, please no random facts about him in book two.
April 8, 2018
First off, I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me this ARC to review. Please note that the version I read was an advanced copy, and certain events/language may be changed in the published edition.
Stars (Out of 10): 3/10 Stars
Spoiler Free: Anything that claims to follow/use Greek Mythology always intrigues me. I grew up on Percy Jackson and other Rick Riordan books, so I just have a soft spot for the stuff! Unfortunately, even with that soft spot, I did not enjoy this book at all. I wanted to drop it at 35%, and almost did after hearing from other readers that the story isn’t worth it in the end, but I ended up continuing (I still don’t know why.) In the end, they were right. While the story is the only thing I may have liked about the book, it still wasn’t phenomenal.
First off, this book uses a ton of tropes and stereotypes that I am just over. We’ve got insta-love, which tried to follow a haters to lovers pattern but switched waaay too fast to lovers. It honestly made me cringe at points, especially when the narrator would think of this boy she loved and how she would do anything for them. (Uhhhh… okay.) Additionally, I hate most of the choices surrounding Gabriel. One, he seems to carry some of the general gay stereotypes, but only at certain points. He spends a whole scene gushing over fashion with this other female character, but we don’t see that hobby/trait brought back again, which makes it feel shallow and fake. He is also constantly portrayed as someone to be protected, as weak and small, with our main narrator constantly saving him/feeling sorry for him. I honestly don’t know if the readers get to know Gabriel at all beyond feeling sorry for him and his situation, as that is all our narrator seems to think about him.
These continues on to other character problems. None of our characters feel really fleshed out, and most seem to be based off of one specific trait. We have our standard smart girl who only cares about proving herself and her superiority and our evil dude who just enjoys killing puppies for fun. The narrator’s main rival throughout the story also has barely any depth, even with the parallels the pair constantly have with each other (I was honestly expecting more here, some sort of revelation or something, but no.) Even the narrator’s best friend in the competition, Amy, shows little more than her thieving skills and sad backstory, and their constant tension (caused by tiny little things and always instigated by Amy) stops us from actually getting to know her as well. Even the gods all seem like carbon copies of each other, and this is the saddest part. Instead of developing their personalities from their powers and stories, all seem to be exactly the same. Vain, with huge egos and lust for power.
This brings me to our narrator, Hope (ironic name eh?). She seems to be almost good at everything, and when she does lose, it’s either because she wasn’t trying or her overflowing goodness got in the way of her hurting someone or letting someone else be hurt/left behind. She’s an overdone chosen one, and I feel like she doesn’t really have to learn or do anything in order to solve her problems. She’s just magically better than everyone. I did like the ARC with her mother, on how that’s her one motive, but even that is given up in the end for a more “selfless” narrative (which, to me, kinda removed Hope’s one drive as well.)
I did like that the quests/challenges were all based around other heroic quests, and the planning/idea behind them all was pretty intriguing. However, the action of completing them felt too easy for the most part, and any challenge Hope had with them was trying to ensure all her friends made it through as well. It once again enforced the idea that these challenges weren’t actually difficult at all for Hope.
Overall, I’m pretty disappointed with this story. It had a really nice idea, and the plot was mainly intriguing, but the lack of support from the characters/an uninteresting romance made the entire novel fall short.
Stars (Out of 10): 3/10 Stars
Spoiler Free: Anything that claims to follow/use Greek Mythology always intrigues me. I grew up on Percy Jackson and other Rick Riordan books, so I just have a soft spot for the stuff! Unfortunately, even with that soft spot, I did not enjoy this book at all. I wanted to drop it at 35%, and almost did after hearing from other readers that the story isn’t worth it in the end, but I ended up continuing (I still don’t know why.) In the end, they were right. While the story is the only thing I may have liked about the book, it still wasn’t phenomenal.
First off, this book uses a ton of tropes and stereotypes that I am just over. We’ve got insta-love, which tried to follow a haters to lovers pattern but switched waaay too fast to lovers. It honestly made me cringe at points, especially when the narrator would think of this boy she loved and how she would do anything for them. (Uhhhh… okay.) Additionally, I hate most of the choices surrounding Gabriel. One, he seems to carry some of the general gay stereotypes, but only at certain points. He spends a whole scene gushing over fashion with this other female character, but we don’t see that hobby/trait brought back again, which makes it feel shallow and fake. He is also constantly portrayed as someone to be protected, as weak and small, with our main narrator constantly saving him/feeling sorry for him. I honestly don’t know if the readers get to know Gabriel at all beyond feeling sorry for him and his situation, as that is all our narrator seems to think about him.
These continues on to other character problems. None of our characters feel really fleshed out, and most seem to be based off of one specific trait. We have our standard smart girl who only cares about proving herself and her superiority and our evil dude who just enjoys killing puppies for fun. The narrator’s main rival throughout the story also has barely any depth, even with the parallels the pair constantly have with each other (I was honestly expecting more here, some sort of revelation or something, but no.) Even the narrator’s best friend in the competition, Amy, shows little more than her thieving skills and sad backstory, and their constant tension (caused by tiny little things and always instigated by Amy) stops us from actually getting to know her as well. Even the gods all seem like carbon copies of each other, and this is the saddest part. Instead of developing their personalities from their powers and stories, all seem to be exactly the same. Vain, with huge egos and lust for power.
This brings me to our narrator, Hope (ironic name eh?). She seems to be almost good at everything, and when she does lose, it’s either because she wasn’t trying or her overflowing goodness got in the way of her hurting someone or letting someone else be hurt/left behind. She’s an overdone chosen one, and I feel like she doesn’t really have to learn or do anything in order to solve her problems. She’s just magically better than everyone. I did like the ARC with her mother, on how that’s her one motive, but even that is given up in the end for a more “selfless” narrative (which, to me, kinda removed Hope’s one drive as well.)
I did like that the quests/challenges were all based around other heroic quests, and the planning/idea behind them all was pretty intriguing. However, the action of completing them felt too easy for the most part, and any challenge Hope had with them was trying to ensure all her friends made it through as well. It once again enforced the idea that these challenges weren’t actually difficult at all for Hope.
Overall, I’m pretty disappointed with this story. It had a really nice idea, and the plot was mainly intriguing, but the lack of support from the characters/an uninteresting romance made the entire novel fall short.
January 23, 2018
Get ready for the most epic read of 2018!
This is everything a book should be: magical, fantastic, swoon-worthy, creative, and so so exciting. And the very best part? It's part of a series!
This is everything a book should be: magical, fantastic, swoon-worthy, creative, and so so exciting. And the very best part? It's part of a series!
July 18, 2021
You can find my official review at: https://chhaviandbooks.wordpress.com/...
This book has easily paved it's way into my heart. Spellbinding is the right word for Astrid Arditi’s writing. She has serenely woven a new world of Greek Mythology, and made it a hundred times better. Must pick for dystopia lovers. Throughly enjoyed.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Recommended age group: Teens and Adults
Where I got it from: Netgalley
This book has easily paved it's way into my heart. Spellbinding is the right word for Astrid Arditi’s writing. She has serenely woven a new world of Greek Mythology, and made it a hundred times better. Must pick for dystopia lovers. Throughly enjoyed.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Recommended age group: Teens and Adults
Where I got it from: Netgalley
February 20, 2018
I received an arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First let me start off by saying this cover is absolutely GORGEOUS! It deserves all the stars in the world!
I am going to start off by saying the first 40% of this book was really hard for me to read. I really liked the concept of this book. It's kind of a mash up between Percy Jackson and Hunger Games. And I loved both of those series. But it was a real struggle to get through the beginning of this book. I was mostly just bored. The MC was a whiney little thing. So absorbed in her self-pity. And I really can't stand MCs like that. I mean yeah, you were thrown into this world you didn't even know existed. But like seriously, cry about it for a bit then get over yourself and just deal with it.
The MC, Hope, had a lot of backstory to her. You learned a lot about her which I really enjoyed. Her character growth from being that whiney girl to where she ended up at the end of the book was pleasantly surprising. Her growth was what made me continue when I was ready to DNF the book.
The world building. Let me just say it was AMAZING! I mean there really isn't much building you can do to Mount Olympus because the story of Mount Olympus has been told so many times. But the quests that Hope has to go through brings her to all these different parts of the world and the details and explination of what she's seeing or going through was so spot on that I could literally picture what Hope was seeing in my mind.
The writing in this book was well done. The story, in my opinion, was really thought out and well planned. There wasn't one point in this book where I was confused as to what was going on.
If I could cut this book into parts, for the rating, I would. Let me explain, I would give the first half of this book 3 stars and I would give the last half and ending of this book 5 stars. So I figured having a happy medium of 4 stars was appropriate. :D
First let me start off by saying this cover is absolutely GORGEOUS! It deserves all the stars in the world!
I am going to start off by saying the first 40% of this book was really hard for me to read. I really liked the concept of this book. It's kind of a mash up between Percy Jackson and Hunger Games. And I loved both of those series. But it was a real struggle to get through the beginning of this book. I was mostly just bored. The MC was a whiney little thing. So absorbed in her self-pity. And I really can't stand MCs like that. I mean yeah, you were thrown into this world you didn't even know existed. But like seriously, cry about it for a bit then get over yourself and just deal with it.
The MC, Hope, had a lot of backstory to her. You learned a lot about her which I really enjoyed. Her character growth from being that whiney girl to where she ended up at the end of the book was pleasantly surprising. Her growth was what made me continue when I was ready to DNF the book.
The world building. Let me just say it was AMAZING! I mean there really isn't much building you can do to Mount Olympus because the story of Mount Olympus has been told so many times. But the quests that Hope has to go through brings her to all these different parts of the world and the details and explination of what she's seeing or going through was so spot on that I could literally picture what Hope was seeing in my mind.
The writing in this book was well done. The story, in my opinion, was really thought out and well planned. There wasn't one point in this book where I was confused as to what was going on.
If I could cut this book into parts, for the rating, I would. Let me explain, I would give the first half of this book 3 stars and I would give the last half and ending of this book 5 stars. So I figured having a happy medium of 4 stars was appropriate. :D
July 3, 2018
Olympian Challenger was such a riveting read. This was my first experience with this author and I was in awe of her writing and the imagery her words invoked.
Hunger Games meets Percy Jackson, Olympian Challenger follows the story of seventeen-year-old Hope. A kind-hearted and gentle soul, she’s not only a high school student but also caretaker to her ailing mother. After receiving a mysterious invitation in the mail she’s thrust into a competition on Mount Olympus where she knows no one and is armed with just her limited knowledge from the tales of Greek Mythology she’s learned in school and her instincts. Selfless and brave, she starts out as the underdog against other competitors willing do do whatever it takes to win. But her pure heart drives her to sacrifice and help which quickly wins her favor with her tutors and infamous heroes from Greek history.
This story was beautiful with an inspiring plot where the heroine embarks on an adventure to be come a hero for the human race, champion of the Gods and self-discovery of her true self and greatest strengths. I look forward to the next installment in this new series and await to learn what’s in store for Hope’s next adventure.
Hunger Games meets Percy Jackson, Olympian Challenger follows the story of seventeen-year-old Hope. A kind-hearted and gentle soul, she’s not only a high school student but also caretaker to her ailing mother. After receiving a mysterious invitation in the mail she’s thrust into a competition on Mount Olympus where she knows no one and is armed with just her limited knowledge from the tales of Greek Mythology she’s learned in school and her instincts. Selfless and brave, she starts out as the underdog against other competitors willing do do whatever it takes to win. But her pure heart drives her to sacrifice and help which quickly wins her favor with her tutors and infamous heroes from Greek history.
This story was beautiful with an inspiring plot where the heroine embarks on an adventure to be come a hero for the human race, champion of the Gods and self-discovery of her true self and greatest strengths. I look forward to the next installment in this new series and await to learn what’s in store for Hope’s next adventure.
April 25, 2018
This book was so good ! I can’t wait for the next one in the series.
I loved the mythology in this and the competition. It was really entertaining and fast-paced (once the challenges began). I felt like the romance was a little insta-love but I enjoyed reading it anyway. I’m really curious about what will happen next.
I’d love to know more about her family’s history and her powers. Then ending was really good and I’m glad that she made the choice she did.
I loved the mythology in this and the competition. It was really entertaining and fast-paced (once the challenges began). I felt like the romance was a little insta-love but I enjoyed reading it anyway. I’m really curious about what will happen next.
I’d love to know more about her family’s history and her powers. Then ending was really good and I’m glad that she made the choice she did.
September 7, 2018
I love (Greek) mythology and this book has multiple characters that you can recognise from Greek Mythology. But the author still gives enough imformation for the readers that don’t know the myths.
Although the ending isn’t exactly a surprise, that doesn’t take away any pleasure reading this story, it is the sort of story that needs to end in a certain way and it’s lovely either way. Love all the challenges that the challengers had to do. The duality of the Gods being mesmerizingly beautiful and inexorable is consistent troughout this story.
Everything is well thought out and doesn’t have plot holes. The cliffhanger isn’t too bad either, because I hate cliffhangers, but it does give a promise for book number two after a nice ending for this one. Definitely recommend if you love (Greek) mythology, because that is woven in beautifully in this story. Looking forward to reading the next installment!
Although the ending isn’t exactly a surprise, that doesn’t take away any pleasure reading this story, it is the sort of story that needs to end in a certain way and it’s lovely either way. Love all the challenges that the challengers had to do. The duality of the Gods being mesmerizingly beautiful and inexorable is consistent troughout this story.
Everything is well thought out and doesn’t have plot holes. The cliffhanger isn’t too bad either, because I hate cliffhangers, but it does give a promise for book number two after a nice ending for this one. Definitely recommend if you love (Greek) mythology, because that is woven in beautifully in this story. Looking forward to reading the next installment!
dnf
August 31, 2019DNF at 30%
This book really intrigued me because of the synopsis, it sounded so good but unfortunately it was not the book for me.
I mainly picked this book up because it had greek mythology and it did not disappoint, the 30% that i had read, I absolutely loved the way the author incorporated the greek mythology but it was not enough to keep me reading this book. One of the main reasons I did not finish this book was because of the writing style, it bothered me a little, I could not really connect with the heroin no matter how hard I tried.
However, just because I did not like this book, does not mean that you won't.
ARC generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
This book really intrigued me because of the synopsis, it sounded so good but unfortunately it was not the book for me.
I mainly picked this book up because it had greek mythology and it did not disappoint, the 30% that i had read, I absolutely loved the way the author incorporated the greek mythology but it was not enough to keep me reading this book. One of the main reasons I did not finish this book was because of the writing style, it bothered me a little, I could not really connect with the heroin no matter how hard I tried.
However, just because I did not like this book, does not mean that you won't.
ARC generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
July 12, 2018
I received an electronic copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book should have been a perfect fit for me. It’s basically Percy Jackson meets the Hunger Games, with a female protagonist to boot. But it ended up seeming mostly silly to be honest.
I went into this obviously knowing I was going to have to suspend my disbelief for this story, seeing as it’s about a 17 year old girl who goes to Mount Olympus to compete in a contest for the Greek Olympians gods. On the one hand, when it came time for the contest, the challenges themselves seemed actually easy to figure out and win. Like literally anyone off the street could figure out what to do for these tasks, what makes these “Challengers” so special? They barely needed to prepare for them. The author seemed to force these tasks to be harder by making some random character suddenly relevant and then have them consequently throw a huge wrench in Hope’s plan.
But on the other hand, while the big challenges themselves were very underwhelming, everything else about this book was grander than it needed to be. The insta-love story was just nauseating and WAY too forced. One of the worst insta-love cases I’ve ever read, yikes. Hope’s friendship with Gabriel also happened way too fast and easily. They would actually die for each other after knowing each other for like a day and a half… smh. The god Hades was like a caricature of the Hades most people envision: brooding, evil, dark, plotting, blah blah blah. To the point where he tell his son that he will “fuck whoever I tell you to fuck.” ...wtf? There has been basically no cursing in the rest of this book, so this is SUPER out of place. I’m pretty sure Hades only delivers this line to make him seem more mean.
And the writing itself was unfortunately cringe-worthy. The characters did not talk like 17 year olds; the words they used, like “nor” and “shall” were way too and out of place. It’s like the author was trying to make the book better by sing more “formal” words than necessary.
He characters basically had one major trait, and then that was it. Hope’s roommate Amy for example is standoffish and a snarky tomboy. She doesn’t do anything but be a snarky tomboy. Kiernon is dark and mysterious, and all he does is talk about how bad he is for Hope and how he can’t tell her things about himself because then she’ll see how wrong he is for her. And Hope herself doesn’t have much personality either. She just does good because she wants everyone to know that doing the right thing is… right.
Also for being the heroine in this book, to the point of being a savior for Mount Olympus, Hope’s major heroic acts are honestly kind of lackluster. For example she calls on another minor god to help a drowning ship, but she’s seen as the hero who saved them… what?
I mean, I finished the book though, so I can’t give it one star. I save one star ratings for books I DNF. So I’m giving it no more than 2 stars. That one extra star is for having references to Greek mythology. And for the fact that Gabriel exists.
This book should have been a perfect fit for me. It’s basically Percy Jackson meets the Hunger Games, with a female protagonist to boot. But it ended up seeming mostly silly to be honest.
I went into this obviously knowing I was going to have to suspend my disbelief for this story, seeing as it’s about a 17 year old girl who goes to Mount Olympus to compete in a contest for the Greek Olympians gods. On the one hand, when it came time for the contest, the challenges themselves seemed actually easy to figure out and win. Like literally anyone off the street could figure out what to do for these tasks, what makes these “Challengers” so special? They barely needed to prepare for them. The author seemed to force these tasks to be harder by making some random character suddenly relevant and then have them consequently throw a huge wrench in Hope’s plan.
But on the other hand, while the big challenges themselves were very underwhelming, everything else about this book was grander than it needed to be. The insta-love story was just nauseating and WAY too forced. One of the worst insta-love cases I’ve ever read, yikes. Hope’s friendship with Gabriel also happened way too fast and easily. They would actually die for each other after knowing each other for like a day and a half… smh. The god Hades was like a caricature of the Hades most people envision: brooding, evil, dark, plotting, blah blah blah. To the point where he tell his son that he will “fuck whoever I tell you to fuck.” ...wtf? There has been basically no cursing in the rest of this book, so this is SUPER out of place. I’m pretty sure Hades only delivers this line to make him seem more mean.
And the writing itself was unfortunately cringe-worthy. The characters did not talk like 17 year olds; the words they used, like “nor” and “shall” were way too and out of place. It’s like the author was trying to make the book better by sing more “formal” words than necessary.
He characters basically had one major trait, and then that was it. Hope’s roommate Amy for example is standoffish and a snarky tomboy. She doesn’t do anything but be a snarky tomboy. Kiernon is dark and mysterious, and all he does is talk about how bad he is for Hope and how he can’t tell her things about himself because then she’ll see how wrong he is for her. And Hope herself doesn’t have much personality either. She just does good because she wants everyone to know that doing the right thing is… right.
Also for being the heroine in this book, to the point of being a savior for Mount Olympus, Hope’s major heroic acts are honestly kind of lackluster. For example she calls on another minor god to help a drowning ship, but she’s seen as the hero who saved them… what?
I mean, I finished the book though, so I can’t give it one star. I save one star ratings for books I DNF. So I’m giving it no more than 2 stars. That one extra star is for having references to Greek mythology. And for the fact that Gabriel exists.
February 15, 2018
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and this doesn't in any way influence my opinion on it.
Olympian Challenger by Astrid Arditi is a pleasant surprise, I hardly read YA Greek mythology but the few I've read have been amazing including this one.
Hope Diaz is a teenage girl that has had to be the caretaker of her mother who has dementia. Hope had to mature quickly and take charge of her life.
It all changes for her when she and some other kids her age and magically transported to Mount Olympus and told they're very distant descendants of the Greek Gods.
Not only that, they have to enter a competition that can have only one champion who will be the champion of the Gods and be granted one wish.
Hope at first rebels and tries to find her way back home to get to her ailing mother, but when she finds out about the time dilation and the fact that she can save her mother, she decides to stay and try her best.
From the large pool of competitors, 24 are chosen for sponsorship by the major gods who will compete at the final 10 trials. Hope makes friends, enemies, finds out things about the gods that reveal their sinister core.
Part of what makes this book amazing is the pace and the action, the words flow so easily and it's nice to devour. The mesmerizing details of the action, trials, magic and squabbles between the gods themselves entertain to no end.
Hope makes for an amazing heroine as she's selfless, loving, brave and quite magical.
Sometime in the book, powers originating from the divine ancestors are bestowed on the competitors and I certainly loved how that plays into the story.
It's a story of friendship and love as much as it is bravery and strength.
Hope grows closer to a lower god Keiron a son of Hades despite his father's consternation and disapproval. Theirs is a connection fraught with misunderstandings and doubts but the draw and pull is undeniable and it's great to watch them find their way to each other and realise they're stronger together than apart.
Hope's two best friends Amy and Gabriel are also great characters with interesting storylines.
The moments before the ending are thrilling and exhilarating as they ended what has been a phenomenal story in a way that's both satisfying and will still leave readers wanting for more.
Astrid Arditi is a talented author with lush and rich writing that has forged a book that is not to be missed, lovers of YA have to read this book.
I wholeheartedly recommend it, you will not regret it.
Olympian Challenger by Astrid Arditi is a pleasant surprise, I hardly read YA Greek mythology but the few I've read have been amazing including this one.
Hope Diaz is a teenage girl that has had to be the caretaker of her mother who has dementia. Hope had to mature quickly and take charge of her life.
It all changes for her when she and some other kids her age and magically transported to Mount Olympus and told they're very distant descendants of the Greek Gods.
Not only that, they have to enter a competition that can have only one champion who will be the champion of the Gods and be granted one wish.
Hope at first rebels and tries to find her way back home to get to her ailing mother, but when she finds out about the time dilation and the fact that she can save her mother, she decides to stay and try her best.
From the large pool of competitors, 24 are chosen for sponsorship by the major gods who will compete at the final 10 trials. Hope makes friends, enemies, finds out things about the gods that reveal their sinister core.
Part of what makes this book amazing is the pace and the action, the words flow so easily and it's nice to devour. The mesmerizing details of the action, trials, magic and squabbles between the gods themselves entertain to no end.
Hope makes for an amazing heroine as she's selfless, loving, brave and quite magical.
Sometime in the book, powers originating from the divine ancestors are bestowed on the competitors and I certainly loved how that plays into the story.
It's a story of friendship and love as much as it is bravery and strength.
Hope grows closer to a lower god Keiron a son of Hades despite his father's consternation and disapproval. Theirs is a connection fraught with misunderstandings and doubts but the draw and pull is undeniable and it's great to watch them find their way to each other and realise they're stronger together than apart.
Hope's two best friends Amy and Gabriel are also great characters with interesting storylines.
The moments before the ending are thrilling and exhilarating as they ended what has been a phenomenal story in a way that's both satisfying and will still leave readers wanting for more.
Astrid Arditi is a talented author with lush and rich writing that has forged a book that is not to be missed, lovers of YA have to read this book.
I wholeheartedly recommend it, you will not regret it.
April 27, 2018
(Source: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley and Astrid Arditi.)
You’re cordially invited…
To embark on a singular journey.
If your heart is true,
And your soul heroic,
Dare to face your fears,
And your most precious wish will be granted.
If these words you can read,
Don’t breathe them to a soul,
The punishment would be severe,
That confidant may disappear.
You have until midnight.
People who know me, know that I am a huge Greek Mythology fan, and OH MY GOD if Idid not dream about getting to face what these characters deal with in Greek Mythology retelling books. That said, I have read almost all the legends and stories available to human kind, about Greek Mythology, and I am a huge critic. So, while I enjoy the books, I also cling to the "mistakes" that they have included there, and being a big bookworm, I am judging from to positions, first, being a Greek Mythology fan, second, being a bookworm.
So let's get this started. First of all, as some of the other readers really thought that the book concept was very similar to the Goddess Test series by Aimee Carter. Both being about Greek Mythology, both having a heroine as a main character, both heroines having sick mothers and finally both heroines being somehow linked to Hades. However, while in the Goddess test the characters were mature and more serious, here, characters acted like immature kids. Their conversations, the way they acted, the way they reacted, everything. Although, I liked this one's tests more, they were more exciting.
Everything about him is crooked, from his tortuous fingers to his nose leaning toward the right side of his face—he looks like a train wreck survivor. But as he enters the throne room, only he thinks of acknowledging us, and the lopsided smile he gives us becomes the most beautiful thing I’ve seen all day. A human boy claps enthusiastically. “I knew Hephaestus would be cool!”
Everyone who has read the books, the stories or the legends knows that Hephaestus was the kindest one and the most human one out of the gods. He was sweet, he was loving, he was kind, he was also forgiving. He might have been the ugliest out of them but he was the most beautiful inside. I did not like that at some point the author called the gods and him include shallow, because that was not true, in his part. People who have no idea about Greek Mythology will learn wrong, so that is a misleading idea, and this was not the only one.
“Ichor and blood in one’s vein, together cause of wonder and pain. May the powers that lie within, by the water be revealed.”
I was waiting for her to be special and I knew what was coming, because we know, the main heroines just HAVE to be special, right? Since, the book did not tell us about her ancestors, I am left confused... We know that one of them Asclepius, who gives her her healing powers and who also is Apollo's descendant, but also in Greek Mythology is seers, oracles are the descendants of Apollo, and the light in her was mentioned more than once, which also is in Apollo's realm, but that doesn't make sense, so both of her ancestors are Apollos descendants? I am confused. Or is it possible that somehow she is linked to Persephone? I want to read the next book as soon as possible to find this out.
“May the auspices remain in your favor.”
Besides the Goddess test, I, as I am sure others as well, also found similarities in the concept with Hunger Games. I never read the books, only heard of them, I just saw the movies. The thing is, beside the concept, this saying and others, that sound the same way and mean the same thing also reminded me of the Hunger games, with its "Let the odds be with you".
If I were worthy, if I weren’t selfish, I wouldn’t want him.
I wanted more of Kieron and Hope. I wanted to see more of his relationship with his parents, especially Persephone. I would have also loved to see more of his past. We were told that he was kind of a player, but we never saw it, or were shown in some way, so I would have loved to see more of his past, to understand who he was and why he decided to change.
Hades starts again before I have a chance to ask. “My son, the useless artist. As weak as his mother.”
Another thing that I did not like is the characteristics of Hades. Again, people who have some idea, know that he was not the bad guy, he actually was a good god, despite being the Got of the Underworld, which by the way was not his choice, but Zeus's greediness. However, mostly I hated this line, because Hades LOVED Persephone, he adored her, and never saw her as a weak. So yes, again, a misinterpretation, and a huge one.
“May the omens shine in your favor.”
Overall, it was a fun read, despite the immaturity of the characters, but I am looking forward to read the next book as soon as it is out.
You’re cordially invited…
To embark on a singular journey.
If your heart is true,
And your soul heroic,
Dare to face your fears,
And your most precious wish will be granted.
If these words you can read,
Don’t breathe them to a soul,
The punishment would be severe,
That confidant may disappear.
You have until midnight.
People who know me, know that I am a huge Greek Mythology fan, and OH MY GOD if Idid not dream about getting to face what these characters deal with in Greek Mythology retelling books. That said, I have read almost all the legends and stories available to human kind, about Greek Mythology, and I am a huge critic. So, while I enjoy the books, I also cling to the "mistakes" that they have included there, and being a big bookworm, I am judging from to positions, first, being a Greek Mythology fan, second, being a bookworm.
So let's get this started. First of all, as some of the other readers really thought that the book concept was very similar to the Goddess Test series by Aimee Carter. Both being about Greek Mythology, both having a heroine as a main character, both heroines having sick mothers and finally both heroines being somehow linked to Hades. However, while in the Goddess test the characters were mature and more serious, here, characters acted like immature kids. Their conversations, the way they acted, the way they reacted, everything. Although, I liked this one's tests more, they were more exciting.
Everything about him is crooked, from his tortuous fingers to his nose leaning toward the right side of his face—he looks like a train wreck survivor. But as he enters the throne room, only he thinks of acknowledging us, and the lopsided smile he gives us becomes the most beautiful thing I’ve seen all day. A human boy claps enthusiastically. “I knew Hephaestus would be cool!”
Everyone who has read the books, the stories or the legends knows that Hephaestus was the kindest one and the most human one out of the gods. He was sweet, he was loving, he was kind, he was also forgiving. He might have been the ugliest out of them but he was the most beautiful inside. I did not like that at some point the author called the gods and him include shallow, because that was not true, in his part. People who have no idea about Greek Mythology will learn wrong, so that is a misleading idea, and this was not the only one.
“Ichor and blood in one’s vein, together cause of wonder and pain. May the powers that lie within, by the water be revealed.”
I was waiting for her to be special and I knew what was coming, because we know, the main heroines just HAVE to be special, right? Since, the book did not tell us about her ancestors, I am left confused... We know that one of them Asclepius, who gives her her healing powers and who also is Apollo's descendant, but also in Greek Mythology is seers, oracles are the descendants of Apollo, and the light in her was mentioned more than once, which also is in Apollo's realm, but that doesn't make sense, so both of her ancestors are Apollos descendants? I am confused. Or is it possible that somehow she is linked to Persephone? I want to read the next book as soon as possible to find this out.
“May the auspices remain in your favor.”
Besides the Goddess test, I, as I am sure others as well, also found similarities in the concept with Hunger Games. I never read the books, only heard of them, I just saw the movies. The thing is, beside the concept, this saying and others, that sound the same way and mean the same thing also reminded me of the Hunger games, with its "Let the odds be with you".
If I were worthy, if I weren’t selfish, I wouldn’t want him.
I wanted more of Kieron and Hope. I wanted to see more of his relationship with his parents, especially Persephone. I would have also loved to see more of his past. We were told that he was kind of a player, but we never saw it, or were shown in some way, so I would have loved to see more of his past, to understand who he was and why he decided to change.
Hades starts again before I have a chance to ask. “My son, the useless artist. As weak as his mother.”
Another thing that I did not like is the characteristics of Hades. Again, people who have some idea, know that he was not the bad guy, he actually was a good god, despite being the Got of the Underworld, which by the way was not his choice, but Zeus's greediness. However, mostly I hated this line, because Hades LOVED Persephone, he adored her, and never saw her as a weak. So yes, again, a misinterpretation, and a huge one.
“May the omens shine in your favor.”
Overall, it was a fun read, despite the immaturity of the characters, but I am looking forward to read the next book as soon as it is out.
July 19, 2018
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I went to bed thinking about this book and woke up thinking about it. I’m still thinking about it throughout the day. It has captivated my mind. Probably my favorite fantasy read of the year so far. I’m in love with everything about this.
This was fast paced to me. I never got bored. I put this book down a couple of times but was trying to rush to get back to it. I was so intrigued with this world. The details the author gave made my imagination picture everything perfectly. From the places to the challenges to the way the characters looked. Mount Olympus was a world I want to go back and visit. This is my first experience reading about Greek mythology. I’ve never read Percy Jackson. Shame on me. The author gave the backstories for so many of the gods and heroes that I just want to keep learning more.
The best part to me were the characters. I did not have a problem connecting with them. It was quite easy to become attached to many of them. Hope, the protagonist, was one of the most selfless characters ever. Honestly, she has a heart of gold. She took the heroic route every time.
But my favorite was KIERON. OH MY GOSH ANOTHER BOY THAT HAS TOOK MY HEART. He is simply amazing, everything. Bad boy with a tormented heart with a hint of goodness in him. May I add that he is Hades son. I mean come on. Just my type of fictional guy. Really no words can describe my love for him or how amazing his character is.
I need the second book ASAP because I am dying. I want more Kieron please.
I went to bed thinking about this book and woke up thinking about it. I’m still thinking about it throughout the day. It has captivated my mind. Probably my favorite fantasy read of the year so far. I’m in love with everything about this.
This was fast paced to me. I never got bored. I put this book down a couple of times but was trying to rush to get back to it. I was so intrigued with this world. The details the author gave made my imagination picture everything perfectly. From the places to the challenges to the way the characters looked. Mount Olympus was a world I want to go back and visit. This is my first experience reading about Greek mythology. I’ve never read Percy Jackson. Shame on me. The author gave the backstories for so many of the gods and heroes that I just want to keep learning more.
The best part to me were the characters. I did not have a problem connecting with them. It was quite easy to become attached to many of them. Hope, the protagonist, was one of the most selfless characters ever. Honestly, she has a heart of gold. She took the heroic route every time.
But my favorite was KIERON. OH MY GOSH ANOTHER BOY THAT HAS TOOK MY HEART. He is simply amazing, everything. Bad boy with a tormented heart with a hint of goodness in him. May I add that he is Hades son. I mean come on. Just my type of fictional guy. Really no words can describe my love for him or how amazing his character is.
I need the second book ASAP because I am dying. I want more Kieron please.
March 23, 2018
Hope has had a hard enough life taking care of her mentally ill mother, add the 12 Greek gods suddenly forcing her into a contest between other 17 year olds and the beautiful son of Hades who she can’t seem to keep out of her mind, you could say he life just got a whole lot more complicated. Now living on Mount Olympus with the other challengers, Hope has to overcome quests to earn the tile of the next Olympic Hero. A title that she doesn’t even want. All she wants is to return to her mother. But with no exit, the only way out is to win the challenge. Can she overcome brute strength with her cleverness? Will she be able to escape the wrath of Hades? And most importantly can she protect her heart for Kieron?
I really enjoyed this book. Although I thought it kind of resembled Percy Jackson, this book is an original. The first part of this book didn’t grab my attention as mush as when the actual contest started. By then, I couldn’t put it down and had to continue until the end. The quests were the best, each one being based entirely on one of the Greek hero’s journey. Hope was an amazing heroine. She didn’t let the power she could possibly obtain cause her to be selfish. She helped everybody and saved many lives. She always made sure everyone was ok. Although that is kind of stupid, seeing how she is in a competition, it is also selfless and is what set her apart from the others. I really hope her and Kieron can be together and have a hea. Speaking of Kieron, that cliffhanger! Can’t wait to see how that plays out in the next book. I hope to gods get what’s coming to them! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Greek mythology.
Need the next book ASAP!
I really enjoyed this book. Although I thought it kind of resembled Percy Jackson, this book is an original. The first part of this book didn’t grab my attention as mush as when the actual contest started. By then, I couldn’t put it down and had to continue until the end. The quests were the best, each one being based entirely on one of the Greek hero’s journey. Hope was an amazing heroine. She didn’t let the power she could possibly obtain cause her to be selfish. She helped everybody and saved many lives. She always made sure everyone was ok. Although that is kind of stupid, seeing how she is in a competition, it is also selfless and is what set her apart from the others. I really hope her and Kieron can be together and have a hea. Speaking of Kieron, that cliffhanger! Can’t wait to see how that plays out in the next book. I hope to gods get what’s coming to them! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Greek mythology.
Need the next book ASAP!
July 29, 2019
I’m slowly catching up on all my really really late Netgalley ARCs and I started with Olympian Challenger.
Percy Jackson meets the Hunger Games meets A Court of Thorns and Roses.
I couldn’t help but compare.
PJO was my introduction to Greek mythology at a young age, and The Hunger Games was one of the first series i read after becoming enamoured with reading (and was what got me into reading a bunch of dystopia) and ACOTAR, well I just love ACOTAR and as it’s based on stories of mythology too, there were always going to be similarities.
Pretty interesting premise overall, though I think there were a few holes in worldbuilding – I can't imagine a bunch of teenagers being put together and not one of them freaks out/panics about being on Mt Olympus? Also, they're all the same age and putting boys in one dorm and girls in another is definitely not going to stop curious kids.
I think there were some overlooked little details but overall, I did enjoy the story as a whole and would definitely like to continue the series to see what happens next. I feel this will be a storyline where the writing and quality matures at the same time as the characters arcs.
3.5/5
This was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Percy Jackson meets the Hunger Games meets A Court of Thorns and Roses.
I couldn’t help but compare.
PJO was my introduction to Greek mythology at a young age, and The Hunger Games was one of the first series i read after becoming enamoured with reading (and was what got me into reading a bunch of dystopia) and ACOTAR, well I just love ACOTAR and as it’s based on stories of mythology too, there were always going to be similarities.
Pretty interesting premise overall, though I think there were a few holes in worldbuilding – I can't imagine a bunch of teenagers being put together and not one of them freaks out/panics about being on Mt Olympus? Also, they're all the same age and putting boys in one dorm and girls in another is definitely not going to stop curious kids.
I think there were some overlooked little details but overall, I did enjoy the story as a whole and would definitely like to continue the series to see what happens next. I feel this will be a storyline where the writing and quality matures at the same time as the characters arcs.
3.5/5
This was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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