This post may contain affiliate links for books we recommend. Read the full disclosure here.
Book: “Lore Olympus: Volume Nine” by Rachel Smythe
Publishing Info: Inklore, October 2025
Where Did I Get This Book: I own it
Where You Can Get This Book: WorldCat.org | Amazon | Indiebound
Book Description: “The Underworld has a queen!”
Persephone and Hades are finally reunited when the banished goddess of spring returns to the Underworld to claim her rightful place as queen. Now that Hades and Persephone have defeated and imprisoned the power-hungry Kronos once more, nothing can keep them apart, and years of being separated have only made their desire for each other grow. But the other Olympians can’t help but meddle, pushing the pair to make things official with a coronation—and a wedding.
Ignoring the others who try to define their relationship, Hades and Persephone choose to take things at their own pace and focus on rebuilding the Underworld. They begin by investigating how Kronos was first able to escape, and they learn the horrifying truth that he has captured a powerful young god whose abilities help Kronos project his thoughts outside of Tartarus—thoughts he uses to plague Hera’s every waking moment. Though Kronos’s physical form is locked away, Olympus will never be free until they can rescue the child from the furious Titan’s grasp.
To save the realms, Persephone must figure out her fertility goddess powers and embrace her role as Queen of the Underworld—even as it takes her further from her mother’s expectations and her former place in the Mortal Realm.
This edition of Smythe’s original Eisner Award–winning webcomic Lore Olympus features a brand-new, exclusive short story from creator Rachel Smythe and brings the Greek pantheon into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.
Review: Given that last month was Horrorpalooza, I didn’t really have the theme that would fit the newest volume of “Lore Olympus”, but never fear! I didn’t forget! How could I forget my favorite adaptation of the Hades and Persephone myth? “Lore Olympus: Volume Nine” is here, and after a pretty intense previous volume where so much happened, we have a little bit of a breather. Persephone isn’t fighting any Titans this time around! Instead we get a focus on romance, healing, and other characters who deserve a little bit of the limelight.
After the huge confrontation between Persephone and Kronos, which basically saved Olympus, The Mortal Realm, and the Underworld (as well as Hades, Hecate, and all of the people Kronos had possessed in the Underworld), she and Hades are now trying to slowly and carefully figure out how to rebuild the Underworld, and how to approach their relationship. It’s a calmer volume and a quieter follow up to the action packed previous one, but I love that Smythe wants to give the reader a little breathing room, as well as wanting to be deliberate with how to build up their relationship now that so many obstacles are out of the way. Sure, there is still the issue with Demeter, who does NOT approve, and there is still the fact that Persephone has PTSD after her sexual assault by Apollo, but none of it feels insurmountable if the two of them are willing to support and adapt to each other. But Smythe is also sure to start giving us hints to what is coming next in this story, which brings back Kronos, Tartarus, and the war between the Olympians and the Titans that still has bad blood. It’s a good balance of breathing room as well as foundation for what’s next, and I enjoyed having both aspects.
But not only do we have a lovely and tender easing into a romantic relationship after a lot of pain and trauma, we also have some more great character development for other gods and goddesses who have appeared and played their parts, but haven’t had moments to shine on their own. Seeing Aphrodite have some development was great, especially since she is so often reduced to beautiful, vain, and vapid. I loved learning more and Thanatos and his tumultuous relationship with Hades, who basically raised him but had no idea on how to do it in a supportive and loving way. I REALLY loved seeing Psyche get some more story, especially as she has finally married Eros and has a larger part to play. And the most engaging and enjoyable character exploration in this was seeing Minthe again, no longer a plant, and dealing with her personal issues in ways that are surprising and incredibly gratifying. It’s so awesome that Smythe wanted to take the time for all of these characters, and made the story that much richer.
“Lore Olympus: Volume Nine” continues the fantastic reimagining of Persephone and Hades, and has started to set up the final storyline. I hear that we only have two volumes left until it’s all finished, and Smythe has laid out a very intriguing path forward. Can’t wait for the next one.
Rating 9: I love this series so much, and I love the focus of this volume being on Hades and Persephone building a healthy relationship after all of the trauma they have experienced. Also, more emotional character development for other characters!
Reader’s Advisory:
“Lore Olympus: Volume 9” is included on the Goodreads list “October 2025 Most Anticipated Romance Releases”.
Previously Reviewed:
The Library Ladies 