Booklist Review

Chemistry continues to blossom between Persephone--the adorable, pink, curvy new student at Olympus--and Hades--blue king of the Underworld--in the second installment of the Lore Olympus graphic novel series. Persephone is struggling to find her place in the gossip-ridden realm of the gods: creepy, cocky Apollo keeps showing up at her doorstep; everyone's buzzing about the paparazzi photo of Persephone and Hades; and, thanks to Hera's meddling, Persephone is now starting an Underworld internship with him. Plus, Persephone isn't even sure she wants to be a member of the Goddesses of Eternal Maidenhood (TGOEM), which is how she got a scholarship to Olympus in the first place (or if she even qualifies after Apollo's assault from volume 1). Hades, meanwhile, tries to patch things up with Minthe, the red nymph with whom he has a toxic on-and-off-again relationship. Smythe's signature style--which includes cloudlike digital brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette--makes the soapy drama relatable and a joy to read. And though many panels and interactions are comedic, this volume includes a moving chapter where Hades, following his therapist's advice, writes a hypothetical letter to Persephone, which is overlaid with silent images of him and Minthe reconciling and Hestia (the head of TGOEM) chastising a tearful Persephone over the paparazzi photo. Another stellar installment by Smythe.