Review by Maia+ -- Olympian Challenger by Astrid Arditi

[Maia+]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Olympian Challenger" by Astrid Arditi.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Astrid Arditi, in Olympian Challenger, offers an amazing insight into the mythology of Mount Olympus when her character, Hope Diaz, travels to a world most of us can only imagine. Immediately warmed by the loving relationship Hope has with her mother, I was drawn into the book before it even really began. Unable to tear my eyes from this book, I held my breath in baited anticipation as I followed Hope’s journey and was consumed by her fears and victories alongside her.

Hope is intrigued by a letter she is sent in the mail but her interest shifts quickly to indifference as she discovers her entire grade was sent the same invitation. Choosing to devote her free time to her ailing mother, Hope dismisses the invitation and its vague message. This, however, is not how things played out for our heroine. Shoved into a world she didn’t know existed, and a competition she wants no part of, Hope fights desperately to return to her mother. The Gods of Mount Olympus and their prospective contenders have different plans. Only one God manages to show her that not all is lost; will the God prove himself, and perhaps his feelings, or will he cause Hope to spiral even further out of control? Hope’s loyalty and unfaltering need to choose good over evil attracts new allies, even as she and the other contenders battle through quest after quest.

Being an enthusiast for the Greek mythology that Olympian Challenger revolves around, I’m very grateful for the attention to detail that Astrid Arditi utilizes in her book. Each myth is intertwined with the adventure I was taken on as I followed Hope and Mount Olympus came alive in my mind’s eye. As if being shown the beauties that the Greek Gods enjoy weren’t enough, the perspective of Hope turned the book on its head. Not only was I entranced by the beauty, but also coaxed into discovering the cruelty of the land and the Gods who reside there. This detail and description has to be my favorite part about the book.

The only downside to the Greek mythology integrated into the book is the lack of knowledge a reader may come in with. The names of Greek Gods can be recalled easily by some and are completely lost on others. For a book such as this one, I would recommend explanations a little more often for the lesser known Gods and myths. However, that is nothing a quick, occasional internet search can’t fix.

Because of the exceptional editing and amazing eye for detail in Olympian Challenger, I would rate the book at four out of four stars. I felt as if I really went to Mount Olympus and competed alongside the other contenders. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with even the slightest interest in Greek mythology. For the audience not convinced by the tales of Mount Olympus, the tribute to friendship, loyalty, and love found in this book is just as enticing.

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Olympian Challenger
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