Review by labibliofile -- Olympian Challenger

[labibliofile]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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We are all children of God. God loves each and every child equally. God would never hurt their children much less their own descendants meaninglessly. Right? Or would they?

Olympian Challenger by Astrid Arditi makes us question everything that we have been taught about God since childhood, and whether all Gods are truly noble and virtuous.

The Gods have sent an invitation to all the twelfth graders in New York:

“You are cordially invited…”

Where are they invited? Who invited them? No one knows.

Not everyone can read the complete invitation, and even those who can are baffled by the cryptic invitation.

They are invited to the Olympian Challenge in Mount Olympus. The Olympian Challenge is designed to find the next Olympian hero or heroine, one with courage and a true heroic heart. In return, they would be granted one wish to fulfil their ultimate desire.

The champions have to succeed in several quests that would test their physical and mental skills in challenging circumstances. After each quest, those who fail are eliminated until there is one champion who would be the Olympian hero or heroine.

What happens to those that get eliminated you ask? Complete memory loss or death, depending on how early you are eliminated. I can’t choose which is better or worse.

Even our protagonist, Hope can’t choose.

She doesn’t pay heed to the invitation. The last thing she wants to do is to leave her sick mother behind. However, in an act of kindness to save someone from dying, she unknowingly accepts the invitation. She is then taken to Mount Olympus against her own will to participate in the challenge. But unlike the others, Hope doesn’t want to stay there and tries to escape every chance she gets. But is it even possible to escape Mount Olympus?

Sometime during her stay in Mount Olympus, she falls in love with Kieron, the son of Hades, which makes matters even more complicated.

Will she escape Mount Olympus? Or will she stay back for her love, fighting to become the Olympian heroine and be granted her wish to save her mother?

First of all, let me just say -- how gorgeous is the cover of this book?

Now that kept aside, I want to tell you why I enjoyed this book immensely – Astrid Arditi has taken a unique interpretation of God, and how even they are power hungry beings. Despite their cruelty, I enjoyed the way the different quests were devised, truly unique and each revealing the true character of the champions teaching us lessons of life and the bitter truths that we are faced with every day.

I especially appreciated the details in the book; it did not slow the pace of the book and always added something to the story. One of the examples is that when the champions were granted their powers, they were never told to use them wisely. Ergo, some champions misused their power for selfish means and to harm, rather than protect.

I also liked how Hope was strong-willed and determined. Even though she had the support of Kieron, she was never dependent on him and fought her own quests selflessly with sheer willpower and intelligence.

Another interesting character is Gabriel, one of the friends Hope makes among the champions and is gay. I like how he has not been stereotyped, and how accepting most people are about it, especially Cupid, the God of love!

I did not know much about Greek mythology. However, after reading Olympian Challenger, it has definitely piqued my interest, and I am going to try and learn more about it!

Now on to the grammar and editing, it seems to me that the editor has done a stellar job. Hence, no disappointments in this regard where the plot is exceptionally well and the poor editing dissuades you from reading a book. So, if whatever I have said intrigues you, go on and read it, no poor editing to stop you!

Now, I have very few complains from this book -- why does the protagonist have to be special every time? Why was she the only one with both ancestors as Gods? Why are the training techniques so similar to Divergent?

All that said, I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book.

All things considered, I rate Olympian Challenger 4 out of 4 stars. Albeit, my minor complains, it would be unfair to reduce one star on those grounds.

I was constantly reminded of Divergent and Harry Potter in certain areas of the book. So if you like books like Divergent, Percy Jackson, Hunger Games or a fantasy fiction with a dash of romance, then this one might be right up your alley.

I want to end this review by a quote by Harvey Dent which eloquently summarizes this book:

You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

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Olympian Challenger
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Like labibliofile's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Charlyn Tuzon]

Greek mythology always intrigues me so this book seems interesting. I wonder why the invitation is for the twelfth graders of New York only? Great review!

[labibliofile]

Greek mythology always intrigues me so this book seems interesting. I wonder why the invitation is for the twelfth graders of New York only? Great review!

I hope you like the book, should you choose to read it! Thank you for stopping by!

[aolayide]

I agree with you that the cover is gorgeous.
The storyline sounds interesting as well. I believe the plot is carefully drafted out to keep readers on their toes. Your review makes it more so appealing to readers and I almost feel as if you are strongly recommending all book-reading-lovers to take a look. Great review of the supernatural and the powers of gods!

[Delaney35]

Greek mythology is very interesting to me. I think this books would be a great read. You did a great job with the review!

[Prisallen]

This sounds like an inspiring and entertaining book to read. I'm sure the romance doesn't hurt either. Thanks for a wonderful review!

[DogoMulla]

The cover is something. The final quote too. You're almost convincing me to give this book a try. Good job on the review.

[sarahmarlowe randomeducator]

Yes! The cover is gorgeous! You did a great job presenting the ins and outs of this book. Thank you for such a great review!

[labibliofile]

I agree with you that the cover is gorgeous.
The storyline sounds interesting as well. I believe the plot is carefully drafted out to keep readers on their toes. Your review makes it more so appealing to readers and I almost feel as if you are strongly recommending all book-reading-lovers to take a look. Great review of the supernatural and the powers of gods!

I am glad to hear that! Thank you for the appreciation!

[labibliofile]

Greek mythology is very interesting to me. I think this books would be a great read. You did a great job with the review!

Do let me know if you decide to read it! I'd love to know your thoughts on the book! Thank you for stopping by!

[labibliofile]

The cover is something. The final quote too. You're almost convincing me to give this book a try. Good job on the review.

When I read that quote, I knew I just had to use it for the review! I hope you give it a try, let me know if you do! Thank you for the candid comment!

[labibliofile]

Yes! The cover is gorgeous! You did a great job presenting the ins and outs of this book. Thank you for such a great review!

I'm glad you think so! Thank you for the feedback!

[Dentarthurdent]

Now, I have very few complains from this book -- why does the protagonist have to be special every time? Why was she the only one with both ancestors as Gods?

Every single time. It's exasperating. There are fixed criteria in what is considered 'the YA Protagonist.'
It goes something like;
- Breathtakingly beautiful. (...and most likely unaware of this.)
- Unassuming
- Destiny. ('Twas foretold she would be the most powerful whatever that lived.)
- As above, ridiculously powerful.
- Surpasses the master, and everyone else, after some (comparatively minuscule) training.
- And they might even throw a love triangle into the mix!

Though, the book does sound great. It even motivated you to look into Greek Mythology. Only the best books inspire us to go further.

Great review. And I agree about the cover. That dress, right?

[unamilagra]

This kind of reminds me of Hunger Games: Mythology Edition. It sounds like a really fascinating read, and I'm glad it's well-written as well. It's nice when the book strikes the perfect balance of being well-detailed without being a slow read. Great review!

[Nerea]

I've never tried a Greek Mythology and I find the story interesting. Unfortunately, some traits featured in the book discourage me from considering the book.