Lore Olympus Volumes Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order for Lore Olympus

For readers diving into the colorful, divine world of Rachel Smythe's Lore Olympus, the reading path is straightforward: the series is designed to be read in strict numerical order. Because the print volumes are chronological compilations of the original webcomic episodes, there are no complicated prequels or divergent timelines to navigate. Following the publication order ensures you experience the slow-burn romance, character arcs, and overarching plot exactly as Smythe intended.

Here is the recommended reading list of the physical print volumes:

1. Lore Olympus: Volume One (November 2021) – Collects Webtoon episodes 1–25
2. Lore Olympus: Volume Two (July 2022) – Collects Webtoon episodes 26–49
3. Lore Olympus: Volume Three (October 2022) – Collects Webtoon episodes 50–75
4. Lore Olympus: Volume Four (June 2023) – Collects Webtoon episodes 76–102
5. Lore Olympus: Volume Five (October 2023) – Collects Webtoon episodes 103–126
6. Lore Olympus: Volume Six (May 2024) – Collects Webtoon episodes 127–152
7. Lore Olympus: Volume Seven (September 2024) – Collects Webtoon episodes 153–179
8. Lore Olympus: Volume Eight (May 2025) – Collects Webtoon episodes 180–206
9. Lore Olympus: Volume Nine (October 2025) – Collects Webtoon episodes 207–233
10. Lore Olympus: Volume Ten (June 2026) – Collects Webtoon episodes 234–260
11. Lore Olympus: Volume Eleven (Expected October 2026) – Collects Webtoon episodes 261–280 (Final Volume)

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Because Lore Olympus originated as a weekly digital webcomic on the WEBTOON platform, the transition to print volumes was handled chronologically. The publication order of the books matches the chronological sequence of the story perfectly. You do not have to worry about jumping back and forth in time, nor are there any prequel volumes or companion spin-off novels that alter the main storyline.

However, one detail that sets the printed graphic novels apart from their digital counterpart is the inclusion of exclusive bonus content. Almost every physical volume contains a printed-only bonus story or behind-the-scenes character sketches. While these bonus chapters do not alter the main plot, they add flavor and context to the characters' relationships. For example, early volumes include short stories featuring characters like Hera, Ares, and Zeus, which are not available on the WEBTOON platform. Therefore, reading the print volumes in order is the best way to enjoy these extra tidbits at the appropriate moments in the narrative.

The Transition from WEBTOON to Print

The original webcomic launched in 2018 and quickly became a global sensation, reaching over 1.4 billion views by its conclusion. Rachel Smythe finished the online serialization of the story on June 2, 2024, with the release of Episode 280. The print volumes, published by Del Rey Books, are designed to completely collect the digital run across 11 volumes, culminating in the release of Volume 11 in late 2026.

Transitioning from a vertical-scrolling webcomic layout to a traditional graphic novel page format was a significant design challenge. Panels were reorganized, background colors were optimized for ink-on-paper, and text bubbles were repositioned. Because of these structural adjustments, reading the print version offers a slightly different visual pacing than the online scroll, making it a fresh experience even for longtime digital readers.

Companion Works and Merchandise

Aside from the core story volumes, the success of Lore Olympus has inspired several official companion books that fans can enjoy alongside the main series. While none of these are required reading to understand the plot of Hades and Persephone, they are excellent additions for enthusiasts who want to interact with the world of Olympus in different ways:

• Lore Olympus: The Official Coloring Book (October 2024) – A coloring book featuring iconic scenes and character line art from the series.
• The Official Lore Olympus Cookbook (July 2025) – A culinary guide with recipes inspired by the Underworld and Olympus.
• The Lore Olympus Oracle Deck (March 2026) – A themed divination deck featuring Smythe's artwork and interpretations of the Greek pantheon.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving in, new readers should keep a few details in mind. First, while the pastel aesthetic, cute humor, and modern setting (think deities with smartphones and designer suits) make the story feel lighthearted, Lore Olympus handles heavy and mature themes. The series addresses trauma recovery, emotional abuse, power imbalances, and sexual assault. Rachel Smythe treats these topics with care, but the story is firmly situated in the Young Adult to Adult category due to this content.

Additionally, the series is highly celebrated within the comic industry. It has won several prestigious awards, including the Eisner Award, the Harvey Award, and the Ringo Award. Its success is heavily tied to how it reclaims Persephone's agency, transforming a classical myth of abduction into a contemporary narrative about self-discovery, healing, boundaries, and mutual consent.

For readers wondering what Rachel Smythe is working on next now that Lore Olympus has concluded, she is currently developing two standalone graphic novels: Eleanor's Deathbed (about a mortician's apprentice and Death) and Patients in the Dark (a supernatural family drama). Both projects promise to carry forward the emotional depth and striking visual style that made her debut series a masterpiece.