Picture an American storyteller who brought Greek gods to the gritty streets of modern Manhattan—meet Jordanna Max Brodsky! A bestselling author with a knack for blending ancient mythology with pulse-pounding thrillers, Brodsky has carved a unique niche in fantasy literature. Her Olympus Bound series, starting with the acclaimed The Immortals, reimagines deities like Artemis as complex, relatable figures navigating a world that’s forgotten them. With a Harvard degree fueling her scholarly yet accessible style, Brodsky’s tales are as thought-provoking as they are thrilling.
From her roots in Virginia to her current home in Manhattan, Brodsky’s life is as vibrant as her stories. Her passion for mythology, sparked by childhood readings of D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, drives her to craft narratives that resonate with both myth nerds and casual readers. Let’s dive into the world of this captivating author!
The Making of Jordanna Max Brodsky
Born in Virginia, Jordanna Max Brodsky grew up with a flair for the dramatic, treating her science and technology high school like a theater conservatory. Her love for storytelling deepened at Harvard University, where she earned a degree in History and Literature. This academic foundation, paired with her lifelong obsession with Greek mythology, set the stage for her writing career. After graduating, Brodsky moved to Manhattan, a city that would become the vivid backdrop for her novels. Her travels to places like Greece and Italy, including a grueling hike up Mount Olympus for research, further shaped her authentic, immersive narratives.
Brodsky’s debut, The Immortals, published in 2016, marked her entry into the literary world. Inspired by her fascination with how ancient gods might survive in a modern era, she began crafting stories that blend scholarly insight with the pace of a thriller. Her unique perspective as a mythology buff and history addict shines through in every page.
Jordanna Max Brodsky’s Unforgettable Stories
Brodsky’s Olympus Bound trilogy is her flagship work, a masterful blend of Greek mythology, urban fantasy, and mystery. The series kicks off with The Immortals, where Selene DiSilva—aka Artemis, the goddess of the hunt—investigates ritual murders in Manhattan. Praised for its ‘lively re-imagining of classical mythology’ by Deborah Harkness, the novel sets a high bar with its witty gods and gritty setting.
The sequel, Winter of the Gods (2017), ups the stakes as a cult targets the Olympians themselves, weaving in complex themes of loyalty and divinity. The trilogy concludes with Olympus Bound (2018), where Selene journeys to Mount Olympus to save Zeus from her grandfather, Saturn. Reviewers laud its ‘syncretic masterpiece’ of mythology and science, with Athena’s debut delighting myth enthusiasts. Beyond the trilogy, Brodsky’s standalone novel The Wolf in the Whale (2019) explores Inuit mythology, showcasing her versatility in tackling diverse cultural narratives.
Brodsky’s style is a seamless mix of erudition and entertainment. Her gods are flawed, humanized figures grappling with fading powers, set against meticulously researched backdrops. Her prose, infused with humor and heart, makes ancient myths feel urgent and relevant, appealing to fans of Neil Gaiman or Madeline Miller.
Why Jordanna Max Brodsky Matters
Jordanna Max Brodsky has redefined urban fantasy by grounding it in rigorous research and emotional depth. Her Olympus Bound series has captivated readers who crave intelligent, mythology-driven stories that don’t sacrifice pace or heart. By humanizing gods like Artemis, she explores timeless themes of identity, power, and resilience, making ancient tales resonate in our modern world. Her work has earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, cementing her as a must-read author for myth lovers.
Brodsky’s influence extends beyond her books. Her engaging talks, like those at the New York Public Library, inspire fans to explore mythology anew. As a feminist, she crafts strong, independent heroines like Selene, challenging traditional narratives and empowering readers. Her ability to weave diverse mythologies, from Greek to Inuit, broadens the genre’s cultural scope.
- Birthplace: Virginia, USA
- Key Works: Olympus Bound trilogy, The Wolf in the Whale
- Education: BA in History and Literature, Harvard University
- Fun Fact: She narrates her own audiobooks with impressive skill!
Ready to lose yourself in a world where gods roam New York’s streets? Grab The Immortals and dive into Jordanna Max Brodsky’s thrilling blend of myth and mystery!