Reviewed September 12, 2004.
Scholastic, 2002. Originally published by Hyperion Books for
Children. 144 pages.
My then-fourth-grader son found this book at a Scholastic Book
Fair. He’s a big fan of Greek mythology, so he quickly became
hooked on the
whole series. These are easy and quick reading, but are
wonderfully
entertaining. You’ll get a background in Greek mythology that’s
much less dull than the more traditional telling, too.
The book is narrated by Hades, Lord of the Dead. Hades saw a
Big Book of Greek Myths that called the “brave and mighty Zeus” the
greatest god of all time. Zeus is Hades’ little brother, and
Hades says he’s a myth-o-maniac, “old-Greek-speak for ‘liar.’”
This series is Hades’ attempt to set the record straight and tell you
what really happened.
It turns out that Hades was the real hero of Greek mythology, but
chicken-hearted Zeus lied and took all the credit. Zeus even
cheated at cards to
get to be Ruler of the Universe. Hades ended up deciding he’d
rather
rule the Underworld just to get away from Zeus. And that fearsome
three-headed dog that guards the road? He chose to be with Hades
because Hades is such a kind master.
I find myself glad that my son has gotten the whole series, as I want
to read more. I also recommended the series to my friend whose
fifth-grader needs to practice reading. The size isn’t daunting,
but they don’t talk down to the reader and are most entertaining.
Reader
comment: Esmerentiana gives this book three stars, and says,
"I
often read upper-grade fiction, but I have had a hard time
concentrating on reading (my favorite past-time) in the last year.
Having a baby rewired my circuits! I read this book in one sitting last
night. I thought it was funny without being nasty or arch. I think I
have some insight into the
minds of reluctant readers now, and would heartily recommend this
series
to them."
Reviews of other books by Kate McMullan:
Phone Home, Persephone!
(Myth-O-Mania, Book Two)
Say Cheese, Medusa!
(Myth-O-Mania,
Book Three)
Nice Shot, Cupid! (Myth-O-Mania,
Book Four)
Book
Reviews by Sondra Eklund 