Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes

August 31, 2015
The demigod son of Poseidon offers his take on 12 figures from Greek myth in this irreverent and informative follow-up to Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods (2014). Jokey contemporary references appear in quick succession (“We know you have a lot of options when choosing a directional wind, and we appreciate your business,” Zephyrus, god of the west wind, tells Psyche); Rocco takes a comparatively old-school approach with his moody portraits of Hercules, Atalanta, and others. Percy’s existing fans and newcomers will be equally delighted. It’s worth it just to watch Riordan/Percy squirm through the myths’ ickier details, such as Pasiphaë’s seduction of a bull: “This is a good time for all of us to put down the book again, run around in circles screaming, ‘Ewww!’ and wash our eyes out with Visine.” Ages 8–12. Agent: Nancy Gallt, Nancy Gallt Literary Agency.

In a similarly hefty companion to Percy Jackson's Greek Gods (2014), the most voluble of Poseidon's many sons dishes on a dozen more ancient relatives and fellow demigods. Riordan averts his young yarn spinner's eyes from the sex but not the stupidity, violence, malice, or bad choices that drive so many of the old tales. He leavens full, refreshingly tart accounts of the ups and downs of such higher-profile heroes as Theseus, Orpheus, Hercules, and Jason with the lesser-known but often equally awesome exploits of such butt-kicking ladies as Atalanta, Otrera (the first Amazon), and lion-wrestling Cyrene. In thought-provoking contrast, Psyche comes off as no less heroic, even though her story is less about general slaughter than the tough "Iron Housewives quests" Aphrodite forces her to undertake to rescue her beloved Eros. Furthermore, along with snarky chapter heads ("Phaethon Fails Driver's Ed"), the contemporary labor includes references to Jay-Z, Apple Maps, god-to-god texting, and the like-not to mention the way the narrator makes fun of hard-to-pronounce names and points up such character flaws as ADHD (Theseus) and anger management issues (Hercules). The breezy treatment effectively blows off at least some of the dust obscuring the timeless themes in each hero's career. In Rocco's melodramatically murky illustrations, men and women alike display rippling thews and plenty of skin as they battle ravening monsters. Tales that "lay out your options for painful and interesting ways to die." And to live. (maps, index) (Mythology. 10-14) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2015

Gr 4-8-Having dished out the goods on the gods in Percy Jackson's Greek Gods (Disney-Hyperion, 2014), Percy now turns his attention to his fellow demigods. With typical snark, he describes the exploits and pitfalls of 12 of ancient Greece's best (or, at least, most notorious) heroes. Familiar characters including Daedalus and Theseus are joined by lesser-known names such as Cyrene and Bellerophon, and readers are sure to chuckle at chapter headings such as "Phaethon Fails Driver's Ed" and "Hercules Does Twelve Stupid Things." The chapters vary greatly in length, with Orpheus taking up just 17 pages, while Hercules's labors span nearly 100. Though the majority of the heroes featured are male, four fearless females also have a chance to shine. There are frequent pop culture references spanning everything from Frozen to Call of Duty, as well as occasional shout-outs to Percy's companions from his own adventures. This hefty tome is sure to be popular with Riordan's many fans, though readers looking for a more scholarly take on ancient lore may want to search elsewhere. Rocco's painterly illustrations lend an air of gravitas to Percy's banter, and while the tone of the book is light, the accompanying maps and index are suitably detailed. VERDICT Though it will no doubt eventually feel dated, this companion to Riordan's most popular works is a definite purchase for most libraries.-Misti Tidman, Licking County Library, Newark, OH

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2015
Grades 5-8 A colorful and quite enormous companion volume to Percy Jackson's Greek Gods (2014), this inviting book retells the stories of 12 notable figures from Greek mythology, such as Cyrene, Jason, Orpheus, Perseus, Psyche, and Theseus. Riordan casts a wide net in choosing his heroes, and the inclusion of four women in this traditionally male-dominated category broadens the book's appeal as well as its scope. Chapter titles like Phaethon Fails Driver's Ed, Whatever It Is, Bellerophon Didn't Do It, and Atalanta vs. Three Pieces of Fruit: The Ultimate Death Match capture the irreverent tone of the narrative, which is often amusing as well as informative. Written in the voice of Percy Jackson, these ancient stories sound fresh and vital. Rocco contributes many beautifully composed and dramatic paintings, from full-page action scenes to vertical side panels to small portraits at chapter headings. Like its predecessor, this large, handsome tome may be physically heavy, but it will fly off library shelves.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)