Olympians--Aphrodite--Goddess of Love

January 1, 2014

Gr 6-10-This sixth book in the series turns its attention to the goddess of love and beauty. Aphrodite is created from love itself, but once born, is quickly forced by Zeus into a loveless marriage to Hephaistos, the god of fire and smithing, in order to prevent conflict among the gods. Lonely and unhappy, she gives birth to Eros (aka Cupid), which sets about a comic chain of events that will change the course of human history forever. Although this volume is not as action-focused as earlier entries, O'Connor still weaves together an interesting and at times hilarious narrative about love and jealousy. His interest in the source material is evident on every page, as he brings these gods to life with his portrayals of complex emotions and distinct personalities while his simple, modern word choices make the text easily accessible. The illustrations perfectly match the text; each character gets a sleek, modern makeover while still remaining true to the clothing of the time period, and the use of soft, pastel colors set a lighthearted tone. Endnotes explain some of the more subtle references and allusions to previous works, while discussion questions, fact sheets, and an author's note further educate readers. This volume ends with a well-plotted and humorous retelling of the Judgment of Paris, where Aphrodite sets up the Trojan War wonderfully for future installments. Another strong addition to a great series.-Peter Blenski, Greenfield Public Library, WI

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2013
Grades 6-9 This sixth entry in O'Connor's growing series, after Poseidon (2013), is just as inviting as its predecessors. Wide panels filled with seductive colors depict Aphrodite's birth from the sea, her marriage to Hephaistos, and, most importantly, the jealousy and passion she engenders among the other Olympians. The author cleverly begins the story far before Aphrodite's birth, emphasizing the generative power of love since the beginning of creation. When the goddess appears, she's merely an embodiment of longstanding force of naturea gorgeous one, to be sure, but she's also wry, witty, and deeply aware of her power. Most of the time here is spent telling the story of dopey, wide-eyed Paris, who is forced to choose one of three powerful goddesses to receive the apple of discord, precipitating the Trojan War. Compellingly, O'Connor doesn't merely present the conflict as a beauty contest as it is often cast, but rather as a subtle, tricky power play orchestrated by Zeus all along. As usual, lots of source information and further reading make this classroom friendly.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)