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posies23's review against another edition
5.0
In some respects, this is another of those "it turns out Greek myths are real" YA novel. Which is true, but does a disservice to the novel, because while that is technically true, there's much more going on in the book beyond the obvious similarities to Percy Jackson, etc.
In a nutshell, two cousins discover that there is a supernatural cause to an illness that is causing young people to become very, very ill. As a result, they must face the Greek Underworld and try to save not only the "real" world, but also the world of Greek myth.
What really sets this book apart is the authorial tone. It's written in a humorous self-aware authorial style that makes it fun to read and quite different from most YA novels. The characters are quite well drawn, as well, which makes their journey and growth as characters all the more engaging and urgent.
I also liked the fact that the author made the self-concious choice to have two diverse characters be the protagonists, and while it is an element of the story, it's not a MAJOR element. It's nice to see the two leads -- Charlotte, a redheaded girl with an "unfortunate complexion" and Zee, her black, British, soccer-playing cousin -- fully realized as people, from different backgrounds and continents, working together to solve the conflict naturally and realistically. Well, as realistically as they can in a novel that features Harpies.
Highly recommended for all, but especially for YA readers that love mythology and adventure!
In a nutshell, two cousins discover that there is a supernatural cause to an illness that is causing young people to become very, very ill. As a result, they must face the Greek Underworld and try to save not only the "real" world, but also the world of Greek myth.
What really sets this book apart is the authorial tone. It's written in a humorous self-aware authorial style that makes it fun to read and quite different from most YA novels. The characters are quite well drawn, as well, which makes their journey and growth as characters all the more engaging and urgent.
I also liked the fact that the author made the self-concious choice to have two diverse characters be the protagonists, and while it is an element of the story, it's not a MAJOR element. It's nice to see the two leads -- Charlotte, a redheaded girl with an "unfortunate complexion" and Zee, her black, British, soccer-playing cousin -- fully realized as people, from different backgrounds and continents, working together to solve the conflict naturally and realistically. Well, as realistically as they can in a novel that features Harpies.
Highly recommended for all, but especially for YA readers that love mythology and adventure!
alyshadeshae's review against another edition
5.0
This book was delightful! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the way it was written. I'll be starting the second book in the morning.
hayleybeale's review against another edition
4.0
Perfect for more sophisticated readers looking for life after Percy Jackson. Funny and smart: all, uh, hell breaks loose because Hades has had the management consultants in and re-organized the Underworld, leaving one dissatisfied employee who liked the good old days when the Dead really suffered. Charlotte and her cousin, Zee, are the unwitting human pawns in Philonecron's plan to take over from Hades.
em_dash_'s review against another edition
5.0
My teacher read this to my class in fourth grade, and I can still remember the awed hush of the classroom as she narrated. It was such an engaging story that I had to read it myself, and I did, once or twice. The characters are given so much depth that it is easy to relate to them. I could not put it down, and this is one of the stories that I can still remember clearly despite how long ago I read it. Looks like it might be time to re-read it again!
vale15's review against another edition
3.0
I really struggled to rate this book. I was tempted to give it two stars and here is why.
The authors writing style pretty much misses the mark for me. It’s repetitive in the extreme and it diminishes the enjoyment I get from the story. This book could probably be pruned down by half and be a wonderful story. The beauty and value of a story is not defined by length, rather the intentional use of words by the author. The book did not feel intentional. It was more like becoming very tipsy and trying to relay a story to someone who then transcribed it. The story nearly becomes lost under the amount of unnecessary words forced into the book.
The second issue is poor little Charlotte. I’m afraid I must agree with her teachers; she had potential. This may be my issue because I find that if the main character isn’t interested or invested in her surroundings and the story then neither am I. She felt very flat and one dimensional especially next to characters like Zee and Grandmother Winter. This characters show me that the author can write good characters. I think Charlotte’s crappy attitude and general dullness only really shines in the Underworld. I have read other characters that excel in sarcasm and dry wit in dark and stressful situations without being annoying and boring. A swing and a miss on that one.
And here is why I gave it three stars.
Firstly I remember enjoying this story 10+ years ago when I read it. I think this is truly a book for middle schoolers and maybe that’s partly why adults might struggle with this book. This might be a strong example of writing for your target audience and no one else.
Secondly there are some serious redeeming elements. As mentioned above Zee and Grandma are absolutely awesome and I would happily read an entire book just about them hanging out and baking cakes. I absolutely love those two and feel like they saved the book.
The plot line buried underneath all of the extra wordage isn’t that bad. The concept is cool albeit flimsy in some places. (If Phil was collecting blood for so many years then surely he would have encountered a kid during his time in the Upperworld so I don’t buy that he only noticed the shadow opportunity when he saw Zee.) But I enjoyed the international aspect, the spread of the “illness”, the time in the Underworld and the budding friendship between the cousins. Those elements were well done in my opinion.
I will return this book back to its place amongst the literature my youth and keep it for my nephews once they are older.
The authors writing style pretty much misses the mark for me. It’s repetitive in the extreme and it diminishes the enjoyment I get from the story. This book could probably be pruned down by half and be a wonderful story. The beauty and value of a story is not defined by length, rather the intentional use of words by the author. The book did not feel intentional. It was more like becoming very tipsy and trying to relay a story to someone who then transcribed it. The story nearly becomes lost under the amount of unnecessary words forced into the book.
The second issue is poor little Charlotte. I’m afraid I must agree with her teachers; she had potential. This may be my issue because I find that if the main character isn’t interested or invested in her surroundings and the story then neither am I. She felt very flat and one dimensional especially next to characters like Zee and Grandmother Winter. This characters show me that the author can write good characters. I think Charlotte’s crappy attitude and general dullness only really shines in the Underworld. I have read other characters that excel in sarcasm and dry wit in dark and stressful situations without being annoying and boring. A swing and a miss on that one.
And here is why I gave it three stars.
Firstly I remember enjoying this story 10+ years ago when I read it. I think this is truly a book for middle schoolers and maybe that’s partly why adults might struggle with this book. This might be a strong example of writing for your target audience and no one else.
Secondly there are some serious redeeming elements. As mentioned above Zee and Grandma are absolutely awesome and I would happily read an entire book just about them hanging out and baking cakes. I absolutely love those two and feel like they saved the book.
The plot line buried underneath all of the extra wordage isn’t that bad. The concept is cool albeit flimsy in some places. (If Phil was collecting blood for so many years then surely he would have encountered a kid during his time in the Upperworld so I don’t buy that he only noticed the shadow opportunity when he saw Zee.) But I enjoyed the international aspect, the spread of the “illness”, the time in the Underworld and the budding friendship between the cousins. Those elements were well done in my opinion.
I will return this book back to its place amongst the literature my youth and keep it for my nephews once they are older.
jenniepicky's review against another edition
4.0
I was expecting an adventure into greek mythology along the lines of the Percy Jackson series. I may not have gotten as much mythology as I thought, though there was a lot to be had. I may not have gotten as much action as I thought, though that was not lacking either. What I wasn't expecting was the wry humour sprinkled throughout. Refreshingly fun story! I am looking forward to more in the series.
ghutter05's review against another edition
3.0
Good; a younger, somewhat milder read than Percy Jackson. Girl and boy main characters, with a little more social and home story.
priya_amrev's review against another edition
2.0
I’ve read this before. Idk why it wasn’t listed.
More for children
More for children
booksnorkel's review against another edition
3.0
I have a friend who won’t read the Percy Jackson series because she read this book first. Well I read them first and loved them so it took me a while to get around to reading this one. Sorry this book is a slight let down especially since my friend keeps insisting on thinking that the two books are the same. It took a little bit too long to get into, a little bit too long to discover the plot, a little bit too long overall. Don’t get me wrong this book was good, it just isn’t great. It follows a girl who is normal then her cousin comes to live with her and then everyone starts getting sick with a mysterious illness that just makes them sleep. The point of view shifts to her cousin who came from England and you find out that the sickness is following him. Then it shifts again to Hades where you discover a demon is the reason behind the sickness and it’s following the British cousin for ‘reasons’ This book is just different enough that you really can’t compare it to Percy or claim that this book ripped it off.
The story is good, and the writing is too. It’s just good though. I would read the second one if I didn’t have to pay more than five for it, and I would probably finish the series if there aren’t too many books. The first half of the book really did drag and seeing as how the book itself is rather large… the first half could have been tightened up a bit and I think I would have enjoyed this more.
For fans of Percy Jackson who are looking for another greek gods in our modern world book series, ages fourth grade on up both boys and girls since the view point changes between the two.
The story is good, and the writing is too. It’s just good though. I would read the second one if I didn’t have to pay more than five for it, and I would probably finish the series if there aren’t too many books. The first half of the book really did drag and seeing as how the book itself is rather large… the first half could have been tightened up a bit and I think I would have enjoyed this more.
For fans of Percy Jackson who are looking for another greek gods in our modern world book series, ages fourth grade on up both boys and girls since the view point changes between the two.