Review: Percy Jackson's Greek Gods (Percy Jackson and the Olympians companion book) by Rick Riordan

SUMMARY FROM GOODREADS:

"A publisher in New York asked me to write down what I know about the Greek gods, and I was like, Can we do this anonymously? Because I don't need the Olympians mad at me again. But if it helps you to know your Greek gods, and survive an encounter with them if they ever show up in your face, then I guess writing all this down will be my good deed for the week." So begins Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, in which the son of Poseidon adds his own magic--and sarcastic asides--to the classics. He explains how the world was created, then gives readers his personal take on a who's who of ancients, from Apollo to Zeus. Percy does not hold back. "If you like horror shows, blood baths, lying, stealing, backstabbing, and cannibalism, then read on, because it definitely was a Golden Age for all that." Dramatic full-color illustrations throughout by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco make this volume--a must for home, library, and classroom shelves--as stunning as it is entertaining.

MY TAKE:
I loved the Percy Jackson series, and while this wasn't as exciting as that series, it had plenty of what I loved about it: Greek gods and goddesses, and humorous jokes.

In Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, Percy Jackson introduces you to the 12 Olympians (plus a few other gods, goddesses, Titans, etc.) through their origin stories, as well as entertaining stories featuring them.

I loved the plot twists in Rick Riordan's books, but given the nature of this book, that wasn't possible. The stories (not all of which I'm familiar with but of those that I do know, the story line is the same) basically follow the stories that already exist, but the gods and goddesses' dialogue have been modernized, such that they sound like they won't have trouble fitting in with us. There were also plenty of pop culture references, a lot of which made me laugh.

The book's strength, aside from introducing readers to Greek myths, is its delivery. The book sounds like it was narrated by a teenager or young adult, so unlike with some mythology books, you don't feel your mind start to wander. It's a great introductory book to Greek myths or a refresher course for those who are already familiar with them.

I don't know if this book has a sequel, but I certainly hope Mr. Riordan considers it.

THE GOOD:

1. The book is hilarious.
2. It's a fun way to learn about a few Greek myths.
3. It makes learning and remembering the Greek gods and goddesses relationships with one another easier. 

THE BAD:

1. It doesn't have the great plot twists that you've come to expect from a Percy Jackson book. 

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Hermes played a little Mozart and some One Direction, and Apollo cried, ‘I must have it! The girls will go wild for that!” 

READ IT IF:

1. You like reading about the Greek gods and goddesses.
2. You loved the Percy Jackson series.
3. You are looking for a book that can make you laugh. 

RATING:


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