More of my Tween Tuesday posts.
Release Date: April 6, 2010
Publisher: Aladdin
Pages: 160
Received: Library
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Summary
From Goodreads:
AS PERSEPHONE'S MOTHER ENCOURAGES HER to do, she often "goes along to get along" instead of doing what she really wants. But when she meets Mount Olympus Academy bad-boy Hades, she finally feels she has found someone with whom she can be herself. He's the first person who actually listens to her, and she finds herself liking him, despite the fact that the other goddessgirls think he's bad news. But if he makes her feel so special -- and so comfortable -- can he really be all that bad?
Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams put a modern spin on classic myths with the Goddess Girls series. Follow the ins and outs of divine social life at Mount Olympus Academy, where the most privileged godboys and goddessgirls in the Greek pantheon hone their mythical skills.
Review
This is the second Goddess Girls book I’ve read and the second book in the (still on-going) series. The first book followed Athena and was a self-contained story. This second book follows, perhaps obviously, the character Persephone. I don’t think it is necessary to have read these books in order and Persephone ends completely and without any cliffhangers.
Everything I loved about the first book (Athena the Brain) is present here as well. Greek myths are continually referenced in both the overarching story arc and in little cameo appearances throughout the book. Knowing the myths already makes these references hugely fun to spot, but they won’t seem confusing or out of place for readers unfamiliar with the originals.
My other favorite thing about these books are the characters. Their voices ring so true. In each book the main character struggles with some issue most people have probably experienced at one point or another. In Persephone’s case, she grapples with finding her true self and worrying whether her friends will like her if her honesty isn’t always placid and agreeable.
I wish I had the opportunity to read these books when I was younger. I think I would have gained much comfort and good advice. The characters feel like good friends and confidants. As it is, I still enjoy them now despite the fact that I am well outside the target age.
I currently have the next book, Aphrodite the Beauty on my library TBR and fully plan on continuing with this excellent series.
Explanation of rating system: Star Rating Key
This book satisfies the following challenges:
Previous Tween Tuesday reviews (click on the covers):
I think these books look interesting but I shied away as I could see they were marketed for tweens. However if I ever have time, I might give them a try just because they look so darn cute and I love the Greek myths.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked it!!
ReplyDeleteIt's my favorite of the series - I've always been partial to this myth- and I too wish I had read them when I was younger, they are such comfort-giving books.
ooooh! I have one of these books and hadn't realized that it would count for the YA Series challenge. Yay! PS: have you noticed that the girl in your header looks a whole lot like a modern-day Goddess Girl?? :)
ReplyDeleteI read Athena and the Brain too. It was adorable. I also loved how it made mythology friendly. You could get all the subtleties if you're really into mythology or just enjoy the story if you're less knowledgeable.
ReplyDeletePerhaps obviously?
ReplyDeleteYou never fail to make me LOL!
The covers for this series are just so adorable, and if you think the stories would really resonate with young readers because of the good advice, I think I will get them for my little cousin, but of course sneak a peak first. ;)
Just how young are these? And are they boy friendly for a boy who is gaga over Greek mythology thanks to Percy Jackson? They look so great, I think I want to read them. I love MG books. They're always a lot of fun to read.
ReplyDeleteHeather
Yay, Greek myths! The cover of this one looks so cute.
ReplyDeleteI've got the same question as Heather above me. My brother loves Greek myths - thanks to Percy Jackson - and I'm wondering if this one would work for him as well.
Bookworm1858, They’re definitely for the younger tween, but I admit I do enjoy them myself. They’re quick, cute, and incorporate a surprising amount of Greek myths.
ReplyDeleteAlex, So far this one and Athena are my favorites. I liked Aphrodite a little less. They really are comfort-giving. I find myself seeking them out when I’m in a “Nothing will solve my mood except chocolate, ice cream, and Disney movies” kind of mood.
Katie, I think it counts! It’s MG and not YA, so maybe not, but there are more than three published. Huh, you’re right! I hadn’t noticed, but she does look like a GG. :) Oddly enough, I actually picture the characters looking like they do on the covers.
Alison, That’s one of the things I love about the books: they’re great if you know the myths, but still good stories that stand on their own if you’re not familiar with the myths.
Missie, Hehe :) I hope your little cousin likes them! I’ll be interested in knowing how they like it (if you don’t mind sharing).
Heather and A Canadian Girl, Hm, they’re pretty young. I’d say they’re appropriate for 9-12. Then again, I do enjoy them and I’m just a bit older than 12 :P It really does depend on the individual boy, but these are definitely “girly” books. Some of the characters (Artemis) might be more boy-friendly than characters like Aphrodite, who really does spend a lot of time shopping and doing makeup.
Percy Jackson is definitely written at an older audience. Maybe try The Pendragon Adventure books by D. J. MacHale instead? They’re not about Greek myths, but they have a similar feel that might be appealing and a male protagonist.
Oh Small- I have a small fortune invested in the Pendragon series with a huge promise of "I swear I'll read them" to no avail. Neither of them. Don't be a fool at the school book sale not matter how good of friends you are with the librarian. Just hand her a check instead of buying books that get dusty on your shelves!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Heather, Haha read them! I still have to read the final two, but I've been putting it off because I've forgotten so much that I need to reread the whole series. They just kept getting better and better (the first one is a little "younger" and less interesting than the rest). I don't even need to be friends with the librarian at the sales. I'm bad enough on my own!
ReplyDeleteYeah, me too. I keep saying I'm doing it for the school. But man surround me with all those books and a cause.... hide the checkbook honey!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Thanks for the recommendation. Lol, I'm pretty sure my brother wouldn't care for Aphrodite since I'm not really a fan of hers either. I love Athena though :)
ReplyDeleteUm. Why in the HELL did I not know about this book?
ReplyDeleteThank you so so so so so much for this review. I'm going to stalk it on goodreads, and hopefully read it sometime soon :)
Heather, Haha, yeah, I need them to keep up with my reviews and my job. Right…. :P
ReplyDeleteA Canadian Girl, You’re welcome. I liked Athena’s book a lot. Her concerns are ones that I think both boys and girls can relate to equally.
Lamia, Haha You’re so welcome! You’ll be happy to know that this is a series that’s still ongoing! The authors also have a bunch of giveaways coming up and they always have the cutest prize packs. I think there’s a blog tour giveaway now. I’ll look for the link for you!