Gunderson, Jessica. Olympians vs Titans: A Chilling Interactive Adventure.

Gunderson, Jessica.  Olympians vs Titans: A Chilling Interactive Adventure. Capstone Publishers 2017  112p  $31.99  ISBN 978-1-5157-4820-5  elem/ms  Mythology  VG-BN         

In a retelling from Greek mythology in a choose-your-own-adventure format, this title chronicles the battle between the Titans and the Olympians.  The reader gets to choose to be Zeus, Cronus or Prometheus, the god of wisdom.  Within the story of each character there are multiple opportunities for differing paths to follow.  Some choices lead to good conclusions, some to bad endings.  As the reader makes choices, he or she is also learning a great deal about Greek mythology.

This title, along with the others in the set, would be a good supplement to the study of Greek mythology.  It tells the stories in a fun format.
 

The final chapter gives additional information about the outcome of this war.  There is a list of some of the Greek gods and goddesses involved in the story, and there are three questions for the reader to explore further, three print sources for further information, and information about a publisher-sponsored web site.  A glossary, bibliography and index are included.
 

This title can be read and understood by a younger reader, but will be most appropriate in conjunction with the study of Greek mythology usual in grade 7.  

There are eight titles in the You Choose: Greek Myths series.  Each presents characters from Greek mythology in a choose-your-own-adventure format.   

Summary: This title tells the story of the battle between Cronus, head of the Titans, and Zeus, head of the Olympians.  The reader makes choices about which character to be and which actions to take.  These choices can lead to death or to success.  Grades 5-8 

Greek mythology                                                         --Joan Theal

Hoena, Blake. Hades and the Underworld: A Chilling Interactive Adventure.

Hoena, Blake. Hades and the Underworld: A Chilling Interactive Adventure. Capstone Publishers   2017  112p  $31.99  ISBN 978-1-5157-4823-6  elem/ms  Mythology. VG-BN         

This story takes place after the Olympians defeat the Titans in Greek mythology.  Hades rules the underworld and has captured Persephone.  The reader gets to choose to be a god, the musician Orpheus, or a Greek hero as they set out to return Persephone to her mother.  With these choices, the reader learns many facts about Greek mythology, and additional information is given in the appendix.
 

Many of the paths the reader may choose lead to failure.  However, by retracing steps and choosing another path, the reader may be successful and also learns a great deal about Greek mythology.  This title would be a good supplement for the study of mythology, which is typical in grade 7.  The text can be understood and enjoyed by younger readers, but is not too simplified for middle-school readers.  This is especially true with the place and character names.
  

There is a list of some of the Greek gods and goddesses who appear in this particular story.  There are three questions for the reader to explore, three print sources for further information, along with the publisher-sponsored web site.  A glossary, bibliography and index are included. 

There are eight titles in the You Choose: Greek Myths series.  Each presents the characters in the Greek myths in a choose-your-own-adventure format.   

Summary: The reader chooses which character they want to be in order to rescue Persephone from the world of Hades.  Many of the Greek myths come into play as the reader makes choices in the plot, and there is good supporting information for the study of mythology.

Greek myths, Persephone                                           --Joan Theal

Olympians: Aphrodite, Goddess of Love.

O'Connor, George.  Olympians: Aphrodite, Goddess of Love.  Macmillan/ First Second  2014  76p.  $10.00      ISBN 978-1-5964-3739-5  all ages    series: Olympians  E-BN

In this volume the author introduces Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and power.  Aphrodite was born of the sea foam and the power of Eros, and was made in loveliness and given power, beauty and an abundance of love.

The reader meets Aphrodite and reads about how she became a part of the Olympian group of gods, although she is the only one not related except through marriage.  On one occasion there is a wedding celebration and all the gods are present except one, Eris.  Eris was the goddess of discord, so to keep the festivities peaceful she was not invited, but she came anyway, and of course it was she who threw out the golden apple, intended for the most beautiful goddess.  This brought three goddesses out to claim the apple; Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite.

This series of tales from mythology introduces the Olympian gods and their individual stories to beginning readers.  The pictures are very pleasing and bright, and will keep the reader going to the end and wanting more. This is the fifth volume in the series.  Other volumes cover Zeus, Hera, Hades, and Poseidon.

Each book in the series includes author's notes, facts about the gods, Greek notes, a “for discussion” section, and a bibliography.          

Greek mythology, Aphrodite                                  --Magna Diaz

McMullan, Kate. Hit The Road Helen!

McMullan, Kate.  Hit The Road Helen!  Capstone/Stone Arch   2014  240p  ISBN 978-1-4343-4990-6    series: Myth-O-Mania  ms      VG-BN      Fantasy    

Trying to explain how the Trojan War began and continued for about ten years, Hades, ruler of the underworld, always places himself in the middle of the action.  In his retelling, he plays a major role in all the decisions and events.  He witnesses the events that start the war and he helps Zeus, Paris and all the other characters involved in the war.  Every time Hades almost ends the war, something else messes it up, so the fighting goes on.

This is a lighthearted look at the gods and their doings in Ancient Greece.  Students who otherwise would not read the Greek myths may be drawn to this series.  There are frequent plays on words in some sections.  Parts are full of action, parts are just silly.  All makes for a good read.

Added to the story is a “King Hades Quick and Easy Guide to the Myths”, which gives definitions and pronunciations of names, places and terms.  This was very helpful.  There is also a glossary and a brief excerpt from the Book of Myths. Also included are writing prompts and questions to start discussions.  There are nine titles currently in the Myth-O-Mania series.  Each deals with Greek myths, told from Hades’ viewpoint.      

Summary: Hades, ruler of the underworld, tells the story of the Trojan War from his own point of view.  In each title of the series, Hades makes himself come out the hero of the event.  This may pique the interest of middle-school readers in reading more Greek myths.

Trojan War, Greek Mythology                                 --Joan Theal