O’Connor, George. Ares, Bringer of War.

O’Connor, George.  Ares, Bringer of War.  Macmillan/First Second  2015  unp  $9.99  ISBN 978-0-1-62672-013-8  ms/hs  series: Olympians   .  Graphic novel  E-BN

The seventh installment of The Olympians, this book about Ares lives up to the quality of the previous volumes.  O’Conner’s illustrations bring the story of Ares and his role in the Trojan War to life.  Many recent retellings of this story omit the role of the gods and goddesses to focus instead on the mortals and demigods.  The gods quickly divide into factions and leave a trail of destruction in their wake over the course of the battle.  The “Greek Notes” section explains minor characters, action in the story, and artistic decisions that were made.  This graphic novel is highly recommended for any middle- and high-school mythology collection.  

Summary: The Greek god Ares and his role in the Trojan War are illustrated in a graphic novel.       

Greek myth                                                  --Stephanie Pennucci

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