I've been a fan of Greek Mythology since I was a child and it is very cool to see them now star in their very own graphic novel series. The Olympians graphic novel series are such a delight to read in revisiting the famous Greek myths from a fresh format and point of view. I always learn something new in each volume of the Olympians series. I would highly recommend reading them and the best part is that each volume can be read as a standalone.
Description: Hades: Lord of the Dead tells the story of the great God of the Underworld and one of the most famous of all Greek myths: Hades' abduction of Persephone and her mother's revenge. Be prepared to see a new side of Persephone in this dynamic adaptation of the story of the creation of the seasons.
Review: O'Connor gives a panoramic viewpoint of the Underworld as we see souls tormented for their sins while others wander aimlessly or reside in the Elysian fields. We are also given shades of the gloomy, quiet, and brooding Hades too, however, the graphic novel centers on the retelling of the famous Hades and Persephone myth. I know many readers who love this myth and find it romantic, but this myth has always made me feel uncomfortable.
In O'Connor's retelling, the tempestuous mother-daughter relationship between Demeter and Kore (translated as "The Maiden") gives us a fresh and funny viewpoint of the famous myth. Demeter is an overbearing mother who smothers her teenage daughter Kore. We watch a screaming fight between these two women that many young readers can relate to with familiar dialogue such as "Butt out of my life!!" and "You ungrateful brat". When Kore does not heed the advice of her mother to be careful, she is captured by Hades, who too pressurizes Kore to become his wife. Kore initially gives her quiet, gloomy captor Hades a hard time too. She also takes advantage of her time alone to give herself a thorough makeover and changing her name to Persephone ("Bringer of Destruction"). We are now seeing Persephone not as a victim but a woman who has taken charge of her life. We daresay that she actually likes being with Hades- when offered the opportunity to return to her remorseful mom, she lies about having eaten those pomegranate seeds so she can spend half of each year as Queen of the Dead.
I loved how O'Connor has taken note that many of the myth retellings have shown us what happened to Persephone, but many writers and storytellers have never given her a voice. He has also expertly captures both the dramatic action and each character's distinct personality for instance Demeter's wild hair matches to her flammable temper as well as the physical transformation of a waif Kore into a woman with a backbone of steel in Persephone. While the Greek gods hold infinite power, O'Connor never forgets to show their humanity.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There are disturbing images and discussion of the center figures who are tormented in the Underworld. Recommended for Grades 6 and up.
If you like this book try: Percy Jackson the Olympians graphic novel adaptations by Robert Venditti, Hades Speaks! by Vicky Shecter
Review: O'Connor gives a panoramic viewpoint of the Underworld as we see souls tormented for their sins while others wander aimlessly or reside in the Elysian fields. We are also given shades of the gloomy, quiet, and brooding Hades too, however, the graphic novel centers on the retelling of the famous Hades and Persephone myth. I know many readers who love this myth and find it romantic, but this myth has always made me feel uncomfortable.
In O'Connor's retelling, the tempestuous mother-daughter relationship between Demeter and Kore (translated as "The Maiden") gives us a fresh and funny viewpoint of the famous myth. Demeter is an overbearing mother who smothers her teenage daughter Kore. We watch a screaming fight between these two women that many young readers can relate to with familiar dialogue such as "Butt out of my life!!" and "You ungrateful brat". When Kore does not heed the advice of her mother to be careful, she is captured by Hades, who too pressurizes Kore to become his wife. Kore initially gives her quiet, gloomy captor Hades a hard time too. She also takes advantage of her time alone to give herself a thorough makeover and changing her name to Persephone ("Bringer of Destruction"). We are now seeing Persephone not as a victim but a woman who has taken charge of her life. We daresay that she actually likes being with Hades- when offered the opportunity to return to her remorseful mom, she lies about having eaten those pomegranate seeds so she can spend half of each year as Queen of the Dead.
I loved how O'Connor has taken note that many of the myth retellings have shown us what happened to Persephone, but many writers and storytellers have never given her a voice. He has also expertly captures both the dramatic action and each character's distinct personality for instance Demeter's wild hair matches to her flammable temper as well as the physical transformation of a waif Kore into a woman with a backbone of steel in Persephone. While the Greek gods hold infinite power, O'Connor never forgets to show their humanity.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There are disturbing images and discussion of the center figures who are tormented in the Underworld. Recommended for Grades 6 and up.
If you like this book try: Percy Jackson the Olympians graphic novel adaptations by Robert Venditti, Hades Speaks! by Vicky Shecter
Labels:
2015 YRHMB Reading Challenge,
4 stars,
Childrens,
Death,
Graphic Novel,
Greek Mythology,
Olympians,
Retelling,
YA
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I like that this is all about Hades and the underworld. I think it sounds scary and so interesting.
Actually the original stories made me uncomfortable but the retellings are what I usually find romantic. Since this is a retelling, I do think I would enjoy it.
Oh I love this and I have a daughter that I just know will want this when she learns about it! Thanks for reviewing this today!