(3) 4-6 Olympians series. O'Connor's tenth Olympians book focuses on the mischievous Hermes. This volume emphasizes the inherently comical nature of the god's myths, making it more lighthearted than previous entries. The graphic-novel format is well suited to retelling these stories, with the artist drawing influence from both classical art and old-school comic-book styles. Author's note, "G(r)eek Notes," and character bios provide additional insight. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Adapted by Robert Venditti. Illustrated by Orpheus Collar & Antoine Dodé. Demigods Percy Jackson and Annabeth search the Labyrinth for Daedalus, who might help Camp Half-Blood stave off invasion by Luke, the demigod collaborating with the evil titan Kronos. The 2008 novel's abridgement into graphic-novel form is neatly carried out; dynamically illustrated panels show cartoony teens fighting humorously depicted mythological monsters and use shading and composition to create mood.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2008

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. The Olympians series returns to a direct focus on a single deity, here the daughter of Zeus and Leto. The comic-book format and illustrations are well suited to telling these stories, and bold, exaggerated facial expressions and poses exemplify the superhuman nature of the characters. Author's note, "G(r)eek Notes," and character bios provide additional insight. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. This graphic novel, seventh in the series, is largely based on The Iliad and focuses on the titular Greek deity's (and fellow Olympians') role in the Trojan War; O'Connor occasionally provides thought-provoking character studies of mythological figures. The exciting, colorful comic-book-style art fits the story's superhuman action. An author's note and discussion questions are included in the back matter. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. The Greek god of the sea is the focus of this graphic novel. A variety of stories are presented about Poseidon and his monstrous progeny, such as Cyclops Polyphemus's run-in with Odysseus. Like previous books in the series, the modern, action-packed graphic storytelling lends accessibility to the mythology. The author's notes and character profiles provide additional information. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. This latest volume in the series of graphic novels profiles the beautiful Greek goddess of love. Like the prior volumes, this book injects the mythology with an accessible modern sensibility through its colorful, action-packed graphic storytelling. Author's notes, "G(r)eek notes," and character bios provide insight into the myths and the author's creative development process. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Adapted by Robert Venditti. Illustrated by Attila Futaki. In this fourth in Riordan's series pitting Roman and Greek demigods against an awakening goddess Gaea, Percy and Annabeth trek through Tartarus to escape through the Doors of Death, while their friends fight their way to the Doors' mortal side to rescue them. The wisecracking teens reveal emotional depths while overcoming monsters and personal obstacles in this high velocity continuation of the gripping franchise. Glos.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Adapted by Robert Venditti. Illustrated by Attila Futaki. Two of Percy Jackson's early adventures--questing for the Golden Fleece to renew Camp Half-Blood's protections, saving Annabeth from holding up the world in Atlas's stead--are turned into polished graphic novels with charismatic illustrations. Somewhat visually indistinguishable characters and a few overbroad narrative leaps cause periodic confusion, but the format makes the most of dynamic settings and thrilling monster battles. Review covers these Percy Jackson and the Olympians titles: The Sea of Monsters and The Titan's Curse

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. The fourth book in this series relates the major myth about the Greek god of the Underworld, in which Hades kidnaps and marries Demeter's daughter, Persephone. This graphic novel's lively format brings a modern sensibility to the ancient myth and makes it accessible to a wide audience. The author's notes and character biographies provide additional information. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. O'Connor's author's note states, "Hera is my favorite goddess...I really like her style." This series entry focuses on the queen of the Greek gods, Zeus's wife, who usually plays a supporting role in the myths. In this graphic novel version, Hera's sassy 'tude and no-nonsense sensibility bring a modern flair to the ancient tales.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. After opening with the history of Zeus's ancestors, the tale progresses to the birth of the "king of the gods," his fight with the Titans, and the rise of the Olympians: "ageless and immortal, a new race of gods." This graphic novel treatment brings a modern, colorful, action-packed look to an old tale. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Olympians series. In this graphic novel, the Fates narrate a collection of myths featuring the Greek goddess, including the story of her birth from Zeus's skull, the Olympians' battle with the Gigantes, and Medusa's betrayal of Athena. The lively format brings a modern sensibility to the ancient myths and makes them accessible to a wide audience. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Adapted by Robert Venditti. Illustrated by Attila Futaki. Color by Jose Villarrubia. This graphic novel introduces Percy, half-human son of Poseidon, and Camp Half-Blood, a haven for young demi-gods. Jackson devotees may lament the absence of some scenes, but the spirit of the novel holds up well. The precise timing of panels lends extra oomph to punch lines and action scenes, while settings spanning multiple panels or full pages suggest the epic scale of Percy's quest.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) 4-6 Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Set up as an entertaining diversion before the series' climax with the conceit of preparing young demigods for camp, this lighthearted supplemental volume contains short stories (Percy retrieves Ares's chariot, keeps the Sword of Hades from falling into the wrong hands, etc.), a grayscale map and packing guide, interviews with campers, and a color insert profiling the gods.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(2) 4-6 Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The battle between the Olympians and Titan Kronos comes to a head in this final series installment. Poseidon is under attack, a Titan disguised as a storm system bears down, and Percy's sixteenth birthday, on which it's prophesied that he will make a fateful choice, approaches. Once young and unsure, Percy and his friends have matured into battle-tested veterans with easy strength.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2009

(2) 4-6 Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Percy Jackson, half-blood son of Poseidon, enters the Labyrinth with Annabeth (daughter of Athena), Tyson (a Cyclops), and satyr Grover. There, they uncover a plot to invade Camp Half-Blood. The melding of Greek myths with modern-day settings remains fresh and funny in this fourth installment, as the friends draw nearer to the foreshadowed showdown against Kronos and renegade half-blood Luke.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2008

(2) 4-6 Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Percy Jackson, modern-day half-blood son of Poseidon, returns to face mythical monsters while on a cross-country trip. Percy's kept occupied fighting skeleton warriors and Atlas himself. The plot may seem a little muddled to those unfamiliar with the earlier books. However, the high-powered action sequences, humorous transposition of Olympian legends to the modern day, and direct, unassuming narration remain big draws.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2007