Greek myths

The cover of a children's novel: The Chalice of the Gods, by Rick Riordan.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan, Penguin UK, ISBN 9780241647523

REVIEWED BY MILAN, 10, NSW

Milan reviewed his own copy of this title.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods is an adventure novel written by Rick Riordan. This story follows the Heroes of Olympus series and is a sequel to the other Percy Jackson books. This novel starts with Percy, Annabeth and Grover who are the protagonists. Being demigods, they complete quests and missions that gods have sent them. One peculiar day, the Greek god Ganymede shows up and makes a demand that they return his special chalice. This cup turns out to be the Chalice of the Gods, which holds great power and one sip can transform any mortal into an immortal god. And so, Percy and his demigod companions embark on this dangerous quest, nervously questioning various Greek gods. Some of these gods include Hebe, the goddess of youth and Iris, goddess of the rainbow. When asking for information from Iris, however, she demands a favour in return.

In this book I especially enjoyed the humour Rick Riordan used from Percy’s perspective during some of the serious scenes. I felt that it made the story engaging and a real page-turner. I also enjoyed the combat battles that the trio fought in. Riordan described the scenes so vividly that I could picture the story clearly.

The names of the chapters bothered me because they gave away what was about to happen. I think that Riordan could have improved on this by naming the chapters more vaguely. The surprise element of books is much more enjoyable and I would have preferred to find out through a more natural progression.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would rate it 4/5 stars. I look forward to reading the rest of the Percy Jackson series. I would recommend this novel to children aged 10–12 years and to those who enjoy action-packed and mythical adventures.

Milan is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read his earlier reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines.

Orpheus and Eurydice, retold by Hugh Lupton & Daniel Morden, ill. Carole Hénaff, Barefoot Books, ISBN 9781846867842

orpheus and eurydice

REVIEWED BY MATILDA, 8, WA

Matilda reviews her own copy of this book.

This is a Greek myth and it tells the story of how Orpheus and Eurydice got married but then Eurydice died. Orpheus really loved Eurydice so he goes to the Land of Forgetfulness (the Land of the Dead) to ask for Eurydice back. He thinks he can get her back if he plays his lyre for the god Hades and the goddess Persephone. Will life go back to normal for Orpheus and Eurydice?

I already knew this myth from school and this book explains the story really well.

I like the illustrations because they are like paintings from a mural and I like the extra decorations added — like swirls in Eurydice’s hair.

The story does have creepy parts, so BEWARE! In other bits the words are so soothing and they get into your heart and make your heart burn with sadness for Orpheus and Eurydice.

People from ages 8+ will like this book and also people who like Greek myths, folktales and adventures.

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Matilda is one of our regular book reviewers. Her most recent review (if you don’t count this one) was of The Lost Girl. If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Tag: Greek myths

Book review: The Chalice of the Gods

Book review: Orpheus and Eurydice