Note: I received a digital galley through NetGalley. ( )

This book's main protagonist is the Greek God of the Underworld, Hades. As he takes you on a tour of the house of Hades (the Underworld) he tells many Greek myths and sections of the Underworld, such as when he takes you to the Fields of Elysium the 'happy place." Also when he takes you to the hall of judgement the place to see where you go when you die. The God of the Dead also tells you that when you die to make sure that you have a gold coin with you to pay the ferryman or else you will have to walk in dead man's land for eternity. This God also tells you about philosophers like Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. Even in the end, he tells you to get going before something bad happens.

I absolutely love this book! First of all, it had actual stories from Greek mythology. It also had humor which put a lot of character into Hades. Speaking of which Hades was a very relatable character, by being jealous of his younger brother Zeus and having feelings about how things are in the world and above and below are going. I also liked how the book put you in the story, by having Hades great you and how he constantly talks to you. I also like how you go to the places in the book instead of Hades just telling you about them in, say like an email. Again this book was incredible, and I hope you read it. ( )

I was a huge fan of Anubis Speaks! and so was very excited when Ms. Shecter sent me a review copy of the next addition to the series.

The story of Greek beliefs about religion, the afterlife, and selected myths and bits of culture, is narrated in a darkly cynical fashion by Hades, who feels a bit neglected amongst his fellow gods.

Hades introduces himself and conducts the reader into his world: the underworld. There we meet monsters and ghosts, hear myths, and learn about strange rituals. You'll learn the story of Persephone and the creation of the gods, the functions of Cerberus the guard dog, and the different rules for the land of the dead and for Elysium. The reader will learn about how Greek culture evolved through their religious rites and beliefs and the reasons for some of those beliefs, all narrated by the grim humor of Hades.

This felt more mythic and less historical than Anubis Speaks! for some reason. Maybe because I was more familiar with the Greek myths and culture than Egyptian, maybe because it felt like it focused more on myths and less on the history and culture that the myths came from. That's not a criticism, by the way, just an observation. There were more reference to pop culture (Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, etc.) but most of them are things that should stay fairly current and not date the story.

The book is a manageable 104 pages, including the illustrations. Larson's stark black and white pictures are the perfect accompaniment to this grim but fascinating book. The book also includes a guide to Greek gods and heroes, glossary, a bibliography with both primary sources, secondary sources, articles and websites, and an index. At the back is a teaser for Anubis Speaks! which should draw in even the most hard-core Greek myth fan.

Verdict: Greek mythology is hugely popular right now, due to the Percy Jackson series, and this should check out briskly. Middle grade readers will be delighted by the familiar myths, new twists and monsters, and the bits of Greek culture and history may inspire them to go looking for the real history behind the myths. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9781620915981; Published 2014 by Boyds Mills Press; Review copy provided by the author; Purchased for the library; Review copy saved as a prize

Words cannot describe how much I adore this book! First of all, the book is written in a second person narration which makes you feel you are indeed traveling to the underworld.

Second of all, the text is funny, fresh, and extremely entertaining. I can see this book being read by kids all over the place, for its magnetic plot and creepy pictures will have kids turning the pages.

I recently graduated from college with a degree in Classical Studies, so I like to think of myself as somewhat instructed in this area, and this author sure knows her history!!! I mean she covers many imperative aspects of Greek mythology and turns them into stories that kids will find enthralling. Some of the subjects she mentions are Greek Legends such as gods, philosophers, politicians, monsters, titans, and other creatures. She also writes about other cultural aspects such as rituals, mysteries, and funerary practices.

All in all, amazing reading. Like I said before, I cannot repeat enough how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for future books of this author! Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to review this piece of fun history. (I would love to see an audiobook version of this story, it would be truly epic!). Read, live, and imagine! :)

I received a review copy from Netgalley ( )