The Hero Perseus: A Mad Myth Mystery

Percy John Allen (PJ), a seventeen year old high school student, has just moved to Athenia with his mother Dana. PJ and Dana had left New Jersey to build a new life for themselves after the tragic death of PJ's firefighter father, Zack. Though completely homesick, PJ is attempting to make the best of the situation. He even starts making some new friends. Just as PJ's life is starting to look a little brighter, something strange happens. A man calling himself Hermes (messenger of the Gods) suddenly appears in PJ's dreams. Hermes tells PJ that the boy is actually the descendent of Perseus, a heroic character in Greek mythology. Moreover, Hermes demands that PJ travel back in time to slay Medusa, a gorgon so deadly that one glimpse of her would turn PJ into stone. How is PJ suppose to juggle traveling back in time to slay some gorgon while hanging out with his friends, studying for tests, playing football, and figuring out a way to impress Jana Langley? The Hero Perseus: A Mad Myth Mystery is a new twist on an old story that will be enjoyed by all aged. This story will be equally enjoyed by those who have no knowledge of Greek myths and those who know these stories by heart. As with the original Greek myths of Perseus, there is a lot of action and adventure. However, this updated version adds a great deal of humour into the mix. Moreover, the characters are shown as just average people caught up in extraordinary situations. In this way, readers of this book will not only gain understanding of Greek mythology but also come to the realization that ordinary people can be heroes too.

This is perhaps one of the most outstanding young adult books that I have reviewed in a very long time. Concerned by the recent popularity of works teaching our children about witchcraft and wizardry; the authors set out to write a work that would show young people that they could overcome problems wihout the use of magic. That is exactly what they did in a way that will make young and old stand up and cheer. PJ Allen has a lot to deal with in his young life. He has lost his father, has been moved to a new town and is thrust into a quest to save the world. This work is packed full of adventure, suspense and even humor as PJ meets new friends, fights unbelievable enemies and travels on a journey to discover the life of his ancestor Perseus and the realization of what his destiny is. Young and old alike will be drawn into this story and enjoy reading a work that combines Greek mythology with a modern day background. This is a great read and I highly recommend it. Shirley Johnson Senior Reviewer MidWest Book Review

This book, The Hero Perseus was the best book I have read. The librarian brought it to my class to see who wanted to read it and I took it and I read it in only 4 days. That is how great it was. If your kids are into witches and mythology like I am they'll love this book. The ending will surprise you but of course i can't spoil it for you. You're just going to have to read it yourself. Just remember best book I've ever read that I've gotten from school.

Great story. A entertaining way to connect the challenges of life today with those of the past. The story keeps moving and holds your interest. The historical information is concise and accurate, and the overall story is realistic, as are the solutions to the problems encountered. I highly recommend it!

What a pleasant surprise! Not only was the book loaded with action, suspense and humor, but it's (don't tell the kids) educational too. The story follows a modern teenage boy as he's forced to retrace Perseus' perilous quest to rid the ancient world of the evil Medusa, and in doing so, he confronts a few demons of his own. The authors have effectively worked Greek mythology into a fun and rollicking story that kids and adults alike will find interesting and relevant, and they did a beautiful job transposing the teenaged protagonist's modern world with his adventures in ancient Greece. The human characters are well fleshed out, and the gods are all appropriately larger than life and amusingly flawed. Great action pieces that lead up to an explosive finale, and no less than the fate of the world hangs in the balance on every page. I highly recommend this book.