Odysseus in the Serpent Maze

For those whose knowledge of the heroes of Ancient Greece is limited to Homer, this delightful tale is an exhilarating account of what life might have been like for an adolescent Odysseus, his best chum Mentor, his future wife Penelope and the captivating Helen of Troy. The authors acknowledge that their rollicking adventure is loosely based on what sparse information the Odyssey contains about the boyhood of this likeable hero. What Homer neglects to supply, however, Yolen and Harris provide in good measure. Odysseus is impetuous, bold, conceited, crafty and game for anything. Life with his grandfather Autolycus is boring; Odysseus craves adventures, and yearns to have a chance to prove himself a real hero. But as he and Mentor set out on their voyage home to Ithaca, it soon becomes apparent that the gods have heard his plea. A violent storm blows up and the boys both end up fighting for their lives. They are soon rescued by a passing ship - but little do they know, as they clamber on board, that their troubles are only just beginning.... This is a racy adventure story with plenty of humour and a vibrant cast of strong characters. Helen of Troy, a self-centred madam preoccupied with maintaining her legendary good looks and ensnaring defenceless swains in her coils, proves how she can rise to the challenge as the story reaches its dramatic climax. Penelope is destined to be Odysseus's wife, yet they are sparring partners throughout the book, each of them unwilling to acknowledge the other's good points. Mentor is the traditional Greek figure of a loyal friend and companion and Odysseus himself is exasperating and endearing in equal measure. As this unlikely quartet encounters a lecherous satyr, a multi-headed snake, pirates and sirens, Odysseus finds out that being a hero is a pretty demanding business. This is the first tale in the Before They Were Heroes series, and the authors have hit upon a winning formula: an exciting adventure story, plenty of laughs and just the merest hint of romance. Children from 8 to 12 will love it. (Kirkus UK)