raptorimperator's review against another edition
4.0
I work at an elementary school, and we just acquired Heroes in Training book 1 - 8 for our library, and since I specialized in Classical Greece and Rome in college, I wanted to give the first book in this series a read to see how it compared to the Percy Jackson series (though that one is obviously for an older group of kids). I think books like these are a great way to get young readers into mythology. This series of books covers the origin of the Greek Gods in a kid friendly way that is both entertaining and fun. It is especially nice to see because most often ond of the major events in Greek mythology that gets glossed over is the Age of the Titans, because the Olympians were the Olympians. Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams do a great job of making it engaging for young minds. I'm positive this will be a popular addition to our school library.
ADDITION: Yes. I was right. This series is very popular amongst the students at our school, and I had to order extra copies to make up for the demand.
ADDITION: Yes. I was right. This series is very popular amongst the students at our school, and I had to order extra copies to make up for the demand.
lorathelibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
This seems to be a great set-up for a new series, Heroes in Training, all about the rise of the Olympians. The first book is all about Zeus as a boy and how he find his Thunderbolt. It's quick paced and funny and even has some illustrations. I would recommend this for kids a little too young for Percy Jackson and anyone interested in mythology or fantasy.
zoes_human's review against another edition
2.0
A simple retelling of the Chronos vs. the Olympians portion of Greek mythology. I wasn't terribly wowed by this as a grownup, but it seems like it has potential for reluctant readers who like adventure. Also I wasn't overly fond of a blue-eyed, blond Hera. She's Greek. It's certainly possible for Greek women to have blue eyes, but they're generally a dark-haired people.
Middle Grade Fantasy
Grades: 3-5
Ages: 8-10
Lexile Measure: 570L
DRA Level: 40
Themes: challenges & overcoming obstacles, courage/bravery/heroism
Middle Grade Fantasy
Grades: 3-5
Ages: 8-10
Lexile Measure: 570L
DRA Level: 40
Themes: challenges & overcoming obstacles, courage/bravery/heroism
mswrightwright's review against another edition
4.0
My kids are currently very interested in Greek mythology based on a book read to them on tumblebooks. My daughter is all over the Goddess Girls series and I was so happy to find these for my son. We loved reading the story of young Zeus as a hero in training and are already on to the next young Olympian Poseidon.
scostner's review against another edition
3.0
This will be a great book to recommend to youger readers who enjoyed the Percy Jackson movie, but aren't ready for the books and need something less challenging to read. It's fast-paced, humorous, and Zeus as a 10-year-old is very entertaining.
calistareads's review against another edition
3.0
This is energetic and entertaining. This is Greek mythology before the Olympians ascend to Olympus. Chronos is still king of the world and threatening the humans in the world. The Olympians are still in his stomach accept Zeus.
The interesting thing about this is it focuses on the part of the story that rarely gets talked about. Usually it's all about after Zeus has been crowned King of the Gods. So Zeus is 10. That is the good part. The not so good part is there really isn't much of the archetypes of the gods in the characters. Zeus doesn't really act like Zeus or pre Zeus. I guess that bugs me, but it's a nice take on Rick Riordan mythology. It would be a good beginning series to start for young kids or people who enjoy Mythology like myself. Don't expect what you know or expect. These are new characters with new traits.
The interesting thing about this is it focuses on the part of the story that rarely gets talked about. Usually it's all about after Zeus has been crowned King of the Gods. So Zeus is 10. That is the good part. The not so good part is there really isn't much of the archetypes of the gods in the characters. Zeus doesn't really act like Zeus or pre Zeus. I guess that bugs me, but it's a nice take on Rick Riordan mythology. It would be a good beginning series to start for young kids or people who enjoy Mythology like myself. Don't expect what you know or expect. These are new characters with new traits.
jschep330's review against another edition
3.0
Cute book to introduce mythology. Will pass along to my daughter to read.
literarylaura94's review against another edition
5.0
Just a cute, quick read so I didn’t go to bed sad over the last book I read. I’ve never read a book focused on mythology, so I can’t speak for any accuracy regarding the gods’ true histories. But in this story we follow Zeus as a 10 year old boy, taken from a cave he grew up in by half giants. They’re headed towards Delphi, Greece to deliver him to King Cronus but encounter some trouble along the way, where he finds some unlikely allies. Ultimately ends with Zeus finding out he is a hero in training and he’s off on his first quest - to find Poseidon. The books ends with a hint at the second books plot which is always nice as well. 5🌟 on the account that I needed to read this to clear my head of the intense read I had just finished and the fact that it’s just a really fun read to let you escape reality for an hour. I think my kids will enjoy this book when they are old enough to read it.