Review by Booklist Review
Similar in concept and format to Cross and Packer's The Odyssey (2012), this handsome companion volume offers a pared-down, prose version of Homer's epic, telling how a quarrel that began on Olympus boiled over into the human world. Paris, a prince of Troy, is asked to select the most beautiful of three goddesses. Bribed by Aphrodite, he chooses her and takes the king of Sparta's wife, Helen, as his prize. Outraged, the Greeks sail for Troy and wage war against the city for nine long years of battles, heroism, honor, dishonor, and sorrow. Cross writes well, setting up and vividly recounting particular scenes rather than simply summarizing the plot. While the large cast of characters can be confusing, a useful double-page spread displays the names and faces of 12 significant figures on each side of the conflict. The striking mixed-media artwork varies from large, richly colored scenes to others using a minimum of color very effectively. Packer uses forms, particularly human forms, in expressive, inventive ways. An eye-catching introduction to the classic story.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6-9-Cross presents a fluid and highly readable version of this celebrated tale. The text follows the essential plot structure of the classic work, beginning with Helen's capture and concluding with Hector's demise. The book includes an introduction to the Odyssey (retold by this creative team in 2012) and provides brief historical context of the Bronze Age eastern Mediterranean. A helpful spread groups the characters by their allegiance (Greek or Trojan). Cross conveys the various personalities of the story's many heroes and gods, including jealous Achilles and courageous Hector. The gods weave in and out of the text. Packer's dreamlike illustrations illuminate the stories with bold, solid colors, the stylized figures influenced by poses and perspectives from ancient pottery. Some white-on-black illustrations are particularly striking, exhibiting strong emotion and movement. Images range in size from one-quarter of a page to full spreads. In addition, the illustrations often include the names of characters and places in Greek script, a nice feature also found in ancient art. The text dramatizes the intense battle sequences, but there isn't much blood or gore. Central elements of the story, including death and hardship, are presented in a forthright manner. The content and the imagery are appropriate for readers who need something more serious than sanitized versions but who might be a few years away from more mature-themed retellings, such as Gareth Hinds's The Odyssey (Candlewick, 2010). VERDICT A beautiful, fluid, and action-packed retelling of a timeless classic.-Jeffrey Meyer, Mt. Pleasant Public Library, IA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In this companion volume to Cross's retelling of The Odyssey, the language is clear and easy to read, if a little over-adorned with exclamation marks. A handsome book design, eye-catching illustrations, and a clean typeface add to the clarity and accessibility. Although any sense of Homer's original poetry is lost, this may be a good choice for uninitiated readers. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
