Artemis Wild goddess of the hunt

O'Connor's Olympians series is still going strong, and this ninth installment features Artemis, a goddess who perhaps doesn't get her fair share of the limelight. In addition to highlighting her role among the pantheon as goddess of the hunt and protector of young women, O'Connor homes in on her independent spirit, beginning when, shortly after her own birth, she assists her mother in the birth of her twin brother, Apollo, and culminating in the grisly end to her friendship with Orion. Artemis is the unswerving, sometimes vicious star of each episode, with the exception of the story of Atalanta, and even that is certainly pertinent. Though O'Connor takes some artistic license, an author's note helpfully explains some of his choices, which, ultimately, make for better storytelling. Many characters from other volumes in the series appear, and notes in the back matter cross-reference other installments where readers can find those stories. O'Connor's cinematic artwork is an enthusiastic vehicle for these tales, with plenty of action and an expressive, strong deity at its center.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2017 Booklist

Gr 4-8-With the latest in his series of books focused on the Greek deities, O'Connor brings to life the goddess of the hunt. Various individuals share anecdotes, weaving a nuanced portrait of Artemis: formidable, quick-witted, occasionally cruel, yet always deeply devoted to the natural world and intensely protective of women and girls. The images are dynamic, with the use of different perspectives creating drama and suspense. Blonde, blue-eyed Artemis is illustrated with cool tones, befitting her characterization. Complementing the visuals, the writing is exciting yet lyrical, evoking the poetry of the original legends. Some stories contain violence, and there is brief nudity but nothing explicit (in one scene, the hunter Actaeon spies the goddess bathing naked and as punishment is transformed into a stag and devoured by his own dogs). The back matter is particularly noteworthy: in "Greek Notes," O'Connor provides insightful-and witty-commentary, and his bibliography will intrigue readers curious about the source material. Though the author is true to the original tales (never shying away from their less savory elements), he injects a feminist perspective, emphasizing Artemis's strong relationships with other women and, in "Greek Notes," referring to Actaeon as a "creepy peeping Tom." VERDICT An excellent addition to graphic novel and Greek mythology collections.-Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.