Customer Reviews

Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess (Olympians)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Reason for Reading: Next in the series.

This second book starts off with a one page summary of volume one. It also introduces The Fates who are the storytellers of this issue. Different from Zeus, this volume is not one singular story but a collection of vignettes of Athena's creation and birth story and her other adventures. Each story, in the end, tells how Athena added to her Aegis, which became her most powerful weapon. Plus there are two versions of why she took the name Pallas Athena and of course no collection of Athena would be complete without the story of Arachne.

A superb follow-up to Zeus and I'm definitely hooked on this series. The myths are brilliantly told, following mostly exactly as I expect them to with a few exceptions plus I'm also finding a few new-to-me tales as well along the way. One thing I didn't mention in my review of Zeus, which became an invaluable resource in this issue is the Genealogical Chart on the inside cover which starts with Gaea goes straight through to the Olympians and then ventures off to show the lineage of the gods and demi-gods who one presumes will be seen in future volumes. Many characters are introduced in this volume from The Fates and The Gigantes to Pallas and Medusa and I loved being able to flip to that chart to see where everyone fit in!

I'm loving the artwork. I really appreciate the facial expressions and the uniqueness of the creatures, it really brings the myths to life in a way that an all-text version just cannot accomplish. There is a lot of violence in this volume, considering Athena is the Goddess of War, but there is no bloodshed shown, (unless you count a puddle of green Medusa blood) in keeping with the age appropriateness of the series. The only thing I'd consider of concern to parents would be their comfort level with the word "lover". Looking forward to the next volume which will concentrate on Hera.

I picked this book up for my 8th grader for an English assingment on Athena. As a history teacher, I love finding things for struggling readers, this and other graphic novels fit the bill for many who needs the visuals while reading. There are a few "inaccuracies" (again I am a teacher) but I will not highlight those. I am thinking of getting the rest of the series for my daughter/classroom, again there are a great introduction into a subject that is close to my heart. Thank you.

I am pleasantly surprised by this whole series. I started with Zeus and just got Athena. The illustrations and dialogue are fresh and contemporary. It is a little too mature for my ten year old but he loved it just the same. I highly recommend the entire series.

George O'Connor is a great author and artist. Met him at the Baltimore Comicon...he not only autographed the book, he drew a unique caricature inside each cover with equally unique dedications.

Wonderful compilation of many interrelated myths. Wonderful artwork. Wonderful storytelling. My fiancee' is an English teacher and loves it. I'm a Physics grad student and have used these myths many times while TA'ing astronomy. It is accurate and well worth the cost of the paperback.

Greek myths and I go way back. Of all of the goddesses, Athena has always been my favorite. Aside from being the goddess of war, strategy, wisdom and crafts, she also has a fascinating origin story. After her father Zeus swallows her mother Metis (Prudence), Athena (Wisdom) springs fully grown from her father's head.

The classic retellings of the story leave Metis to the side once Athena emerges into the world. However, in this retelling Athena continues to be haunted by the memory of a loving mother. It's a nice touch to address the questions modern readers would ask, particularly younger ones.

This story picks up after the first book Zeus: King of the Gods (Olympians) in which Zeus has established the supremacy of the Olympians. It has the same style that balances the dark tone of the stories with the humor inherent in some of them. We see not only Athena's origins but also the story of the two Pallases, Medusa, Perseus and, of course, Arachne. O'Connor almost achieves the impossible to make us fully sympathize with a larger-than-life character. Almost, because the story of Arachne really doesn't leave much room for sympathy, but we won't hold that against O'Connor.

I see that editions for Hera and Hades (!) will be coming out soon- I can't wait.