REVIEW: "Hades Speaks!" by Vicky Alvear Shecter

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Release Date: September 1, 2014

Type: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Juvenile, Teen, Mythology, Greek, Humor, Illustrated, Fun, Highway to Hades

About the Book: Hades, god of the dead, welcomes readers on a dangerous tour of his underworld kingdom, filled with monsters, furies, giants, and vampire demons. Along the way, he reveals ancient death rites and sinister curses, tells hair-raising stories, and cracks jokes to die for. With his witty voice and ghoulish sense of humor, Hades is the perfect guide through this fresh and imaginative work of nonfiction that reads like a novel. Includes a glossary, bibliography, and index.

My Review: This was a great nonfiction title that I would gladly give to both a juvenile and young adult audience. Written from Hades' perspective, the reader gets a tour through the Underworld, with tales of Greek myths and History thrown in. One of my favorite parts of the book was the punctuation guides, located throughout the text whenever an unfamiliar word was introduced, as well as in the glossary in the back.

The whole book contains a wonderful sense of humor, enough to keep anyone entertained while reading. There are mentions of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, and I can see this as being a great gift for any Percy Jackson fan. The few illustrations in hand book were well done, and very artistic. There are a few I would gladly frame and add to my Halloween decor. 

Giving this book a four out of five stars for its originality, clarity, and amusing style.

Cover Lovin': This cover is pretty perfect for this book. The illustrations are appropriately haunting, considering the subject matter, but there is a hint at the humor you will find inside, in the smile that Hades is trying to hide.

Recommendation: For young fans of Greek mythology that want to read the stories from a different angle. Adults can enjoy this book as well, but this is definitely kid-centered.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). Good book, fun to read, and I know it would be popular with both juveniles and teens at my library.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~