McMullan (I Stink!) presents a playful take on fractured Greek myths in this first installment of the Myth-O-Mania series. Narrator Hades accuses his younger brother, Zeus, of being a "myth-o-maniac (That's old-Greek-speak for `liar.')" and here "[sets] the record straight." He explains how he and Zeus, along with their siblings Hera, Poseidon, Hestia and Demeter, move into the Mount Olympus palace of their Titan father and "Ruler of the Universe," Cronus, whom they presumed dead. But when Cronus and his warriors storm the mount to regain control, the young gods challenge them to a series of games the prize: Mount Olympus. With the help of their uncles (including the Cyclopes) the crew defeats Cronus to win the Olympic games. Hades characterizes Zeus as dimwitted and cowardly (and even less athletic). Other fun twists abound: Hades describes how he plots to usurp a "Bucket o'Bolts" from the lava-spitting monster, Typhon, which comes into Zeus's possession hence the legendary thunderbolts that Zeus hurls from the heavens. How does Hades end up, well, you know? The siblings play a game of poker to determine the new CEO (Chairgod of Everybody on Olympus), Zeus cheats to claim the title, and Hades then proclaims himself Ruler of the Underworld. McMullan's pun-filled narrative brims with clever myths of her own and sheds wry light on classic lore; and there's more the second episode, Phone Home, Persephone! is due out simultaneously. Ages 8-12.(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Gr. 3^-6. The first book in the new Myth-O-Mania series hilariously relates the story of the rise of the Greek gods, using Hades, the ruler of the underworld, as her narrator. As Hades sees things, Greek myths as they are known today sprang from the viewpoint of Zeus, Hades' younger brother and ruler of the universe, who is actually a prevaricating, cowardly braggart. Speaking in contemporary vernacular, Hades tells "the truth" about what happened, including the birth of the gods and the overthrow of their father, Cronus, leader of the Titans; the first Olympic games; and the division of world rule (Poseidon rules the sea; Hades, the underworld; etc.). Hades' slang and irreverence will engender lots of laughs from those who know the "real stories," and McMullan has managed to work in quite a bit of information about Greek mythology. Kids who find tales in their more familiar versions not to their liking might be encouraged to read McMullan's spunkier version, then go back to learn more. --Diane Foote

Gr 4-7-Beginning with sibling rivalry in the stomach of Cronus and concluding with Hades's one-way trip to the underworld, McMullan describes all sorts of adventures among the quirky pantheon. Full of puns and other wordplay, the narrative romps along as Hades tells a self-centered "true" story of how the gods and goddesses came to take their roles. As with any parody, full enjoyment requires a basic understanding of the traditional tales. This book, the first in a proposed series, could be a boon to teachers seeking to enliven the study of myths.-Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.