Coming February 20th, 2024 from Clarion Books; 288 pages
About the Author: “Katherine Marsh is an award-winning author of novels for middle-grade readers including The Lost Year, a finalist for the National Book Award; Nowhere Boy, winner of the Middle East Book Award; and The Night Tourist, winner of the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery. Katherine’s books have been Junior Library Guild selections, New York Times Notables, ALA Notables, Bank Street Best Books, and on numerous state lists. Her books have also been published in over sixteen languages. A former journalist and managing editor of The New Republic, Katherine lives in Washington, DC with her husband, two children and an astonishing array of pets. Her seventh book, Medusa: The Myth of Monsters will be available February 20, 2024” (Bio from Katherine Marsh’s website).
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Ava has always struggled to manage her emotions, even when her mom gives her techniques. However, when she accidentally sends a classmate to the hospital, she and her brother, Jax, are whisked away to Accademia del Forte, a boarding school in Venice, Italy. Ava is excited to learn Greek gods are her teachers but nervous when she discovers she and her classmates are all descendants of Greek monsters. Ava soon discovers that the Accademia is full of dark secrets. With the help of her friends, she embarks on an adventure that changes everything she thought about mythology.
When I picked up this book, I thought it was going to be a mix of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, but it proved to be so much more than that. The story explores Greek mythology through a different lens and shows multiple sides to every story. I liked how fast-paced and captivating the book was; I was on the edge of my seat through the whole story as I finished it in one sitting. However, there were occasions when it felt rushed. There was too little backstory at times, so I was lost. For example, the adventure the children go on was entertaining and exciting, but I wanted more buildup and more context. I enjoyed how multiple characters questioned whether the myths they were taught were the whole truth. I loved the emphasis on the power of friendship and female empowerment because most Greek mythology children’s books I have read have had a male protagonist. I encourage everyone who loves Greek mythology to read this book because it changes the narrative of what you think Greek mythology is.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank Clarion Books and NetGalley for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Kelly Marry, Pine Reads Review Social Media Co-Lead and Writer