The Hero Perseus: A Mad Myth Mystery

The Hero Perseus: A Mad Myth Mystery
Robyn and Tony DiTocco
Brainstorm Publications, Inc.
ISBN: 0-9723429-1-5
Fiction, Young Adult, Mythology
Reviewed by Dr. Tami Brady

Percy John Allen (PJ), a seventeen year old high school student, has just moved to Athenia with his mother Dana. PJ and Dana had left New Jersey to build a new life for themselves after the tragic death of PJ’s firefighter father, Zack. Though completely homesick, PJ is attempting to make the best of the situation. He even starts making some new friends.
Just as PJ’s life is starting to look a little brighter, something strange happens. A man calling himself Hermes (messenger of the Gods) suddenly appears in PJ’s dreams. Hermes tells PJ that the boy is actually the descendent of Perseus, a heroic character in Greek mythology. Moreover, Hermes demands that PJ travel back in time to slay Medusa, a gorgon so deadly that one glimpse of her would turn PJ into stone. How is PJ suppose to juggle traveling back in time to slay some gorgon while hanging out with his friends, studying for tests, playing football, and figuring out a way to impress Jana Langley?
The Hero Perseus: A Mad Myth Mystery is a new twist on an old story that will be enjoyed by all aged. This story will be equally enjoyed by those who have no knowledge of Greek myths and those who know these stories by heart. As with the original Greek myths of Perseus, there is a lot of action and adventure. However, this updated version adds a great deal of humour into the mix. Moreover, the characters are shown as just average people caught up in extraordinary situations. In this way, readers of this book will not only gain understanding of Greek mythology but also come to the realization that ordinary people can be heroes too.