Percy Jackson's Greek Gods by Rick Riordan Review

""A publisher in New York asked me to write down what I know about the Greek gods, and I was like, Can we do this anonymously? Because I don't need the Olympians mad at me again. But if it helps you to know your Greek gods, and survive an encounter with them if they ever show up in your face, then I guess writing all this down will be my good deed for the week." So begins Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, in which the son of Poseidon adds his own magic--and sarcastic asides--to the classics. He explains how the world was created, then gives readers his personal take on a who's who of ancients, from Apollo to Zeus. Percy does not hold back. "If you like horror shows, blood baths, lying, stealing, backstabbing, and cannibalism, then read on, because it definitely was a Golden Age for all that." Dramatic full-color illustrations throughout by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco make this volume--a must for home, library, and classroom shelves--as stunning as it is entertaining."

Umm... Percy Jackson? I love you.

Okay, I had to get that out of my system. (Readers, ignore my moment of weakness. I'm going to declare my undying love for this boy.) But seriously, I love you, Percy Jackson. You're the best and the most awesome demigod ever. Annabeth Chase is a lucky girl. Oh, wait, no. You're the lucky one.

Anyway, let's get back to the book. (Sorry, I go very crazy for Percabeth. Those two are...) I have seen many, many books that comply a huge collection of tales to inform the readers of the Greek Gods' origins. From Athena to Zeus, we have heard the tale(s) several times over and over again. But Rick Riordan's book brings together the myths in a way that is funny, age appropriate for younger readers, entertaining, feminist, and LGBTQ friendly. (Yes to all of those!) He somehow gives life. 

Percy Jackson, in a very humorous and friendly way, tells how the Greek Gods came to be. He starts with Gaia and ends with one of Zeus' kid. From the beginning to the end. His familiar voice and sass from Percy Jackson & the Olympians series comes back to life once again. Rick Riordan's writing is soothing. 

The myths in this book and the myths that I read back in a history book are told in different ways. Of course, there is Percy's sass and little interjections (like talking about his girlfriend's shampoo), which makes this book unique and different. Though Riordan chooses to stick to the myths very closely (fortunately and unfortunately) and as accurate as possible, reading this book feels like reading something new. 

Overall, Percy Jackson's Greek Gods is a sweet piece of work that has somehow been published. My goodness, if "Percy" writes another one, I'll read it in a heartbeat.

Rating: Four out of Five