“Ever notice how people get my name and realm confused? Yeah, it irritates me, too.” -Hades
Hades Speaks! A Guide to the Underworld by the Greek God of the Dead is officially out! The dark lord has a lot to say about his origins, his minions, and all the creepy nooks and crannies of his realm.
“One Greek playwright described my realm as a ‘mass of mire’ and filled with ‘everlasting dung.’ Really?…Where is the respect?” -Hades
Readers will meet the ferryman and slink past Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the entrance to Hades’s realms. They’ll learn about Greek death practices and meet his “fiendish staff.”
“See that winged man over there? That is Thanatos, God of Death. Wait, you thought I was the god of death? No, no, I am the god of the dead and of my realm. Thanatos is the one who kills ya.” -Hades
Plus, they get to meet Hades’s wife, Persephone and her witchy attendant, Hekate.
“Welcome little mortal. It has been some time since a living human has dared to visit us here in the palace. Good luck making it out…” -Persephone
Readers will meet fierce giants with fifty heads and one hundred arms guarding the entrance to the pit in Tartaros containing the defeated Titans. And they’ll learn about the other “famous” residents of Tartaros, such as Sisyphus, Tantalus, and Prometheus.
Finally, readers end their “tour” of the underworld in Elysium, where heroes and the “virtuous” went.
“[Elysium] is the place where heroes live ‘immortal lives.’ Except they’re dead. Yeah, just go with it.” -Hades
At the end of the book, Hades tells readers they can leave his realm by either backtracking to face Cerberus or floating through one of the Two Gates of Sleep and possibly face the Oneiroi, batlike bringers of bad dreams.
“Up to you, kid. But make up your mind quickly. I don’t have an eternity to wait for you, you know. (Oh wait, I do…never mind.)” -Hades
Early reviews say this is the perfect book for kids in 4th through 7th grade who love Greek mythology and/or are fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series. Want a free, signed copy? Leave a comment! Also share on Facebook and Twitter (let me know you’ve done so in the comments) for extra chances. Giveaway ends September 17.
This is the book I wanted to read when I was in fourth grade–and I still want to read it :). Looking forward to meeting you in person in a few weeks!
I can’t wait to read this. Looks informative, with Vicky’s unique humor.
Thanks for the great offer! I look forward to reading this as a forever book….:)
Congrats on the new book Vicky! Kids will love this fun, informative approach to the Greek underworld!
One of my favorite stories!!
I would love a copy of this book for the kids and me! We are planning on doing a Greek Mythology unit and this would be a perfect addition to my library. How fun!
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What a great approach to a subject sure to interest the targeted age group. Congratulations!
I can’t believe I haven’t read this one yet! I can’t wait! 🙂
Love the humor! Looks like a great book, especially for the middle grade boy. Nice companion piece to the Riordan books. Best wishes, Vicki!
Anubis is lonely.
He sits on my shelf, by himself, waiting for some company to talk to. Who better than the Greek God of the Underworld!
Save Anubis from this solitary existence and send him a companion. There is room on the shelf waiting for Hades.
I’m not a 4th grade boy…or girl, but I like mythology…I thought Hades was a place, not a god. See, I need to have this book to educate myself! Congrats on rolling out these books!
I love your books Ms. VICKY ♡♡♡♡I can’t wait to finally have my classroom and have your pieces of works there 🙂
Love your books! Shared on facebook, twitter, google+ and my blog page.
My 11-year-old girl loves mythology and I think she’d be delighted with the humor. She’s read several of the Rick Riordan books.
It sounds hilarious. I love funny. Can’t wait to read it.
I’m reading Curses and Smoke right now and I love it, can’t wait to read this one!
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