The Odyssey

Odysseus has spent ten years fighting at Troy, and the road home is far worse than the war. This retelling of Homer's Odyssey, written for young readers, follows the Greek king across the sea as he faces man-eating monsters, powerful witches, the Cyclops, the sirens and a crowd of angry gods who keep getting in his way.

Liv Albert, a self-described Greek myth nerd and the host of the podcast Let's Talk About Myths, Baby!, tells the story in a lively, accessible voice. The tale is full of trickery, lies and stubborn perseverance, and it does not shy away from the gruesome moments that make the old legend so memorable.

This version does not turn Odysseus into a flawless hero. He is a complicated man who achieves great things and makes just as many bad choices, and the book lets readers see both sides of him.

Alongside the narrative, the book includes historical facts, maps and character profiles that help explain the world of ancient Greece, and bold illustrations accompany the action throughout. It suits middle-grade readers new to Greek myths, and anyone who enjoys ancient history and legends.