Poseidon and the Sea of Fury

Heroes in Training #2

by Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams, Craig Phillips (Illustrator)

A young Poseidon must triumph over aquatic terrors in this Heroes in Training adventure.

The merciless Cronus and his Titan buddies are in hot pursuit of Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon, who plan to travel across the treacherous boiling sea in order to save a fellow Olympian. They have a boat, but they also have a problem: Poseidon can’t swim and is terrified of the water (well, really of the creatures that lurk in its depths). The group faces danger after danger as they battle singing sirens, a fishy and ferocious Titan named Oceanus, and people-eating monsters sent by Cronus himself. Can Poseidon overcome his fears and help his fellow heroes escape Cronus and his cronies?

Genres: Mythology, Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Adventure, Humor

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2012

About the author

NY Times bestselling children's book author:
GODDESS GIRLS series + HEROES IN TRAINING series (w Suzanne Williams); THIS LITTLE TRAILBLAZER a Girl Power Primer; ZERO THE HERO; I AM THE SHARK. Lucky to be doing what I love!

Reviews

[Toni Taylor]

I read this book while my son read it on his own time so we could talk about the book. We both like Greek mythology and adventure—this is the perfect combination! We’re excited to read more books of the series.

[Sarah]

My 6yo is currently obsessed with all thinks Greek Myth. We saw this hook in the local library and he loved it! We read it every night before bed - Two chapters a night, which is impressive for him. He loves the story and the jokes and of course that there were pictures. The writing style was perfect, he could read it himself if he wanted to, we traded chapters at first but he wanted to read it faster, so that only lasted a day or two. He inhaled this book!
We are going back to the library tomorrow to get the first book. We read this one first because he likes Poseidon the best.

[Janessa Paun]

This was another fun read, and I like how the story is progressing. We got to see Poseidon find out about his identity and be introduced to Oceanus, as well as get clued into what will happen next during their mission.

[Tara Engel]

I love these books for helping kids get interested in mythology and start asking questions about the Gods and Goddesses. They also make me laugh.

[Nikki in Niagara]

Great follow-up to the first book. I enjoyed this one much more. The kids’ personalities are shaping up and we have a trio on quest now making for better dynamics. Their quest for this book is to find the trident, unfortunately none of them knows what a trident is but Hera is sure it will be her magic weapon. As their magic stone heads them towards the boiling sea Poseidon is hilarious. You see the future (unbeknownst to him) King of the seas is afraid of the water, thinks it will melt him, can’t swim, gets sea sick and is generally miserable on the water. Little by little as the quest does take them out upon the ocean Poseidon does learn some truths bout himself and his whiny, scaredy character receives some much needed self-confidence. Again, this book is not true to Greek Mythology, many liberties have been taken but a basic storyline is in place that hopefully young readers will remember as they get older and venture further out into more closely tied mythology. In this volume we meet the Sirens luring sailors to their deaths, the Titan Oceanus, creatures of the sea that want to help Poseidon, the Androphagoi. It is while fighting Oceanus that they uncover their 4th member who was a prisoner of Oceanus, Hades. Hera set off on her own mission this volume and we haven’t seen her since so as we enter the third volume we have the three boys, Zeus, Prometheus and Hades in search for the Helm of Darkness. When and where will Hera return? An action-packed volume for the younger reader that introduces them to Ancient Greek myths.

[Jocelin]

For some reason I continually come back to Joan Holub's mythology series. I have read a few books in the Goddess Girls series, and they are just okay. The stories seem cute enough, but they just don't draw me in. Sometimes I feel like I am reading a mythology book that was created for Nickelodeon. I think one of the reasons that I read her books is because they are such quick reads. I will probably read more books in the Goddess Girls series, but I won't continue with this one.

[Renee]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four stars.

In the second book in this series, Zeus and Poseidon journey together with Hera to follow the next clues on their quest given to them by Pythia, the Oracle at Delphi. Of course at the beginning, Poseidon still doesn’t know that he is in fact the god of the ocean. So they start another adventure again, in search of a mysterious trident which no one has any idea what it does, or even what it looks like. With some guidance from Chip and some much needed assistance from a benevolent fisherman, the trio make their way out into the boiling ocean. Of course, like any adventure, they come across many obstacles and difficulties that they must move through to reach their goal. I won’t say much more about the story side of things.

I still really enjoyed this light hearted and funny kid friendly version of the Ancient Greek myths. I love the banter between Zeus, Hera and Poseidon. They act like grumpy siblings. I think this is such a great way to introduce kids to Ancient Greek mythology, and I can’t wait until my kids are a year or two older and they can read this themselves and I can share with them my love of Ancient Greek Mythology and history. There is plenty of action, adventure and humour in the story too, so lots to keep the younger people engaged with the story, whilst also learning at the same time. The illustrations are great too.

[Bernard Christopher]

#BernardReads | BOOK REVIEW 📚

#HeroesinTraining Book 2: Poseidon and the Sea of Fury 🌊 by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

I just finished reading Book 1. Book 2 took off immediately from the ending of the first. As shown in the title, this one is still on the POV of Zeus (maybe he’s the overall main character of the series) but slowly revealing bits of background from the three Olympians, this time with Poseidon.

I liked that this reminds me of Book 2 of Percy Jackson, the Sea of Monsters, maybe because it’s his domain and Poseidon has always been number 2, sadly. And also sea adventures are a staple in Greek myths.

Even some iconic Greek creatures who I think wouldn’t be here at this early years of the Olympians, showed just for the thrill. And I kinda like that.

Admittedly, I enjoyed the adventures of Zeus and Poseidon here. I liked that the authors didn’t make it easy for them but also had some nods from the original tales. The quests, although still doesn’t make sense, but somehow earned by the questors.

Surprisingly, I’m looking forward to the series. It’s entertaining enough to revisit the classic myths in a fun way.

#bookreview #bookrecommendations

[Hannah Watson]

I would have given this a lower review, but my kids liked it (early elementary age). They enjoy this series.

I'm not a fan. It moves at a really fast pace, as characters jump from one peril to another, seemingly without solving much. The scene that should be the main action sequence (acquiring the item of their quest) is a snooze, since we don't get to see any of this. Characters make weird decisions to just push the plot along. There is literally no difference between any of the personalities, except that Hera is "annoying". The last two chapters suddenly become about a totally different battle for no apparent reason than to include a different character (who had nothing to do with the plot thus far), and it's a bizarre afterthought.

I don't hate it enough to not read it to my kids when they ask, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it. I guess it's just one of those sacrifices parents need to make.

[Brenda]

I have 3rd graders interested in mythology and this is a well written, interesting series without the girl drama or unnecessary (IMHO)sarcasm found in others. I also appreciate how one book leads to the next. A hook that is often needed by readers of this age. There are 15 in the series - I've read the first 4 and I'll keep going and talking them up in our classroom.

[Marie B.]

I am so in awe of authors who rewrite the Greek mythologies and make them even more interesting then they are by targeting the younger audience. This 54-year-old finds each new rendition fascinating and drawn back to the original stories. I can’t wait to read this one with my second graders.

[Tara Ethridge]

Cute series about the young Olympians who don't know their powers yet. This book follows Poseidon and the quest to find the trident. Lots of adventures, running away from bad guys, forming of friendships and a dash of silliness.

[Cat]

A great and suprising book. It is kind of funny when Poseideon the god of water thinks he will melt and is afraid of water. It's my favorite book in the series. My favorite part is when fish just jump in the boat because Poseidon wants them.

[MaddieMoo]

This was a funny book that shows friendship and teamwork.
- MKM age 7

[Amber]

Intriguing and adventurous like the first book. My 7 year old son would really enjoy it. Although truthfully I am rather enjoying the series thus far myself.

[Janet Shafi]

Great second book in the series. It’s wonderful to read with my son as he is learning to read and it keeps him engaged while we read. A really great book and series.

[Jane Love]

Hera, Poseidon and Zeus head to the sea looking for the trident, Hera doesn't go all the way with them as she turns back, after a fight Poseidon finds Hades

[Emma]

I can't seem to think of what Hera's "super power" is. She is the goddess of women, right? Can she, turn men into women? Or help with childbirth?

[Jennifer Vasquez]

Such a fun book

My kids and I love this series. We laugh, talk about the characters and spend time together reading. We highly recommend this series for girls and boys.

[Cindy]

Poseidon and the Sea of Fury

[Angie Titus]

As silly as the first, but at least there is no river of green, lumpy vomit. LOL

I'm curious to see where this leads.

[Ryan Holcomb]

it was very good interesting engaging short I loved it

[Katy Lovejoy]

I like the vibe

[Trisha Hepworth]

My 9 year old read 4 in like 2 hours, there aren't enough books for him

[Varsha Seshan]

Book Club Activities
https://varshaseshan.com/poseidon-and...

[Charlotte]

The writing is perfectly serviceable, though without any distinguishing characteristics. It's like those MFA bores all are.

[Mouse]

My 7 year old is reviewing this:

I enjoyed it because it was actiony, it had lots of action.
I love mythology and the gods, like Zeus, Poseidon, they're cool!

So there you have it! 😊

[Linda Jaejoong]

Ich liebe Joan Holub und Suzanne Williams einfach, sie haben so viele gute Ideen und schreiben so schöne Bücher. Das ist meine 3 Buchreihe von ihnen, nach den "Goddess Girls" und den "Grimmtastic Girls". Da ich Göttergeschichten liebe musste ich natürlich auch die "Heroes in Training" Reihe versuchen und bin bis jetzt begeistert. In Band 2 der Reihe geht es um Poseidon, der zusammen mit Zeus und Hera auf der Suche nach dem magischen Dreizack ist.

Ich fand Poseidon so niedlich, er ist nach Hades mein liebster Gott. Er ist der Gott des Meeres, hat aber Angst vor Wasser und kann nicht schwimmen. Man muss seine Art einfach mögen. Zeus fand ich ein klein wenig arrogant und hoffe das er in dem Punkt sich noch ändert. Hera war einfach Hera, dass sagt glaube ich schon alles. Eigentlich wollten die drei nur einen Dreizack finden, aber sie finden auch noch etwas anderes, verlieren dafür aber auch etwas wichtiges.

Fazit: Das Buch war sehr unterhaltsam und sehr spannend. Der Humor kam auch nicht zu kurz und es hat sich sehr flüssig lesen lassen. Wie die Anderen Reihen wird auch die "Heroes in Training" Reihe vom Aladdin Verlag heraus gebracht. Ich liebe den Aladdin Verlag, er gestaltet die Cover immer so schön und auch die Buchseiten sind sehr schön verziert.

Der Schreibstil der Autorinnen ist so toll und sie verstehen es den Leser zu verzaubern. Leider ist das Buch etwas kurz, aber das war auch bei den ersten Büchern der "Goddess Girls" Reihe so und ich hoffe wirklich das die Folge Bände etwas länger werden. Ich finde die Geschichten einfach so toll und sie lesen sich immer so schnell durch, ich brauche einfach mehr Seiten. In der "Goddess Girls" Reihe sind die Bücher auch länger geworden, also habe ich auch Hoffnung für diese Reihe!!

[Angelc]

This story may be short, page-wise, but don't let that make you think that not a lot happens! There are so many adventures in this book! As soon as the heroes solve one problem, there is another adventure right on it's heels! It really makes the book fly by, there is never a dull moment.

The second story in the new Heroes in Training series still focuses on Zeus as the main character, but we learn a lot more about his new friend Poseidon. I thought the book might feature Poseidon as the main character, but it's still really Zeus' story. But Poseidon is a main player in the tale this time, and he learns a lot about himself and his abilities during this journey.


Like the first book, I loved the character of Bolt, Zeus' lightning bolt. It is so fun that he has his own personality, and acts like a sweet little puppy dog. That is unless he zapping enemies! His moods are directly affected by Zeus' own moods and feelings.

By the end, Poseidon has gained more self confidence, which is great to see. The book ends with an introduction to Hades, the star of the next book. I couldn't believe the cliffhanger at the end as well! (Hera!!)

Overall, a great addition to a wonderful new series, with generous helpings of adventure, courage, and friendship.



book sent by the authors in exchange for an honest review

reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com

[Emily]

This review and others is on my blog: https://simple-books.blogspt.com

I received an ARC of this book from the authors! Thanks so much ladies!

This is a new series by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams! Authors of the Goddess Girls series. It's the second in the series and equally as awesome to the Goddess Girls. I would say it would be stand alone, though there are some details that are said that you probably wouldn't understand if you didn't read the first.

I have to say, I was a bit confused at first because I forgot that these weren't the same characters as in Goddess Girls!

What I liked the most is that the the book was quick and fast, but it didn't affect the book at all. There was this one part that I thought should have been longer though. The part with the Sirens could have been longer, like maybe we could have seen more of a fight? It doesn't really matter.

I didn't really dislike anything, but I am mad at Hera for leaving! They should have stuck together! Poseidon and Zeus should've convinced her to stay! And the part where they find Hades. I think that part could have been longer too. I would have loved to see how it looked like down there in a more detailed way and how he got Hades free without him drowning.

Overall, this was a pretty good read! 4.5 Stars!