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Heroes in Training #4
Hyperion and the Great Balls of Fire
The action heats up for Zeus and his fellow Olympians in this blazing Heroes in Training tale.
Phew, it’s hot! Under the titan Hyperion’s rule, the sun is burning even brighter than normal and scorching everything in northern Greece—including the villagers! The Olympians are forced to play a sizzling “game” of Dodge the Sunbursts as Hyperion hurls giant fireballs that could fry them to pieces!
Armed with some clues, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades set out to figure out why in the world Hyperion has been making things so hot. They also need to rescue Hera, who is still missing. Battling the extreme heat—and some fantastical and scary creatures, courtesy of their old foe Cronus—the boys are off on another epic adventure…and Zeus is one step closer to discovering his destiny.
Phew, it’s hot! Under the titan Hyperion’s rule, the sun is burning even brighter than normal and scorching everything in northern Greece—including the villagers! The Olympians are forced to play a sizzling “game” of Dodge the Sunbursts as Hyperion hurls giant fireballs that could fry them to pieces!
Armed with some clues, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades set out to figure out why in the world Hyperion has been making things so hot. They also need to rescue Hera, who is still missing. Battling the extreme heat—and some fantastical and scary creatures, courtesy of their old foe Cronus—the boys are off on another epic adventure…and Zeus is one step closer to discovering his destiny.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2013
56 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Joan Holub
349 books1,236 followersNY 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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four stars.
I feel like I am just repeating myself reviewing this series now, but the thing is, I feel the same way about each book that I have read so far. They are all so nostalgic for me because I studied Ancient Greek history at school and then at university. And I loved it. I loved it so much that when I went to Europe on a Contiki Tour (alone I might add), I paid a significant amount extra to go to Greece. Not just the islands, but Athens. To visit the temple of the Oracle at Delphi! To go to the Acropolis and see the Parthenon in person. I also saw the first Olympic stadium which was really cool. But what I am saying is that I have always had a passion in this area, and reading these brings it all back.
I love how it’s been done to make it appeal to kids. Let’s introduce Greek Mythology to a whole new generation! I love the illustrations, and how the characters banter back and forth. I love that the author has made the characters relatable despite them being the Greek gods. They are kid versions, and I think any kid could find something in them that they also see in themselves. And learning at the same time as reading and enjoying themselves doing? Perfect! The reason I have marked down a star after such a glowing review is that I just wish that it was a little more fleshed out. I understand that it’s written for kids, but I’ve read quite a lot of graphic novels aimed at kids now and they don’t have to be that short. It will keep interest if it’s written and illustrated the right way, and this one is.
Four stars.
I feel like I am just repeating myself reviewing this series now, but the thing is, I feel the same way about each book that I have read so far. They are all so nostalgic for me because I studied Ancient Greek history at school and then at university. And I loved it. I loved it so much that when I went to Europe on a Contiki Tour (alone I might add), I paid a significant amount extra to go to Greece. Not just the islands, but Athens. To visit the temple of the Oracle at Delphi! To go to the Acropolis and see the Parthenon in person. I also saw the first Olympic stadium which was really cool. But what I am saying is that I have always had a passion in this area, and reading these brings it all back.
I love how it’s been done to make it appeal to kids. Let’s introduce Greek Mythology to a whole new generation! I love the illustrations, and how the characters banter back and forth. I love that the author has made the characters relatable despite them being the Greek gods. They are kid versions, and I think any kid could find something in them that they also see in themselves. And learning at the same time as reading and enjoying themselves doing? Perfect! The reason I have marked down a star after such a glowing review is that I just wish that it was a little more fleshed out. I understand that it’s written for kids, but I’ve read quite a lot of graphic novels aimed at kids now and they don’t have to be that short. It will keep interest if it’s written and illustrated the right way, and this one is.
July 7, 2018
This book was full of adventure and action!
I gave it 5 stars because this book does not only fill a child's mind with adventure,it also helps them learn of Greek mythology and also fill their minds with imagination! I would recommend this book and all other books in this series to all children who love action and adventure!
I gave it 5 stars because this book does not only fill a child's mind with adventure,it also helps them learn of Greek mythology and also fill their minds with imagination! I would recommend this book and all other books in this series to all children who love action and adventure!
March 29, 2020
Poseidon, Hades and Zeus going looking for the flame and Hera and Demeter go the opposite way looking for the touch, the find Hestia
August 5, 2020
I've always felt bad for Hera but right now she is being a brat.
January 16, 2022
I love all the books in this series. My favorite person/god is Zeus.
September 6, 2013
These books are always short and sweet action packed tales of adventure. I love the characters and stories from mythology, I think it encourages young readers to find out more about the classic tales.
This series is written by the authors of Goddess Girls, but it isn't the same 'world' as the Goddess Girls, it is completely separate. I wouldn't really say the two series are that similar, except for the mythology element. There is a lot more action in the Heroes in Training series. This time their foe is Hyperion and his giant fireballs!
I like that the heroes are always meeting new members to add to their group. And girls, don't worry, there are some strong females in their little group of warriors, too! I like how each of the characters have their magical object that makes them even stronger. You can see these on the cover, Zeus has his lightning bolt, Poseidon has a trident, and Hades has a helm. Bolt the lightning bolt is so fun to read about. He has a mind of his own, and usually acts like Zeus' loyal puppy.
There is never a dull moment in this book, with all of the adventures this group of heroes embarks on. The handful of illustrations add a lot to the story, and would be fun for readers of graphic novels. There is a lot of humor in the book too, which makes it so fun to read! The Oracle never fails to make me laugh with her foggy glasses causing her to mix up her visions.
Overall, this is another great addition to this fun, action packed series for middle graders!
book sent by the authors in exchange for an honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
This series is written by the authors of Goddess Girls, but it isn't the same 'world' as the Goddess Girls, it is completely separate. I wouldn't really say the two series are that similar, except for the mythology element. There is a lot more action in the Heroes in Training series. This time their foe is Hyperion and his giant fireballs!
I like that the heroes are always meeting new members to add to their group. And girls, don't worry, there are some strong females in their little group of warriors, too! I like how each of the characters have their magical object that makes them even stronger. You can see these on the cover, Zeus has his lightning bolt, Poseidon has a trident, and Hades has a helm. Bolt the lightning bolt is so fun to read about. He has a mind of his own, and usually acts like Zeus' loyal puppy.
There is never a dull moment in this book, with all of the adventures this group of heroes embarks on. The handful of illustrations add a lot to the story, and would be fun for readers of graphic novels. There is a lot of humor in the book too, which makes it so fun to read! The Oracle never fails to make me laugh with her foggy glasses causing her to mix up her visions.
Overall, this is another great addition to this fun, action packed series for middle graders!
book sent by the authors in exchange for an honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
August 31, 2013
Another great entry in this wonderful series for young chapterbook readers. I'm really enjoying these books and look forward to each new volume. This one is not my favourite compared to the previous three but it holds it own and progresses the story well. As we can tell by the title of this one, the villain takes more of a major role this time around as the heroes search out their quest for another magical item and the last of their missing Olympians. A fun story with lots, and I do mean a lot, of action. Introduction to more Greek mythology and one I particularly like about this series is the emphasis on the Titans, which are often harder to understand. Many children's books start with the Olympians, glossing over the earlier Greek mythology of their origins. This book has a definite feel of being the end of the first story arc. By book's end we have accomplished one of the missions set out in the first book, gather together the six Olympians (3 boys, 3 girls). New information is imparted to the group and while some open threads continue, new goals are also added. This leads me to believe we are in for a long running series, like Holub's other series for girls "Goddess Girls", but one which will group books together in story arcs similar to the Magic Tree House series. If so, I'm game and in for the long run. Highly recommend this series for libraries!
November 15, 2013
What is Hestia power?It was cool that Posiden has new tricks on his trident and Hades can turn invisible.The thing I like about this book is that the combination of animals blocking the front door to Hyperion.
February 28, 2016
Oh dear my review doesn't seem to be in keeping with any one else's! Hmmmm one star due to the fact this is aimed at a much younger audience. I'm surprised it was in the senior fiction section at the library.
March 31, 2014
this book is about Zeus and his friend's weapons aare stolen.so Zeus,Poseidon,Hades and Hera have to work together to get their weapons back.
February 4, 2016
Asher (7yo) read.
January 22, 2016
#4 in the Heroes in Training series, this is the story of the gods of Olympus and how they became powerful enough to defeat the Titans. It is an excellent read for middle school students.
August 29, 2016
this book was really thrilling when they were fighting Hyperion the best part was when they were basiclly fighting.
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March 30, 2019This book of the serious was great, made it feel fun to read, also liked how they had to save hera, adding more to the book, ive been dying for the fifth book to come out as well, reccomend this whole serious!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews