Athena the Proud

Goddess Girls #13

by Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams

Athena wants to upgrade a labyrinth for King Minos, but her approach causes problems in this Goddess Girls adventure. Athena's arrogance gets the best of her when her attempts to improve King Minos's labyrinth have unexpected and disastrous results!

#13 Goddess Girls series

Genres: Mythology, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Greek Mythology, Fiction, Childrens, Retellings

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2014

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

[Emilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid goddess girls book!!!
I liked how the setting was an amusement park!

[✧ hayley (the sugar bowl) ✧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

➳ 3 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

i think i liked this book even less than the previous one, which was my lowest rated of this series so far…

don’t get me wrong, i still had fun with this book but i just—i think athena is simply not my favorite character. i appreciate her but….i don’t know.

i thought the setting of this book was fun but the plot about the theme park and the maze just didn’t hold me as much (and the PUNS, oh gosh the PUNS. seriously, how many times can you say a-MAZE-ing before it gets old? you’d think less than a million but apparently not.)

this one just felt a little younger than some of the others and that’s saying something. still enjoyed it, but not the series’ strongest point by any means!!


୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

27/04/2015 re-read: I picked up this book (well, actually, it was given to me by my two-year-old sister - she likes giving me books in the mornings), not intending to read it again, but, as you've probably guessed, that didn't work out. I'm not sure if I just wasn't as invested in the story as the first time around, but I ended up enjoying this book a lot than before this time, so much so that I've upped my rating to 5 star. All the negative things I mentioned in my original review, for some reason didn't bother me at all this time (although I still appreciate the reasoning behind my points), and I actually thought the whole Heracles storyline was realistically done and satisfactorily concluded. For everything this book is and everything it's trying to be, I think it's really great! (although that a-maze-ing pun still irks me) :/

Original review (05/06/2014):

In Athena the Proud, when Athena and thirteen other Mount Olympus Academy students get invited to try out the all-new labyrinth at King Minos' new aMAZEment park, Athena sees this as the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with her crush, Heracles and of course to get some inspirational ideas for new inventions. But it all goes wrong when Heracles starts spending all his time with his cousin Theseus, and practically ignoring everything she says and does (Heracles became a jerk in this book, in other words) and Athena doesn't know what to do, especially since everyone else seems so happy with their crushes. Things go from bad to worse when Athena's pride starts to get the better of her, and Daedalus' labyrinth displays some dangerous flaws that gets her friends into some serious Minotaur trouble, what's a wise goddess to do?

Reading this book, I wasn't sure what I felt about Athena, the main character. Part of me felt like screaming; "Get over yourself Athena!" but another part of me wanted to say, "Aw, poor girl." Heracles was being so annoying and disrespectful, that I was expecting a really good explanation for his behaviour at the end of the book. There wasn't one, apart from the tiny (and slightly lame) one: "I wanted to spend time with my cousin," But in the end Heracles' behaviour played into the moral of the story (not many of the previous books in the series have had a clear moral, so that was really cool).

In the end, I liked how all the storylines finished, apart from the one about King Minos being weird - that didn't really go anywhere (I know he was the one messing up the Minotaur, but why???) and wasn't explained at all, and I was a little disappointed with the Ariadne story. Being a bit of a nerd about Greek mythology, I knew that Ariadne is supposed to have fallen in love with Theseus but then he abandoned her on Naxos. There was a hint to this: "'Hey, my mom lives in the marketplace too,' Theseus piped up. 'She owns a travel agency called Island dreams, and books ship passage to islands like Naxos and Crete . . .'" but that went nowhere. I would have liked to have known if anything happened after that after that little hint.

Apollo and Cassandra are now my new favourite couple, they were portrayed greatly in this story, and there were cute parts about Pheme and Eros and Medusa and Dionysus too. The quote, "Persephone turned to look back at Hades, godboy of the Underworld. He flashed her a smile. The two of them had been crushing on eachother since forever." got me thinking a bit. I mean, it's soooo obvious they like eachother, I can't really see why they don't just ask eachother out. But, anyway, that was just a tiny thing, not a big deal.

The main thing that got me grinding my teeth in this book was the constant use of the pun, a-maze-ing. Athena must have said it at least five times and it was said at least five times by other people. This being a really short book, ten uses of the same pun was extremely annoying.

On the whole, this story was moderately entertaining but there has definitely been better ones previously in the series. I wasn't necessarily disappointed with it, but it could have been better. A feel-good book with a cool fresh take on the Greek myths and legends, I'd recommend it to girls ages 7 - 13. :)

[Justice Smith]

how can i read books like this online?

[Josephine Dimick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it very much. I was attempting to read a Japanese manga at night, and my brain was pretty much EXPLODING. So I walked over to my bookshelf and saw books 1-21 of Goddess Girls. I do not read the in chronological order, but I still enjoy the series nonetheless. I loved it, and it was a definite five star rating. Two things though. The aMAZEing pun was very overused, And Athena could probably just be fine with Theseus visiting. I was only for four days, but I get that she was worried about her and Heracles's relationship slipping away. But still, I loved reading this.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storytelling and creativity in the reimagining of points in Greek mythology.

[Doni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deep into this series, here are my thoughts on the series as a whole. I like very much to learn what innovative ways the authors are going to incorporate traditional elements of Greek mythology. I dislike that each plot arc is essentially an excuse to create a heteronormative relationship between couples at MOA. I also dislike that race is only explicitly manifested through the cover illustrations. It seems like a very white-washed approach.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Joan Holub's stories that she writes with her coauthor. Every story adds a wonderful twist to Greek mythology and makes it easier and more enjoyable.

[Zaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was very good and It told alot about Greek Mothology. I liked it because it has green Mothology and I like Greek Mothology.

[Julesy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved every book in this series so far and still have a ways to go! However, this has been my least favorite book in the series merely because there are sooooo many additional characters besides the canon characters, leaving me confused and having to jog my memory as to who is whom. Additionally, most of the book takes place away from the Mount Olympus Academy so it does feel as homey as the previous books.

I think Athena needs to learn how to relax a little and not think about work, work, work (her inventions). Being at the A-MAZE-ment Park should be a time to enjoy with her GGBFFs! (GoddessGirls Best Friends Forever)

[Narariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting addition to the series, touching on a slightly more mature topic relating to "crushes," the idea that if you don't put some effort into a relationship, it will wither. With Heracules and Athena being so opposite, it makes sense that they would require spending time on activities both can enjoy. I did find some of the main story (King Minos' maze and theme park) a bit odd, but I enjoyed Athena's struggle to figure out what to do with the results of her actions.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a retelling of the myth of Theseus and the labyrinth. Heracles and Theseus are both jerks in this one, and sometimes it feels like an excuse for Athena to be stressed about crush drama. Right now, the Goddess Girl books featuring the main characters are becoming stale, even though they’re still entertaining. All the maze puns in this book are tiresome, however.

[Kady · Rating 2 out of 5]

i didn't enjoy reading this book, because it is really inaccurate from greek mythology. the part where the author explained that athena had a crush on heracles sounded a bit weird because athena is a maiden goddess. she doesn't fall in love with anyone. and i have to say i prefer the percy jackson/heroes of olympus/magnus chase and the gods of asgard/trials of apollo series by rick riordan because they are accurate, interesting and funny. i think this book is also quite babyish and maybe others that have a younger age than me might be interested.

[Elizabeth Chang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad! But while Athena might have accepted the Hercules' cousin...I found him to be super annoying! And never really got used to him. I think I would have liked to see Athena take a bit more initiative with Hercules, but it's a nice short book, so I guess I shouldn't expect too much!

[Violet Bleger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Goddess Girls triumph. I love the underlying message of courage and humility that this book displays. Great book

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

So cute.

[priyanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect book no notes

[Linda Jaejoong · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Band 13 ist endlich wieder Athena an der Reihe. Sie wird mit ihren Freunden von König Minos eingeladen seinen neuen Freizeitpark und vor allem dessen Hauptattraktion das Labyrinth auszuprobieren. Es gibt da nur ein Problem, Athena findet das Labyrinth nicht gut genug. Als sie ein paar Besserungen vornimmt beginnt das Chaos. Werden die Freunde es schaffen ihren Weg aus dem Labyrinth heraus zu finden?? Lest selbst!!

Ich mag Athena, sie ist ein netter und bodenständiger Charakter. Bloß in diesem Band hat sie es ein wenig übertrieben. Sie war ein wenig zu überheblich und ihr Frust wegen Heracles hat ein wenig genervt. Sie ist aber auch nicht mal auf die Idee gekommen mit ihm über ihre Gefühle zu reden, sie frisst sie lieber in sich hinein. Dafür das sie eigentlich diejenige mit dem Hirn ist, hapert es manchmal ganz schön.

Natürlich war die ganze Clique wieder mit dabei. Meine Lieblinge Hades und Persephone hatten auch ein paar kleine Szenen. Die Beiden sind so toll, hoffentlich sind sie beide bald wieder an der Reihe. Auch werden in dem Band zwei neue Figuren eingeführt, Ariadne die Tochter von König Minos und Theseus der Cousin von Heracles.

Fazit: Band 13 war sehr unterhaltsam und vor allem sehr spannend. Es war schön das alle bekannten Figuren gemeinsam im Buch vorkamen und zusammen etwas unternommen haben. Vor allem haben die Pärchen immer etwas zusammen unternommen und das war so niedlich. Das Englisch war wieder super leicht zu lesen und zu verstehen und das Cover ist mal wieder richtig toll geworden. Ich freu mich schon auf Band 14, wo wir einen neuen Hauptcharakter kennen lernen!!

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this series, Greek myths made appropriate for children (We all can admit that family tree is pretty messed up) and set in a school. I didn't find this one as interesting as previous ones, however. Athena's POV is probably my least favorite, but the plot was interesting. I did really like Daedalus, the inventor who Athena gets to meet. She does change his maze, which really bothered me at first. But when she told him about it, he was understanding and they were really able to become friends. Athena also made amends with her crush, Heracules, when she was being a little to harsh with him. Over all it was a sweet book, and Athena learned her lesson. It just wasn't my favorite of the series.

Review by: http://lachatblanc.wordpress.com/

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

My four year old daughter likes these books because of the covers. The premise of turning Greek myths into a children's book and making these gods and mortal followers into relatable characters is a good one. My kids enjoy hearing the stories from Greek myths and have been told many of the Illiad tales. But overall, these books are quite silly, and even the clever premise isn't enough to make these of interest to adult readers. I liked this one much more than I liked the other book we read, Amphitrite the Bubbly. I could see recommending these to a young reader, maybe around 9 or 10 years old.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why would Athena think Dedalus would be mad? She was in the wrong, and she should not have done anything without telling Dedalus.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this, the 13th Goddess Girls book, Athena and 13 other lucky people get to go for a VIP trip to the new aMAZEment park.

This is not my favourite of the series so far but it was quite enjoyable. I like the storyline with Theseus and the Minotaur but I thought the storylines with King Minos and Ariande were lame (what even happened to both of them in the end?). I like seeing Athena work out her inventions and it was cool Heracles helped her come up with the solution for the plow problem without even realising! .

As always I would recommend this series to 8-14 yr old girls although anyone would probably enjoy the take on greek mythology.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I think at this point the authors are trying to get too many books done too quickly. None of the last several books had the charm of the earliest ones, there's a recurring problem with redundancy, and the books could all do with a good, solid editing. I've been reading these to keep in touch with what my 10-year-old daughter's recently been reading and while I like these books for the most part (there are definitely more inane/obnoxious/useless books out there!), I don't know if I can keep slogging through to the bitter end if they continue to recycle the same basic plot outline and characters fail to grow.

[fart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a bit disappointing. I love this series and these books, but in this book, Anthea a total air head. She was so touchy and so girly. I mean, yes, your crush IS ignoring you, but not on purpose. His cousin that he hardly sees goes on this awesome trip with your school, of course he wants to ride a bus, go on rides, and hang out with cousin! Who would you rather hang with? Your crush or your cousin you hardly see, hmm?

Also, why would EVERYONE on the trip (besides Athena, Pandora, Heracles, and Thesus) sit boy girl? I mean, look, I have nothing against romance. But the romance in this book drove name insane!

Other than that, this was a good book.

[Lilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book! Even though this is a children's book I still like to read it because it's a nice twist on Greek mythology and the gods and goddesses!

I liked this book... Pretty good and once again like all others in this series it gives good moral lessons

Overall good book... Looking forward to the next one

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the series. Athena finds herself confused by her feelings of jealousy of time Heracles is spending with his dreadlock sporting "cuz" and learns a lesson in the humbling power of feeling too prideful: no one is perfect and that's okay! Wish the cover scene had actually been more an indicator of how things were going to play out but it was still a fun story.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself really rooting for Athena and Heracles in this adventure. With Heracles trying to keep an eye on his cousin, and Athena trying to solve several different problems all at once, I was worried that they were starting to grow apart a big. But, of course, the two young lovebirds eventually figure everything out.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

THEY MAKE A MAZE. ATHENA CHANGES THE MAZE BECAUSE SHE THINKS IT'S TOO EASY. TURNS OUT THAT THE MAZE IS REALLY HARD AND PEOPLE CAN'T GET OUT OF IT. APOLLO GOES IN THE MAZE AND GET THE TRAPPED PEOPLE OUT.

[Meena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because it really shows a battle between friendship and love for Athena and Hercules. It also shows that you shouldn't base a book by its cover and that hard isn't always the best. I loved this book and I say read it!

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this one because I think my students would like the series. I had to quit when I read the term GGBFF. I skimmed it until the end to be sure there wasn't anything inappropriate for elementary students.