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An Aries Adventure #1
Fleeced!
Meet Aries, the wise-cracking ghost-ram of the Golden Fleece!
Aries, the ram of Golden Fleece fame, remains furious at the loss of his beautiful coat - stolen by Jason and the Argonauts centuries ago. So he hatches a plan to return to earth, along with his friend Alex, zookeeper of the Underworld. But instead of arriving in ancient Greece, they teleport slap-bang into the British Museum in modern day London.
Aries and Alex soon discover that the Golden Fleece is in the clutches of evil immortal sorceress Medea - now a world-famous fashion designer. With the help of twelve-year-old human girl Rose, Aries and Alex must foil Medea's wicked plans and save Aries from an eternity of being bald!
A madcap, mythological adventure ewe don't want to miss!
Aries, the ram of Golden Fleece fame, remains furious at the loss of his beautiful coat - stolen by Jason and the Argonauts centuries ago. So he hatches a plan to return to earth, along with his friend Alex, zookeeper of the Underworld. But instead of arriving in ancient Greece, they teleport slap-bang into the British Museum in modern day London.
Aries and Alex soon discover that the Golden Fleece is in the clutches of evil immortal sorceress Medea - now a world-famous fashion designer. With the help of twelve-year-old human girl Rose, Aries and Alex must foil Medea's wicked plans and save Aries from an eternity of being bald!
A madcap, mythological adventure ewe don't want to miss!
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Julia Wills
7 books12 followersAlthough she was born in the last century, this absolutely does not make Julia as old as the Ancient Greeks. As a January baby, her star sign is Capricorn – the goat with horns as curly as Aries'. However, unlike Aries, she is not bald and she doesn’t have a gigantic bottom. As a child she lived in the north of England, in Stockport, a town famous for its enormous Victorian viaduct made of 11 million bricks. The artist L S Lowry was very fond of painting it, although it did take up most of his paint, which meant that he had to make his cats and dogs very thin.
After studying Psychology at Oxford University, Julia completed a PGCE at Northampton and a Masters in Writing at Glamorgan (now the New University of South Wales). She has always written but has had lots of other jobs too, such as maintaining a photo library for a Texan oil company, tasting sausages, working for batty professors at Oxford and teaching Year Four children in Northamptonshire. As Miss Wills her favourite lesson was history since it was there that she and the children first discovered the Ancient Greeks, their fabulous monsters and just how outrageously a chiton will flap about on a windy day.
“Fleeced!” is her first novel for children.
After studying Psychology at Oxford University, Julia completed a PGCE at Northampton and a Masters in Writing at Glamorgan (now the New University of South Wales). She has always written but has had lots of other jobs too, such as maintaining a photo library for a Texan oil company, tasting sausages, working for batty professors at Oxford and teaching Year Four children in Northamptonshire. As Miss Wills her favourite lesson was history since it was there that she and the children first discovered the Ancient Greeks, their fabulous monsters and just how outrageously a chiton will flap about on a windy day.
“Fleeced!” is her first novel for children.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 18, 2014
Originally published on www.serendipityreviews.co.uk.
This isn’t the type of book I would normally read, but I was attracted to the story instantly. Being an Aries myself, I was curious to know more about the mythological ram with the Golden Fleece and quite intrigued on how I would get on with a story whose main character has four legs!
Aries bursts on the scene straight away in this book and constantly batters you for attention – he is not a creature to be ignored. He is entertaining and full of zest at times, while naive at others causing him to jump hoof first into a hilarious adventure as he searches for his Golden Fleece. I really enjoyed the friendship between Aries and Alex as he accompanied the eager ram back to Earth. I was slightly lost in the Greek mythical world to begin with, but that is mainly due to lack of knowledge rather than the story. For me the book really got going, when Alex and Aries made they debut in modern society. I loved Rose – what a gutsy, go-getting girl she was, instantly catching the attention of Medea, who wasn’t the nicest of characters.
Once back on Earth the book sets off at a mad pace, as the characters search for Medea and the Golden Fleece. I was thoroughly entertained as I swept through the fashion world and encountered a variety of breeds of sheep.
I loved the footnotes provided by the author. I always feel like we have been given something free by the author when these are included; little glimpse into how their writing mind works. The author has also provided a glossary at the end of the book, so that any unusual Greek terms can be easily understood.
This was a thoroughly entertaining tale, that brings Greek Mythological in an easily understandable and entertaining way to the 9 to 12 age bracket. It would appeal to both boys and girls with the witty humour and madcap adventure.
This isn’t the type of book I would normally read, but I was attracted to the story instantly. Being an Aries myself, I was curious to know more about the mythological ram with the Golden Fleece and quite intrigued on how I would get on with a story whose main character has four legs!
Aries bursts on the scene straight away in this book and constantly batters you for attention – he is not a creature to be ignored. He is entertaining and full of zest at times, while naive at others causing him to jump hoof first into a hilarious adventure as he searches for his Golden Fleece. I really enjoyed the friendship between Aries and Alex as he accompanied the eager ram back to Earth. I was slightly lost in the Greek mythical world to begin with, but that is mainly due to lack of knowledge rather than the story. For me the book really got going, when Alex and Aries made they debut in modern society. I loved Rose – what a gutsy, go-getting girl she was, instantly catching the attention of Medea, who wasn’t the nicest of characters.
Once back on Earth the book sets off at a mad pace, as the characters search for Medea and the Golden Fleece. I was thoroughly entertained as I swept through the fashion world and encountered a variety of breeds of sheep.
I loved the footnotes provided by the author. I always feel like we have been given something free by the author when these are included; little glimpse into how their writing mind works. The author has also provided a glossary at the end of the book, so that any unusual Greek terms can be easily understood.
This was a thoroughly entertaining tale, that brings Greek Mythological in an easily understandable and entertaining way to the 9 to 12 age bracket. It would appeal to both boys and girls with the witty humour and madcap adventure.
May 18, 2015
Originally posted at: http://iliveforreading.blogspot.com/2...
I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to get to reading Fleeced!–it’s been on my shelf for AGES and I totally regret it. This book was so much fun to read! I’ve been longing for another series or book centered around Greek mythology after the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. I mean, there have been books I’ve read which do focus on Greek mythology, but the problem with YA novels is that the story tends to be about romance, the tradition girl-meets-boy with a twist. I’ve missed books that features no romance at all, where the main focus is on the adventure or the quest these characters embark on. That’s exactly what Percy Jackson had, and, I’m glad to say, what Fleeced! had as well.
I was a bit afraid of going into this book because I thought, because it’s been absolutely FOREVER since I’ve read a middle grade novel, that I would be a bit more cynical of the characters and would think they would be too childish for my taste. I’m happy to say that the inner-child in me totally came through and there was no judgement on actions AT ALL. I totally went with the flow of the story, and I found that I really do love the idea that absolutely ANYTHING can happen in children’s books: the most unsuspecting people can become heroes, evil can become good, and all is done with a hilarious narrative. I loved Rose’s and Alex’s characters, and Aries was such a great character as well. I loved to hate Medea, and honestly the tone of the story was so action-packed but light-hearted at the same time, which made Fleeced! even more enjoyable to read.
You can really tell, when you’re reading the book, that the author has done some amazing research. Wills really incorporates different aspects of Greek mythology as well as what Greek life was like in the past into her story. I’ve read quite a bit of myths so I generally got most of the references, but sometimes there would be allusions or terms I didn’t understand. Never fear! There’s a super handy-dandy reference guide in the back of the book that explains everything that you need to know. However, what I didn’t enjoy too much were the footnotes that would pop up. Yes, they were pretty funny now and then, and seeing footnotes in a novel is a pretty rare occurrence, but the main problem that I had with these was that it normally broke the flow of the story for me. I’d constantly have to look down at the footnotes after seeing the notation in the text, and then I’d have return back to the flow. I know the author adds them to not break the flow, but I felt that it did the opposite and stopped me from time to time.
Fleeced! was a fun ride, twisting the Greek myths that we’ve all come to know and love into a fresh story. Julia Wills’s delightfully narrated debut novel is guaranteed to produce laughs from readers of all ages. I’m looking forward to reading the next Aries Adventure, with more ram-related humour and crazy spins on Greek myths!
▪ ▪ ▪ Thank you so much to Sasha at Pansing for sending me a copy for review! ▪ ▪ ▪
I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to get to reading Fleeced!–it’s been on my shelf for AGES and I totally regret it. This book was so much fun to read! I’ve been longing for another series or book centered around Greek mythology after the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. I mean, there have been books I’ve read which do focus on Greek mythology, but the problem with YA novels is that the story tends to be about romance, the tradition girl-meets-boy with a twist. I’ve missed books that features no romance at all, where the main focus is on the adventure or the quest these characters embark on. That’s exactly what Percy Jackson had, and, I’m glad to say, what Fleeced! had as well.
I was a bit afraid of going into this book because I thought, because it’s been absolutely FOREVER since I’ve read a middle grade novel, that I would be a bit more cynical of the characters and would think they would be too childish for my taste. I’m happy to say that the inner-child in me totally came through and there was no judgement on actions AT ALL. I totally went with the flow of the story, and I found that I really do love the idea that absolutely ANYTHING can happen in children’s books: the most unsuspecting people can become heroes, evil can become good, and all is done with a hilarious narrative. I loved Rose’s and Alex’s characters, and Aries was such a great character as well. I loved to hate Medea, and honestly the tone of the story was so action-packed but light-hearted at the same time, which made Fleeced! even more enjoyable to read.
You can really tell, when you’re reading the book, that the author has done some amazing research. Wills really incorporates different aspects of Greek mythology as well as what Greek life was like in the past into her story. I’ve read quite a bit of myths so I generally got most of the references, but sometimes there would be allusions or terms I didn’t understand. Never fear! There’s a super handy-dandy reference guide in the back of the book that explains everything that you need to know. However, what I didn’t enjoy too much were the footnotes that would pop up. Yes, they were pretty funny now and then, and seeing footnotes in a novel is a pretty rare occurrence, but the main problem that I had with these was that it normally broke the flow of the story for me. I’d constantly have to look down at the footnotes after seeing the notation in the text, and then I’d have return back to the flow. I know the author adds them to not break the flow, but I felt that it did the opposite and stopped me from time to time.
Fleeced! was a fun ride, twisting the Greek myths that we’ve all come to know and love into a fresh story. Julia Wills’s delightfully narrated debut novel is guaranteed to produce laughs from readers of all ages. I’m looking forward to reading the next Aries Adventure, with more ram-related humour and crazy spins on Greek myths!
▪ ▪ ▪ Thank you so much to Sasha at Pansing for sending me a copy for review! ▪ ▪ ▪
May 28, 2014
Review: Those of you who know Greek Mythology may have heard about Jason and the Argonauts and their quest to find the Golden Fleece. Everyone remembers Jason, but what about the ram? Aries, the ram from whom the Fleece is stolen, is still upset at the loss of his fleece. When Athena holds a contest in the Underworld for a chance to go up to the real world, Aries and Underworld zookeeper Alex compete and win, sending them up to modern day London. With the help of a human girl, Rose, they try and find the Fleece. It won't be as easy as they hoped. It's in the hands of Medea, the sorceress, who is now a fashion designer, and who has a plan for the next wearer of the clothes made with fleece...
I heard about this at the Templar/Hot Key blogger event thing. They said something along the lines of “I know this is aimed at slightly younger readers but I think you'll enjoy it.” Whoever said that was right.
The idea for this is wonderful. The big name Greek myth book is of course Percy Jackson, and Fleeced presents Greek mythology in a totally different way.
Either Rose or Aries is my favourite character. Not sure which. Rose is a wellbuilt character, and one of the few twelve year olds I don't find really annoying. Aries, well for starters non human main characters are awesome, and I love his thought processes. Medea is a wonderfully put together interpretation of the one from the original myth. Both she and Rose are sharp and clever, and seeing them dance around eachother with wits is great to read. I didn't really like Hazel, because she didn't seem to do much, but everyone else was good.
The plot moves quickly, with a lot of back and forth around the scenes for effective cliffhangers, with commentary remarking that they're moving back and forth around the scenes. It works in a lot of Greek myth elements, and I liked seeing them all have a small part.
This is one of the most fun, and funniest, books I've read all year. My love of Greek Mythology meant I enjoyed all the gags about that, and there's lots of more modern jokes in it too. Then there's the chapter titles, of which about 95% are puns. By the time I got to The Flocky Horror Show, I was absolutely done. Then there's everything to do with
The narrator is one of the most sarcastic ones I've met. They're chatty, and narrate everyhing in a distinct way that made me laugh a lot. Then there's the bit at the end, the scroll providing a handy glossary of creatures and characters in Greek Mythology. Best who's who ever; Medusa's says “anyone who looked at her immediately utrned into stone, which made it very difficult to get agood hairdresser” and Narcissus' says “He stayed by the pool until he died. I know. How silly was that? But, as I said, he was good looking, not smart”.
Final point-my Latin teacher loves the idea of this.
Overall: Strength 4 tea to another book spreading the love for Greek Mythology
Quotes from the Uncorrected Proof. They may change in the final copy.
I heard about this at the Templar/Hot Key blogger event thing. They said something along the lines of “I know this is aimed at slightly younger readers but I think you'll enjoy it.” Whoever said that was right.
The idea for this is wonderful. The big name Greek myth book is of course Percy Jackson, and Fleeced presents Greek mythology in a totally different way.
Either Rose or Aries is my favourite character. Not sure which. Rose is a wellbuilt character, and one of the few twelve year olds I don't find really annoying. Aries, well for starters non human main characters are awesome, and I love his thought processes. Medea is a wonderfully put together interpretation of the one from the original myth. Both she and Rose are sharp and clever, and seeing them dance around eachother with wits is great to read. I didn't really like Hazel, because she didn't seem to do much, but everyone else was good.
The plot moves quickly, with a lot of back and forth around the scenes for effective cliffhangers, with commentary remarking that they're moving back and forth around the scenes. It works in a lot of Greek myth elements, and I liked seeing them all have a small part.
This is one of the most fun, and funniest, books I've read all year. My love of Greek Mythology meant I enjoyed all the gags about that, and there's lots of more modern jokes in it too. Then there's the chapter titles, of which about 95% are puns. By the time I got to The Flocky Horror Show, I was absolutely done. Then there's everything to do with
The narrator is one of the most sarcastic ones I've met. They're chatty, and narrate everyhing in a distinct way that made me laugh a lot. Then there's the bit at the end, the scroll providing a handy glossary of creatures and characters in Greek Mythology. Best who's who ever; Medusa's says “anyone who looked at her immediately utrned into stone, which made it very difficult to get agood hairdresser” and Narcissus' says “He stayed by the pool until he died. I know. How silly was that? But, as I said, he was good looking, not smart”.
Final point-my Latin teacher loves the idea of this.
Overall: Strength 4 tea to another book spreading the love for Greek Mythology
Quotes from the Uncorrected Proof. They may change in the final copy.
March 22, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Aries is a ram with attitude and a rather inflated idea of his importance, but he is traumatized by the loss of his fleece. This story has him let loose in modern England with Alex, a 'ghost ' from Hades, searching for the fleece and the thief who had stolen it in ancient times. A really funny adventure with lots of historical detail lurking in the background. I am looking forward to further adventures.
September 7, 2015
i enjoyed this telling of Aries the rams search for the golden fleece which Jason took. Apart from the footnotes which completely spoilt the flow of the book and added nothing
December 8, 2015
A b-ewe-Tiful story and a good hero! Intrigue and action a plenty with comedy that ewe wool not believe at all!
September 27, 2015
What a fun, silly read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews