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Olympians #2
Olympians: Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess
Boom! Pow! Crash! Greek Gods as you've never seen them before! The strong, larger-than-life heroes of the Olympians can summon lightning, control the sea, turn invisible, or transform themselves into any animal they choose. Superheroes? No! Greek gods. The ancient pantheon comes to explosive life in this new series where myth meets comic books. Epic battles, daring quests, and terrible monsters await readers within the pages of these books. Volume 2, Grey-Eyed Goddess, is the tale of the goddess of wisdom and war, recounting her many adventures. This title has Common Core connections.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2010
156 people are currently reading
2296 people want to read
About the author
George O'Connor
74 books456 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base and there are multiple George O'Conner's that illustrate comics
George O'Connor is the author of several picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Kapow!, Kersplash, and Sally and the Some-thing. JOURNEY INTO MOHAWK COUNTRY was his first graphic novel, a long-held dream that weaves together his passion for history and ongoing research into Native American life. He's also the author/illustrator of a new picture book, If I Had a Raptor.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
George O'Connor is the author of several picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Kapow!, Kersplash, and Sally and the Some-thing. JOURNEY INTO MOHAWK COUNTRY was his first graphic novel, a long-held dream that weaves together his passion for history and ongoing research into Native American life. He's also the author/illustrator of a new picture book, If I Had a Raptor.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 376 reviews
November 4, 2018
This is my last one to read for the Olympians series that he has written so far. I hope he writes more of these. They are FANTASTIC!
I like how George uses the fates to tell the tale of Athena. He finds some interesting source materials for her birth that was in D'Aulaire's mythology or other mythologies I have read. Either he makes it up or he reads very widely on the subject from multiple historical perspectives.
Then, one of the stories told is about Medusa, which is such a great tale. Athena seems less cold in this story and a little warmer. I kinda like her.
The next tale is of the Gigantomachy which attack Mt Olympus and Athena is the one to defeat their leader. They are almost invincible. Lastly, is the famous story of Arachne. I do love this story. I find the hubris of Arachne interesting.
The longest tale is of Perseus and Medusa. That is one of the most well known as well. I simply love these story by George. He tells the myths so well. He has a great perspective and understanding. He carries on the tradition and lineage of this work. I hope he does one on Hestia and Hephaestus.
I like how George uses the fates to tell the tale of Athena. He finds some interesting source materials for her birth that was in D'Aulaire's mythology or other mythologies I have read. Either he makes it up or he reads very widely on the subject from multiple historical perspectives.
Then, one of the stories told is about Medusa, which is such a great tale. Athena seems less cold in this story and a little warmer. I kinda like her.
The next tale is of the Gigantomachy which attack Mt Olympus and Athena is the one to defeat their leader. They are almost invincible. Lastly, is the famous story of Arachne. I do love this story. I find the hubris of Arachne interesting.
The longest tale is of Perseus and Medusa. That is one of the most well known as well. I simply love these story by George. He tells the myths so well. He has a great perspective and understanding. He carries on the tradition and lineage of this work. I hope he does one on Hestia and Hephaestus.
August 27, 2017
I thought that this was already reviewed, but I am correcting that now. This was my first George O'Connor read and I highly recommend his works to my fellow high school teachers. The illustrations are excellent and really follow the familiar Greek myths well.
April 20, 2010
Athena is my favorite Olympian. She is the goddess of wisdom, tactical warfare and crafts, after all. Besides, I have a thing for owls. The illustrations in this graphic novel remind me of superhero comics and it does a superb job of creating a linear "biography" of Athena from several classic stories.
June 29, 2021
I enjoyed the story of Athena’s birth and the mini tales that she had a hand in.
The art style does grow on you and I enjoyed it more in this book.
Will definitely continue to read the rest in this series.
Happy Reading
Jo
The art style does grow on you and I enjoyed it more in this book.
Will definitely continue to read the rest in this series.
Happy Reading
Jo
June 3, 2010
I gave this book a star for School Library Journal and if I could have given it two stars, I would have!
March 4, 2022
Athena: grey eyed goddess
Medusa (Poseidon)
Perseus (Zeus + Danae)
Spinners of fate:
Klotho (The Spinner)
Lakhesis (The dispenser of lots)
Atropos (Cannot be turned)
Medusa (Poseidon)
Perseus (Zeus + Danae)
Spinners of fate:
Klotho (The Spinner)
Lakhesis (The dispenser of lots)
Atropos (Cannot be turned)
August 26, 2014
This is the second book in the Olympians series of graphic novels by George O'Connor. It's an entertaining and dramatically illustrated version of the classic Greek mythology. It features the story of Athena's birth, two stories that explain why she is also called Pallas Athena, as well as two more stories in which Athena is a major character.
Our girls love Greek Mythology and we've read a lot of books that feature various Gods and Goddesses. We've really enjoyed the variety of styles, from D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths to the Goddess Girls series to the Tales from the Odyssey series. And now our girls are really getting into graphic novels, so they were very excited to discover these books.
The story is dramatic and exciting and the family tree on the inside of the front cover really helps to put things into perspective. I don't think I've ever really understood the incestuous way in which all of the Gods are related. This book really helps to make it all clear. I also love the G(r)eek notes that offer glimpses into the illustrated asides that are alluded to, but not discussed in the narrative. The story is entertaining and the illustrations are terrific, sure to appeal to both girls and boys. Our oldest is a big fan of Athena and she loved this book so much she read it three times.
We are looking forward to reading all of these books. It appears that only five books are published so far, so we are hoping that more will be published soon...
interesting quote:
"She learned to never again let anger cloud her judgment in battle. She would always use her good counsel." (p. 24)
Our girls love Greek Mythology and we've read a lot of books that feature various Gods and Goddesses. We've really enjoyed the variety of styles, from D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths to the Goddess Girls series to the Tales from the Odyssey series. And now our girls are really getting into graphic novels, so they were very excited to discover these books.
The story is dramatic and exciting and the family tree on the inside of the front cover really helps to put things into perspective. I don't think I've ever really understood the incestuous way in which all of the Gods are related. This book really helps to make it all clear. I also love the G(r)eek notes that offer glimpses into the illustrated asides that are alluded to, but not discussed in the narrative. The story is entertaining and the illustrations are terrific, sure to appeal to both girls and boys. Our oldest is a big fan of Athena and she loved this book so much she read it three times.
We are looking forward to reading all of these books. It appears that only five books are published so far, so we are hoping that more will be published soon...
interesting quote:
"She learned to never again let anger cloud her judgment in battle. She would always use her good counsel." (p. 24)
April 26, 2010
Reason for Reading: Next in the series.
This second book starts off with a one page summary of volume one. It also introduces The Fates who are the storytellers of this issue. Different from Zeus, this volume is not one singular story but a collection of vignettes of Athena's creation and birth story and her other adventures. Each story, in the end, tells how Athena added to her Aegis, which became her most powerful weapon. Plus there are two versions of why she took the name Pallas Athena and of course no collection of Athena would be complete without the story of Arachne.
A superb follow-up to Zeus and I'm definitely hooked on this series. The myths are brilliantly told, following mostly exactly as I expect them to with a few exceptions plus I'm also finding a few new-to-me tales as well along the way. One thing I didn't mention in my review of Zeus, which became an invaluable resource in this issue is the Genealogical Chart on the inside cover which starts with Gaea goes straight through to the Olympians and then ventures off to show the lineage of the gods and demi-gods who one presumes will be seen in future volumes. Many characters are introduced in this volume from The Fates and The Gigantes to Pallas and Medusa and I loved being able to flip to that chart to see where everyone fit in!
I'm loving the artwork. I really appreciate the facial expressions and the uniqueness of the creatures, it really brings the myths to life in a way that an all-text version just cannot accomplish. There is a lot of violence in this volume, considering Athena is the Goddess of War, but there is no bloodshed shown, (unless you count a puddle of green Medusa blood) in keeping with the age appropriateness of the series. The only thing I'd consider of concern to parents would be their comfort level with the word "lover". Looking forward to the next volume which will concentrate on Hera.
This second book starts off with a one page summary of volume one. It also introduces The Fates who are the storytellers of this issue. Different from Zeus, this volume is not one singular story but a collection of vignettes of Athena's creation and birth story and her other adventures. Each story, in the end, tells how Athena added to her Aegis, which became her most powerful weapon. Plus there are two versions of why she took the name Pallas Athena and of course no collection of Athena would be complete without the story of Arachne.
A superb follow-up to Zeus and I'm definitely hooked on this series. The myths are brilliantly told, following mostly exactly as I expect them to with a few exceptions plus I'm also finding a few new-to-me tales as well along the way. One thing I didn't mention in my review of Zeus, which became an invaluable resource in this issue is the Genealogical Chart on the inside cover which starts with Gaea goes straight through to the Olympians and then ventures off to show the lineage of the gods and demi-gods who one presumes will be seen in future volumes. Many characters are introduced in this volume from The Fates and The Gigantes to Pallas and Medusa and I loved being able to flip to that chart to see where everyone fit in!
I'm loving the artwork. I really appreciate the facial expressions and the uniqueness of the creatures, it really brings the myths to life in a way that an all-text version just cannot accomplish. There is a lot of violence in this volume, considering Athena is the Goddess of War, but there is no bloodshed shown, (unless you count a puddle of green Medusa blood) in keeping with the age appropriateness of the series. The only thing I'd consider of concern to parents would be their comfort level with the word "lover". Looking forward to the next volume which will concentrate on Hera.
February 20, 2018
I enjoyed this anthology of Athena tales more than the preceding volume on Zeus, mostly because I guess the pesky chore of world-building (in the most literal sense of the term I think I've ever used) was accomplished already and the Grey-Eyed Goddess could be given her fullest due.
Interesting how the author displays a generally admirable figure here but one that is nonetheless touched by tragedy and pride. It definitely makes me interested to see how the rest of the Olympians fare, though it may take me some time to find out as my local library's collection of the series is only half complete for the time being.
Interesting how the author displays a generally admirable figure here but one that is nonetheless touched by tragedy and pride. It definitely makes me interested to see how the rest of the Olympians fare, though it may take me some time to find out as my local library's collection of the series is only half complete for the time being.
April 6, 2021
Apsolutno, volim.
March 6, 2018
The second volume in the Olympian graphic novel series is excellent. I already loved this series after Volume 1 (Zeus), but the enigmatic Pallas Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, Craft, and War, becomes a real character, and I like that the author, George O'Connor, sticks to the original myths (and really knows his sources) while not being afraid to take a few artistic liberties. The dialog is contemporary, the facial expressions suitable for a young adult graphic novel, and a more or less invented childhood for Athena is inserted here, which nonetheless reads as true to the original myths, like a newly discovered "hidden chapter" unearthed of Hesiod or Homer.
The stories (related to us by the Fates) will be generally familiar to anyone who knows their Greek mythology: there is Athena's birth from Zeus's forehead (which kinda sorta makes sense in this version), her participation in the Gigantomachy, the war against the Giants, which leads to her creating her famous Aegis, and then of course, Medusa, Perseus, and Arachne. I always thought Medusa got a raw deal, but that's pretty much the theme of Greek mythology. Likewise, Arachne always seemed just a little bit unbelievable to me - how does someone raised in a world in which the Olympians are a real presence not know better than to deliberately antagonize one of them? But the myths were allegorical tales, not meant to be fully believable character dramas.
Taking all these larger-than-life stories, George O'Connor illustrates a beautiful, formidable goddess who is wise and potent and maybe has just a bit of a temper (though much less than her Olympian brothers and sisters, let alone Daddy), and tells her stories in a child-friendly but not childish way. These would be perfect to introduce a youngster to Greek mythology, but they're still entertaining enough to appeal to adult fans of mythology as well.
The stories (related to us by the Fates) will be generally familiar to anyone who knows their Greek mythology: there is Athena's birth from Zeus's forehead (which kinda sorta makes sense in this version), her participation in the Gigantomachy, the war against the Giants, which leads to her creating her famous Aegis, and then of course, Medusa, Perseus, and Arachne. I always thought Medusa got a raw deal, but that's pretty much the theme of Greek mythology. Likewise, Arachne always seemed just a little bit unbelievable to me - how does someone raised in a world in which the Olympians are a real presence not know better than to deliberately antagonize one of them? But the myths were allegorical tales, not meant to be fully believable character dramas.
Taking all these larger-than-life stories, George O'Connor illustrates a beautiful, formidable goddess who is wise and potent and maybe has just a bit of a temper (though much less than her Olympian brothers and sisters, let alone Daddy), and tells her stories in a child-friendly but not childish way. These would be perfect to introduce a youngster to Greek mythology, but they're still entertaining enough to appeal to adult fans of mythology as well.
December 27, 2010
In the 2nd book in George O'Connor's Olympian books, he explores the stories of Athena. I really liked how this book was set up more so than the first because I felt that there was more elaboration and details into Athena's stories while in Zeus's book, it was more a history lesson of the Olympians. In this graphic novel, we get to hear the story of Athena's birth, Perseus, Arachne and more.
I also loved this book because Athena is very much my favorite of the Olympians because of her intelligence and strength- she is what all women should try to be. And George O'Connor compliments her well by making her seem like a superhero in his graphic novel (because she is).
This (and Zeus) will be a great resource for me and my students when we do our mythology unit as well- excellent!
I also loved this book because Athena is very much my favorite of the Olympians because of her intelligence and strength- she is what all women should try to be. And George O'Connor compliments her well by making her seem like a superhero in his graphic novel (because she is).
This (and Zeus) will be a great resource for me and my students when we do our mythology unit as well- excellent!
December 8, 2015
This book shows the story of Athena.How she was born and how she was raised.
The story of her outfit and also why she is a god of war.This book is just fantastic
in overall.Thats it for part one theres multiple.
In the beginning we learn of a women Zeus loved named Metis the mother of Athena.Then it goes into the creation of Athena's shield and Armor when Hephaistos,Ares and Poseidon's help.They open Zeus head and Athena comes out.Then we learn of giants who want to take over mount olympus.but the gods destroy them all.Then we find out that a women can weave better than Athena and they have a contest but Athena destroys the women because she makes fun of the gods like Zues in hers.
June 5, 2010
This is a fantastic graphic novel for kids and teens about Athena, one of my favorite Greek goddesses. George O'Connor does a nice job of picking a mix of well-known stories about Athena (such as her role in Perseus's slaying of Medusa, or the story of Arachne) and lesser-known tales. His artwork is really excellent -- the pages are full of motion and excitement, and he captures changes of mood beautifully though subtle shifts in characters' facial expressions. I was reminded strongly of P. Craig Russell, one of my favorite comic artists (and the artist behind the graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's Coraline). This is thrilling stuff for all ages.
November 13, 2017
Informative. Love the extra info pages in the back. It's great that it covers heroes, monsters, deities that appear in the stories.
I've never seen Andromeda represented with dark skin before. As a princess of Ethiopia, that makes a lot of sense!
I used to really like Athena for what she represented, but man does she curse a lot of people. It's weird to have a book devoted to Athena, and have a bunch of stories that paint her in such an unflattering light. But maybe that's just me bringing my adult sensibilities into it.
I've never seen Andromeda represented with dark skin before. As a princess of Ethiopia, that makes a lot of sense!
I used to really like Athena for what she represented, but man does she curse a lot of people. It's weird to have a book devoted to Athena, and have a bunch of stories that paint her in such an unflattering light. But maybe that's just me bringing my adult sensibilities into it.
April 14, 2010
I'm impressed with this new series of O'Connors. This one was different than Zeus. The Zeus volume was more of a narration of his life. This one has the three fates telling different stories of Athena. Starting with a brief recap of Zeus and the battle against Kronos. Then it goes on to explain Athena's unique beginning. Finally it shows how Athena was a bit lost in her place and then events in her life that shaped her.
October 10, 2010
Richly detailed and creatively structured, this compilation of tales about the goddess Pallas Athena evokes the grim violence and majesty of ancient Greece. George O'Connor's magnificent prose and dynamic illustrations are a winning combination. This is a shining star among dull third-person retellings of Greek myths. Ages 10+.
December 19, 2010
This would be a nice compliment to the Percy Jackson Series for kids/teens wanting a little more information about the Gods. I found the stories about Athena very entertaining. Already thinking about who I can recommend this to.
May 25, 2010
This is a great series, so much good background information in a wonderful visual format! I don't know whether to love Athena or be irritated by her. Awaiting the next installment!
June 7, 2010
Excellent retelling of Greek mythology.
June 11, 2010
A great way to convey the different myths.
August 5, 2010
Buku ini salah satu alasan gw cinta mati sama buku :)
Sementara itu aja ulasannya.. hehe
A must-read, in my opinion.
Sementara itu aja ulasannya.. hehe
A must-read, in my opinion.
November 11, 2010
I like it because most of it is by the book, and now I actually saw "modern" pictures of it!!!
January 28, 2014
I loved it.
June 17, 2016
I thought the other two gorgons looked like Medusa but without the "stone eyes" thing. Well, this graphic novel's illustrator totally made the sisters of Medusa looked like green she-werewolves.
August 11, 2017
Like all of the books in this series, this was a fun read. Not only does this graphic novel tell the story of Athena but also Perseus, Medusa, and Arachne.
February 13, 2018
Like always, I really like this myth series of George O'Conner. I like his realistic drawings that makes the readers want to read more and be more interested in the books.
December 4, 2018
This book is great! I love the images of the characters and the plot is interesting and fun!
July 2, 2022
3.5/5 stars
moral of the story: don't mess with Athena
moral of the story: don't mess with Athena
April 29, 2023
I'd rate this book 4 and a half stars. It was very informative but also funny and causal. The drawings were beautiful. Athena is one of my favorite goddesses, and this book just made me love her all the more. This is a great book for all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 376 reviews