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Styx and Stones
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26Percy Jackson meets The Labors of Hercules Beal in this hilarious, page-turning fantasy adventure with a heart of gold from two award-winning authors.
Simon expected more from life than being orphaned in ancient Greece and stuck in the Underworld for eternity. Determined not to forget who he is, he commits himself to escaping Hades. Along the way, he faces the monster Cerberus, befriends the tormented Sisyphus, and becomes Persephone’s favorite servant. Then, after centuries of failed attempts, he is finally thrust into modern times—and into the stall of a middle school bathroom. Naked.
With the help of Zeke, a nerdy rich kid on the social fringes, Simon learns to navigate this amazing and bewildering world. And with Simon’s help, Zeke begins to question his comfortable life and understand the true meaning of friendship. Everything seems to be going great . . . until the god of the Underworld sends a demon girl to bring Simon back. And suddenly, it’s not just the secret of Simon’s past that’s threatened, but their very lives—and everyone’s around them, too. Is their friendship strong enough to withstand the Will of Hades and save St. Nikolaos Academy Middle School?
From two-time Newbery honoree Gary D. Schmidt and two-time PEN Award winner Ron Koertge, Styx and Stones is an unforgettable coming-of-age adventure about friendship, courage, and identity, brimming with Greek mythology and high-stakes action.
Simon expected more from life than being orphaned in ancient Greece and stuck in the Underworld for eternity. Determined not to forget who he is, he commits himself to escaping Hades. Along the way, he faces the monster Cerberus, befriends the tormented Sisyphus, and becomes Persephone’s favorite servant. Then, after centuries of failed attempts, he is finally thrust into modern times—and into the stall of a middle school bathroom. Naked.
With the help of Zeke, a nerdy rich kid on the social fringes, Simon learns to navigate this amazing and bewildering world. And with Simon’s help, Zeke begins to question his comfortable life and understand the true meaning of friendship. Everything seems to be going great . . . until the god of the Underworld sends a demon girl to bring Simon back. And suddenly, it’s not just the secret of Simon’s past that’s threatened, but their very lives—and everyone’s around them, too. Is their friendship strong enough to withstand the Will of Hades and save St. Nikolaos Academy Middle School?
From two-time Newbery honoree Gary D. Schmidt and two-time PEN Award winner Ron Koertge, Styx and Stones is an unforgettable coming-of-age adventure about friendship, courage, and identity, brimming with Greek mythology and high-stakes action.
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 5, 2026
3812 people want to read
About the author
Gary D. Schmidt
77 books2,205 followersGary D. Schmidt is an American children's writer of nonfiction books and young adult novels, including two Newbery Honor books. He lives on a farm in Alto, Michigan,with his wife and six children, where he splits wood, plants gardens, writes, feeds the wild cats that drop by and wishes that sometimes the sea breeze came that far inland. He is a Professor of English at Calvin College.
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February 10, 2026Glitch in the system and I lost my review that had been the top review of this book, despite me having not read it. (sad. I hate it when goodreads kicks books off my shelves for no reason)
Anyway, I needed to retract something anyway.
In my last review I mentioned being a little apprehensive because I didn't like the other book cowritten with Ron Koertge as much as I had liked the other Gary D. Schmidt books I had read, which is still valid. But I also said something about hoping Hercules Beale wasn't an "end of an era."
Which I retract. Because, according to Schmidt, Hercules Beale (or, more accurately, Jupiter Rising) was meant to be the end of an era.
I was listening to this podcast where he talks about Hercules Beale and he was talking about how the books he's written over the past fifteen or so years (probably all the ones I think of as the Wednesday Wars-verse: Wednesday Wars, Okay for Now, Lizzie Bright, Orbiting Jupiter, Just Like That, Carter Jones, Jupiter Rising, and Hercules Beale) were him working through his own grief, and Hercules Beale is about coming to a point where what you have found outweighs what you have lost, which I think is just beautiful. So, yeah, it may be an end of an era, and I may not wind up liking this one quite as much. But we'll see.
(I'm really hoping he actually winds up publishing that adult novel he was talking about on the same podcast).
Anyway, I needed to retract something anyway.
In my last review I mentioned being a little apprehensive because I didn't like the other book cowritten with Ron Koertge as much as I had liked the other Gary D. Schmidt books I had read, which is still valid. But I also said something about hoping Hercules Beale wasn't an "end of an era."
Which I retract. Because, according to Schmidt, Hercules Beale (or, more accurately, Jupiter Rising) was meant to be the end of an era.
I was listening to this podcast where he talks about Hercules Beale and he was talking about how the books he's written over the past fifteen or so years (probably all the ones I think of as the Wednesday Wars-verse: Wednesday Wars, Okay for Now, Lizzie Bright, Orbiting Jupiter, Just Like That, Carter Jones, Jupiter Rising, and Hercules Beale) were him working through his own grief, and Hercules Beale is about coming to a point where what you have found outweighs what you have lost, which I think is just beautiful. So, yeah, it may be an end of an era, and I may not wind up liking this one quite as much. But we'll see.
(I'm really hoping he actually winds up publishing that adult novel he was talking about on the same podcast).
Did not finish
February 9, 2026DNF @ 54%
Content:
Oh my gods
*ss
Bullsh*t
D*mned
Bad*ss
H*ll
The middle finger
Freak
Mentions of Buddha
Demons
Dude thinks kid is high
Mentions of weed
Multiple mentions of a kid being naked
I knew going into this there would be some stuff but I was not expecting all the language! This is a middle grade book! Why would a child need to be reading this in a book?
That was the main reason I DNFed, but also because the main character was just weird. He was unrealistically good and perfect compared to everyone around him.
There was also the classic school bully with the girl who everyone loves but somehow will only pay attention to the new kid.
So yeah, I can’t recommend this due to the language and other content.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.
Content:
Oh my gods
*ss
Bullsh*t
D*mned
Bad*ss
H*ll
The middle finger
Freak
Mentions of Buddha
Demons
Dude thinks kid is high
Mentions of weed
Multiple mentions of a kid being naked
I knew going into this there would be some stuff but I was not expecting all the language! This is a middle grade book! Why would a child need to be reading this in a book?
That was the main reason I DNFed, but also because the main character was just weird. He was unrealistically good and perfect compared to everyone around him.
There was also the classic school bully with the girl who everyone loves but somehow will only pay attention to the new kid.
So yeah, I can’t recommend this due to the language and other content.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Richie’s Picks: STYX AND STONES by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge, HarperCollins/Clarion, May 2026, 240p., ISBN: 978-0-06-338097-4
“I'll give you anything you want pretty girl
You could rule over the underworld
A coal mine full of diamonds and a string of black pearls
I'll make you
I'm gonna crown you as the queen of the dead
Gold-capped teeth in a ring on your head
You can hear the river from my burial bed
Listen”
– Parker Millsap, “Hades Pleads” (2016)
“‘Listen,’ said Zeke, ‘I can’t be late, and you can’t stay in this bathroom forever.’
‘Forever,’ whispered Simon.
‘So you’re gonna hang out with me. You’re my cousin, okay? You lost your luggage on the flight here from…where’d you say?
‘Lacedaemon.’
‘...Las Vegas. Now let me look at you.’
‘I am no longer cold,’ Simon said.
‘No kidding. You put everything on.’
‘Of course I put everything on. Did I misunderstand?’
‘Take off like three pairs of sweats. Those.’ Zeke gestured at Simon’s legs. ‘And let’s stick with one hoodie.’
Simon began peeling off layers. ‘Everyone in Hades is naked and miserable,’ he said. ‘Now I am clothed and serene.’
‘Just like the Buddha. Good for you.’ Zeke pointed toward the hall. ‘Time to go, okay? If somebody asks, who are you?’
‘I am Simon of Lace–’
‘Vegas. Let’s go.’ And Zeke pushed open the seventh-grade boy’s bathroom door.
Simon stepped out, then froze. The halls were crowded and smothering, a little too much like the newly dead milling around on the banks of the River Acheron, waiting for Charon and they-didn’t-know-what.
But they were far from dead: laughing, jostling, pointing, fretting, flirting, trudging, bustling.
‘Clamor,’ whispered Simon with a grimace. Then, ‘Spartans,’ he muttered with hate.”
Those middle schoolers are, in fact, Spartans. (It’s their mascot.) But having just arrived here–naked, in the boy’s seventh-grade bathroom–from the underworld, having pulled off an impossible escape from Hades after thousands of years of sustained, unimaginable torture, Simon misses such fine distinctions.
Fortunately, when Simon shows up in that bathroom, the much-bullied seventh grader Zeke is there to help this odd, even-less-fortunate-than-himself individual. With neither paperwork nor clothes, Simon scores a place to live with Zeke and his grandmother, and begins to shadow Zeke through his classes. With his firsthand knowledge of the underworld, Simon soon secures a favored position with Zeke’s Classic Studies teacher, Mr. Savalas.
STYX AND STONES is absolutely hysterical and very satisfying. It’s the perfect read for middle schoolers who are studying, or have studied, Greek mythology. It’s the product of two guy authors I’ve read, loved, and written about for a generation now.
Beneath the tale’s layers of the real world and the underworld, there are two underlying, universal stories here: a boy-and-his-(three-headed) dog story, and a two-best-guy-friends story.
And then there’s Persephone:
“Hades leaned forward. ‘Come sit beside me.’
Persephone settled back into her throne and peered up at him. ‘Sometimes I would like to sit beside you, Hades. Right beside you. Sometimes I would like the shades to see not him and her, but us.’
Hades scowled and combed his beard with all ten fingers. ‘But I’m the king. You are the queen.’
‘Two together are stronger than two apart, my darling.’
‘So I should have your throne moved right next to mine?’
She nodded.
‘Anything else?’
‘If I were next to you, and on the same level–’
‘The same level?’
‘A dream of mine, yes.’
‘And you would sit there sometimes, not out on the portico?’
‘All the time. So I could look into your eyes. And listen. Even advise if you see fit.’
‘I will think on this.’
Her hand–pale and young and flawless–covered his. ‘Of course. You have been more than patient. But may I suggest one more thing?’
He nodded warily.
‘You’ve heard of badminton?’ she asked.
He shook his head, and his crown slipped a little bit. ‘But I like the “bad” part already.’”
STYX AND STONES is a serious LMAO hoot. Do. Not. Miss. It.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“I'll give you anything you want pretty girl
You could rule over the underworld
A coal mine full of diamonds and a string of black pearls
I'll make you
I'm gonna crown you as the queen of the dead
Gold-capped teeth in a ring on your head
You can hear the river from my burial bed
Listen”
– Parker Millsap, “Hades Pleads” (2016)
“‘Listen,’ said Zeke, ‘I can’t be late, and you can’t stay in this bathroom forever.’
‘Forever,’ whispered Simon.
‘So you’re gonna hang out with me. You’re my cousin, okay? You lost your luggage on the flight here from…where’d you say?
‘Lacedaemon.’
‘...Las Vegas. Now let me look at you.’
‘I am no longer cold,’ Simon said.
‘No kidding. You put everything on.’
‘Of course I put everything on. Did I misunderstand?’
‘Take off like three pairs of sweats. Those.’ Zeke gestured at Simon’s legs. ‘And let’s stick with one hoodie.’
Simon began peeling off layers. ‘Everyone in Hades is naked and miserable,’ he said. ‘Now I am clothed and serene.’
‘Just like the Buddha. Good for you.’ Zeke pointed toward the hall. ‘Time to go, okay? If somebody asks, who are you?’
‘I am Simon of Lace–’
‘Vegas. Let’s go.’ And Zeke pushed open the seventh-grade boy’s bathroom door.
Simon stepped out, then froze. The halls were crowded and smothering, a little too much like the newly dead milling around on the banks of the River Acheron, waiting for Charon and they-didn’t-know-what.
But they were far from dead: laughing, jostling, pointing, fretting, flirting, trudging, bustling.
‘Clamor,’ whispered Simon with a grimace. Then, ‘Spartans,’ he muttered with hate.”
Those middle schoolers are, in fact, Spartans. (It’s their mascot.) But having just arrived here–naked, in the boy’s seventh-grade bathroom–from the underworld, having pulled off an impossible escape from Hades after thousands of years of sustained, unimaginable torture, Simon misses such fine distinctions.
Fortunately, when Simon shows up in that bathroom, the much-bullied seventh grader Zeke is there to help this odd, even-less-fortunate-than-himself individual. With neither paperwork nor clothes, Simon scores a place to live with Zeke and his grandmother, and begins to shadow Zeke through his classes. With his firsthand knowledge of the underworld, Simon soon secures a favored position with Zeke’s Classic Studies teacher, Mr. Savalas.
STYX AND STONES is absolutely hysterical and very satisfying. It’s the perfect read for middle schoolers who are studying, or have studied, Greek mythology. It’s the product of two guy authors I’ve read, loved, and written about for a generation now.
Beneath the tale’s layers of the real world and the underworld, there are two underlying, universal stories here: a boy-and-his-(three-headed) dog story, and a two-best-guy-friends story.
And then there’s Persephone:
“Hades leaned forward. ‘Come sit beside me.’
Persephone settled back into her throne and peered up at him. ‘Sometimes I would like to sit beside you, Hades. Right beside you. Sometimes I would like the shades to see not him and her, but us.’
Hades scowled and combed his beard with all ten fingers. ‘But I’m the king. You are the queen.’
‘Two together are stronger than two apart, my darling.’
‘So I should have your throne moved right next to mine?’
She nodded.
‘Anything else?’
‘If I were next to you, and on the same level–’
‘The same level?’
‘A dream of mine, yes.’
‘And you would sit there sometimes, not out on the portico?’
‘All the time. So I could look into your eyes. And listen. Even advise if you see fit.’
‘I will think on this.’
Her hand–pale and young and flawless–covered his. ‘Of course. You have been more than patient. But may I suggest one more thing?’
He nodded warily.
‘You’ve heard of badminton?’ she asked.
He shook his head, and his crown slipped a little bit. ‘But I like the “bad” part already.’”
STYX AND STONES is a serious LMAO hoot. Do. Not. Miss. It.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ACR provided by Edelweiss Plus
Simon of Lacedaemon was killed by Spartan soldiers along with his family and has been in the Underworld for 2,451 years. Since he didn't drink the water from Lethe, he remembers his old life, and has been trying to escape. Unlike the other shades, he can interact and even learn, so Persephone has him wait on her, since he also prepares pomegranate seeds the way she likes. After training Cerberus by scratching the ears on all three of his heads, he manages to make the harrowing Journey out of the Underworld and ends up, naked, in the seventh grade boys' bathroom at St. Nikolaos Academy in St. Paul Minnesota. Luckily, Zeke Tripp finds him and helps him out. Zeke struggles with bullies like Rowan, has very hands off parents, and is struggling with his own personal tragedy. The two boys claim that Simon is from Las Vegas and his parents and luggage are experiencing travel difficulties, and enroll him at the school with the help of Mr. Savalas, who is pleased with Simon's knowledge of Ancient Greek mythology (and who also is struggling with his own personal tragedy). Zeke's grandmother lets Simon stay in the family's pool house and doesn't ask too many questions. In the Underworld, Hades is very angry that someone escaped, but Persephone, Sisyphus, and others are glad. Persephone even starts a subtle shift of power because she is so unhappy spending six months of the year in the Underworld. At school, Simon is given a hard time, but he and Zeke work together, and do get help from some classmates like Lucinda. When strange things start happening in St. Paul, the boys know that Hades is trying to get Simon back. Has Simon "broken" the Underworld and make a lasting escape, or will he have to return to his hellish existence?
Strengths: This was beautifully written and introspective, and wove details of Greek mythology into a modern setting in an interesting way. The use of Cerberus will touch the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, and watching Simon struggle to leave the Underworld was oddly enthralling. His arrival in St. Paul was explained well enough that I could even believe the school didn't ask questions. Even though the story went back and forth between the two worlds, it wasn't hard to understand, and the narrative tension was maintained in both timelines. This is beautifully written, and felt almost cinematic at times. I would not be at all surprised if this won the Newbery Award in 2027.
Weaknesses: While this was a brilliantly constructed book, I'm not sure how much it will appeal to my students. I was enthralled by it, but didn't enjoy it; three characters dealing with losses of loved ones was a bit much. Do have to give some bonus points for Mr. Savalas' career path description: "So how did I end up teaching middle school? My field was Classics." Same, Mr. Savalas. Same.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed allergorical books like Haydu's Eventown or Huang's Kaya of the Ocean.
Simon of Lacedaemon was killed by Spartan soldiers along with his family and has been in the Underworld for 2,451 years. Since he didn't drink the water from Lethe, he remembers his old life, and has been trying to escape. Unlike the other shades, he can interact and even learn, so Persephone has him wait on her, since he also prepares pomegranate seeds the way she likes. After training Cerberus by scratching the ears on all three of his heads, he manages to make the harrowing Journey out of the Underworld and ends up, naked, in the seventh grade boys' bathroom at St. Nikolaos Academy in St. Paul Minnesota. Luckily, Zeke Tripp finds him and helps him out. Zeke struggles with bullies like Rowan, has very hands off parents, and is struggling with his own personal tragedy. The two boys claim that Simon is from Las Vegas and his parents and luggage are experiencing travel difficulties, and enroll him at the school with the help of Mr. Savalas, who is pleased with Simon's knowledge of Ancient Greek mythology (and who also is struggling with his own personal tragedy). Zeke's grandmother lets Simon stay in the family's pool house and doesn't ask too many questions. In the Underworld, Hades is very angry that someone escaped, but Persephone, Sisyphus, and others are glad. Persephone even starts a subtle shift of power because she is so unhappy spending six months of the year in the Underworld. At school, Simon is given a hard time, but he and Zeke work together, and do get help from some classmates like Lucinda. When strange things start happening in St. Paul, the boys know that Hades is trying to get Simon back. Has Simon "broken" the Underworld and make a lasting escape, or will he have to return to his hellish existence?
Strengths: This was beautifully written and introspective, and wove details of Greek mythology into a modern setting in an interesting way. The use of Cerberus will touch the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, and watching Simon struggle to leave the Underworld was oddly enthralling. His arrival in St. Paul was explained well enough that I could even believe the school didn't ask questions. Even though the story went back and forth between the two worlds, it wasn't hard to understand, and the narrative tension was maintained in both timelines. This is beautifully written, and felt almost cinematic at times. I would not be at all surprised if this won the Newbery Award in 2027.
Weaknesses: While this was a brilliantly constructed book, I'm not sure how much it will appeal to my students. I was enthralled by it, but didn't enjoy it; three characters dealing with losses of loved ones was a bit much. Do have to give some bonus points for Mr. Savalas' career path description: "So how did I end up teaching middle school? My field was Classics." Same, Mr. Savalas. Same.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed allergorical books like Haydu's Eventown or Huang's Kaya of the Ocean.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Outstanding middle grade/YA author Gary D Schmidt (The Wednesday Wars, Just Like That, Orbiting Jupiter, The Labors of Hercules Beale and so much more) pairs up with poet/author Ron Koertge to combine Greek mythology of Hades and Persephone with modern day 7th graders in St Paul, Minnesota. Simon has existed as a shade in Hades’ court, serving his 6 months at a time wife, Persephone for over two thousand years and tried near daily to escape but is either thwarted by Charon or eaten by Cerberus..until his kindness begins to touch both of the miserable creatures and one day, they let him flee and he lands, naked, in the boys’ bathroom at a private school.
What follows is a story of friendship and the way kindness can change those it touches. Readers will hurt for Zeke, the bullied young man who discovers Simon cowering in a stall, finds clothes, helps him join the student body and even puts him up in the pool house at his very large and nearly empty shell of a home. And Simon’s easy acceptance of everyone, the way he extends a hand of friendship and helps others see the beauty of the world around them will hopefully inspire them. The mythology of Hades, the place and the tyrannical king, is neatly incorporated and will thrill those who love the stories of gods, goddesses and the creatures that surround them and the twists created by Schmidt and Koertge are satisfying and thought-provoking, to say the least. Especially enjoyable are the changes in Queen Persephone, also stimulated by Simon’s actions.
Highly recommended for recreational reading as well as classroom use. Styx and Stones pairs nicely with Schmidt’s truly outstanding The Labors of Hercules Beale, would make a great addition to any study of mythology and provides plenty of material for in-depth character study.
Target age: grades 5-8
Profanity: none
Sexual content: none, but Simon and Zeke do have girlfriends and there is a bit of hand-holding and one quick cheek kiss
Violence: physical bullying against Zeke, plenty of death and eternal damnation in Hades and some descriptive passages of how Cerberus repeatedly dismembers and eats Simon but all is completely appropriate for the target age group.
Representation: Race and ethnic heritage, outside of Simon’s Greek background, are left fairly vague
LBGTQ+: none indicated
What follows is a story of friendship and the way kindness can change those it touches. Readers will hurt for Zeke, the bullied young man who discovers Simon cowering in a stall, finds clothes, helps him join the student body and even puts him up in the pool house at his very large and nearly empty shell of a home. And Simon’s easy acceptance of everyone, the way he extends a hand of friendship and helps others see the beauty of the world around them will hopefully inspire them. The mythology of Hades, the place and the tyrannical king, is neatly incorporated and will thrill those who love the stories of gods, goddesses and the creatures that surround them and the twists created by Schmidt and Koertge are satisfying and thought-provoking, to say the least. Especially enjoyable are the changes in Queen Persephone, also stimulated by Simon’s actions.
Highly recommended for recreational reading as well as classroom use. Styx and Stones pairs nicely with Schmidt’s truly outstanding The Labors of Hercules Beale, would make a great addition to any study of mythology and provides plenty of material for in-depth character study.
Target age: grades 5-8
Profanity: none
Sexual content: none, but Simon and Zeke do have girlfriends and there is a bit of hand-holding and one quick cheek kiss
Violence: physical bullying against Zeke, plenty of death and eternal damnation in Hades and some descriptive passages of how Cerberus repeatedly dismembers and eats Simon but all is completely appropriate for the target age group.
Representation: Race and ethnic heritage, outside of Simon’s Greek background, are left fairly vague
LBGTQ+: none indicated
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Net Galley ARC Read - I appreciate the publisher, giving me opportunity to read this ahead of time before it’s published. I’m excited to share it with my son. I think he’s gonna love it.
Overall, I thought Styx & Stones was a solid read. The story moves at a good pace and blends Greek mythology into a modern setting in a really interesting way. Simon’s journey from the Underworld into the real world was engaging, and I liked how the story explored themes of memory, growth, and what it means to actually live a life instead of just existing. His connection with Cerberus and Persephone added some emotional depth, and the mythology elements felt thoughtfully woven into the plot.
The friendship between Simon and Zeke also created some compelling tension. Zeke’s struggles and the way he reacts to Simon adapting to the world around him adds an extra layer to the story that made their relationship feel believable and complex.
That said, I would probably recommend this for slightly older readers than the typical middle-grade audience. There are a few moments of language, gestures, and darker imagery that might feel a bit mature for younger readers around 9–10. For readers closer to the 13–15 range, though, I don’t think it would be much of an issue.
Overall, the narration was strong, the pacing kept things moving, and the Greek mythology elements made for a creative and memorable story. If you enjoy modern stories inspired by mythology with a mix of humor, emotion, and adventure, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Overall, I thought Styx & Stones was a solid read. The story moves at a good pace and blends Greek mythology into a modern setting in a really interesting way. Simon’s journey from the Underworld into the real world was engaging, and I liked how the story explored themes of memory, growth, and what it means to actually live a life instead of just existing. His connection with Cerberus and Persephone added some emotional depth, and the mythology elements felt thoughtfully woven into the plot.
The friendship between Simon and Zeke also created some compelling tension. Zeke’s struggles and the way he reacts to Simon adapting to the world around him adds an extra layer to the story that made their relationship feel believable and complex.
That said, I would probably recommend this for slightly older readers than the typical middle-grade audience. There are a few moments of language, gestures, and darker imagery that might feel a bit mature for younger readers around 9–10. For readers closer to the 13–15 range, though, I don’t think it would be much of an issue.
Overall, the narration was strong, the pacing kept things moving, and the Greek mythology elements made for a creative and memorable story. If you enjoy modern stories inspired by mythology with a mix of humor, emotion, and adventure, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Styx and Stones is a heartfelt, mythology based found‑family story wrapped in a clever underworld retelling. Simon, a shade trapped in Hades’ realm, has been forced into a half‑existence of misery. He is unable to truly live, unable to pass on, and punished simply for existing. His escape into the human world feels like a breath of air after centuries underwater.
Landing in a modern school of all places, Simon slowly begins to experience life for the first time: friendship, belonging, warmth, and wonderful chaos of a “family” that chooses you. But the underworld isn’t done with him. Hades is determined to drag Simon back and make him pay, even as things in the realm of the dead begin to shift in ways no one expects. The tension between Simon’s newfound life and the threat chasing him adds momentum without overshadowing the sweetness of his relationships.
The narrator does a great job in conveying emotions and suspense. I did speed up the reading to 1.2x because it was read at a slower tempo than I am used to but I feel it did not diminish the suspenseful pauses and feeling.
Cute, mythic, twisty, and surprisingly tender, Styx and Stones is a great pick for readers who love retellings with emotional depth and a lovable cast.
Rating: 4.25/5
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing company for the opportunity to review this audiobook arc!
Landing in a modern school of all places, Simon slowly begins to experience life for the first time: friendship, belonging, warmth, and wonderful chaos of a “family” that chooses you. But the underworld isn’t done with him. Hades is determined to drag Simon back and make him pay, even as things in the realm of the dead begin to shift in ways no one expects. The tension between Simon’s newfound life and the threat chasing him adds momentum without overshadowing the sweetness of his relationships.
The narrator does a great job in conveying emotions and suspense. I did speed up the reading to 1.2x because it was read at a slower tempo than I am used to but I feel it did not diminish the suspenseful pauses and feeling.
Cute, mythic, twisty, and surprisingly tender, Styx and Stones is a great pick for readers who love retellings with emotional depth and a lovable cast.
Rating: 4.25/5
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing company for the opportunity to review this audiobook arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Styx and Stones" by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge is dark, funny, complex, and brilliant! It's a hybrid of middle school and mythology with themes of friendship, grief, and identity. The settings alternate between Hades and modern day St. Paul, Minneapolis. In the underworld the characters include, among others, the Greek god Hades, his seasonal queen: Persephone, a demon girl named Evelyn, and the 3 headed dog Cerberus. The denizens of 21st century St. Nikolaos Academy are a loner named Zeke, a Classical Studies teacher named Mr. Savalas, and a bully named Rowan. The main character who escapes Hades and ends up in the 7th grade boys' bathroom of St. Nikolaos is Simon, a 13 year old Athenian boy killed by Spartans in the 400s. Simon is suspicious of Zeke at first because the school mascot is a Spartan, but they soon form a friendship for the ages. Zeke introduces Simon to a world that is overwhelmingly beautiful, while Simon helps Zeke deal with absent parents and run-ins with Rowan. Hades is determined to bring Simon back to his world, a life and re-death scenario that is action-packed and should appeal to readers of both middle grade and YA fiction. I finished this book yesterday but already have gone back to re-read some of my favorite parts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is a delight to listen to. The narrator of this audiobook did a wonderful job of giving each of the characters their own voices; of course, the authors did too. I enjoyed this story so much. The way it is showing how kindness and loyalty are precious things to be nurtured and shared. I also love the way that we are getting a small lesson in Greek mythology and history. It reminds me a little of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson books.
Simon, a young Greek boy is killed during the Peloponnesian War between Greece and Sparta. He finds himself being ushered into the Underworld and told to drink the water of forgetfulness. He declines, deciding he doesn't want to forget. This makes him unusual in the Underworld. He is kind and has a thirst for knowledge, so it endears him to many of his co-dwellers of the Underworld. This story is Simon's story and how he embodies the saying by Dorothy Day: "A pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. Each one of our thoughts, words and deeds is like that.".
I loved it!! I did receive an ARC of this audiobook from the publisher, HarperAudio Children’s | Clarion Books, through Net Galley.
Simon, a young Greek boy is killed during the Peloponnesian War between Greece and Sparta. He finds himself being ushered into the Underworld and told to drink the water of forgetfulness. He declines, deciding he doesn't want to forget. This makes him unusual in the Underworld. He is kind and has a thirst for knowledge, so it endears him to many of his co-dwellers of the Underworld. This story is Simon's story and how he embodies the saying by Dorothy Day: "A pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. Each one of our thoughts, words and deeds is like that.".
I loved it!! I did receive an ARC of this audiobook from the publisher, HarperAudio Children’s | Clarion Books, through Net Galley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Zeke is in the school bathroom when Simon appears (takes) in a bathroom stall, having just escaped from Hades. Simon escaped Hades by befriending demons and Cerebus. In the bathroom, Zeke, mostly friendless in school, befriends Simon, gets him some clothes and takes him in. Simon and Zeke help each other out with middle school bullies, crushes and parents in absentia. Slowly over time, Simon, like a Midas touch, improves everyone's life with his kindness. But Hades is raging and wants Simon back and sends a demon to collect Simon. This story is full of middle school problems so eloquently written that the kindness seamlessly spreads innocently across each page. Simon has a lot to teach people of the world, and he does it without people even noticing. Mr. Savalas, the Humanities teacher, is almost as good as Lt. Col. Hupfer form The Labors or Hercules Beal. This story shows again how Gary Schmidt has the perfect voice for middle school readers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Styx and Stones” by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge is a middle grade novel about Simon, an orphan from Ancient Greece who escapes from the Underworld and emerges in a middle school bathroom in 21st century St Paul, Minnesota. Simon befriends Zeke, a nerdy boy whose wealthy parents are largely absent from his life. Simon tries to make sense of the modern world, and with the help of Zeke he navigates the many pitfalls of middle school. Meanwhile, Hades is furious that Simon has escaped his domain and sends a demon to retrieve him and force him back to the Underworld. Will Simon be able to stay in the modern world, or will he be compelled to return to the depths of the Underworld for all of eternity?
Thank you to the authors, the publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an audiobook of this title. The narration was wonderful. I’ll definitely be purchasing a copy for my nieces and nephew to enjoy when it comes out.
Thank you to the authors, the publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an audiobook of this title. The narration was wonderful. I’ll definitely be purchasing a copy for my nieces and nephew to enjoy when it comes out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you Netgalley and harper audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think it's an okay book. Not good not bad, just okay. But I think bc I have so many opinions about who Hades and Persephone are on my head, that a universe where they don't love each other really has me messed up. read so many books about Hades and Persephone he threw me off. I think that if someone picked up this book and didn't have these preconceived notions of what their relationship should be they would enjoy this book a whole lot more than I did.
I do have an appreciation for how much Simon loves life and is very excited to not be dead. I think that it's beautiful and his child-like wonder outlook on life does bring a new perspective to living. which is great but this just wasn't the book for me I got about 70% through and I was like I cannot tell if I like this book or not.
I appreciate the narrator, of this audiobook they were very good
I think it's an okay book. Not good not bad, just okay. But I think bc I have so many opinions about who Hades and Persephone are on my head, that a universe where they don't love each other really has me messed up. read so many books about Hades and Persephone he threw me off. I think that if someone picked up this book and didn't have these preconceived notions of what their relationship should be they would enjoy this book a whole lot more than I did.
I do have an appreciation for how much Simon loves life and is very excited to not be dead. I think that it's beautiful and his child-like wonder outlook on life does bring a new perspective to living. which is great but this just wasn't the book for me I got about 70% through and I was like I cannot tell if I like this book or not.
I appreciate the narrator, of this audiobook they were very good
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately this was not an enjoyable read for me. This was a little too immature in the writing, and though I know it is a middle grade story, the language used throughout was a little vulgar for the age group in my opinion and not appropriate for the age group. The storyline also was not very cohesive and the Greek mythology was just not well dived into and or altered. The narration was done well, however I wish there story could have captivated me.
Unfortunately this was not an enjoyable read for me. This was a little too immature in the writing, and though I know it is a middle grade story, the language used throughout was a little vulgar for the age group in my opinion and not appropriate for the age group. The storyline also was not very cohesive and the Greek mythology was just not well dived into and or altered. The narration was done well, however I wish there story could have captivated me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An admirable contemporary mythology following middle school kids and utilizing myths, philosophy, and conversations to expand upon the characters’ development; it was cute and clever to read. It felt like a made for TV kids movie from early Nickelodeon. Ultimately, the idea for this book being a modern day mythology with such notable authors is exciting, yet didn’t really take me to a place where this book will have longevity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While the initial pace is a little uneven, the overall book is excellent. While directed at middle readers, those who enjoy classics and the young-at-heart will find great enjoyment as well. Recognition of the mythology and mythic creatures, the pace picks up and the finale is explosive and satisfying, if not necessarily in the way the reader would anticipate. Could use a little bit more character development, but that may have been due to length rather than lack of interest in doing so.
Want to read
January 13, 2026Release day on my birthday! Sounds like a plan!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Just a bit too much mythology for my taste.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Really good story for the middle grades. Compelling story about friendship blending mythology with the current world. Funny and touching.
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