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Styx and Stones
Percy 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
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Gary D. Schmidt
80 books2,228 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 23, 2026
Styx and Stones is an engaging and imaginative novel that blends mythology with a modern-day setting in a way that feels fresh and accessible. One of its strongest elements is how it brings the underworld to life, weaving in familiar figures like Cerberus, Persephone, and other gods. These mythological details add depth and intrigue, especially for readers who enjoy connections to ancient stories.
I particularly enjoyed the contrast between the underworld and the present day. Watching the main character navigate our world and learn how it works led to some entertaining and thoughtful moments. This fish-out-of-water experience makes the story both fun and relatable.
Overall, this is a solid 4-star read. Its mix of mythology and contemporary life makes it appealing to younger audiences, and it would be a great addition to a Grade 4 classroom. The themes and mythological references tie in well with the Ontario social studies curriculum, offering both entertainment and educational value.
I particularly enjoyed the contrast between the underworld and the present day. Watching the main character navigate our world and learn how it works led to some entertaining and thoughtful moments. This fish-out-of-water experience makes the story both fun and relatable.
Overall, this is a solid 4-star read. Its mix of mythology and contemporary life makes it appealing to younger audiences, and it would be a great addition to a Grade 4 classroom. The themes and mythological references tie in well with the Ontario social studies curriculum, offering both entertainment and educational value.
April 28, 2026
Thank you to Werner Books & Coffee for allowing me to read and review this ARC!
———
STYX AND STONES is a refreshing, easy-to-follow story for young readers interested in Greek mythology. Although young Simon of Lacedaemon has been dead for over 2,000 years, his determination to return to the world of the living holds strong. He is a kind, likable character, though he is riddled with guilt surrounding his untimely death. However, he proves to be a beacon of hope to all others who come to know him, especially the shades he’s left behind in the Underworld and Queen Persephone.
The book provides an interesting blend of mythology and modern living, throwing Simon right into the at-times humorous throes of middle school. In doing so, it highlights both the good and bad of this experience: impactful teachers, life lessons, crushes, and of course, bullies.
Its portrayals of Hades and Persephone were especially interesting to me, as I feel I’ve seen many adaptations where they’re the Power Couple of Olympus. Here, we are reminded of the fact that before she was a queen, Persephone was first and foremost a prisoner, and she despises her downright evil husband.
My criticisms: While we are given multiple POVs for this story, I did not care for Evelyn, Hades’ demon emissary, or her motivations at all. She was wicked without any real substance, and we never even learn if she got what she desired in the end. I was also shocked by the book’s casual mentioning of weed and some cursing. I guess it’s authentic for the modern day middle school experience (sadly), but still a shock to see. Also, why weren’t the adults more alarmed by this random kid showing up, naked, with nothing to confirm his existence?
Overall, I think this book will be enjoyable for young readers interested in Greek mythology. It emphasizes the importance of friendship, building one’s self-esteem, and fighting for what you believe in.
———
STYX AND STONES is a refreshing, easy-to-follow story for young readers interested in Greek mythology. Although young Simon of Lacedaemon has been dead for over 2,000 years, his determination to return to the world of the living holds strong. He is a kind, likable character, though he is riddled with guilt surrounding his untimely death. However, he proves to be a beacon of hope to all others who come to know him, especially the shades he’s left behind in the Underworld and Queen Persephone.
The book provides an interesting blend of mythology and modern living, throwing Simon right into the at-times humorous throes of middle school. In doing so, it highlights both the good and bad of this experience: impactful teachers, life lessons, crushes, and of course, bullies.
Its portrayals of Hades and Persephone were especially interesting to me, as I feel I’ve seen many adaptations where they’re the Power Couple of Olympus. Here, we are reminded of the fact that before she was a queen, Persephone was first and foremost a prisoner, and she despises her downright evil husband.
My criticisms: While we are given multiple POVs for this story, I did not care for Evelyn, Hades’ demon emissary, or her motivations at all. She was wicked without any real substance, and we never even learn if she got what she desired in the end. I was also shocked by the book’s casual mentioning of weed and some cursing. I guess it’s authentic for the modern day middle school experience (sadly), but still a shock to see. Also, why weren’t the adults more alarmed by this random kid showing up, naked, with nothing to confirm his existence?
Overall, I think this book will be enjoyable for young readers interested in Greek mythology. It emphasizes the importance of friendship, building one’s self-esteem, and fighting for what you believe in.
Did Not Finish
April 13, 2026Read: April 1st - April 13th
Format: E-Book
Rating: No rating, DNF-ed at 40%
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First off, I have no idea who this book is for. It's marketed as Middle Grade, but there's random mentions of weed and more curses than you'd expect at a book that is targeted at 8-12 year olds...
But it also tries to be as in-depth as a young children's book by explaining itself very minimally. Why in the world is this kid from very-early Athens understanding English perfectly? And why is everyone just cool with "random kid who had travel issues but has no parents or information on him anywhere"??? Like, yeah, sure, I guess middle grade logic, but even this is pushing it, especially when the kids are apparently in high school???
I thought the idea of a young, determined kid escaping the underworld with all his experience of the place over the centuries + suddenly seeing modern times would be interesting... But I am just forcing myself to ignore oddities every page.
Maybe this book will hit for others, but for me, just too many what-the-heck things that I do not have the desire to deal with.
Format: E-Book
Rating: No rating, DNF-ed at 40%
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First off, I have no idea who this book is for. It's marketed as Middle Grade, but there's random mentions of weed and more curses than you'd expect at a book that is targeted at 8-12 year olds...
But it also tries to be as in-depth as a young children's book by explaining itself very minimally. Why in the world is this kid from very-early Athens understanding English perfectly? And why is everyone just cool with "random kid who had travel issues but has no parents or information on him anywhere"??? Like, yeah, sure, I guess middle grade logic, but even this is pushing it, especially when the kids are apparently in high school???
I thought the idea of a young, determined kid escaping the underworld with all his experience of the place over the centuries + suddenly seeing modern times would be interesting... But I am just forcing myself to ignore oddities every page.
Maybe this book will hit for others, but for me, just too many what-the-heck things that I do not have the desire to deal with.
Want to Read
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 Netgalley
The book I recieved was a netgalley ARC copy. My thoughts on the book are my own.
DNFed pretty early in the story unfortunately.
This one REALLY wasn't for me... and unfortunately I would have a hard time suggesting it to my library patrons as well.
This book had a lot of inconsistencies even early in in the story. (the tunnel was airless... but he didn't even realize he wasnt breathing until AFTER they went through it and came out the otherside??) I also found the voice it was written in kind of jarring and annoying... that might have just been me, but I really struggled to get past it.
Things seemed to be going better after we switch to the MC in the living world again, but then we have the comment where "he liked the feel of the (toilet) on his bare bottom" (wierd... like, I get the idea behind it given the context, but that just feels really creepy...), and even though I don't usually mind some "potty" humor in a book, when the MC literally stuck his finger into dirty toilet water and then licked it, I was pretty grossed out.
Soon after that, the supporting character comes back in and tells the MC that he smells like "he's been blazing" and the reply was the Hades is full of smoke...
That's when I DNFed.
Look... this sort of thing would be fine in a YA book, but this is supposed to be middle grade.. and I KNOW that middle grade readers are different than they were when I was in school and it usually takes a lot to put me off a book... but really? I just really don't think thats appropriate at all... not for this age group at least. if it were listed as YA and middle graders read it, thats one thing... I'm all for letting kids read what they want! But this is just feels wrong foe the age it was written for.
there were also things that I struggled to make sense of... like where did he end up in the living world if he died in Athens 3000 years before? how could he still understand the language? Why did he mention the Buddha and how would he even KNOW about the Buddha if he's supposed to be a 12 year old boy in Athens?? etc... I have notes throughout my kindle copy... up until the point where I quite reading, almost every page has notes... That has almost never happened to me before.
besides that, the long moments of random internal exposition were difficult to read through, and I felt like the pacing was off... As I was reading, I noted that a lot of the kids I give recommendatuonsto would struggle with this book from the get-go simply because of the pacing and the voice its written in.
so unfortunately, I couldn't finish this. it looked promising from the blurb, and I LOVE the cover art... but I just felt like the content didn’t match the expectations that the blurb and the cover instilled in me. Its unfortunate because I had high hopes and was looking forward to a fun andventerous romp involving Greek mythology.
Maybe this would have been different if I were listening to the audiobook of the story?? Its hard to tell... I feel like audiobooks are sometimes more forgiving because of the narrators and not having to process the words myself...
Maybe someday I'll pick it up again and be able to finish it... maybe I'll do the audiobook next time, and maybe then I'll be able to give it a better rating... but for right now, I just... I couldn't do it.
DNFed pretty early in the story unfortunately.
This one REALLY wasn't for me... and unfortunately I would have a hard time suggesting it to my library patrons as well.
This book had a lot of inconsistencies even early in in the story. (the tunnel was airless... but he didn't even realize he wasnt breathing until AFTER they went through it and came out the otherside??) I also found the voice it was written in kind of jarring and annoying... that might have just been me, but I really struggled to get past it.
Things seemed to be going better after we switch to the MC in the living world again, but then we have the comment where "he liked the feel of the (toilet) on his bare bottom" (wierd... like, I get the idea behind it given the context, but that just feels really creepy...), and even though I don't usually mind some "potty" humor in a book, when the MC literally stuck his finger into dirty toilet water and then licked it, I was pretty grossed out.
Soon after that, the supporting character comes back in and tells the MC that he smells like "he's been blazing" and the reply was the Hades is full of smoke...
That's when I DNFed.
Look... this sort of thing would be fine in a YA book, but this is supposed to be middle grade.. and I KNOW that middle grade readers are different than they were when I was in school and it usually takes a lot to put me off a book... but really? I just really don't think thats appropriate at all... not for this age group at least. if it were listed as YA and middle graders read it, thats one thing... I'm all for letting kids read what they want! But this is just feels wrong foe the age it was written for.
there were also things that I struggled to make sense of... like where did he end up in the living world if he died in Athens 3000 years before? how could he still understand the language? Why did he mention the Buddha and how would he even KNOW about the Buddha if he's supposed to be a 12 year old boy in Athens?? etc... I have notes throughout my kindle copy... up until the point where I quite reading, almost every page has notes... That has almost never happened to me before.
besides that, the long moments of random internal exposition were difficult to read through, and I felt like the pacing was off... As I was reading, I noted that a lot of the kids I give recommendatuonsto would struggle with this book from the get-go simply because of the pacing and the voice its written in.
so unfortunately, I couldn't finish this. it looked promising from the blurb, and I LOVE the cover art... but I just felt like the content didn’t match the expectations that the blurb and the cover instilled in me. Its unfortunate because I had high hopes and was looking forward to a fun andventerous romp involving Greek mythology.
Maybe this would have been different if I were listening to the audiobook of the story?? Its hard to tell... I feel like audiobooks are sometimes more forgiving because of the narrators and not having to process the words myself...
Maybe someday I'll pick it up again and be able to finish it... maybe I'll do the audiobook next time, and maybe then I'll be able to give it a better rating... but for right now, I just... I couldn't do it.
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 NetGalley
Recommended Reading Age: Geared towards upper elementary and middle school aged readers, ages 9+ years-old. It blends modern elements with Greek mythology to create priceless humor.
The book follows 12 year old Simon—a shade trying to escape the underworld. When he finally does-with the help of Cerberus- he emerges out of a toilet in a middle school boys bathroom. Simon is so happy because now he’s alive again…but Hades knows about his disappearance, and it’s causing a shade uprising which Hades can't leave stand. So the hunt for his capture ensues. As Simon tries to evade the demon sent to capture him, he learns friendship and the sacrifices it can cost you along his journey.
Okay, he are some things that bugged me to no end as a Greek mythology lover. First— Cerberus is the guard dog of the underworld. He should not be watching, let alone helping shades escape! Second—the book kept calling the underworld by the name of “Hades” and not the "underworld." But you could very clearly see that it was talking about the underworld realm itself and not Hades the ruler of the underworld. Hades did not name the kingdom after himself! Was it so hard to get it right?!??? This also led to some confusing parts where I had to reread sections to figure out if the authors were referencing the underworld or the god. And third—the author kept describing Persephone as cruel and mean. Teasing and taunting the shades, killing the shades—which you can’t even do! They’re already dead!!! Harming Cerberus for fun. This is NOT how Persephone is described in the Greek legends! So that was a personal pet peeve for me while reading through the story.
Overall, I felt like the book followed a similar path that a lot of other books have already taken—finding your voice, friendship, true identity, So if you like those tropes, then this is definitely a book for you. Also, if you like the book WhatsHisFace by Gordon Korman, then Styx and Stones seems like a Greek mythology version of that book. For me personally, it was a bit disappointing because of the Greek mythology inaccuracies, or at least how it was portrayed. For this reason I rated it 3 stars. If you could look past these changes to typical Greek mythology lore, then based on the writing style and flow of the book it would be a 4 star read.
I was gifted an ALC copy of Styx and Stones and this is my honest review of the book. I want to thank HarperAudio Children’s | Clarion Books, NetGalley, and authors Gary D Schmidt and Ron Koetge for allowing me to be a part of the ALC Team!
#StyxandStones @HarperAudioChildrens #ClarionBooks #NetGalley #GreekMythologyBooks
The book follows 12 year old Simon—a shade trying to escape the underworld. When he finally does-with the help of Cerberus- he emerges out of a toilet in a middle school boys bathroom. Simon is so happy because now he’s alive again…but Hades knows about his disappearance, and it’s causing a shade uprising which Hades can't leave stand. So the hunt for his capture ensues. As Simon tries to evade the demon sent to capture him, he learns friendship and the sacrifices it can cost you along his journey.
Okay, he are some things that bugged me to no end as a Greek mythology lover. First— Cerberus is the guard dog of the underworld. He should not be watching, let alone helping shades escape! Second—the book kept calling the underworld by the name of “Hades” and not the "underworld." But you could very clearly see that it was talking about the underworld realm itself and not Hades the ruler of the underworld. Hades did not name the kingdom after himself! Was it so hard to get it right?!??? This also led to some confusing parts where I had to reread sections to figure out if the authors were referencing the underworld or the god. And third—the author kept describing Persephone as cruel and mean. Teasing and taunting the shades, killing the shades—which you can’t even do! They’re already dead!!! Harming Cerberus for fun. This is NOT how Persephone is described in the Greek legends! So that was a personal pet peeve for me while reading through the story.
Overall, I felt like the book followed a similar path that a lot of other books have already taken—finding your voice, friendship, true identity, So if you like those tropes, then this is definitely a book for you. Also, if you like the book WhatsHisFace by Gordon Korman, then Styx and Stones seems like a Greek mythology version of that book. For me personally, it was a bit disappointing because of the Greek mythology inaccuracies, or at least how it was portrayed. For this reason I rated it 3 stars. If you could look past these changes to typical Greek mythology lore, then based on the writing style and flow of the book it would be a 4 star read.
I was gifted an ALC copy of Styx and Stones and this is my honest review of the book. I want to thank HarperAudio Children’s | Clarion Books, NetGalley, and authors Gary D Schmidt and Ron Koetge for allowing me to be a part of the ALC Team!
#StyxandStones @HarperAudioChildrens #ClarionBooks #NetGalley #GreekMythologyBooks
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Children’s | Clarion Books for giving me access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I am such a fan of middle grade reads and this was so fascinating. I’ve long viewed Rick Riordan as the epitome of middle grade mythology readings and I am so glad to add Schmidt and Koertge to expand the list.
Styx and Stones follows Simon, who has been in the Underworld as a Shade for two millennia. He has never forgotten who he is, his history, or his family, making him unique among the Shades. But he’s done with the Underworld and makes it his mission to escape. Dedicating himself to finding a way out of the Underworld, studying old texts and speaking with ancient beings also in the Underworld, he devises a plan to escape.
Once successful, he finds himself where everyone hopes they end up: a middle school bathroom. There he meets Zeke, a young man struggling to fit in and missing the family who basically abandoned him. Together, Zeke and Simon navigate middle school bullies, social situations, and educate everyone on Greek Mythology (which isn’t so mythical to Simon).
But Simon’s escape did not go unnoticed. Persephone misses her favorite Shade and Hades refuses to be bested by anyone. So while Simon is helping Zeke become his true self in ‘the real world’, Hades and Persephone are working separately towards their own goals of getting Simon back to the Underworld.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s middle grade but with high stakes. It also touches on some big themes: war, death, revenge, child death, parental abandonment, bullying. I think a lot of readers will relate well to this story and be drawn in by the adventure aspects and cool ways Greek mythology is woven throughout. And honestly, I love how Cerberus is depicted in this. He just wants some attention, sweet puppy.
The audiobook version is excellent. The narrator Mark Sanderlin does a great job with all of the voices, especially acting as a collection of middle schoolers and the formidable Hades and Persephone. I really liked how the tension was portrayed (specifically in the lightening scene) and when Zeke and Simon finally have that heart to heart about Zeke’s family. Really great emotional depth, in my opinion.
The only thing that would have made this book better for me - were more women / girl characters beyond potential love interests/care givers. I think middle grade boys will love this! Middle grade girls may have a hard time finding themselves in this book.
I am such a fan of middle grade reads and this was so fascinating. I’ve long viewed Rick Riordan as the epitome of middle grade mythology readings and I am so glad to add Schmidt and Koertge to expand the list.
Styx and Stones follows Simon, who has been in the Underworld as a Shade for two millennia. He has never forgotten who he is, his history, or his family, making him unique among the Shades. But he’s done with the Underworld and makes it his mission to escape. Dedicating himself to finding a way out of the Underworld, studying old texts and speaking with ancient beings also in the Underworld, he devises a plan to escape.
Once successful, he finds himself where everyone hopes they end up: a middle school bathroom. There he meets Zeke, a young man struggling to fit in and missing the family who basically abandoned him. Together, Zeke and Simon navigate middle school bullies, social situations, and educate everyone on Greek Mythology (which isn’t so mythical to Simon).
But Simon’s escape did not go unnoticed. Persephone misses her favorite Shade and Hades refuses to be bested by anyone. So while Simon is helping Zeke become his true self in ‘the real world’, Hades and Persephone are working separately towards their own goals of getting Simon back to the Underworld.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s middle grade but with high stakes. It also touches on some big themes: war, death, revenge, child death, parental abandonment, bullying. I think a lot of readers will relate well to this story and be drawn in by the adventure aspects and cool ways Greek mythology is woven throughout. And honestly, I love how Cerberus is depicted in this. He just wants some attention, sweet puppy.
The audiobook version is excellent. The narrator Mark Sanderlin does a great job with all of the voices, especially acting as a collection of middle schoolers and the formidable Hades and Persephone. I really liked how the tension was portrayed (specifically in the lightening scene) and when Zeke and Simon finally have that heart to heart about Zeke’s family. Really great emotional depth, in my opinion.
The only thing that would have made this book better for me - were more women / girl characters beyond potential love interests/care givers. I think middle grade boys will love this! Middle grade girls may have a hard time finding themselves in this book.
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
Rating: DNF (Did Not Finish) at 35%
Gary D. Schmidt takes a bold, surrealist swing with Styx and Stones, attempting to blend middle-grade adventure with a darker, mythological underworld. The premise—a young boy navigating a literal and metaphorical hell—offers some genuinely clever moments, particularly when Schmidt leans into the absurdity of the afterlife. There are a few standout funny lines that land well, and the portrayal of Cerberus as a "good dog" who just wants some scratches is a highlight that provides a much-needed touch of warmth. However, despite these charms, the book struggles with a significant tonal identity crisis. While marketed toward middle-schoolers, the heavy themes and the protagonist's grim escape from hell feel much more aligned with Young Adult (YA) fiction, creating a disconnect that makes it difficult for its target audience to fully settle into the rhythm of the story.
The primary reason for stopping at the 35% mark is that the narrative feels "too deep" for a standard middle-school fiction shelf. While I can appreciate what Schmidt was trying to achieve—using a descent into the underworld to explore the weight of labels and the "stones" we carry—the execution feels unnecessarily heavy-handed and "crazy" in a way that obscures the heart of the journey. The darkness of the setting often overshadows the humor, and the pacing in the first third feels like it’s laboring under the weight of its own metaphors. It is a creative effort with a clear vision, but for a reader looking for a more balanced or accessible middle-grade experience, the bleakness and the complex "YA" energy of the protagonist's struggle make it a difficult path to follow to the end.
Thanks to Netgelley for the ARC copy to read.
Gary D. Schmidt takes a bold, surrealist swing with Styx and Stones, attempting to blend middle-grade adventure with a darker, mythological underworld. The premise—a young boy navigating a literal and metaphorical hell—offers some genuinely clever moments, particularly when Schmidt leans into the absurdity of the afterlife. There are a few standout funny lines that land well, and the portrayal of Cerberus as a "good dog" who just wants some scratches is a highlight that provides a much-needed touch of warmth. However, despite these charms, the book struggles with a significant tonal identity crisis. While marketed toward middle-schoolers, the heavy themes and the protagonist's grim escape from hell feel much more aligned with Young Adult (YA) fiction, creating a disconnect that makes it difficult for its target audience to fully settle into the rhythm of the story.
The primary reason for stopping at the 35% mark is that the narrative feels "too deep" for a standard middle-school fiction shelf. While I can appreciate what Schmidt was trying to achieve—using a descent into the underworld to explore the weight of labels and the "stones" we carry—the execution feels unnecessarily heavy-handed and "crazy" in a way that obscures the heart of the journey. The darkness of the setting often overshadows the humor, and the pacing in the first third feels like it’s laboring under the weight of its own metaphors. It is a creative effort with a clear vision, but for a reader looking for a more balanced or accessible middle-grade experience, the bleakness and the complex "YA" energy of the protagonist's struggle make it a difficult path to follow to the end.
Thanks to Netgelley for the ARC copy to read.
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
This is the kind of middle grade book that reminds you why mythology retellings endure.
Styx and Stones landed in exactly the same sweet spot as Percy Jackson for my son and me—that perfect alchemy of humor, heart, and layered storytelling that works whether you're eight or an adult with a deep love of Greek mythology. Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge have crafted something genuinely special here: a story that's funny and fast-paced enough to keep young readers turning pages, but substantive enough to reward close attention.
Simon's journey—orphaned in ancient Greece, trapped in the Underworld for centuries, finally escaping into a modern middle school bathroom (naked, naturally)—is both absurd and surprisingly moving. His friendship with Zeke, the nerdy rich kid navigating his own kind of isolation, gives the story its emotional core. These two unlikely allies learning from each other, challenging each other's assumptions about what a good life looks like—that's the stuff that elevates mythology adventures beyond mere plot.
But let's talk about the mythology itself. Schmidt and Koertge clearly know their source material, weaving in Cerberus, Sisyphus, Persephone, and Hades with the kind of respect and playfulness that makes classical stories feel alive for young readers. The demon girl sent to retrieve Simon adds genuine stakes, and the climax delivers.
My son was riveted. I was moved. This is middle grade at its finest.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Styx and Stones landed in exactly the same sweet spot as Percy Jackson for my son and me—that perfect alchemy of humor, heart, and layered storytelling that works whether you're eight or an adult with a deep love of Greek mythology. Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge have crafted something genuinely special here: a story that's funny and fast-paced enough to keep young readers turning pages, but substantive enough to reward close attention.
Simon's journey—orphaned in ancient Greece, trapped in the Underworld for centuries, finally escaping into a modern middle school bathroom (naked, naturally)—is both absurd and surprisingly moving. His friendship with Zeke, the nerdy rich kid navigating his own kind of isolation, gives the story its emotional core. These two unlikely allies learning from each other, challenging each other's assumptions about what a good life looks like—that's the stuff that elevates mythology adventures beyond mere plot.
But let's talk about the mythology itself. Schmidt and Koertge clearly know their source material, weaving in Cerberus, Sisyphus, Persephone, and Hades with the kind of respect and playfulness that makes classical stories feel alive for young readers. The demon girl sent to retrieve Simon adds genuine stakes, and the climax delivers.
My son was riveted. I was moved. This is middle grade at its finest.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Some audiobooks feel familiar, like a well‑loved mug. Others arrive as a delightful surprise — a new flavor, a new rhythm — and Styx and Stones was exactly that kind of treat. From the very first chapter, this listen felt refreshingly different in tone, pacing, and heart.
Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge craft a story that blends ancient myth with modern middle‑school chaos, but at its core, it’s a tale about friendship, courage, and learning to march to your own beat. Simon’s journey from the Underworld to a school bathroom stall (yes, truly) is both hilarious and unexpectedly tender. And then there’s Zeke — sweet, nerdy, earnest Zeke — who carved out a soft spot in my heart almost immediately. His loyalty, awkward charm, and quiet bravery make him the kind of character you root for without hesitation.
🎧 And Mark Sanderlin? A standout.
He brings every character to life with clarity and warmth, but his portrayal of Zeke is something special — textured, heartfelt, and full of that gentle sincerity that makes you lean in a little closer. His performance elevates the story, making the humor sharper, the emotions deeper, and the friendship at the center feel beautifully real.
Styx and Stones is an adventure with mythic stakes, yes — but it’s also a reminder that the right friend can change your whole world, whether you’re escaping Hades or just trying to survive middle school.
A perfectly steeped listen from start to finish.
Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge craft a story that blends ancient myth with modern middle‑school chaos, but at its core, it’s a tale about friendship, courage, and learning to march to your own beat. Simon’s journey from the Underworld to a school bathroom stall (yes, truly) is both hilarious and unexpectedly tender. And then there’s Zeke — sweet, nerdy, earnest Zeke — who carved out a soft spot in my heart almost immediately. His loyalty, awkward charm, and quiet bravery make him the kind of character you root for without hesitation.
🎧 And Mark Sanderlin? A standout.
He brings every character to life with clarity and warmth, but his portrayal of Zeke is something special — textured, heartfelt, and full of that gentle sincerity that makes you lean in a little closer. His performance elevates the story, making the humor sharper, the emotions deeper, and the friendship at the center feel beautifully real.
Styx and Stones is an adventure with mythic stakes, yes — but it’s also a reminder that the right friend can change your whole world, whether you’re escaping Hades or just trying to survive middle school.
A perfectly steeped listen from start to finish.
May 11, 2026
After dying while trying to defend his village from the Spartans, Simon of Lacadaemon has spent the last 2,451 years in the underworld. The underworld isn't all bad - Simon is a servant to Queen Persephone and he gets to spend his days chatting with Socrates, Shakespeare, Sartre, and Maya Angelou (among others). But that doesn't mean he wants to stay there. In fact, after thousands of attempts to escape, Simon succeeds and finds himself in present-day Minnesota. Specifically, he emerges from a bathroom stall of a middle school where he is discovered by social outcast Zeke Tripp. To call Simon a fish out of water might be putting things lightly, he masquerades as Zeke's cousin from Las Vegas and does his best to adjust to life in the modern day. Still, it doesn't take long for Simon to become popular and to become a true friend to Zeke. If only things were that easy - Hades doesn't like for people to escape the underworld, and he's desperate to get Simon back.
Both Schmidt and Koertge are in top form in this action-packed story with a rich emotional undercurrent. This book manages to grip readers right away and will hold the attention of even reluctant readers with action, humor, and likable characters. Simon especially is shown to improve the lives of those around him with his kindness. For fans of Percy Jackson, or of Gary D. Schmidt books, or of just middle grade in general; this Classical story is a winner.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy!
Both Schmidt and Koertge are in top form in this action-packed story with a rich emotional undercurrent. This book manages to grip readers right away and will hold the attention of even reluctant readers with action, humor, and likable characters. Simon especially is shown to improve the lives of those around him with his kindness. For fans of Percy Jackson, or of Gary D. Schmidt books, or of just middle grade in general; this Classical story is a winner.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy!
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.
May 7, 2026
Can you tell I’m on a Greek mythology kick right now?
As soon as I saw this cover/title, I knew this was a book for me. And what a book it was!
The premise is fun, a forever 13-year-old shade from the Underworld escapes Hades and accidentally ends up naked in a boys bathroom in Minnesota. I loved following Simon as he navigated his new life in the 21st Century. There was much he didn’t know, and yet he still found a way to connect with other students.
What I wasn’t expecting, however, was the beautiful discussions of friendship and the meaning of life interwoven through Simon and Zeke’s story. These kids dealt with some big feelings and complex topics while simultaneously trying to survive 7th grade.
I appreciated the handling of Hades and Persephone’s relationship. Often this relationship is romanticized, and the darker aspects are brushed over. Gary D Schmidt and Ron Koertge did not shy away from this darkness, however, which was a welcome change.
All in all, I loved this book! I only found out about it less than a week ago and now have a new favorite read to recommend!
Thanks to @netgalley @harpercollins and @harperkids for this eArc in exchange for an honest review!
#netgalley #harpercollins #harperkids #styxandstones
As soon as I saw this cover/title, I knew this was a book for me. And what a book it was!
The premise is fun, a forever 13-year-old shade from the Underworld escapes Hades and accidentally ends up naked in a boys bathroom in Minnesota. I loved following Simon as he navigated his new life in the 21st Century. There was much he didn’t know, and yet he still found a way to connect with other students.
What I wasn’t expecting, however, was the beautiful discussions of friendship and the meaning of life interwoven through Simon and Zeke’s story. These kids dealt with some big feelings and complex topics while simultaneously trying to survive 7th grade.
I appreciated the handling of Hades and Persephone’s relationship. Often this relationship is romanticized, and the darker aspects are brushed over. Gary D Schmidt and Ron Koertge did not shy away from this darkness, however, which was a welcome change.
All in all, I loved this book! I only found out about it less than a week ago and now have a new favorite read to recommend!
Thanks to @netgalley @harpercollins and @harperkids for this eArc in exchange for an honest review!
#netgalley #harpercollins #harperkids #styxandstones
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
A smartly done mythologically saturated middle school story about a boy named Simon who goes from being Hades' servant in the Underworld to naked in a middle school bathroom, taken under the wing of Zeke, a rich kid on the outs but figures out the meaning of real friendship when creating a story around why Simon is around at their St. Nikolaos Academy and staying at his house and needs clothes. And he has to cover for Simon's awkwardness-- his deep knowledge of Greek history and gods, goddesses, the Underworld and so much more that impresses the teacher at school.
Yet, time is limited since Hades is sending up a girl to do his bidding and that's to bring Simon back to the Underworld but the threat is more than just taking Simon, it could be taking out the school. How will they band together and what will happen?
It's funny and adventurous and has a thick layer of mythology for the rabid fans of Marsh's book, Riordan's books, and all the scattered others.
Yet, time is limited since Hades is sending up a girl to do his bidding and that's to bring Simon back to the Underworld but the threat is more than just taking Simon, it could be taking out the school. How will they band together and what will happen?
It's funny and adventurous and has a thick layer of mythology for the rabid fans of Marsh's book, Riordan's books, and all the scattered others.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so excited to read this book - I love Schmidt’s writing and Greek mythology is so hot with kids right now - but unfortunately I found it disappointing. Maybe it’s due to having 2 authors, but the writing felt disjointed and jumped around a lot without transitions or exposition. On top of that, there just too much inappropriate content for middle grade, at least at my library. In particular the incidents of cuss words and discussion of weed keep me from being able to purchase this for the children’s department at my library. And with the age of the characters being 12 & 13, I don’t know that it’s going to appeal to teens either, but maybe? The ending was nice with a good message, but it also seemed like the end was rushed. Ultimately I’m glad I read an ARC before purchasing, because it just isn’t going to work for me.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Simon is one of the wandering Shades of the Underworld but with a difference - he did not drink the water of the River Lethe when he arrived and has been trying for centuries to escape. When he figures out that kindness is more effective than cunning and force, he finds himself propelled naked into the 7th grade bathroom at a Minneapolis-St. Paul middle school where he meets Zeke, a bully target who befriends Simon. Zeke fakes a background for Simon and hides him at his house, but nothing can protect Simon from the demons who pursue him when Hades demands him back. Fans of Schmidt will love the allusions to classical literature along with the rich character development. Earc from Edelweiss.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
3.5 stars. This was cute!! I liked the prose and the sense of humor. I think the first half was much stronger than the second half, and there should've been more work fleshing out Zeke, Lucinda, and Zoe as side characters. But I LOVED Simon and all the references to Ancient Greek philosophy!!
Some of the comments are pointing out the mild swearing, the middle fingers, and the weed reference as reasons why this book is deeply inappropriate and not for kids. To that I say: this book is about seventh graders, and have yall MET seventh graders?? Maybe don't give this book to an elementary schooler but middle schoolers will be FINEEEE.
Some of the comments are pointing out the mild swearing, the middle fingers, and the weed reference as reasons why this book is deeply inappropriate and not for kids. To that I say: this book is about seventh graders, and have yall MET seventh graders?? Maybe don't give this book to an elementary schooler but middle schoolers will be FINEEEE.
April 7, 2026
Thank you HarperAudio Children’s, Clarion Books, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this book. This Greek mythology action packed read is a mix of Percy Jackson and The Labors of Hercules Beal and is full of non-stop adventure, great characters, fun, fast moving plot, friendship, courage, and learning who you are. Wonderful smooth and clear narration by Mark Sanderlin brings the story to life. He gave each character their own voice, making for a really enjoyable listening experience. I inhaled it in one sitting and would definitely recommend it to any fantasy adventure lover.
May 6, 2026
Styx and Stones by Gary D. Schmidt is a fantastic middle grade novel for readers who love Greek mythology and adventure. The story follows Simon, a shade lost in the underworld fighting to get back to his brothers, and Zeke, a middle schooler trying to figure out friendship and where he fits in.
I loved how the mythology blended with real emotions and relatable struggles. At its heart, this is a story about friendship, grief, and good overcoming evil. The characters were easy to connect with, and the story had both exciting moments and a lot of heart. A great read for middle grade readers and mythology fans alike!
I loved how the mythology blended with real emotions and relatable struggles. At its heart, this is a story about friendship, grief, and good overcoming evil. The characters were easy to connect with, and the story had both exciting moments and a lot of heart. A great read for middle grade readers and mythology fans alike!
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.
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