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The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling
Voyages across the sea, man-eating monsters, witches, gods, and goddesses: The Odyssey is the ultimate adventure story.
Take a journey across the sea and follow the heroic, catastrophic, and sometimes downright gruesome tales of the Greek king Odysseus in this modern retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey. A story of trickery, lies, and perseverance, watch as Odysseus is tested to the limits by the Cyclops; sirens; and lots of meddling, angry gods.
Written by self-proclaimed Greek myth nerd, and host of the Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby! podcast, Liv Albert brings this ancient Greek Epic to life. Liv’s version of The Odyssey portrays Odysseus as he really was: a complex man who did many great things … and just as many bad. Littered with historical facts, maps, and family trees, Liv brings all of her knowledge and expertise to this future classic, making it the only version of The Odyssey you’ll ever want to read.
Take a journey across the sea and follow the heroic, catastrophic, and sometimes downright gruesome tales of the Greek king Odysseus in this modern retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey. A story of trickery, lies, and perseverance, watch as Odysseus is tested to the limits by the Cyclops; sirens; and lots of meddling, angry gods.
Written by self-proclaimed Greek myth nerd, and host of the Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby! podcast, Liv Albert brings this ancient Greek Epic to life. Liv’s version of The Odyssey portrays Odysseus as he really was: a complex man who did many great things … and just as many bad. Littered with historical facts, maps, and family trees, Liv brings all of her knowledge and expertise to this future classic, making it the only version of The Odyssey you’ll ever want to read.
160 pages, Hardcover
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
Liv Albert
5 books270 followersLiv Albert is the host, creator, and executive producer of the top rated ancient history podcast, Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! Liv studied English Literature and Classical Civilizations and has dedicated the last decade to understanding Greek mythology and the wider Ancient Mediterranean. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her best friend and their two cats, sweet tuxedo gal Squid, and plucked-from-a-Greek-mountainside gremlin, Anchovy Jr. Her next book, a stunning, illustrated retelling of Homer's Odyssey, melds her knowledge of Epic and Greek Myth with her problematic love of Odysseus, the best-worst hero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 9, 2026
The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling by Liv Albert is now one of my favorite Odyssey adjacent books. It had it all: writing that was accessible to the reader, illustrations that were beyond stunning and since it's marketed toward younger readers (middle grade), slightly simplified but definitely not dumbed down. We stil got the author's trademark wit that we know and love her for. As the synopsis says, Liv's version does really portray Odysseus exactly as he is, the good and the bad.
If you listen to Liv's podcast "Let's Talk About Myths, Baby" (sing it in your head, if you know you know), you know that with this book you not only get The Odyssey retold by someone who knows the story well but also someone who's truly passionate about Greek mythology.
The book wasn't just a retelling of The Odyssey, it also had several maps, character guides and tidbits about life in ancient Greece which I truly loved. These facts were all really refreshing and fun to read about.
Now I obviously can't end this review without talkined about the illustrations. They're made by Hazem Asif and they are absolutely gorgeous. I think they're some of the most beautiful I've seen in a book about mythology. And they definitely fit all the characters and the story really well.
If you listen to Liv's podcast "Let's Talk About Myths, Baby" (sing it in your head, if you know you know), you know that with this book you not only get The Odyssey retold by someone who knows the story well but also someone who's truly passionate about Greek mythology.
The book wasn't just a retelling of The Odyssey, it also had several maps, character guides and tidbits about life in ancient Greece which I truly loved. These facts were all really refreshing and fun to read about.
Now I obviously can't end this review without talkined about the illustrations. They're made by Hazem Asif and they are absolutely gorgeous. I think they're some of the most beautiful I've seen in a book about mythology. And they definitely fit all the characters and the story really well.
May 29, 2026
This book had so many great elements. I enjoyed the character pages and the outline of who everyone was, including how to say the names, what the order of events are, etc. For a book like the Odyssey, that seemed really smart and a valuable part of the book.
In addition, I loved the artwork. The colors were bold and the style really fit the story. These elements really drew me in.
I do think the writing style is a bit formal, and in some places, read a bit more dryly than expected. I think this could be a great companion for older kids to study the Odyssey with, but the actual story was less engaging than I’d hoped.
Thank you to DK, Netgalley, and the author for the trust and opportunity to read this work!
In addition, I loved the artwork. The colors were bold and the style really fit the story. These elements really drew me in.
I do think the writing style is a bit formal, and in some places, read a bit more dryly than expected. I think this could be a great companion for older kids to study the Odyssey with, but the actual story was less engaging than I’d hoped.
Thank you to DK, Netgalley, and the author for the trust and opportunity to read this work!
September 15, 2026
As someone who’s obsessed with Greek mythology atm I thought this was a fun read without having to read the actual, super long book by Homer (one day!). Having so much background info and maps at the beginning was super helpful.
The artwork: 100/10. The visuals were just absolutely stunning and I loved the whimsical-ness of it.
The artwork: 100/10. The visuals were just absolutely stunning and I loved the whimsical-ness of it.
June 27, 2026
Thank you so much to DK Children and Netgalley for the advance review copy. As always all opinions shared here are 100% my own!
This summer I've been deep diving into the Odyssey by reading several of the translations, essays and retellings. When I came across this book and I saw that it was marketed for younger readers, I knew I had to give it a try to share with the kids in my family. Before I knew it, I was reading it before bed each night because I was so in love with it. Now let me tell you why.
"The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling" by Liv Albert is the full Odyssey that we know by heart but summarized and simplified for younger audiences. The books are all there. The characters are all there. Even the drama is there. So, really this is an excellent introduction to the Odyssey for all ages.
Each of the books are accompanied by the most stunning illustrations. The colours pop out of the pages and the spreads all made me pause to take in all their details. Not just that but interspersed throughout the book, you find 'character sheets' with illustrations for many of the main characters, gods and goddesses. Here and there, you will also find small side notes that provide additional context (how many of Odyssey's men were still alive by that point) or food-for-though questions (was it fair for Odysseus to intrude on the Polyphemus' xenia?) that help the reader think critically while reading.
I was surprised at how many details were still there in the book even after all the simplification. The dramatic and gruesome deaths are there but softened somewhat. The brutality of slavery is not glossed over. This book is very honest to the original Odyssey but uses a simpler language for younger readers. I appreciated how true to the original source it is as it respects the readers while still being accessible.
The topics and the language, in my opinion, are more suitable for older kids (I would say upper middle school or high school). Or at the very least would require a parent to co-read the book and help explain things a bit further. The book does provide a glossary in the end and does a great job introducing the important terms and characters throughout the book itself so that should help a lot.
All in all, what a beautiful version of the Odyssey. I wish I had this growing up!
You can also find me on: Instagram (MoonlightCocoa) and Instagram (MoonlightCupOfStories)
This summer I've been deep diving into the Odyssey by reading several of the translations, essays and retellings. When I came across this book and I saw that it was marketed for younger readers, I knew I had to give it a try to share with the kids in my family. Before I knew it, I was reading it before bed each night because I was so in love with it. Now let me tell you why.
"The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling" by Liv Albert is the full Odyssey that we know by heart but summarized and simplified for younger audiences. The books are all there. The characters are all there. Even the drama is there. So, really this is an excellent introduction to the Odyssey for all ages.
Each of the books are accompanied by the most stunning illustrations. The colours pop out of the pages and the spreads all made me pause to take in all their details. Not just that but interspersed throughout the book, you find 'character sheets' with illustrations for many of the main characters, gods and goddesses. Here and there, you will also find small side notes that provide additional context (how many of Odyssey's men were still alive by that point) or food-for-though questions (was it fair for Odysseus to intrude on the Polyphemus' xenia?) that help the reader think critically while reading.
I was surprised at how many details were still there in the book even after all the simplification. The dramatic and gruesome deaths are there but softened somewhat. The brutality of slavery is not glossed over. This book is very honest to the original Odyssey but uses a simpler language for younger readers. I appreciated how true to the original source it is as it respects the readers while still being accessible.
The topics and the language, in my opinion, are more suitable for older kids (I would say upper middle school or high school). Or at the very least would require a parent to co-read the book and help explain things a bit further. The book does provide a glossary in the end and does a great job introducing the important terms and characters throughout the book itself so that should help a lot.
All in all, what a beautiful version of the Odyssey. I wish I had this growing up!
You can also find me on: Instagram (MoonlightCocoa) and Instagram (MoonlightCupOfStories)
August 12, 2026
watched the odyssey the other night and i can’t believe i didn’t know anything about greek mythology cause this was right up my alley. i didn’t want to read the actual book bc i heard its a long poem so picked up this modern retelling that has pictures in it. i loved reading ab the diff lands odysseus and his men go to. also again its so interesting to see what they change from book to movie adaptations
August 19, 2026
For the author only, it would have been 5 stars. I'm such a fan of her podcast. But sadly this wasn't the best adaptation of the odyssey, and I know her demographic was not only adults. But maybe that's why it didn't reach the 5 starts for me. But still very enjoyable❤️
Als the art work was amazing and the extra information made it special
Als the art work was amazing and the extra information made it special
July 17, 2026
I read aloud Emily Wilson’s Iliad to my kids at bedtime for months before we started reading the Odyssey retelling by Liv Albert! The pictures result in so many questions. I love that this book will grow with them, just beginning readers who are tickled at how different the sounding out of the words are and how many gods and goddess are in the book. Truly a world of wonder between pages
July 29, 2026
Probably aimed at a demographic about half my age but a fun read through nonetheless
August 18, 2026
eh liv t’es trop cool
June 23, 2026
The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling by Liv Albert and illustrated by Hazem Asif is a colorful and unvarnished retelling of the classic myth, mostly I’d say for older children (more on that later, say ten and up, and a welcome addition to the genre.
It’s a text-heavy book, which is one reason I find it better suited for older children. Younger children could certainly have it read to them, but it is as noted a lot of text and that choice will also depend on your view of young children hearing about people being eaten (as the father of a young child who loved to have his toy dinosaurs “jugularize” other one, I make no judgments at all about that choice).
Obviously, we’re not getting the entire story here on a word-by-word level, but Albert gives us a faithful streamlined version, something one doesn’t always find in children’s retellings. For one, she keeps the frame story, which some authors (or possibly agents and/or publishers) seem to think is too complicated for younger readers, so they dump it and tell the story chronologically. Here, Albert gives us Odysseus being released by Calypso and washed up on the Phaeacian shore just before he finally arrives home, and then, as Homer does, have him relate the prior nine years of adventures between leaving Troy and how. After which the story moves from flashback to present time as he goes to Ithaca and defeats the suitors infesting his home.
Another way Albert remains faithful is by not sanding the edges off the darker parts of the story. The cyclops, for instance, doesn’t just “grab” Odysseus’ men but eats them “limb by limb.” It’s not gory, but it’s crystal clear what is happening. In similar fashion, when Odysseus relates his first post-Troy adventure, sacking the city of the Cicones, Albert doesn’t have him elide the fact that the Cicones “had been our allies in the war on Troy.” Hardly the act of our modern-day image of a “hero” (and in a sidebar Albert explains how their use of that word differs somewhat from our own). Finally, in what I would call the most disturbing scene — Odysseus’ revenge on the suitors — Albert refuses to glamorize the “battle,” which at first at least is more of a massacre. After all, the doors of the room have been locked, the weapons hidden, and Odysseus is firing arrows from his great bow. So we see him shoot unarmed men from a distance, his son Telemachus stab someone in the back, and a refusal to give any quarter until all the suitors are dead. And none of that is even the most horrific of Homer’s story, as what follows is an abhorrent scene where Odysseus and Telemachus execute the poor slave girls (after forcing them to clean up the bodies and blood) who had been forced to serve the suitors. One might argue the suitors got what they deserved, but this is a true slaughter of the innocents, one made worse by the use of the execution method: hanging, which to the Greeks was an undignified death. Albert shies away from none of this, much to her credit, and I wish more authors for children presented these moments in their truer light as opposed to glossing them over or worse, glorifying them.
The language is clear throughout, conversational, and modern but not to a fault or to the point of distraction. It’s a prose retelling and one that for the most part lacks lyricism. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more, but it’s certainly engaging, fast-moving, and vivid, so it’s a minor personal preference rather than a complaint.
Beyond the narrative itself, the text is introduced by some general informational matter, such as a bit about Homer’s Greece, a Who’s Who of characters and gods, a place glossary, a map, and a bit more. And the narrative is also interrupted by more informational pages, each focused on a particular character, going more into depth about Circe, Helen of Troy, multiple gods, and the like. And there are also smaller sidebars within the narrative text that give a brief explanation of topics such as hospitality rules or sacrificial rites.
The text is nicely enhanced by the artwork, which as mentioned is wonderfully brightly colorful through most of the story (the underworld, for instance, is not quite so bright for obvious reasons). Everything is clearly depicted and delineated, and Asif does an excellent job showing movement and action throughout, whether it’s a ship tossed upon the waves, a giant preparing to hurl a boulder, or Scylla reaching down to grab some men off the boat.
The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling is an excellent introduction to this classic story, a faithful one that modernizes the language and the viewpoint without losing what makes the original such a great story in its own right and also without smoothing its rougher parts to make it more “palatable” for young readers. Highly recommended.
It’s a text-heavy book, which is one reason I find it better suited for older children. Younger children could certainly have it read to them, but it is as noted a lot of text and that choice will also depend on your view of young children hearing about people being eaten (as the father of a young child who loved to have his toy dinosaurs “jugularize” other one, I make no judgments at all about that choice).
Obviously, we’re not getting the entire story here on a word-by-word level, but Albert gives us a faithful streamlined version, something one doesn’t always find in children’s retellings. For one, she keeps the frame story, which some authors (or possibly agents and/or publishers) seem to think is too complicated for younger readers, so they dump it and tell the story chronologically. Here, Albert gives us Odysseus being released by Calypso and washed up on the Phaeacian shore just before he finally arrives home, and then, as Homer does, have him relate the prior nine years of adventures between leaving Troy and how. After which the story moves from flashback to present time as he goes to Ithaca and defeats the suitors infesting his home.
Another way Albert remains faithful is by not sanding the edges off the darker parts of the story. The cyclops, for instance, doesn’t just “grab” Odysseus’ men but eats them “limb by limb.” It’s not gory, but it’s crystal clear what is happening. In similar fashion, when Odysseus relates his first post-Troy adventure, sacking the city of the Cicones, Albert doesn’t have him elide the fact that the Cicones “had been our allies in the war on Troy.” Hardly the act of our modern-day image of a “hero” (and in a sidebar Albert explains how their use of that word differs somewhat from our own). Finally, in what I would call the most disturbing scene — Odysseus’ revenge on the suitors — Albert refuses to glamorize the “battle,” which at first at least is more of a massacre. After all, the doors of the room have been locked, the weapons hidden, and Odysseus is firing arrows from his great bow. So we see him shoot unarmed men from a distance, his son Telemachus stab someone in the back, and a refusal to give any quarter until all the suitors are dead. And none of that is even the most horrific of Homer’s story, as what follows is an abhorrent scene where Odysseus and Telemachus execute the poor slave girls (after forcing them to clean up the bodies and blood) who had been forced to serve the suitors. One might argue the suitors got what they deserved, but this is a true slaughter of the innocents, one made worse by the use of the execution method: hanging, which to the Greeks was an undignified death. Albert shies away from none of this, much to her credit, and I wish more authors for children presented these moments in their truer light as opposed to glossing them over or worse, glorifying them.
The language is clear throughout, conversational, and modern but not to a fault or to the point of distraction. It’s a prose retelling and one that for the most part lacks lyricism. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more, but it’s certainly engaging, fast-moving, and vivid, so it’s a minor personal preference rather than a complaint.
Beyond the narrative itself, the text is introduced by some general informational matter, such as a bit about Homer’s Greece, a Who’s Who of characters and gods, a place glossary, a map, and a bit more. And the narrative is also interrupted by more informational pages, each focused on a particular character, going more into depth about Circe, Helen of Troy, multiple gods, and the like. And there are also smaller sidebars within the narrative text that give a brief explanation of topics such as hospitality rules or sacrificial rites.
The text is nicely enhanced by the artwork, which as mentioned is wonderfully brightly colorful through most of the story (the underworld, for instance, is not quite so bright for obvious reasons). Everything is clearly depicted and delineated, and Asif does an excellent job showing movement and action throughout, whether it’s a ship tossed upon the waves, a giant preparing to hurl a boulder, or Scylla reaching down to grab some men off the boat.
The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling is an excellent introduction to this classic story, a faithful one that modernizes the language and the viewpoint without losing what makes the original such a great story in its own right and also without smoothing its rougher parts to make it more “palatable” for young readers. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2026
‘*‘ Meine Meinung ‘*‘
Sommer heißt Urlaubszeit, und ich bin mit Odysseus auf Reisen gegangen. Liv Alberts Version von „Die Odyssee“ entführt die Lesenden auf seine faszinierende Reise durch das antike Mittelmeer. Das farbenfrohe Cover von Hazem Asif hatte mich sofort in seinen Bann gezogen, und erfreulicherweise zieht sich diese schillernde, detailreiche Gestaltung konsequent durch das gesamte Buch. So wird die abenteuerliche Geschichte zu einem visuell beeindruckenden Erlebnis, das besonders die Zielgruppe ab 10 Jahren anspricht.
Die bildliche Darstellung hilft nicht nur Kindern, sondern auch Erwachsenen, mythologische Zusammenhänge besser zu verstehen und sich in die Handlung hineinzuversetzen – etwa bei den lebendig dargestellten Meerungeheuern Skylla und Charybdis, die das Kopfkino weiter ankurbeln. Die Kombination aus Text und Bild spricht unterschiedliche Lerntypen an und macht das Buch zu einem wertvollen Begleiter für neugierige junge Lesende. Dabei habe auch ich als Erwachsene noch Neues über die Odyssee erfahren. Odysseus wird nicht nur als strahlender Held präsentiert, sondern auch als gewitzter, manchmal wahrheitsflexibler Charakter – eine Facette, die nach mehrfacher Erwähnung jedoch etwas repetitiv wirkt.
Häufig finden sich auf den Seiten kleine, ansprechend gestaltete Kästchen mit zusätzlichen Erklärungen zu Begriffen, mythologischen Zusammenhängen oder den verschiedenen Figuren, die das Wissen sinnvoll vertiefen und abrunden. Wie bei allen Sachbüchern des Dorling Kindersley Verlags wird das Thema als Gesamtwerk für Geist und Auge präsentiert. Mal ziehen sich farbenfrohe Zeichnungen über eine ganze Doppelseite, begleitet von einem kurzen, prägnanten Zweizeiler, der die Handlung auf den Punkt bringt. Ein anderes Mal gibt es ausführlichere Passagen mit mehr Lesematerial, die durch die durchdachte visuelle Gestaltung dennoch kurzweilig und leicht verdaulich bleiben. So werden auch Lesemuffel zum Lesen animiert, da es immer wieder etwas in den Illustrationen zu entdecken gibt.
Die Sprache ist perfekt auf die Zielgruppe abgestimmt; komplexere oder anspruchsvollere Begriffe werden entweder direkt erklärt oder erschließen sich durch den Kontext von selbst. Das Buch beginnt mit grundlegenden Erklärungen zu Homers Welt, einer Übersicht der olympischen Hauptgottheiten und den Figuren mit ihrer Lautschrift für die korrekte Aussprache. Besonders gelungen finde ich, wie die antike Welt durch die Illustrationen zum Leben erwacht und für Lesende greifbar wird. Dieses Buch ist nicht nur unterhaltsam, sondern auch lehrreich und eignet sich ideal für den Schulunterricht oder zum gemeinsamen Lesen in der Familie. Ein ausführliches, übersichtliches Glossar am Ende rundet das Werk ab und ich vergebe gern 5 griechische Sterne.
‘*‘ Klappentext ‘*‘
Nach zehn langen Kriegjahren steht dem griechischen Helden Odysseus noch eine letzte Herausforderung bevor: die Heimkehr. Auf seiner gefährlichen Reise begegnet Odysseus furchterregenden Riesen, verführerischen Sirenen und einem sechsköpfigen Seeungeheuer. Er braucht all seine List und die Hilfe einer Göttin, um zu überleben und sein Ziel zu erreichen.
Moderne Nacherzählung von Homers zeitlosem Epos - voller Spannung, Abenteuer und Humor.
Sommer heißt Urlaubszeit, und ich bin mit Odysseus auf Reisen gegangen. Liv Alberts Version von „Die Odyssee“ entführt die Lesenden auf seine faszinierende Reise durch das antike Mittelmeer. Das farbenfrohe Cover von Hazem Asif hatte mich sofort in seinen Bann gezogen, und erfreulicherweise zieht sich diese schillernde, detailreiche Gestaltung konsequent durch das gesamte Buch. So wird die abenteuerliche Geschichte zu einem visuell beeindruckenden Erlebnis, das besonders die Zielgruppe ab 10 Jahren anspricht.
Die bildliche Darstellung hilft nicht nur Kindern, sondern auch Erwachsenen, mythologische Zusammenhänge besser zu verstehen und sich in die Handlung hineinzuversetzen – etwa bei den lebendig dargestellten Meerungeheuern Skylla und Charybdis, die das Kopfkino weiter ankurbeln. Die Kombination aus Text und Bild spricht unterschiedliche Lerntypen an und macht das Buch zu einem wertvollen Begleiter für neugierige junge Lesende. Dabei habe auch ich als Erwachsene noch Neues über die Odyssee erfahren. Odysseus wird nicht nur als strahlender Held präsentiert, sondern auch als gewitzter, manchmal wahrheitsflexibler Charakter – eine Facette, die nach mehrfacher Erwähnung jedoch etwas repetitiv wirkt.
Häufig finden sich auf den Seiten kleine, ansprechend gestaltete Kästchen mit zusätzlichen Erklärungen zu Begriffen, mythologischen Zusammenhängen oder den verschiedenen Figuren, die das Wissen sinnvoll vertiefen und abrunden. Wie bei allen Sachbüchern des Dorling Kindersley Verlags wird das Thema als Gesamtwerk für Geist und Auge präsentiert. Mal ziehen sich farbenfrohe Zeichnungen über eine ganze Doppelseite, begleitet von einem kurzen, prägnanten Zweizeiler, der die Handlung auf den Punkt bringt. Ein anderes Mal gibt es ausführlichere Passagen mit mehr Lesematerial, die durch die durchdachte visuelle Gestaltung dennoch kurzweilig und leicht verdaulich bleiben. So werden auch Lesemuffel zum Lesen animiert, da es immer wieder etwas in den Illustrationen zu entdecken gibt.
Die Sprache ist perfekt auf die Zielgruppe abgestimmt; komplexere oder anspruchsvollere Begriffe werden entweder direkt erklärt oder erschließen sich durch den Kontext von selbst. Das Buch beginnt mit grundlegenden Erklärungen zu Homers Welt, einer Übersicht der olympischen Hauptgottheiten und den Figuren mit ihrer Lautschrift für die korrekte Aussprache. Besonders gelungen finde ich, wie die antike Welt durch die Illustrationen zum Leben erwacht und für Lesende greifbar wird. Dieses Buch ist nicht nur unterhaltsam, sondern auch lehrreich und eignet sich ideal für den Schulunterricht oder zum gemeinsamen Lesen in der Familie. Ein ausführliches, übersichtliches Glossar am Ende rundet das Werk ab und ich vergebe gern 5 griechische Sterne.
‘*‘ Klappentext ‘*‘
Nach zehn langen Kriegjahren steht dem griechischen Helden Odysseus noch eine letzte Herausforderung bevor: die Heimkehr. Auf seiner gefährlichen Reise begegnet Odysseus furchterregenden Riesen, verführerischen Sirenen und einem sechsköpfigen Seeungeheuer. Er braucht all seine List und die Hilfe einer Göttin, um zu überleben und sein Ziel zu erreichen.
Moderne Nacherzählung von Homers zeitlosem Epos - voller Spannung, Abenteuer und Humor.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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This book is such a great way to experience The Odyssey without feeling overwhelmed by old, heavy language. Liv Albert retells Homer’s epic in a way that’s easy to follow, engaging, and honestly fun to read. It keeps the heart of the original story but makes it feel approachable, even if you’re brand new to Greek mythology.
Odysseus’s journey home is broken into clear, flowing episodes, which makes the story move quickly while still giving space for the big moments. Encounters with the Cyclops, Circe, the Sirens, and all the challenges along the way feel vivid and dramatic, but not confusing. Albert’s writing is straightforward and conversational, which helps the emotions of the story really shine through.
One of the best parts of this retelling is how the women of the story are handled. Characters like Penelope, Circe, Calypso, and Athena feel thoughtful, capable, and important, rather than sidelined. Odysseus himself comes across as clever and determined, but also tired, flawed, and very human, which makes his long journey home more meaningful.
Hazem Asif’s illustrations are a perfect match for the story. They’re bold, moody, and mythic without being distracting, adding atmosphere and pulling you deeper into the world of ancient Greece. The visuals make this feel like a book you want to slow down and savor.
Overall, The Odyssey A Modern Retelling is a fantastic option if you want to enjoy a classic story in a modern, accessible way. It works well for casual readers, students, or anyone who loves mythology but wants something clear and engaging.
★★★★★
This book is such a great way to experience The Odyssey without feeling overwhelmed by old, heavy language. Liv Albert retells Homer’s epic in a way that’s easy to follow, engaging, and honestly fun to read. It keeps the heart of the original story but makes it feel approachable, even if you’re brand new to Greek mythology.
Odysseus’s journey home is broken into clear, flowing episodes, which makes the story move quickly while still giving space for the big moments. Encounters with the Cyclops, Circe, the Sirens, and all the challenges along the way feel vivid and dramatic, but not confusing. Albert’s writing is straightforward and conversational, which helps the emotions of the story really shine through.
One of the best parts of this retelling is how the women of the story are handled. Characters like Penelope, Circe, Calypso, and Athena feel thoughtful, capable, and important, rather than sidelined. Odysseus himself comes across as clever and determined, but also tired, flawed, and very human, which makes his long journey home more meaningful.
Hazem Asif’s illustrations are a perfect match for the story. They’re bold, moody, and mythic without being distracting, adding atmosphere and pulling you deeper into the world of ancient Greece. The visuals make this feel like a book you want to slow down and savor.
Overall, The Odyssey A Modern Retelling is a fantastic option if you want to enjoy a classic story in a modern, accessible way. It works well for casual readers, students, or anyone who loves mythology but wants something clear and engaging.
★★★★★
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WOW! This might be the best classics retelling for children I have ever seen. Truly blown away! I have already pre-ordered a copy for my kid’s personal library.
Albert does an incredible job giving the real Homeric history and helpful background information on events and characters without sacrificing readability or narrative flow. This volume has absolutely everything included to have your kiddo understand and appreciate the Odyssey.
Seriously so impressed by the amount of “extra” this volume manages to pack into the classic poem, including maps, timelines, and charts. I loved the introductory explanation of the term “hero” and what great conversations this could start with your kids.
While the retelling itself is not written in verse, Albert has sprinkled some iconic lines in the margins that will help readers to connect and recognize the original work when they hear it.
AND if that wasn’t enough to convince you, the illustrations are absolutely drop dead gorgeous, creating a lush and vibrant reading experience that will have any older elementary or middle grade hooked! If you have a Percy Jackson fan, this would definitely be a hit.
Seriously cannot wait to do a read aloud for this! Just in time for all the hype around the Nolan movie. Make this an auto buy for your kids’ classics library!
Thanks to NetGalley & DK Kids for complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Albert does an incredible job giving the real Homeric history and helpful background information on events and characters without sacrificing readability or narrative flow. This volume has absolutely everything included to have your kiddo understand and appreciate the Odyssey.
Seriously so impressed by the amount of “extra” this volume manages to pack into the classic poem, including maps, timelines, and charts. I loved the introductory explanation of the term “hero” and what great conversations this could start with your kids.
While the retelling itself is not written in verse, Albert has sprinkled some iconic lines in the margins that will help readers to connect and recognize the original work when they hear it.
AND if that wasn’t enough to convince you, the illustrations are absolutely drop dead gorgeous, creating a lush and vibrant reading experience that will have any older elementary or middle grade hooked! If you have a Percy Jackson fan, this would definitely be a hit.
Seriously cannot wait to do a read aloud for this! Just in time for all the hype around the Nolan movie. Make this an auto buy for your kids’ classics library!
Thanks to NetGalley & DK Kids for complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Reading the Odyssey in itself is a Odyssey: it changes you irrevocably and you'll never return to being the same person that you were before. Rereading the Odyssey is like spending time with an old dear friend. And Liv Albert's retelling of it is exactly what I would have loved back when I was a kid.
A lot of Odyssey books for kids put the story chronologically, which loses one of the most essential elements of the story, that it's told by our great liar/trickster himself! I loved that this edition made sure to maintain the frame of Odysseus recounting his narrative. I also really loved the tone of the prose and how it sounds like a grown-up recounting the story to a child, it works well and also reflects the original narrative oral tradition.
Other great things about this book:
The background! The Odyssey itself doesn't give you any background, but this book has a great introduction for readers entirely new to the Epic Cycle.
Explanations of untranslatable concepts like kleos, epithets and metaphors that are common in lyric poetry.
Beautiful art, and I love the bits where sports feats or other actions are captured as red figure pottery.
Using the words "enslaved person" instead of "servant" — the book doesn't dance around this lived, awful reality that is ever-present in the epic. Liv Albert also makes sure to point out the unfair treatment that the abused enslaved girls got in comparison to the noble suitors.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK to the ARC.
A lot of Odyssey books for kids put the story chronologically, which loses one of the most essential elements of the story, that it's told by our great liar/trickster himself! I loved that this edition made sure to maintain the frame of Odysseus recounting his narrative. I also really loved the tone of the prose and how it sounds like a grown-up recounting the story to a child, it works well and also reflects the original narrative oral tradition.
Other great things about this book:
The background! The Odyssey itself doesn't give you any background, but this book has a great introduction for readers entirely new to the Epic Cycle.
Explanations of untranslatable concepts like kleos, epithets and metaphors that are common in lyric poetry.
Beautiful art, and I love the bits where sports feats or other actions are captured as red figure pottery.
Using the words "enslaved person" instead of "servant" — the book doesn't dance around this lived, awful reality that is ever-present in the epic. Liv Albert also makes sure to point out the unfair treatment that the abused enslaved girls got in comparison to the noble suitors.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK to the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think this book would make an excellent reading companion for anyone diving into the Odyssey for the first time. In fact, as someone who was quite familiar with Greek mythology I still had to do some research before I started the epics myself (mostly pronunciation & setting the family trees straight.)
That said:
- [ ] The pictures are beautiful.
- [ ] The charts depicting the people/ gods/ goddesses and their pronunciations are SO useful.
- [ ] The story is written in a way that can be EASILY parsed by anyone who is capable of reading.
Unfortunately, just because I think 9-12 year olds are very capable of reading this, I can’t see any kiddos in that age range, or older, willingly picking this up and reading it. The ten and twelve year old avid readers I know would appreciate The sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan or the translated epic- I personally like Emily Wilson’s Translation (censored for them) more than this. They’re both faster paced with more surprise and shock factors.
This version lacked:
- [ ] The humor of the translated epic.
- [ ] An engaging reading format. Rather, it was very ‘textbook’ in style.
So, would I buy this book? For the pictures and for the charts, yes. For the story, probably not.
Thank you NetGalley and DK for providing me with this ARC copy for review. All opinions are my own.
That said:
- [ ] The pictures are beautiful.
- [ ] The charts depicting the people/ gods/ goddesses and their pronunciations are SO useful.
- [ ] The story is written in a way that can be EASILY parsed by anyone who is capable of reading.
Unfortunately, just because I think 9-12 year olds are very capable of reading this, I can’t see any kiddos in that age range, or older, willingly picking this up and reading it. The ten and twelve year old avid readers I know would appreciate The sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan or the translated epic- I personally like Emily Wilson’s Translation (censored for them) more than this. They’re both faster paced with more surprise and shock factors.
This version lacked:
- [ ] The humor of the translated epic.
- [ ] An engaging reading format. Rather, it was very ‘textbook’ in style.
So, would I buy this book? For the pictures and for the charts, yes. For the story, probably not.
Thank you NetGalley and DK for providing me with this ARC copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve just started getting into classic books, and I wish I’d had The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling by Liv Albert to read with the original. Even though it’s meant for younger readers, I think anyone could enjoy and learn from it.
The artwork by Hazem Asif really stands out. The illustrations are bright and colourful, drawing you into the story. Each page is a treat to look at, and the art adds a lot of feeling and atmosphere.
The writing is clear, friendly, and easy to follow, which makes the story much more approachable than the original. I think it’s a great starting point for younger readers or anyone who finds Homer’s Odyssey a bit daunting.
What I especially loved is that this isn’t only a straightforward retelling. The book also includes plenty of background information that helps make the story more understandable. The maps, character backgrounds, and extra context really enrich the reading experience and help bring the world and mythology to life.
Overall, this is a beautifully presented and thoughtfully written retelling that makes an ancient classic feel fresh, engaging, and understandable.
The artwork by Hazem Asif really stands out. The illustrations are bright and colourful, drawing you into the story. Each page is a treat to look at, and the art adds a lot of feeling and atmosphere.
The writing is clear, friendly, and easy to follow, which makes the story much more approachable than the original. I think it’s a great starting point for younger readers or anyone who finds Homer’s Odyssey a bit daunting.
What I especially loved is that this isn’t only a straightforward retelling. The book also includes plenty of background information that helps make the story more understandable. The maps, character backgrounds, and extra context really enrich the reading experience and help bring the world and mythology to life.
Overall, this is a beautifully presented and thoughtfully written retelling that makes an ancient classic feel fresh, engaging, and understandable.
July 21, 2026
As someone in The Chicago Nonfiction Book Club, I usually gravitate toward biographies and dense historical accounts, so I was a bit skeptical coming into a myth retelling. I was completely blown away by how grounded and well-structured this version is. Instead of turning the story into a clean, sanitized Hollywood heroic journey, it presents the main character for what he actually was in the ancient tradition: brilliant and relentless, but also arrogant, selfish, and deeply flawed. The inclusion of the maps and family trees made a world of difference for me. Tracking the chaotic, erratic path across the Mediterranean gave the entire journey a sense of real geography and physical weight. The tone hits a great balance it’s accessible without losing the brutal, visceral nature of ancient Greek lore. It sparked a fantastic debate at our last meeting about moral ambiguity in ancient literature, and it easily earns a top spot on my bookshelf.
June 7, 2026
Read a free ARC on NetGalley.
This is an interesting, kid-friendly adaptation of the Greek epic The Odyssey. Clever hero Odysseus tries to make it back home to Ithaca, where he is the king, after the Trojan War. Due to his bad decisions and that of his crew, the journey back home takes 9 years, resulting in the death of all of his crew members and the loss of all his ships. This means that his wife has been ruling his kingdom for almost 20 years and his son Telemachus has grown up without him. In his absence, many suitors have moved into the palace trying to force faithful Queen Penelope to marry them, but she keeps coming up with ways to hold them off until her husband finally returns. The illustrations by Hazem Asif are beautiful and colorful. This would be perfect for a middle grade to early high school reader who enjoys Greek mythology.
This is an interesting, kid-friendly adaptation of the Greek epic The Odyssey. Clever hero Odysseus tries to make it back home to Ithaca, where he is the king, after the Trojan War. Due to his bad decisions and that of his crew, the journey back home takes 9 years, resulting in the death of all of his crew members and the loss of all his ships. This means that his wife has been ruling his kingdom for almost 20 years and his son Telemachus has grown up without him. In his absence, many suitors have moved into the palace trying to force faithful Queen Penelope to marry them, but she keeps coming up with ways to hold them off until her husband finally returns. The illustrations by Hazem Asif are beautiful and colorful. This would be perfect for a middle grade to early high school reader who enjoys Greek mythology.
July 5, 2026
Homer’s Odyssey is not something I had read before. The only reason I picked up this book was because I wanted a quick overview of the story before watching the upcoming movie, so I could better understand the characters and their journey.
The story itself is surprisingly deep and psychological, with multiple timelines, layered themes, and far more complexity than I expected. This edition, with its beautiful illustrations, reading guide, and brief introduction to Greek mythology, makes the story very accessible for first-time readers.
That said, I also felt it oversimplified the narrative a little. The grandeur, emotional weight, and epic scale that The Odyssey is famous for don’t quite come through, making the story feel much simpler than I suspect it really is.
Other than that, it’s an absolutely lovely introduction to one of history’s greatest epics.
The story itself is surprisingly deep and psychological, with multiple timelines, layered themes, and far more complexity than I expected. This edition, with its beautiful illustrations, reading guide, and brief introduction to Greek mythology, makes the story very accessible for first-time readers.
That said, I also felt it oversimplified the narrative a little. The grandeur, emotional weight, and epic scale that The Odyssey is famous for don’t quite come through, making the story feel much simpler than I suspect it really is.
Other than that, it’s an absolutely lovely introduction to one of history’s greatest epics.
August 2, 2026
Being a science person , I haven’t read much of ancient literature or mythology of any kind. With the latest film coming out, it seemed that I should understand the epic poem before going to see the movie. My daughter bought this book for herself and soon to be born nephew. The author is Canadian and has a degree in Classical Civilizations and English. She maintains that this retelling of the Odyssey stays true to Homer. It was easy to read with lots of extra notes on Homer, the characters, the Gods and places. It is a perfect introduction for anyone who wants to understand the story. I was well prepared to sit in the theatre for 3 hours and really follow the story.
Liv Albert has a podcast ‘Let’s Talk About Myth’s Baby’. I think that I am on my way to learning more about mythology in a very fun way!!
Liv Albert has a podcast ‘Let’s Talk About Myth’s Baby’. I think that I am on my way to learning more about mythology in a very fun way!!
July 21, 2026
What sets this adaptation apart from almost every other classic translation I’ve tried to get through is the absolute refusal to excuse the protagonist's terrible decisions. You get to see the full scope of his journey the clever trickery against the Cyclops, the tragic loss of his crew, and the sheer catastrophe brought on by his own hubris. The narrative voice feels like sitting down with a brilliant friend who knows every obscure detail of ancient lore and explains it with humor, sharp critique, and immense detail. The visual charts laying out divine lineages and mortal connections saved me from getting lost in the tangled web of divine politics. If you want a version that treats the reader like an adult while keeping the pacing fast and engaging, this is the one to pick up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and DK Books for the ARC!
This book is an abridged, illustrated version of The Odyssey, written by the host of the podcast “Let’s Talk About Myths Baby.”
This is a good, abridged version of the story that summarizes of each book in The Odyssey. The author maintains the story-within-a-story style of the original really well.
The illustrations are absolutely stunning and so colorful, and they were the highlight of the book for me.
I liked the inclusion of sidebars that explained the historical context and concepts of Ancient Greek culture. It makes the book very kid-friendly and accessible.
CW: war; violence; death; misogyny
Thank you NetGalley and DK Books for the ARC!
This book is an abridged, illustrated version of The Odyssey, written by the host of the podcast “Let’s Talk About Myths Baby.”
This is a good, abridged version of the story that summarizes of each book in The Odyssey. The author maintains the story-within-a-story style of the original really well.
The illustrations are absolutely stunning and so colorful, and they were the highlight of the book for me.
I liked the inclusion of sidebars that explained the historical context and concepts of Ancient Greek culture. It makes the book very kid-friendly and accessible.
CW: war; violence; death; misogyny
June 27, 2026
This is an excellent retelling that is both comprehensive and engaging. Liv Albert hosts the Let's Talk Myths Baby podcast, which is where I first heard about this book. Albert does a really good job of condensing the material without disrupting the narrative or being infantilizing. It was great that Albert kept the epic in the same order it was told, instead of shifting to chronological order. The book also includes an annotated map to orient readers, and both a pronunciation and character guide. I also enjoyed the notes on history and culture, as well as the author's explanations throughout the book. They contributed to the retelling by providing essential background information. This is a great resource for anyone who wants to know more about the Odyssey without being overwhelmed.
Thank you Netgalley and DK for the eARC!
Thank you Netgalley and DK for the eARC!
July 18, 2026
Overview of Odyssey
This is a wonderful, accessible retelling of The Odyssey that manages to stay true to the grit of the original epic without sugarcoating the narrative. It strikes a great balance with its pacing; it establishes the vital background of the Trojan War and delivers the high stakes of the final bow contest at the end, focusing on the core narrative rather than exhaustive, granular detail. Beyond being a great read in its own right, it serves as the perfect primer for the movie adaptation, providing all the necessary context. I plan on exploring other versions of the epic, but this one is a fantastic standpoint!
This is a wonderful, accessible retelling of The Odyssey that manages to stay true to the grit of the original epic without sugarcoating the narrative. It strikes a great balance with its pacing; it establishes the vital background of the Trojan War and delivers the high stakes of the final bow contest at the end, focusing on the core narrative rather than exhaustive, granular detail. Beyond being a great read in its own right, it serves as the perfect primer for the movie adaptation, providing all the necessary context. I plan on exploring other versions of the epic, but this one is a fantastic standpoint!
July 21, 2026
Brought this to our monthly non-fiction reading group in Chicago, and it was an absolute hit. Ancient epics often suffer in modern translation because writers try too hard to make the characters palatable to modern sensibilities. That doesn't happen here. The narrative embraces the dark, gruesome, and chaotic elements of the original tale from man-eating monsters to vengeful goddesses while providing rich contextual background that helps you understand why the story was told this way. The formatting, supplementary notes, and detailed maps bring a level of care that makes reading it feel like a true literary experience rather than just a quick casual read.
July 21, 2026
I’ve read a few modern spins on classic Greek epics, but this one stands out because of its commitment to narrative integrity and historical detail. The portrayal of the gods as petty, meddling, and temperamental adds such a fascinating layer of conflict to the voyage. You really feel the hopelessness of a mortal man trying to navigate a world where the weather and tides are controlled by divine grudges. The breakdown of the family trees at the beginning was an invaluable resource that I kept flipping back to. It’s rare for a book to feel both educationally thorough and genuinely hard to put down, but this nailed the execution completely.
July 21, 2026
A masterful handling of one of the oldest adventure stories in human history. Coming from a non-fiction background, what I appreciated most was the sheer volume of background information and structural care built into the narrative. You aren't just reading about a long, disastrous boat ride home; you're seeing the political background, the cultural expectations of ancient kingship, and the brutal reality of bronze-age warfare and survival. The prose is lively, witty, and deeply detailed without ever feeling bogged down by academic jargon. It made me look at a classic I thought I knew inside and out with entirely fresh eyes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As odd as it is, the introductory material helped me understand why I love The Odyssey so much. Albert puts the story in perspective and brings out the fun aspects-- Odysseus is a liar who had wild adventures, and which parts were true?
This is written for middle school age and the extra information in the beginning is really helpful for understanding the context of the story, and the illustrations are gorgeous. I highly recommend this for any age.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
This is written for middle school age and the extra information in the beginning is really helpful for understanding the context of the story, and the illustrations are gorgeous. I highly recommend this for any age.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Liv Albert has done the impossible: she’s made Homer’s The Odyssey feel as relevant and exciting as a modern-day thriller without losing any of its ancient soul. The illustrations by Hazem Asif are stunning, and the writing is clear, straightforward, and full of the "myth-nerd" passion Albert is known for. Whether you're 9 or 99, this is the version of Odysseus’s journey you’ve been waiting for. An absolute gem for any home library!
July 22, 2026
The biggest win of this book is how human the main character feels. He isn't a saint; he’s a cunning survivor who makes huge, ego-driven mistakes that cost the lives of the men who trusted him. As a member of The Chicago Nonfiction Book Club, I appreciated that raw, unvarnished honesty. The maps scattered throughout the text helped me visualize the long, agonizing trek from Troy back to Ithaca, making the physical toll of the journey feel real. It’s sharp, detailed, and incredibly fun to read.
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