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The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam
A mythical timeslip story about family, love, loss and memory, with an epic sea voyage at its heart, inspired by the legend of Odysseus.
Phoebe dreams of becoming an artist like her grandmother, Cass, a brilliant storyteller who has passed on her love of Greek myths to Phoebe. But Cass is disappearing before Phoebe's eyes, lost to a cruel illness that is destroying her memory. When grief drives Phoebe to ruin the only painting Cass has never sold, a seascape inspired by childhood holidays on the Greek island of Ithaca, she is mysteriously swept away to a fantasy world that resembles her favourite myth of all – the story of the Odyssey.
There Phoebe is caught up in a young boy's mission to find his long-lost father – a shipbuilder to King Odysseus, last seen going off to fight in the Trojan War – and faces an epic quest of her own. To seek the shape-shifting monster whose ravenous and growing power may hold the key to Phoebe fighting her own demons. Only by defeating the monster and facing her fears, will she have any hope of finding her way home and back to Cass.
Phoebe dreams of becoming an artist like her grandmother, Cass, a brilliant storyteller who has passed on her love of Greek myths to Phoebe. But Cass is disappearing before Phoebe's eyes, lost to a cruel illness that is destroying her memory. When grief drives Phoebe to ruin the only painting Cass has never sold, a seascape inspired by childhood holidays on the Greek island of Ithaca, she is mysteriously swept away to a fantasy world that resembles her favourite myth of all – the story of the Odyssey.
There Phoebe is caught up in a young boy's mission to find his long-lost father – a shipbuilder to King Odysseus, last seen going off to fight in the Trojan War – and faces an epic quest of her own. To seek the shape-shifting monster whose ravenous and growing power may hold the key to Phoebe fighting her own demons. Only by defeating the monster and facing her fears, will she have any hope of finding her way home and back to Cass.
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Published September 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 30, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Zephyr for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is my first Annelise Gray book, although I do own a copy of the first Circus Maximus book just waiting to be read.
This had the same feeling I get when I read a Katherine Rundell book, right from the off, as well as hints of C.S Lewis' Narnia.
Like all good kids books, it is fun and magical and thrilling, but it doesn't talk down to them. It contains some difficult topics, ones that even adults struggle with, and I think that's important in keeping the story and characters grounded.
The problem I find with some kids books is that because the protagonist is a child, I find it hard to connect to them as a 32 year old. But Annelise has created such a mesmerising character in Phoebe that she really spoke to me. All the characters, whether I could relate to them or not, were so well written and felt so real, even the mythological ones, and you get swept up on this journey with them.
Its a relatively short book and I read it in a few hours as it's so addictive and well written, and so smooth. I think for younger readers, it would be a great read at bedtime, a chapter at a time. I truly did enjoy it, but I think younger readers will get more out of it, which is fine, as that is the target audience.
I loved the weaving of the Odyssey stories and other myths like Jason and the Argonauts for example.
It's a fantasy, and a fairy tale, I suppose. But it's also about family, friendship, love, sadness, memories, bravery, hope, the power of imagination, and the power of art.
This is my first Annelise Gray book, although I do own a copy of the first Circus Maximus book just waiting to be read.
This had the same feeling I get when I read a Katherine Rundell book, right from the off, as well as hints of C.S Lewis' Narnia.
Like all good kids books, it is fun and magical and thrilling, but it doesn't talk down to them. It contains some difficult topics, ones that even adults struggle with, and I think that's important in keeping the story and characters grounded.
The problem I find with some kids books is that because the protagonist is a child, I find it hard to connect to them as a 32 year old. But Annelise has created such a mesmerising character in Phoebe that she really spoke to me. All the characters, whether I could relate to them or not, were so well written and felt so real, even the mythological ones, and you get swept up on this journey with them.
Its a relatively short book and I read it in a few hours as it's so addictive and well written, and so smooth. I think for younger readers, it would be a great read at bedtime, a chapter at a time. I truly did enjoy it, but I think younger readers will get more out of it, which is fine, as that is the target audience.
I loved the weaving of the Odyssey stories and other myths like Jason and the Argonauts for example.
It's a fantasy, and a fairy tale, I suppose. But it's also about family, friendship, love, sadness, memories, bravery, hope, the power of imagination, and the power of art.
September 4, 2025
"Hope is a very powerful form of magic. It is never wise to underestimate it. "
°•♡•°
A beautiful and bold story about mythology and making the best of what life throws at you.
I was intrigued by this story as soon as I saw it involved greek mythology as its always been one of my favourites. There is a magical adventure within these pages but there's also so much more underneath it all.
I won't say much as I don't want to spoil the story for anyone but this book got to me on such a personal level. I'm not sure I've experienced this while reading a children's book before but it just shows you how powerful writing can be.
If you're in the mood for some magic and mystery and adventures with mythical characters then you need this book!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
°•♡•°
A beautiful and bold story about mythology and making the best of what life throws at you.
I was intrigued by this story as soon as I saw it involved greek mythology as its always been one of my favourites. There is a magical adventure within these pages but there's also so much more underneath it all.
I won't say much as I don't want to spoil the story for anyone but this book got to me on such a personal level. I'm not sure I've experienced this while reading a children's book before but it just shows you how powerful writing can be.
If you're in the mood for some magic and mystery and adventures with mythical characters then you need this book!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2025
I am a big fan of Annelise’s Circus Maximus series, but this book didn’t really work for me.
I would say it is aimed at a bit younger age range- the cover would suggest that too. The thing I really liked about her other series was the historical detail, although this book is set in Ancient Greece (sort of) there is little of that. There are links to Greek mythology, but it is very basic and wouldn’t really give a reader much insight.
It started well with Phoebe in the present day, worrying about her nan who she is slowly losing to dementia. There are some quite serious moments with the dementia and the historic death of her dad but the ,majority of the book is a quick paced adventure story with peril and near misses that are perhaps a little too easy to resolve.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
I would say it is aimed at a bit younger age range- the cover would suggest that too. The thing I really liked about her other series was the historical detail, although this book is set in Ancient Greece (sort of) there is little of that. There are links to Greek mythology, but it is very basic and wouldn’t really give a reader much insight.
It started well with Phoebe in the present day, worrying about her nan who she is slowly losing to dementia. There are some quite serious moments with the dementia and the historic death of her dad but the ,majority of the book is a quick paced adventure story with peril and near misses that are perhaps a little too easy to resolve.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
September 10, 2025
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinion.
THE ODYSSEY OF PHOEBE QUILLIAM is an engaging reimaging of the odyssey.
This is a really fun take on the Odyssey. It is not a direct retelling but instead weaves a new tail behind it. There are elements of that myth - the Cyclops, for example - in this tale, but Phoebe and Leander are visiting them after Odesseus has passed through. They see the consequences of his quest as they try to complete their own.
I really liked this approach to the Greek myths. There are so many retellings out there and this wah of drawing on them gives the author more flexibility to make the tale their own. Not to mention that the Odessey is really long - too long for a children's book to cover it all - so this approach gives a sensible reason why not all the elements (particularly the difficult ones due to changing moral frameworks) are included.
After spending so much time in Ancient Rome with Annelise's first series, it was a very different feel. We're in ancient Greece for a start and playing with myths so it's a fantasy rather than a historical (though of course it is set in a quasi past!) It also begins in the modern day and explores the affect of dementia on those afflicted with it and also those around them.
THE ODYSSEY OF PHOEBE QUILLIAM is an engaging reimaging of the odyssey.
This is a really fun take on the Odyssey. It is not a direct retelling but instead weaves a new tail behind it. There are elements of that myth - the Cyclops, for example - in this tale, but Phoebe and Leander are visiting them after Odesseus has passed through. They see the consequences of his quest as they try to complete their own.
I really liked this approach to the Greek myths. There are so many retellings out there and this wah of drawing on them gives the author more flexibility to make the tale their own. Not to mention that the Odessey is really long - too long for a children's book to cover it all - so this approach gives a sensible reason why not all the elements (particularly the difficult ones due to changing moral frameworks) are included.
After spending so much time in Ancient Rome with Annelise's first series, it was a very different feel. We're in ancient Greece for a start and playing with myths so it's a fantasy rather than a historical (though of course it is set in a quasi past!) It also begins in the modern day and explores the affect of dementia on those afflicted with it and also those around them.
September 5, 2025
The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam by Annelise Grey is a compelling and imaginative adventure that cleverly intertwines contemporary themes with the timeless myths of Ancient Greece.
Aimed at readers aged 9+, this book would also sit comfortably in a secondary library, offering plenty to engage both confident younger readers and older pupils alike.
Phoebe is struggling with her grandmother’s memory loss when she is unexpectedly drawn into Ithaca and the mythical characters surrounding Odysseus' return from Troy. There she joins forces with a boy named Leander. Together, they embark on a quest to find his father and defeat Morpheia: a monstrous being that steals memories.
The descriptive writing is so strong that I found myself checking at the end whether there had been illustrations — the imagery is that vivid and powerful.
This is more than just an exciting adventure – it’s a thoughtful exploration of grief, memory, and identity. Grey handles big themes with sensitivity, giving space for children to reflect while never losing pace or sense of wonder.
Highly recommended for school and public libraries – an excellent choice for sparking discussion around courage, resilience, and the power of stories.
Aimed at readers aged 9+, this book would also sit comfortably in a secondary library, offering plenty to engage both confident younger readers and older pupils alike.
Phoebe is struggling with her grandmother’s memory loss when she is unexpectedly drawn into Ithaca and the mythical characters surrounding Odysseus' return from Troy. There she joins forces with a boy named Leander. Together, they embark on a quest to find his father and defeat Morpheia: a monstrous being that steals memories.
The descriptive writing is so strong that I found myself checking at the end whether there had been illustrations — the imagery is that vivid and powerful.
This is more than just an exciting adventure – it’s a thoughtful exploration of grief, memory, and identity. Grey handles big themes with sensitivity, giving space for children to reflect while never losing pace or sense of wonder.
Highly recommended for school and public libraries – an excellent choice for sparking discussion around courage, resilience, and the power of stories.
August 23, 2025
this was a beautiful use of the greek myths, monsters and outer struggles to represent how hard it is to lose someone you love, whether to instant loss or a slow loss like Alzheimer's or dementia.
Phoebe adores her Nan, but lately she's been getting more and more forgetful. she forgets who Phoebe is altogether at some points. but she always remembers her adventures as a child with a friend she made in Greece, stories she's told Phoebe a thousand times.
Phoebe finds herself transported back in time, to when Odysseus is trapped on the island with Calypso, and a boy called Leander is looking desperately for his father, one of Odysseus' ill-fated crew.
Phoebe believes if she can find the monster on her grandmothers map and defeat it, her Nan's memories will come back. But even reaching the monster is a battle in itself.
this was a really enjoyable book, and a great way to help children cope with loss. it's not in your face 'here is a book about death', it's more gentle, and told throughout the story. allowing Phoebe and the reader to come to terms in their own time.
Phoebe adores her Nan, but lately she's been getting more and more forgetful. she forgets who Phoebe is altogether at some points. but she always remembers her adventures as a child with a friend she made in Greece, stories she's told Phoebe a thousand times.
Phoebe finds herself transported back in time, to when Odysseus is trapped on the island with Calypso, and a boy called Leander is looking desperately for his father, one of Odysseus' ill-fated crew.
Phoebe believes if she can find the monster on her grandmothers map and defeat it, her Nan's memories will come back. But even reaching the monster is a battle in itself.
this was a really enjoyable book, and a great way to help children cope with loss. it's not in your face 'here is a book about death', it's more gentle, and told throughout the story. allowing Phoebe and the reader to come to terms in their own time.
August 15, 2025
Drawing on the legends from Homer's Odyssey, this is an intelligent and action-packed story about a young girl who finds herself in Ithaca, mysteriously transported to that world and encountering - among others - the legendary Odysseus.
She also finds a friend in Leander, a young boy whose father Calo never returned from his voyage to fight in the Trojan War alongside Odysseus.
Can Phoebe help Leander? And even more importantly, can she return safely to her own world, given the dangers she faces in ancient Ithaca?
A moving and imaginative story, this one is worth checking out, though the ending felt abrupt. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
She also finds a friend in Leander, a young boy whose father Calo never returned from his voyage to fight in the Trojan War alongside Odysseus.
Can Phoebe help Leander? And even more importantly, can she return safely to her own world, given the dangers she faces in ancient Ithaca?
A moving and imaginative story, this one is worth checking out, though the ending felt abrupt. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 28, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Zephyr for the E - ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion
I realy enjoyed myself reading this book. It handled difficult topics very well and accordingly to the targeted audience. The grief and guilt are interconnected and it was shown how in this little book. However the main issue did overshadow our main character Phoebe and she seemed to me a bit bland.
For the target age group it shouldn´t make any problem.
Overall I did really liked it, so 4 stars out of 5.
I realy enjoyed myself reading this book. It handled difficult topics very well and accordingly to the targeted audience. The grief and guilt are interconnected and it was shown how in this little book. However the main issue did overshadow our main character Phoebe and she seemed to me a bit bland.
For the target age group it shouldn´t make any problem.
Overall I did really liked it, so 4 stars out of 5.
July 22, 2025
The book opens with Phoebe hanging out with her grandmother, Cass. Cass loves to share Greek Myth stories with her grand daughter. You also find out that Phoebe's Dad and Cass's son tragically dies at sea. Cass is losing her memory though. This saddens Phoebe and she believes that if she had said something this would have been able to be prevented.
What ensues as the pages unfold is a quaint adventure of Phoebe being transported into The Odyssey and having a rather cool adventure in the process.
I loved this modern retelling.
What ensues as the pages unfold is a quaint adventure of Phoebe being transported into The Odyssey and having a rather cool adventure in the process.
I loved this modern retelling.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews