Hercules vs the Minotaur - a hilarious, highly illustrated series of mythical magic and real-world mayhem

Hercules #4

by Tom Vaughan

Featured in The Sunday Times' best children's books
inspired by Greek myths.Hercules Braver,
modern-day son of Zeus, is about to face his BIGGEST challenge yet...
A legendary Greek monster has escaped from the underworld!




Hercules is ready to start a new school year as the BEST demigod
when, to his surprise, his cousin Theseus suddenly comes to stay
from Greece. Theseus, son of Poseidon, is a young demigod just
like Hercules. But right as Herc was (finally) preparing to be a
heroically good role model, infuriating Theseus causes TROUBLE at
every turn!



But soon the boys are forced to work together - because Zeus has
been so focused on writing a book that he's lost control of the
cosmos... and now the universe is in jeopardy. One of the most
terrifying monsters in Greek myth has hatched an escape from the
underworld! With their dads pre-occupied, it's up to Herc and Theo
to track down and stop the Minotaur.



No doubt about it, this is Herc's most high-stakes adventure yet.
Will the boys become monster-slaying heroes like their namesakes?
Or will they learn that myths might not have the full story?





The fourth epic adventure in the series is bigger and bolder
than ever, with a mega monster and a new demigod - brilliantly
illustrated throughout by David O'Connell
Due to the curriculum, the Minotaur is one of the most familiar
Greek characters to kids, and this book wraps up the modern twists
on the Twelve Labours of Hercules, featuring another legendary
character, Cerberus
Alongside humour, Tom Vaugham explores themes of bravery, 'goodness',
unlikely friendship and blended families

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2026

Reviews

[Claire Smith-Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our first Hercules read but we loved it. Hercules Braver, a modern day son of Zeus, is determined to do good deeds to show his dad how well he's doing. When his cousin Theseus comes to stay for 2 months he finds it nearly impossible to achieve as every time he tries to do a good deed Theseus is there and it goes disastrously wrong, with poor Hercules getting the blame. 


Forced to work together to stop the strange goings on happening around town as the grown ups are too busy to really notice, Hercules and Theseus are thrown together to save the day. 


There's mischief, mayhem, some good deeds and lots of Greek mythology all mixed together in this diary style read. Great fun and recommended by Henry and Claire. 


Thank you to Scholastic for our copy. 

[Tracy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series following the life of Hercules Braver, a boy with Zeus King of the Gods as a father, is great fun. Tom Vaughan's writing follows Hercules and his friends life and manages to find a story involving the Gods, and in this case a Minotaur.
But is the Minotaur really such a monster?
Oh and Hercules' other problem in this book? His cousin Theo (as in Theseus!) who keeps getting him into trouble. But why is he so annoying?
David O'Connell's illustrations throughout this book bring the hilarity further to life.
Thanks to Scholastic for the copy.

[Fatguyreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our first read in this series, but having enjoyed it so much, the other three books are now on our to be bought list.

This was such a fun read, set in a diary style, it's a tale packed to the brim with Greek mythology, lots of shenanigans and a good helping or two of mischief.

I read this with our 9 year old Daughter, Amelie-Rose, over about a week or so of bedtime stories and we both really enjoyed it.

5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from us.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Hercules books are the perfect mix of funny, Greek mythology and diary! I really enjoyed this instalment - Hercules has to save the world when it seems to be falling apart (weird weather, time blips). I love all the appearances from the Greek mythology characters. The illustrations are just lush too!