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Olympians #10
Hermes: Tales of the Trickster
BORN IN A CAVE TO A SELF-BANISHED MOTHER, clever, mischievous, unrelenting Hermes in a handful from his first day in the world. From infancy, when he bewitches fifty cows and bends them to his will to play a joke on his older half-brother Apollo, to his adolescence and adulthood when he becomes father to the equally mischievous Pan, Hermes's story is wildly entertaining as he brings a little bit of chaos to everything he touches.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2018
109 people are currently reading
1145 people want to read
About the author
George O'Connor
74 books456 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base and there are multiple George O'Conner's that illustrate comics
George O'Connor is the author of several picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Kapow!, Kersplash, and Sally and the Some-thing. JOURNEY INTO MOHAWK COUNTRY was his first graphic novel, a long-held dream that weaves together his passion for history and ongoing research into Native American life. He's also the author/illustrator of a new picture book, If I Had a Raptor.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
George O'Connor is the author of several picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Kapow!, Kersplash, and Sally and the Some-thing. JOURNEY INTO MOHAWK COUNTRY was his first graphic novel, a long-held dream that weaves together his passion for history and ongoing research into Native American life. He's also the author/illustrator of a new picture book, If I Had a Raptor.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
September 7, 2018
Another fantastic volume in the Olympians series. I really have read extensively on Greek mythology and every single book George comes up with another story or two I haven't heard before. Where is he getting this source material from and why have I missed it. Well, I'm glad he's bring these stories forward.
I love Hermes. He is amazing. He is like the jack of all trades among the gods. He has to do a little of everything to keep out of trouble. Aesop of Aesop's fables shows up in this story also. I didn't know that Pan was the son of Hermes, maybe I did and I forgot. I forget a lot of things lately. School brain. Argus and the story of Hera and the Peacock is also in this one. One of the things I like about George is he has changed my view a little bit of Hera. I saw her as absolutely insane, stark raving mad and he has given me a little change of perspective on her. Argus looks so amazing.
I hope he has more planned, because this has been a great series.
I love Hermes. He is amazing. He is like the jack of all trades among the gods. He has to do a little of everything to keep out of trouble. Aesop of Aesop's fables shows up in this story also. I didn't know that Pan was the son of Hermes, maybe I did and I forgot. I forget a lot of things lately. School brain. Argus and the story of Hera and the Peacock is also in this one. One of the things I like about George is he has changed my view a little bit of Hera. I saw her as absolutely insane, stark raving mad and he has given me a little change of perspective on her. Argus looks so amazing.
I hope he has more planned, because this has been a great series.
December 11, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced epub in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to be posted in January 2018.
Full review to be posted in January 2018.
March 10, 2018
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
3.5/5 Stars
Thank you to Raincoast books and FirstSecond for sending me a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my honest review!
This is the latest volume in The Olympians series featuring Hermes. The graphic novel tells Hermes story from when he was born straight into adulthood.
Hermes is one of my favourite Greek Gods so I loved reading about him! I think O'Connor did a great job of telling his story and adding humor into it as well. I really loved the art style of this! The bright colours were a great touch! I also really liked how the back included biographies for each of the major characters featured in the novel and some fun facts about them!
Overall a super fun and quick read!
3.5/5 Stars
Thank you to Raincoast books and FirstSecond for sending me a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my honest review!
This is the latest volume in The Olympians series featuring Hermes. The graphic novel tells Hermes story from when he was born straight into adulthood.
Hermes is one of my favourite Greek Gods so I loved reading about him! I think O'Connor did a great job of telling his story and adding humor into it as well. I really loved the art style of this! The bright colours were a great touch! I also really liked how the back included biographies for each of the major characters featured in the novel and some fun facts about them!
Overall a super fun and quick read!
March 27, 2018
Although I will also be a fan of the original stories of the Greek gods and goddesses that I read back when I was young, I love how George O'Connor brings these classic stories to life for a modern audience. I really can't believe this is the tenth in his Olympians series, a series that I won't get tired of soon--and I'm not alone in saying that. In this installment, he focuses on Hermes, and observant readers will know not to trust anything they hear or see since this is the trickster god, after all. The son of Zeus, he is able to slip from the cave where his mother is hiding him and steal Apollo's cows on his first day of life. From there, he goes on to wreak havoc in Olympus and on Earth. I continue to enjoy the lavish, detailed artwork, sometimes relying on panels sliced into interesting strips and sometimes featuring a double-page spread of an important scene. There are even examples of subtle character development that hint at what some of the gods and goddesses are like. Fans of this series will want to add this one to their collection while it is sure to garner even more admirers for its author/illustrator. If interest in Greek mythology doesn't die, this man can be credited for resurrecting interest in the topic.
March 26, 2018
This might be my favorite of George O'Connor's olympians series so far.
I really loved the use of humor in the volume. Very true to the character of Hermes himself. And the artwork seems to get better with each volume too.
My favorite thing about this one was that I learned all new stories. I previously knew nothing about Hermes' origins, and had never heard/read about the other stories the author picked either.
I would highly recommend this if you are looking for an introduction into the olympian Greek Gods, and this one in particular for Hermes is a great jumping off point. i read it in one sitting, so it is easy to digest!
I really loved the use of humor in the volume. Very true to the character of Hermes himself. And the artwork seems to get better with each volume too.
My favorite thing about this one was that I learned all new stories. I previously knew nothing about Hermes' origins, and had never heard/read about the other stories the author picked either.
I would highly recommend this if you are looking for an introduction into the olympian Greek Gods, and this one in particular for Hermes is a great jumping off point. i read it in one sitting, so it is easy to digest!
January 15, 2018
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
There are obviously several factors that make George O'Connor's Olympian series such a relish, among these the stellar design of each protagonist, the characterization, the narrative technique, its near universality in accessibility -- and all of these continue through this tenth entry, Hermes: Tales of the Trickster.
To this point in the greater story, Hermes has been nearly everywhere yet absolutely nowhere. He's been the most prominent cursory character this entire time, dipping into each narrative with a now signature fast-talking, fast-paced style… as well as with a touch mystery. So when we see Hermes zipping through the night as an infant vandal, or executing a dizzying number of functions, the latter which O'Connor deftly illustrates, suddenly what we've glimpsed before begins to make some sense. We begin to get an understanding of just who this wise guy is, someone who's cleverly always in the mix of everything.
O'Connor states that Hermes is his favorite, and his sheer enthusiasm for portraying the character is palpable. He's having as much fun telling this tale as Hermes himself appears to be in all his sly high jinks. Even though Typhon with his monstrous grandeur attempts to steal the story, Hermes is by far the capital thief here of our attention.
O'Connor's faithfulness to the classical myths along with his intuitive insight into these gods is probably the most compelling element of his series, as well as his ability to structure things in a greater, overreaching arc. Seeing that Argos the giant is finally the conclusion to what started seven books ago, or more profoundly, realizing that Hermes shares deep parallels with his father Zeus that not even mythological scholars of today will highlight, to say nothing of the twist in the ending, all make for a more satisfying read than simply taking this story at face value, especially as we slowly come to the conclusion of the series.
The mystery is uncovered -- we finally see Hermes' face...! And he's handsome, too! Just to fully see Hermes, isn't that enough to warrant reading?
There are obviously several factors that make George O'Connor's Olympian series such a relish, among these the stellar design of each protagonist, the characterization, the narrative technique, its near universality in accessibility -- and all of these continue through this tenth entry, Hermes: Tales of the Trickster.
To this point in the greater story, Hermes has been nearly everywhere yet absolutely nowhere. He's been the most prominent cursory character this entire time, dipping into each narrative with a now signature fast-talking, fast-paced style… as well as with a touch mystery. So when we see Hermes zipping through the night as an infant vandal, or executing a dizzying number of functions, the latter which O'Connor deftly illustrates, suddenly what we've glimpsed before begins to make some sense. We begin to get an understanding of just who this wise guy is, someone who's cleverly always in the mix of everything.
O'Connor states that Hermes is his favorite, and his sheer enthusiasm for portraying the character is palpable. He's having as much fun telling this tale as Hermes himself appears to be in all his sly high jinks. Even though Typhon with his monstrous grandeur attempts to steal the story, Hermes is by far the capital thief here of our attention.
O'Connor's faithfulness to the classical myths along with his intuitive insight into these gods is probably the most compelling element of his series, as well as his ability to structure things in a greater, overreaching arc. Seeing that Argos the giant is finally the conclusion to what started seven books ago, or more profoundly, realizing that Hermes shares deep parallels with his father Zeus that not even mythological scholars of today will highlight, to say nothing of the twist in the ending, all make for a more satisfying read than simply taking this story at face value, especially as we slowly come to the conclusion of the series.
The mystery is uncovered -- we finally see Hermes' face...! And he's handsome, too! Just to fully see Hermes, isn't that enough to warrant reading?
June 21, 2022
Story time going to the pasture.
Hermes was trouble from day one with a mischievous streak that could consume the world if not for the many tasks his father gives him to take up the time of the fastest of the Olympians. Who better to tell us the tales of this multi talented god than the special guest star we meet as he finds himself at the home Argus Panoptes the all-seeing whose job it is to watch over Io who was once human but was transformed into a cow to avoid Hera's wrath and then imprisoned by her anyway (I believe it was a story told in the Zeus book.) Who is the special guest traveler regaling us with tales of magic and mischief? Sorry folks but you'll have to read to find out. :)
What I can tell you however is the basics of what to expect in this book including Hermes first prank (only a day old at that), Stories of Hermes' son Pan (and a quick intro to some of his other kids), a story about why dogs always sniff each others' rear ends, a tale about hospitality gone dangerously right, and also an epic battle with the great fiend Typhon who intimidated all but the fiercest of Olympians.
As always be sure to stick around after the comics to check out the Geek notes which give us an insight into George's thoughts and interesting information about certain pages of the book (the skiapods are vey interesting to me.) Of the profiles we will find amongst the other features at the end of the book we will see information on Hermes, Argus Panoptes, Pan, and the dreadful Thyphon. Of course even from volume one the shiny addition to the book is also something I look forward to and seeing the detail in Hermes' Caduceus really proves the quality of the covers has improved as we find ourselves with only two more volumes in the series to go. :)
Hermes was trouble from day one with a mischievous streak that could consume the world if not for the many tasks his father gives him to take up the time of the fastest of the Olympians. Who better to tell us the tales of this multi talented god than the special guest star we meet as he finds himself at the home Argus Panoptes the all-seeing whose job it is to watch over Io who was once human but was transformed into a cow to avoid Hera's wrath and then imprisoned by her anyway (I believe it was a story told in the Zeus book.) Who is the special guest traveler regaling us with tales of magic and mischief? Sorry folks but you'll have to read to find out. :)
What I can tell you however is the basics of what to expect in this book including Hermes first prank (only a day old at that), Stories of Hermes' son Pan (and a quick intro to some of his other kids), a story about why dogs always sniff each others' rear ends, a tale about hospitality gone dangerously right, and also an epic battle with the great fiend Typhon who intimidated all but the fiercest of Olympians.
As always be sure to stick around after the comics to check out the Geek notes which give us an insight into George's thoughts and interesting information about certain pages of the book (the skiapods are vey interesting to me.) Of the profiles we will find amongst the other features at the end of the book we will see information on Hermes, Argus Panoptes, Pan, and the dreadful Thyphon. Of course even from volume one the shiny addition to the book is also something I look forward to and seeing the detail in Hermes' Caduceus really proves the quality of the covers has improved as we find ourselves with only two more volumes in the series to go. :)
February 6, 2018
After the lackluster entries for Apollo and Artemis, I was worried George O'Connor was running out of steam in his Olympians series, but Hermes is not only a return to form, I think it's his best. Visual gags and inside jokes for mytho-philes of all ages abound, and his double page spread for the introduction of Typhon is amazing.
As always the G(r)eek Notes at the end of the book are great:
"Stop right now. Go to Youtube, look up "yakety sax", press play, and read these four pages with that as your soundtrack. In an ideal world, each volume of Olympians would be an unlimited number of pages, and this chase sequence would extend for like, eighty-eight pages."
As always the G(r)eek Notes at the end of the book are great:
"Stop right now. Go to Youtube, look up "yakety sax", press play, and read these four pages with that as your soundtrack. In an ideal world, each volume of Olympians would be an unlimited number of pages, and this chase sequence would extend for like, eighty-eight pages."
March 22, 2018
This hilarious volume is my favorite entry in this very good series. O'Connor has mastered the art of being simultaneously educational and entertaining.
August 1, 2021
Funny and entertaining. I love O'Connor's Author's Notes at the end and his commentary on the pictures in the appendix. Perfect for middle school but kids will probably need a dictionary.
February 19, 2025
he is so silly i love him, unlike the other ones in this series it wasn't too hefty on the words like they are trying cram everything in, his was so cute <3 :)
March 2, 2019
THIS. MAN'S. BOOKS.
Have you read George O'Connor's Olympians graphic novel series yet? If not, DO IT. NOW. THEY'RE SERIOUSLY SO, SO, SO GOOD.
I will never stop raving about how amazing these books are. They are, by far, my absolute favorite adaptions EVER (well maybe excluding Rick Riordan) in any media of Greek mythology. The way O'Connor draws... every god and goddess has their own personality, their own unique artwork, and style, ugh! THEY'RE SO GOOD.
I adore these books so much. Please go check out each and every one; you'll love it.
Also: you MUST read the G(r)eek Notes at the end of the book! They show how much incredible effort O'Connor puts into his books, how he drew one panel to make the characters look like a famous statue and explain the references he adds all over the place. It's AMAZING. A M A Z I N G.
This one in particular focuses on Hermes. The ending is great (THAT LAST PANEL, I LOVE IT!) and I love the unique ways O'Connor tells every god's story. It's incredible. I learned a bit more about Hermes, too. LOVED IT.
Easy 5/5 stars. Please go check out these masterpieces; you will not regret it.
Have you read George O'Connor's Olympians graphic novel series yet? If not, DO IT. NOW. THEY'RE SERIOUSLY SO, SO, SO GOOD.
I will never stop raving about how amazing these books are. They are, by far, my absolute favorite adaptions EVER (well maybe excluding Rick Riordan) in any media of Greek mythology. The way O'Connor draws... every god and goddess has their own personality, their own unique artwork, and style, ugh! THEY'RE SO GOOD.
I adore these books so much. Please go check out each and every one; you'll love it.
Also: you MUST read the G(r)eek Notes at the end of the book! They show how much incredible effort O'Connor puts into his books, how he drew one panel to make the characters look like a famous statue and explain the references he adds all over the place. It's AMAZING. A M A Z I N G.
This one in particular focuses on Hermes. The ending is great (THAT LAST PANEL, I LOVE IT!) and I love the unique ways O'Connor tells every god's story. It's incredible. I learned a bit more about Hermes, too. LOVED IT.
Easy 5/5 stars. Please go check out these masterpieces; you will not regret it.
May 3, 2018
People who have been complaining about previous installations in this series being a disjointed jumble of stories will be happy to know that this one has an overlaying theme. Personally I never minded multiple (related and unrelated) stories in one book, because they’re myths and I’d rather see the depth and variety in a god, than stick to one subject just to avoid confusion. Even so I have to admit that having and underlying plot between stories was easier to read and created intrigue throughout. It was also nice with some light hearted tales after the darker tales of Ares, Apollo and Artemis.
January 29, 2020
Is it bad that we're ten books in and I have never once given thought to what Hermes' hair looks like? It's not like I thought he was bald. I was just shocked that his hair was like... hair.
As always, I was entertained and astonished by the latest addition to the Olympians books. Hermes has always been a busy god (I think he has a speaking role in every single one of the books, which otherwise might only be true of Zeus), so I liked how this book focused both on how busy he is while slowing us down to look at a few of his most important myths. There were even a few I'd never heard before, which was cool!
Other Good Things, in no particular order:
Hermes is actually a prequel of sorts (some/most of the events take place before Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory and Apollo: The Brilliant One), which I didn't realize until I was skimming some of the other books. It gave me a feeling that we were very solidified in this story with these characters, able to turn back and look at previous moments with more depth. (Also, Io's story isn't done yet! Even as we turn backward, there's still movement forward.)
Baby Hermes is both bizarre and adorable. I say bizarre likely because Hermes is the only person I know who became a cattle rustler on the same day he was born. Nonetheless, Hermes' "origin story," per se, was charming and funny—but it also gave me the sense that if Hermes were not running around being the god of 57.5 things all the time, his boredom could easily unleash a darker side to him that would be difficult to control.
Artemis, as always, is amazing. I feel like Artemis is the "Elsa giving you a prostate exam" meme to Apollo's Sharpay-Evans-level drama queen-ness. But with cows instead of love interests.
(Seriously, though. Apollo is SUCH a drama queen. And his dad just DOESN'T UNDERSTAND HIS ART, MAN. Like, ugh, I just need to be me, dad.)
Honestly, I was rooting for Hera the whole time. It seems like Hermes is the only one of Zeus's other children that she might actually love, and her reactions to everything were on point.
We've also gotten the sense that Hermes is one of the most "human" of the gods (i.e. the way he talks), but I also liked that we got a little personal with Hermes, too. I don't think we've seen any of the gods waiting around to meet any of their newborn kids before, but that's what Hermes did for Pan. And, also the story of Pan's birth was just cute, okay? And Aphrodite and Artemis and Hera are all wonderful aunties and this is not up for debate.
We finally got to see Echidna! (IDK what to tell you, I just like Echidna... as a person?)
Oh yeah and Typhon was really scary. Can confirm that I would poop my pants if he showed up in my back yard. I also appreciated Typhon's presence in the story, because I remember some four or so years ago, when I read Zeus: King of the Gods, I felt like the whole creation myth was incomplete without Typhon being there. But now he is here! (And it tied in fairly well to the whole Argus thing, so in in the end, sixteen-year-old me should have just calmed down and been patient. Everything is fine.)
I feel like I should have some criticism to even this review out, but it's hard. As I've said before, Hermes has played a major role in basically every single Olympians book up until now. This book was bound to be a little different for that reason. In some ways, we already knew him! The turn back to Hermes' family, his multiple responsibilities, his role in story itself, and his darker side give Hermes an unusual vibe—but that was the point.
I mentioned at the beginning that this feels like a prequel, creating a sense that this story is "out of time." Not only does this give us the tragic reminder that we don't have very many new Olympians books to look forward to, but it also seems to give shape to how we have to approach Hermes. He's too fast and too busy to understand in chronological, real-time progression. Unfolding Hermes' layers requires that we stop and go back, turn over rocks we missed before, and consider him as someone who is a bit beyond definition. Time can't hold him, and neither can we. Our access has to be through something with more power than both—story.
It's fitting.
(Anyway, great book, defs go buy it. Shoo.)
As always, I was entertained and astonished by the latest addition to the Olympians books. Hermes has always been a busy god (I think he has a speaking role in every single one of the books, which otherwise might only be true of Zeus), so I liked how this book focused both on how busy he is while slowing us down to look at a few of his most important myths. There were even a few I'd never heard before, which was cool!
Other Good Things, in no particular order:
Hermes is actually a prequel of sorts (some/most of the events take place before Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory and Apollo: The Brilliant One), which I didn't realize until I was skimming some of the other books. It gave me a feeling that we were very solidified in this story with these characters, able to turn back and look at previous moments with more depth. (Also, Io's story isn't done yet! Even as we turn backward, there's still movement forward.)
Baby Hermes is both bizarre and adorable. I say bizarre likely because Hermes is the only person I know who became a cattle rustler on the same day he was born. Nonetheless, Hermes' "origin story," per se, was charming and funny—but it also gave me the sense that if Hermes were not running around being the god of 57.5 things all the time, his boredom could easily unleash a darker side to him that would be difficult to control.
Artemis, as always, is amazing. I feel like Artemis is the "Elsa giving you a prostate exam" meme to Apollo's Sharpay-Evans-level drama queen-ness. But with cows instead of love interests.
(Seriously, though. Apollo is SUCH a drama queen. And his dad just DOESN'T UNDERSTAND HIS ART, MAN. Like, ugh, I just need to be me, dad.)
Honestly, I was rooting for Hera the whole time. It seems like Hermes is the only one of Zeus's other children that she might actually love, and her reactions to everything were on point.
We've also gotten the sense that Hermes is one of the most "human" of the gods (i.e. the way he talks), but I also liked that we got a little personal with Hermes, too. I don't think we've seen any of the gods waiting around to meet any of their newborn kids before, but that's what Hermes did for Pan. And, also the story of Pan's birth was just cute, okay? And Aphrodite and Artemis and Hera are all wonderful aunties and this is not up for debate.
We finally got to see Echidna! (IDK what to tell you, I just like Echidna... as a person?)
Oh yeah and Typhon was really scary. Can confirm that I would poop my pants if he showed up in my back yard. I also appreciated Typhon's presence in the story, because I remember some four or so years ago, when I read Zeus: King of the Gods, I felt like the whole creation myth was incomplete without Typhon being there. But now he is here! (And it tied in fairly well to the whole Argus thing, so in in the end, sixteen-year-old me should have just calmed down and been patient. Everything is fine.)
I feel like I should have some criticism to even this review out, but it's hard. As I've said before, Hermes has played a major role in basically every single Olympians book up until now. This book was bound to be a little different for that reason. In some ways, we already knew him! The turn back to Hermes' family, his multiple responsibilities, his role in story itself, and his darker side give Hermes an unusual vibe—but that was the point.
I mentioned at the beginning that this feels like a prequel, creating a sense that this story is "out of time." Not only does this give us the tragic reminder that we don't have very many new Olympians books to look forward to, but it also seems to give shape to how we have to approach Hermes. He's too fast and too busy to understand in chronological, real-time progression. Unfolding Hermes' layers requires that we stop and go back, turn over rocks we missed before, and consider him as someone who is a bit beyond definition. Time can't hold him, and neither can we. Our access has to be through something with more power than both—story.
It's fitting.
(Anyway, great book, defs go buy it. Shoo.)
August 7, 2018
I won't deny I was really looking forward to this one, Wingèd Hermes being a real favourite of mine since forever. He just seems like a really fun deity, even if he can be a sneaky jerk sometimes.
This volume didn't disappoint, and as usual O'Connor worked in some Myths one wouldn't necessarily expect, such as Zeus' deadly clash with the arch-monster Typhon. O'Connor's artistic treatment of this being was suitably inchoate and menacing, well played!
This volume didn't disappoint, and as usual O'Connor worked in some Myths one wouldn't necessarily expect, such as Zeus' deadly clash with the arch-monster Typhon. O'Connor's artistic treatment of this being was suitably inchoate and menacing, well played!
July 4, 2025
This story brims with inventiveness, ingenuity, cunning and mischief…just like the Olympian god to whom it pays homage.
It touches on many of the stories I’ve read about Hermes, including the one of his birth and immediate entry into the world. Mr. O’Connor also outlines Hermes’s many duties. Like his half-sister Artemis, he is a god of many names and chores. (Zeus, in all his wisdom, decided to give the boy plenty to do to keep him out of mischief.)
All the stories in this installment of the Olympians series ultimately ties into the story of Io, one of Zeus’s many mortal paramours. If you’ve been reading this series from the beginning, you likely encountered the poor wench in the story of Hera. As in that tale, we never see poor Io in her human form, only the sad bovine that Zeus turned her into in a failed attempt to hide her from his jealous wife. Oh well.
The graphic novel takes many twists and turns but the final denouement was a startling one (even for me!). It also includes the myths of other gods, a surprise too delicious for me to reveal here.
This is one of the best of Mr. O’Connor’s Olympian sagas, managing to incorporate a compelling story, the tying up of loose ends and a brief glimpse into another culture, proving that the tales of the Olympians never grow old. Thanks to the tales from Hermes, they will never be dull, either.
It touches on many of the stories I’ve read about Hermes, including the one of his birth and immediate entry into the world. Mr. O’Connor also outlines Hermes’s many duties. Like his half-sister Artemis, he is a god of many names and chores. (Zeus, in all his wisdom, decided to give the boy plenty to do to keep him out of mischief.)
All the stories in this installment of the Olympians series ultimately ties into the story of Io, one of Zeus’s many mortal paramours. If you’ve been reading this series from the beginning, you likely encountered the poor wench in the story of Hera. As in that tale, we never see poor Io in her human form, only the sad bovine that Zeus turned her into in a failed attempt to hide her from his jealous wife. Oh well.
The graphic novel takes many twists and turns but the final denouement was a startling one (even for me!). It also includes the myths of other gods, a surprise too delicious for me to reveal here.
This is one of the best of Mr. O’Connor’s Olympian sagas, managing to incorporate a compelling story, the tying up of loose ends and a brief glimpse into another culture, proving that the tales of the Olympians never grow old. Thanks to the tales from Hermes, they will never be dull, either.
October 16, 2017
Aah, the joys of reading an ARC. Many of the words and sentences lack spacing between them so theyruntgetherlikethis. Ack. Well over the half the text was like that, making for challenging reading. I do hope that's corrected in the final copy as it seriously interfered with the reading. The artwork was meh, kind of blurry at times and lacking in detail. The story, now, that was a good one. I'm reasonably familiar with Greek mythology but a lot of the stories and details were new to me, and they were woven into a cohesive storyline with an ending that I didn't see coming. At the end of the book were biographies of some of the key figures in the story, a bibliography, footnotes, and some discussion questions.
August 1, 2017
I've only read one other graphic novel by O'Connor and that was Zeus. I wasn't a big fan but I love Greek mythology and it has been 8 or so graphic novels since then so I decided to give him another try. While I did enjoy the story of Hermes more, I still felt something is missing. The drawings don't grab me and the narrative is very straight forward almost to the point of being dull, which I feel mythology is anything but.
October 8, 2022
I thought it was so funny. It was a really great book
February 3, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
September 15, 2025
(4.25 rounded down) Cute and hilarious, Hermes has by far been the most entertaining of the stories of Greek gods this far.
December 10, 2018
Good book. Really liked it. I would recommend the whole series.
March 3, 2025
Hermes is kinda giving like the Kenji of the Greek Gods. He's funny, a goofball, tries to make jokes, but he also has many important jobs. (I can c why George O' Connor really likes Hermes)
August 9, 2018
Hands-down my favorite of the series! I always adored the god Hermes, but the iteration created by George O’Connor sounds like so much fun, I’d love to grab a beer and handout with him.
July 9, 2018
God of thieves and businessmen, travelers and shepherds, Hermes began his godly career the night of his birth by sneaking away from the cave his mother had sequestered them away in and stealing his half brother Apollo’s cattle. He features in many stories and has inspired many more. For now, let a wanderer entertain you with a few of them.
I have a tendency to assume that everyone had a middle school Greek mythology phase, where they were super into it and wanted to know all the things. George O’Connor’s Olympians: Hermes: Tales of the Trickster reminds me of that pretty seriously.
This isn’t a super in depth book of mythology, it isn’t trying to be, but it is a fantastic introduction and includes some of the better known Hermes myths with a couple that I don’t remember ever seeing before. That was pretty nifty. The lack of going super in depth is likely also because this is aimed at a younger audience. That’s worth noting mostly because reading this really made me wish that my schools’ libraries had had something like it back in the day.
The art here is awesome. It makes me think of super hero comics with how buff the male characters tend to be and how bright the colors are. The character art is expressive and fun, especially when Pan is being focused on. Similarly, the back ground art can be fantastic with sprawling hills and forests and night scenes that have fantastic light work. I almost want to track down the previous books just for the art.
Overall after reading Olympians: Hermes: Tales of the Trickster I find myself very much wanting to read the other nine in the series. I very much enjoyed this comic and would happily suggest it to readers who want to check into or back into Greek mythology. It’s definitely aimed at a younger audience than me, but then is still well written enough to be entertaining outside of that. I give it a five out of five and note again that, if the rest of the series is as good as this one, O’Connor’s Olympians series would fit well in a school library.
I was sent a copy of this by the publisher, First Second, for honest review.
I have a tendency to assume that everyone had a middle school Greek mythology phase, where they were super into it and wanted to know all the things. George O’Connor’s Olympians: Hermes: Tales of the Trickster reminds me of that pretty seriously.
This isn’t a super in depth book of mythology, it isn’t trying to be, but it is a fantastic introduction and includes some of the better known Hermes myths with a couple that I don’t remember ever seeing before. That was pretty nifty. The lack of going super in depth is likely also because this is aimed at a younger audience. That’s worth noting mostly because reading this really made me wish that my schools’ libraries had had something like it back in the day.
The art here is awesome. It makes me think of super hero comics with how buff the male characters tend to be and how bright the colors are. The character art is expressive and fun, especially when Pan is being focused on. Similarly, the back ground art can be fantastic with sprawling hills and forests and night scenes that have fantastic light work. I almost want to track down the previous books just for the art.
Overall after reading Olympians: Hermes: Tales of the Trickster I find myself very much wanting to read the other nine in the series. I very much enjoyed this comic and would happily suggest it to readers who want to check into or back into Greek mythology. It’s definitely aimed at a younger audience than me, but then is still well written enough to be entertaining outside of that. I give it a five out of five and note again that, if the rest of the series is as good as this one, O’Connor’s Olympians series would fit well in a school library.
I was sent a copy of this by the publisher, First Second, for honest review.
January 16, 2018
In this 10th Olympians book we’re introduced to Hermes’ origin story and some of his adventures, as well as looking at a few of the adventures of his son, Pan.
I think this is my favorite Olympians book of all so far. Hermes’ tales are much more fun and lighthearted than a lot of the others. His first adventure is worthy of several giggles. In the back of the book O’Connor says Hermes is his favorite of the Greek gods and it shows. You can tell he had lots of fun with this one. I’d never heard about the ties between Aesop and Hermes before or the myth explaining why dogs sniff each others’ backsides (which was humorous). Another great addition to this graphic novel series that retells classic myths in graphic novel format. If you’re gonna study the Greek myths, this series is a fun and memorable way to do it. Students will be super happy when this comes in to our library.
Notes on content: No language issues. Though Greek gods are known to sleep around, there’s no graphic details and the most intimacy on page is a hug. Some people are scantily clad or naked but speech bubbles, page edges, and other things are tactfully employed to keep things decent. There are some battles, but nothing super gory in this one. (It says that Typhon takes Zeus’ sinews at one point, but they aren’t shown and he looks fine.)
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I think this is my favorite Olympians book of all so far. Hermes’ tales are much more fun and lighthearted than a lot of the others. His first adventure is worthy of several giggles. In the back of the book O’Connor says Hermes is his favorite of the Greek gods and it shows. You can tell he had lots of fun with this one. I’d never heard about the ties between Aesop and Hermes before or the myth explaining why dogs sniff each others’ backsides (which was humorous). Another great addition to this graphic novel series that retells classic myths in graphic novel format. If you’re gonna study the Greek myths, this series is a fun and memorable way to do it. Students will be super happy when this comes in to our library.
Notes on content: No language issues. Though Greek gods are known to sleep around, there’s no graphic details and the most intimacy on page is a hug. Some people are scantily clad or naked but speech bubbles, page edges, and other things are tactfully employed to keep things decent. There are some battles, but nothing super gory in this one. (It says that Typhon takes Zeus’ sinews at one point, but they aren’t shown and he looks fine.)
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2018
O’Connor, George Hermes: Tales of the Trickster (Olympians), 77 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. First Second, 2017. $19. Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.
A traveler stops at the home of a giant covered in eye balls (Argus) –he offers to trade stories for hospitality. He tells of series of stories about sneaky baby Hermes was, of Hermes goat legged son (Pan), and how Hermes saved his father Zeus. Turns out the traveler was a god in disguise with a tricky plan. Stunning graphic novel illustrations.
I have reviewed quite a few of the books from this series and love them. The artwork is top notch and the author brings some clarity into the often nonsensical and complex stories of Greek mythology. I still am of the firm opinion that these are better for middle and high school –there are just a plethora of sexy characters and relationships, that while those same plotlines written in words aren’t inappropriate for elementary –when given life in imagery are a bit much.
MS, HS –ADVISABLE. Stephanie, Elementary School Librarian & Author
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
A traveler stops at the home of a giant covered in eye balls (Argus) –he offers to trade stories for hospitality. He tells of series of stories about sneaky baby Hermes was, of Hermes goat legged son (Pan), and how Hermes saved his father Zeus. Turns out the traveler was a god in disguise with a tricky plan. Stunning graphic novel illustrations.
I have reviewed quite a few of the books from this series and love them. The artwork is top notch and the author brings some clarity into the often nonsensical and complex stories of Greek mythology. I still am of the firm opinion that these are better for middle and high school –there are just a plethora of sexy characters and relationships, that while those same plotlines written in words aren’t inappropriate for elementary –when given life in imagery are a bit much.
MS, HS –ADVISABLE. Stephanie, Elementary School Librarian & Author
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
February 4, 2018
The latest volume in O'Connor's super hero treatment of Greek mythology does an excellent job of embodying the subject matter as O'Connor turns his whimsical style towards gods who wear it well: Hermes and Pan. There's even a nice little twist in the narrative that, as the god himself notes, is "very Hermes" and shows a bit of narrative maturity and growth on O'Connor's part as a storyteller. In his afterward he confesses to having loved Hermes since 3rd grade, and even dressing up like him as part of a school project (for the record, I dressed up as Hermes for Halloween in fifth grade so... clearly I also have an affinity for the god). As the series continues it's hard to see how he's going to wrap it up in the next two volumes but it also wouldn't surprise me if he ends up just moving past the Olympians and creating focus texts around secondary gods. Regardless, O'Connor's love for his material shines through and makes this latest installment a worthy entry.
March 30, 2018
My Review: I have so been enjoying this series of graphic novels and was excited when I won this one in the Goodreads Giveaway. I had know a bit about Hermes from my previous knowledge of Greek Mythology but this really expanded my knowledge. I like how this one is presented as a traveler telling stories about Hermes and his adventures, and the way the stories are within a story within a story, very suiting to the tricky Hermes. We get to see a lot of the different sides of Hermes personality throughout this one and it does a great job of presenting his story. I have to say it also does a great job of introducing the other gods and goddesses involved in this story to readers who are not as familiar with mythology, it doesn't dumb it down but it makes the tales very approachable. You also don't really need to read this series in order which is another great plus. I highly recommend this series and I can't wait for more!
March 4, 2018
As they are published, I will read all the books in this series and each provides a varying degree of enjoyment. As a trickster god, Hermes is a crowd favourite. I think to pull off the stunts he has in mythology he would need to be a charming, capable character and there are glimpses of this in this graphic novel imagining of the Olympian. But, as with the others, I wish that the myths covered in the book were some of the lesser known myths. These books provide a perfect vehicle to tell more and they don't, so there is a lost opportunity. But, it you enjoy Greek mythology, you will enjoy this series. My students certainly appreciate them as enjoyable to read and credible sources of info for projects.
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