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Who Let the Gods Out? #4
Against All Gods
In the series finale of Maz Evans' bestselling Who Let the Gods Out? series, Elliot faces his darkest period yet. As well as facing up to his fears, he realises that the future of mankind - and the survival of everything he holds dear - is at stake. But can a bunch of misfit gods, a lost constellation and a mortal boy stand up to the daemon hordes?
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2019
35 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 18, 2019
An incredibly heartbreaking and heartwarming way to finish this series. I 100% wept for the last 30 pages or so. This book is HILARIOUS. It’s interesting. It’s cool. It’s everything you want in the last book of a series. IM JUST SO SAD ITS OVER. Elliot is the bravest of souls and i just think he’s wonderful.
April 19, 2019
Great series finish, continues the humour and drama, read with spirit and gusto by the author.
Anyone who has read books 1-3 of the 'Who Let the Gods Out' series will of course, be reading this no matter what. The story of Elliot, unwittingly involved with the Greek Gods and their battles as he himself battles his mum's dementia has been a moving one.
This final instalment follows directly on from events of the previous book, as Elliot has to make a decision that would allow him to retrieve his mother from her current location (no spoilers!!) at the potential expense of mankind. It's very dark indeed for a children's book, Elliot as carer has always been a convincing young man, going through trials that most readers will never have considered.
The Gods that have been at Elliot's side throughout are back, Virgo, Zeus and the rest, as funny and engrossing as ever. The plot thickens, it moves quickly through set-pieces and to a conclusion we've been waiting for, with Good against Evil.
The storyline of Elliot's house and nasty teacher is also woven in, and is very satisfyingly drawn together. Every character you remember gets their moment.
I enjoyed listening to this episode, the others I've read on paper. Maz Evans herself takes on narrator duties and does so very well indeed, with lots of energy and voices for each separate character.
If you've read the rest of the series, you really must find out what happens to Elliot and his friends. Children aged 9-13 will also enjoy this series, and hopefully investigate Greek mythology as a result. It's all very cleverly based on the stories and characters, with distinctly modern twists.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
Anyone who has read books 1-3 of the 'Who Let the Gods Out' series will of course, be reading this no matter what. The story of Elliot, unwittingly involved with the Greek Gods and their battles as he himself battles his mum's dementia has been a moving one.
This final instalment follows directly on from events of the previous book, as Elliot has to make a decision that would allow him to retrieve his mother from her current location (no spoilers!!) at the potential expense of mankind. It's very dark indeed for a children's book, Elliot as carer has always been a convincing young man, going through trials that most readers will never have considered.
The Gods that have been at Elliot's side throughout are back, Virgo, Zeus and the rest, as funny and engrossing as ever. The plot thickens, it moves quickly through set-pieces and to a conclusion we've been waiting for, with Good against Evil.
The storyline of Elliot's house and nasty teacher is also woven in, and is very satisfyingly drawn together. Every character you remember gets their moment.
I enjoyed listening to this episode, the others I've read on paper. Maz Evans herself takes on narrator duties and does so very well indeed, with lots of energy and voices for each separate character.
If you've read the rest of the series, you really must find out what happens to Elliot and his friends. Children aged 9-13 will also enjoy this series, and hopefully investigate Greek mythology as a result. It's all very cleverly based on the stories and characters, with distinctly modern twists.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
February 9, 2019
I have been a huge fan of this series since it first came out two years ago, and while I am incredibly sad it is ending I don`t think this could have been any better a send-off for Elliot and the Gods. This picks up almost immediately after the end of Beyond the Odyssey and as such I can`t really tell you the synopsis without spoilers, but when we pick up it is safe to say everything is up in flames and Elliot and the Gods must fight a final battle against the Daemon Thanatos in order to save not only themselves, but the entire world. My very favourite thing about this series is the characters, because they are all amazing. Elliot is so incredibly strong, the Gods are the perfect mix of wacky and wonderful, and the villains are exceptionally well done- they manage to feel like very real threats, whether they are mythological or from the real world. I also loved how clear the way everyone has developed since the first book was in this (there is one character in particular who I thought was particularly epic in here that I really hadn`t expected to be so brilliant!). I also love the humour, both in the narrative voice and in the dialogue between the aforementioned amazing characters. Don`t be deceived by the fact that these books are hilarious though, because they also cover some really important topics (most notably the fact that Elliot is a young carer to a mum with dementia) and are incredibly emotional in places. I wept on numerous occasions during this, and even though I cry all the time so am not a good gauge I would recommend even people who don`t shed tears so easily go into all of this series, but especially this final instalment, armed with tissues. This was an emotional rollercoaster in the very best way, and as I said at the beginning, this was the epic finale I knew Maz would deliver for this wonderful series. 5/5
May 22, 2021
I started this series a few days ago as a way of clearing out some series off my shelves to make way for the ones stacked all over my house. The bad news? I'll need to find more room as these are staying on my keeper shelves.
This series of 4 books is simply delightful. The best mix of humour and warmth with a dash of the ridiculousness and absurd. I've laughed and cried throughout reading all four books. They touch on topics that don't get enough space in books, especially children's. The relationship between Elliot and his Mum is so well written and heartfelt, as are all the relationships in these books.
Maz Evans is now a must-buy author and I look forward to reading a lot more from this author. She is simply super-optimal!
An easy 5 stars.
This series of 4 books is simply delightful. The best mix of humour and warmth with a dash of the ridiculousness and absurd. I've laughed and cried throughout reading all four books. They touch on topics that don't get enough space in books, especially children's. The relationship between Elliot and his Mum is so well written and heartfelt, as are all the relationships in these books.
Maz Evans is now a must-buy author and I look forward to reading a lot more from this author. She is simply super-optimal!
An easy 5 stars.
July 24, 2024
I never expected to binge this series the way I did, engage with it so deeply, or fall in love with it so completely. Every detail, big and small, has been building up to this book, and it delivers in spades. Love pours from its pages, filled with moments that made me feel like a child again. "Who Let The Gods Out" is a prime example of not judging a book by its cover. Despite its playful exterior, it tackles heavy themes and angst, offering profound lessons on forgiveness, understanding, and the complexity of emotions. The humorous, absurd, and wacky elements are just the surface of what this book truly offers.
I’m a sucker for memorable and lovable characters and despite my mixed feelings about how the Greek Mythology aspects were handled and the portrayal of certain things, the strange focus on tedious bits at scattered points I can’t help but feel strongly positively about this book.
I’m a sucker for memorable and lovable characters and despite my mixed feelings about how the Greek Mythology aspects were handled and the portrayal of certain things, the strange focus on tedious bits at scattered points I can’t help but feel strongly positively about this book.
February 12, 2019
What an ending to this brilliant series. I’ve cried numerous times throughout the book but the story is also full of fun, adventures and friendship. Elliott faces Thanatos in the final battle to save Earth, I won’t spoil the ending but it’s good!
April 23, 2019
They're happy tears, I swear. :')
August 8, 2021
Really good conclusion to the story line.
June 1, 2020
Rated by my 10 year-old son, who locked himself away in his room and read this entire series in four days!
January 26, 2019
A most optimal finale to the series.
Elliot and Virgo's quest finishes in brilliant fashion, with laughs, thrills and tears in equal measure. As an adult, I've blubbed my way through this last instalment today, but I've also got face-ache from grinning. All our favourite (and some not-so favourite) characters are back in an fitting conclusion to this epic quest. Who gets their comeuppance and who rises from the ashes is waiting for you to find out, but I can guarantee that any fans of the series will definitely not be disappointed.
Elliot and Virgo's quest finishes in brilliant fashion, with laughs, thrills and tears in equal measure. As an adult, I've blubbed my way through this last instalment today, but I've also got face-ache from grinning. All our favourite (and some not-so favourite) characters are back in an fitting conclusion to this epic quest. Who gets their comeuppance and who rises from the ashes is waiting for you to find out, but I can guarantee that any fans of the series will definitely not be disappointed.
April 29, 2024
I can’t believe I’m emotional at such a silly little book series. Saving the best for last with some grand battles, good humour, and delightful scenes on family and friendship. Not to mention the redemption arcs from the most unexpected places. I really like it when “young” books tackle adult themes and this series did so very well.
February 2, 2025
All god things come to an end.
I've enjoyed this series throughout. But the difficulty after four books is in making an 'original' idea stay original. There are some great moments. Some really poignant moments (an Orpheus and Eurydice parallel) and a few amusing images (Trojan warthog and the war between the gods and the daemons where members of a certain family turn up and decimate the baddies). But it felt like a lot of the pages was just banter between the characters that didn't drive the narrative forward and, while some of the characters got an interesting comeuppance, the ending was very predictable.
It's fun. But not as fun as some of the others. But I'm looking forward to Maz Evans's new work.
I've enjoyed this series throughout. But the difficulty after four books is in making an 'original' idea stay original. There are some great moments. Some really poignant moments (an Orpheus and Eurydice parallel) and a few amusing images (Trojan warthog and the war between the gods and the daemons where members of a certain family turn up and decimate the baddies). But it felt like a lot of the pages was just banter between the characters that didn't drive the narrative forward and, while some of the characters got an interesting comeuppance, the ending was very predictable.
It's fun. But not as fun as some of the others. But I'm looking forward to Maz Evans's new work.
February 18, 2019
Such a lovely ending to the story series. Found the Queen part a bit annoying but otherwise my second favourite of the series. 4.6 stars for me ❤️
July 25, 2020
In diesem Buch geht es drunter und drüber. Denn der sterbliche Elliot gab dem Totengott Thanatos die Chaossteine, mächtige Steine, mit denen man tun und lassen kann, was man möchte. Und das tut Thanatos auch. Alle Zeichen stehen auf Krieg! Krieg der Götter und Dämonen.
Und falls es noch nicht klar ist, es spielt in einer Welt, wo die griechische Mythologie real ist.
Doch diese Mythologie ist um einiges anders. Da hat beispielsweise die Ehegöttin Hera mit Göttervater Zeus Schluss gemacht, weil der sich wieder mal eine neue Beziehung mit einer Sterblichen anfängt. Mich irritierte, dass Hera deswegen Schluss macht. Denn der Großteil der alten Mythen besteht ja nur aus Zeus Geliebten. Auch fand ich es schräg, dass die Getreidegöttin Demeter gegen Veganismus ist. Wenn jemand für Veganismus sein sollte, dann doch wohl Demeter, denn pflanzliche Produkte ist ihre Aufgabe. Doch obwohl es so schräg ist, finde ich es lustig. Und auch lustig sind die Verwandlungen der Göttin Nyx. Denn das verleiht dem ganzen auch etwas an Spannung.
Ich habe dieses Buch im Zuge von 2 Herausforderungen gelesen. Einerseits den Reading rush und anderseits O.W.L.s.
In der Aufgabe des Reading rush sollte es das erste Buch sein, das man berührt, und das war es. Bei den O.W.L.s ist die Aufgabe, dass man ein Buch liest, das Formwandlungen enthält. Da Nyx sich mehr als einmal verwandelt, zählt es als Formwandlungen.
Und das Buch ist logischerweise im Fach Verwandlung zu lesen.
Auch wenn das Buch für jüngere Leser*innen ist, überzeugt mich der Schreibstil immer noch von seiner Gutheit. Er ist meiner Meinung nach sogar so gut wie der des Eberhofers und somit richtig gut. Es ist seit langem wieder mal ein Buch, an dem ich nichts auszusetzen habe.
Fazit? Richtig gutes Buch, das ich jedem von euch ans Herz legen möchte.
Und falls es noch nicht klar ist, es spielt in einer Welt, wo die griechische Mythologie real ist.
Doch diese Mythologie ist um einiges anders. Da hat beispielsweise die Ehegöttin Hera mit Göttervater Zeus Schluss gemacht, weil der sich wieder mal eine neue Beziehung mit einer Sterblichen anfängt. Mich irritierte, dass Hera deswegen Schluss macht. Denn der Großteil der alten Mythen besteht ja nur aus Zeus Geliebten. Auch fand ich es schräg, dass die Getreidegöttin Demeter gegen Veganismus ist. Wenn jemand für Veganismus sein sollte, dann doch wohl Demeter, denn pflanzliche Produkte ist ihre Aufgabe. Doch obwohl es so schräg ist, finde ich es lustig. Und auch lustig sind die Verwandlungen der Göttin Nyx. Denn das verleiht dem ganzen auch etwas an Spannung.
Ich habe dieses Buch im Zuge von 2 Herausforderungen gelesen. Einerseits den Reading rush und anderseits O.W.L.s.
In der Aufgabe des Reading rush sollte es das erste Buch sein, das man berührt, und das war es. Bei den O.W.L.s ist die Aufgabe, dass man ein Buch liest, das Formwandlungen enthält. Da Nyx sich mehr als einmal verwandelt, zählt es als Formwandlungen.
Und das Buch ist logischerweise im Fach Verwandlung zu lesen.
Auch wenn das Buch für jüngere Leser*innen ist, überzeugt mich der Schreibstil immer noch von seiner Gutheit. Er ist meiner Meinung nach sogar so gut wie der des Eberhofers und somit richtig gut. Es ist seit langem wieder mal ein Buch, an dem ich nichts auszusetzen habe.
Fazit? Richtig gutes Buch, das ich jedem von euch ans Herz legen möchte.
May 30, 2021
Review about the series as a whole:
Maz Evans writes popular characters from Greek mythology in a way that is recognisable but also modern and hilarious. Zeus isn't exactly the creep we love to hate, but rather a larger than life father figure who has too many ex wife's and an ongoing feud with Hera.
On top of the gods, goddesses and demons, we also have constellations. The zodiac Council and most importantly young Virgo who is a brilliant character, she's completely optimal.
Away from the mythological things that our main character, Elliot has to deal with, he's also dealing with a seriously ill Mum, an evil woman trying to trick them out of their home and a teacher who honestly shouldn't be allowed in any sort of care role. The storyline with Elliot and Josie (his Mum) are absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking.
These are the types of books you laugh at one minute and cry at in the next. And I would highly recommend the audiobooks. They are narrated by the author and the accents of some of the gods are hilarious.
Maz Evans writes popular characters from Greek mythology in a way that is recognisable but also modern and hilarious. Zeus isn't exactly the creep we love to hate, but rather a larger than life father figure who has too many ex wife's and an ongoing feud with Hera.
On top of the gods, goddesses and demons, we also have constellations. The zodiac Council and most importantly young Virgo who is a brilliant character, she's completely optimal.
Away from the mythological things that our main character, Elliot has to deal with, he's also dealing with a seriously ill Mum, an evil woman trying to trick them out of their home and a teacher who honestly shouldn't be allowed in any sort of care role. The storyline with Elliot and Josie (his Mum) are absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking.
These are the types of books you laugh at one minute and cry at in the next. And I would highly recommend the audiobooks. They are narrated by the author and the accents of some of the gods are hilarious.
August 22, 2025
I think who let the gods out is such a fabulous book,i have read the first to the last book many times.
This series makes me know ALOT more about Greek gods and what they do added with a little bit of humor and
Ancient Greek. I also find it funny at times, like whenVirgo crashed into Elliots cow shed and lay on a pile of cow dung ECT.
It also helped me know most of the 12 zodiac signs Like Virgo Taurus Gemini and Cancer and know their features.I also know things like
Tantalus who was stuck in a pool with fruits he could never eat and water he could never drink or Sisyphus who had to roll a rock up the
Mountain for all enternity. So this book had really taught me a lot and is also fun and thrilling especially when Elliot found his real father
In the end and when Virgo is finally living with the Hoopers for good(if you know what I’m talking about).I hope i can read more books like this!!!
This series makes me know ALOT more about Greek gods and what they do added with a little bit of humor and
Ancient Greek. I also find it funny at times, like whenVirgo crashed into Elliots cow shed and lay on a pile of cow dung ECT.
It also helped me know most of the 12 zodiac signs Like Virgo Taurus Gemini and Cancer and know their features.I also know things like
Tantalus who was stuck in a pool with fruits he could never eat and water he could never drink or Sisyphus who had to roll a rock up the
Mountain for all enternity. So this book had really taught me a lot and is also fun and thrilling especially when Elliot found his real father
In the end and when Virgo is finally living with the Hoopers for good(if you know what I’m talking about).I hope i can read more books like this!!!
February 17, 2019
Elliot Hooper has a decision to make. Hand over the greatest power of all to the Daemon of Death and bring his mum back to life, or never see her again. Which will he choose and what will the impact be?
This is the 4th and final book in Maz Evan's Who Let The Gods Out? series. Bringing together Gods, Mortals, Constellations, Daemons and Elementals, the whole series has been a rollercoaster of adventure and emotions and this final book keeps the pace and excitement going until the end. The characters are full of life and I particularly enjoyed all of the Gods' individual idiosyncrasies!
A perfect end to the series - I may have shed a tear or two!
This is the 4th and final book in Maz Evan's Who Let The Gods Out? series. Bringing together Gods, Mortals, Constellations, Daemons and Elementals, the whole series has been a rollercoaster of adventure and emotions and this final book keeps the pace and excitement going until the end. The characters are full of life and I particularly enjoyed all of the Gods' individual idiosyncrasies!
A perfect end to the series - I may have shed a tear or two!
March 28, 2021
A fabulous conclusion to the series. Everything tied up nicely and there was enough happiness that my little one wasn’t traumatised, but there was sufficient peril as well and it didn’t feel like Evans shied away from any of the dark and difficult bits. So much emotion and healthy explorations of big topics in there, and it prompted some really good conversations about loss, family, mental health and such, all in an age appropriate way. We both LOVED the story and the characters and everything, and Sprog’s parting comment was ‘Maz needs to HURRY UP AND WRITE MORE!’ so I think it has her seal of approval. Absolutely brilliant!
September 12, 2021
Just wow!
We listened to all the books in this series as audiobooks in the car as we spent our Summer Holidays driving to family/woods/beach for our own adventures.
Max Evans is not only author, but narrator and she has a real talent for it. The characterisation through her is amazing. I loved Virgo. My boys loved all the characters at different times.
And I was so glad that my husband was driving during one particular passage as I would have had to pull over, I was inconsolable.
One Bally Good Read!!
We listened to all the books in this series as audiobooks in the car as we spent our Summer Holidays driving to family/woods/beach for our own adventures.
Max Evans is not only author, but narrator and she has a real talent for it. The characterisation through her is amazing. I loved Virgo. My boys loved all the characters at different times.
And I was so glad that my husband was driving during one particular passage as I would have had to pull over, I was inconsolable.
One Bally Good Read!!
May 21, 2025
best book ever in history
It’s amazing - a perfect mix of modern day and ancient times. If you like action,
adventure, comedy and tear jerkers Read,Read,Read. Honestly I can’t tell you how good this is the only reason I don’t rate it higher is because there’s not enough stars.
Hope you all have a nice day; 😁😁😁 and Mc Evan your the best this is from a 11 years old btw.
Please MC Evan continue making children like me mirthful and benevolent with your books their super optimal. 👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
It’s amazing - a perfect mix of modern day and ancient times. If you like action,
adventure, comedy and tear jerkers Read,Read,Read. Honestly I can’t tell you how good this is the only reason I don’t rate it higher is because there’s not enough stars.
Hope you all have a nice day; 😁😁😁 and Mc Evan your the best this is from a 11 years old btw.
Please MC Evan continue making children like me mirthful and benevolent with your books their super optimal. 👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
June 12, 2019
I bought the first book thinking I needed something light to read. I had no idea it was a children's book.
In truth - I fell for the first book... really... hard. So funny and absolutely engrossing!
I have no idea how this is a children's book. As some of the themes in this book are super dark and emotionally very deep! I was reduced to near tears at least twice per book.
All 4 books were amazing.
Sad it's over - but glad this isn't one of those pointless and endless series reads.
In truth - I fell for the first book... really... hard. So funny and absolutely engrossing!
I have no idea how this is a children's book. As some of the themes in this book are super dark and emotionally very deep! I was reduced to near tears at least twice per book.
All 4 books were amazing.
Sad it's over - but glad this isn't one of those pointless and endless series reads.
September 16, 2019
Read this in one sitting, choking back tears at multiple points. Astounding. Anyone who says that children's books can't be beneficial to an older audience are complete idiots, because Maz Evans handles grief superbly. A full review of this series will be coming at some point, but I think this is the best middle grade series I've ever read and I'm so glad I listened to the recommendations of Steph (@eenalol on Twitter).
January 23, 2019
An utterly wonderful ending to an utterly wonderful series. This book will take you on a real emotional roller-coaster and make you feel things you'd forgotten you could feel when reading a book. Maz Evans truly is a goddess in her own right and these books need to be appreciated by children and adults alike for many, many years to come.
February 13, 2019
An epically funny finale to one of my favourite MG series. Man Evans is endlessly inventive, her jokes always make me titter, and the heart-stopping scenes in this final book in the WHO LET THE GODS OUT series also made me blubber. Will compose more ordered thoughts on this later, but rest assured, it was BRILLIANT!
April 14, 2025
This was a great end to the series, picking up right where the previous book left off. It was the usual mix of excellent characters, humour and action alongside some really moving moments between Elliot and his mother - a great book to help young people learn about loss, grief and carrying on/getting through. A brilliant and very enjoyable series!
February 18, 2019
And just like that the epic adventure was over. A fitting end to a marvellous world of friendship, heartache and laughter. Maz Evans is a true wordsmith from which I hope there will be many more books to enjoy even if they don't include Elliott.
March 24, 2019
Superb ending to this series of books. Perilous, heart-warming, tear-jerking and laugh out loud. I will miss Elliot,Virgo and particularly Hermes but look forward to sharing them with classes of the future.
June 9, 2019
Heartbreaking, heartwarming and to me, just the ending I would hope for. All the regulars, including my personal favourites.... the royal family. Sad the series has ended but looking forward to seeing what the author will produce next.
Read
October 28, 2020Elliot is still struggling with how to right things and save the world from destruction by the evil gods. He has to pull on his inner strength and love that he has for family. Will he make the right chooses?
June 9, 2025
This was a perfect finale to the series! Heartwarming, hilarious, fasted paced and full of cameos that were strategically placed.
Going through that slog fest of a book (the third one) was totally worth it!
Going through that slog fest of a book (the third one) was totally worth it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews