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Oh My Gods
Life as a half-mortal teenager should be epic.
But, for Helen Thomas, it's tragic.
She's just moved in with her dorky dad and self-absorbed older siblings - who happen to be the ancient Greek gods, living incognito in London!
Between keeping her family's true identities secret, trying to impress her new friends, and meeting an actually cute boy, Helen's stress levels are higher than Mount Olympus.
She needs to rein in her chaotic family before they blow their cover AND her chances at a half-normal social life.
Or is Helen fated for an embarrassment of mythical proportions?
But, for Helen Thomas, it's tragic.
She's just moved in with her dorky dad and self-absorbed older siblings - who happen to be the ancient Greek gods, living incognito in London!
Between keeping her family's true identities secret, trying to impress her new friends, and meeting an actually cute boy, Helen's stress levels are higher than Mount Olympus.
She needs to rein in her chaotic family before they blow their cover AND her chances at a half-normal social life.
Or is Helen fated for an embarrassment of mythical proportions?
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2019
49 people are currently reading
2532 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Sheppard
5 books87 followersI'm an author from North London, and my debut novel OH MY GODS will be published by Scholastic in January 2019. To say I'm excited would be an understatement.
When I'm not writing YA fiction, I'm a social media strategist (it's a real job, I promise), and love to bake nearly as much as I love to read.
When I'm not writing YA fiction, I'm a social media strategist (it's a real job, I promise), and love to bake nearly as much as I love to read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
February 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. Teenage me would've devoured this book in one day. Adult me too a little more time with this between the holiday season and reading other stories. But it had that carefree nostalgic feel to it that reminded me of stories I read as a preteen and teen.
Oh My Gods centers around Helen Thomas, a 14 year old girl who is half British Jamaican and half Greek God who moves in with her father Zeus(Yes, King of the Gods) a couple of years after her mother's death when her grandmother is now too old to take care of her. As if starting a new school wasn't enough! Helen has to deal with her older sister Aphrodite using her as a guinea pig for her random beauty experiments, her nephew Eros hipster ways, and her bother Apollo chasing musical stardom. Not to mention her father's strict set of rules. He won't let her invite friends to the house which is declared a no mortal zone and is quick to take her phone away over the most minuscule things.
I'm not highly knowledgeable about Greek Mythology but I though this did a decent job combining some of the gods most people are familiar with alongside typical teen girl drama.
The letters to her mother function similar to diary entries where Helen recaps what's going on in her life with the only person she can truly tell all her secrets to. I thought they were very sweet and a nice way to keep her mother's memory alive and also allow Helen to let out feelings she tried to bottle up.
Read more on my blog
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
Oh My Gods centers around Helen Thomas, a 14 year old girl who is half British Jamaican and half Greek God who moves in with her father Zeus(Yes, King of the Gods) a couple of years after her mother's death when her grandmother is now too old to take care of her. As if starting a new school wasn't enough! Helen has to deal with her older sister Aphrodite using her as a guinea pig for her random beauty experiments, her nephew Eros hipster ways, and her bother Apollo chasing musical stardom. Not to mention her father's strict set of rules. He won't let her invite friends to the house which is declared a no mortal zone and is quick to take her phone away over the most minuscule things.
I'm not highly knowledgeable about Greek Mythology but I though this did a decent job combining some of the gods most people are familiar with alongside typical teen girl drama.
The letters to her mother function similar to diary entries where Helen recaps what's going on in her life with the only person she can truly tell all her secrets to. I thought they were very sweet and a nice way to keep her mother's memory alive and also allow Helen to let out feelings she tried to bottle up.
Read more on my blog
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
July 21, 2019
This was a really fun, light-hearted read, but didn't quite mesh with me. I kind of wish we had got more of the Gods interacting with Helen, and seen more of their relationships. As it stands, it seemed like most of the characters were very underdeveloped, and as a result it was difficult to really root for them. I think Helen's friends especially were underdeveloped, and I honestly could not tell any of them apart.
I was also a little put off by the whole writing letters to her mom thing - it felt both like a way to info dump and to recap on things that had already happened in the previous chapters. The letters didn't tell us anything new, didn't give us insight into Helen's feelings, or her relationship with her mom.
Overall this was a fast, and fun read. I had expected things to be a bit more fleshed out so I was a little let-down, but definitely pick it up if you're looking for something light-hearted!
I was also a little put off by the whole writing letters to her mom thing - it felt both like a way to info dump and to recap on things that had already happened in the previous chapters. The letters didn't tell us anything new, didn't give us insight into Helen's feelings, or her relationship with her mom.
Overall this was a fast, and fun read. I had expected things to be a bit more fleshed out so I was a little let-down, but definitely pick it up if you're looking for something light-hearted!
July 31, 2022
the summary
kind of like a teenager angst book? just more complaining of the lack of social life?
I seriously thought the book will expand more on greek mythology, but no...
It is just a rant on how her social life is lacking.
the rating
1/5
Find me on:
Instagram: @chevreads
Wattpad: @writerthursday
Pinterest: @thursdayfrappe
Youtube: @chevreads
P.S. Add me as a friend :) I like to read romance novels and mystery stories
kind of like a teenager angst book? just more complaining of the lack of social life?
I seriously thought the book will expand more on greek mythology, but no...
It is just a rant on how her social life is lacking.
the rating
1/5
Find me on:
Instagram: @chevreads
Wattpad: @writerthursday
Pinterest: @thursdayfrappe
Youtube: @chevreads
P.S. Add me as a friend :) I like to read romance novels and mystery stories
February 1, 2019
I was excited about this book from the moment that I read the acquisition announcement in the Bookseller. It looked like it was going to be the book that 14-year-old me was desperate for. A story about a relatable, insecure teenaged black girl who lives in London combined with my (almost) snobby knowledge of and love for Greek mythology.
The book opens with a light and conversational letter from Helen to her mum. It gives a pure, unobscured window into her mind and by the end of the letter I felt like I already understood who Helen was and what was important to her. Sheppard’s ability to retell the Greek myths convincingly through the voice of a teen protagonist is amazing.
Helen is living with her Dad and demigod siblings because her Mum has passed away and her Grandma Thomas is too old to look after her any more, but this fact is handled in such a light and respectful way that it still allows the book to be fun and friendly, without erasing the sadness that comes with losing a parent. The narrative is punctuated with Helen writing letters to her Mum, explaining what is going on in her life and how she feels. The letters faintly echo the Greek Chorus in that they give a summary of what is happening in the main story in a different voice and are written with different typography. The letters also beautifully convey the fact that it is perfectly normal to feel like you don’t fit in at that age and that you don’t get all the answers straight away either. When you’re a teen, feeling awkward and unsure, it’s not very often that we get answers to our questions. The whole time I was reading Helen’s letters I was conscious of the fact that she’d never get a reply, and there was something quite satisfying and relatable in that.
Alexandra Shepard wrote such a wonderfully engaging story and made Helen’s voice so believable that in a story centring around Greek Gods living on Earth and all the powers that they display throughout the novel, the only thing I found unconvincing was that the 43 bus goes over Waterloo Bridge. Oh My Gods has everything I want from a teen novel. A lovable protagonist that generates literal laugh-out-loud moments, a crazy family that are the source of her most cringe moments, a great friendship group and a love interest that seems way too good to be true. I wish I had books like this in my life when I was growing up.
The book opens with a light and conversational letter from Helen to her mum. It gives a pure, unobscured window into her mind and by the end of the letter I felt like I already understood who Helen was and what was important to her. Sheppard’s ability to retell the Greek myths convincingly through the voice of a teen protagonist is amazing.
Helen is living with her Dad and demigod siblings because her Mum has passed away and her Grandma Thomas is too old to look after her any more, but this fact is handled in such a light and respectful way that it still allows the book to be fun and friendly, without erasing the sadness that comes with losing a parent. The narrative is punctuated with Helen writing letters to her Mum, explaining what is going on in her life and how she feels. The letters faintly echo the Greek Chorus in that they give a summary of what is happening in the main story in a different voice and are written with different typography. The letters also beautifully convey the fact that it is perfectly normal to feel like you don’t fit in at that age and that you don’t get all the answers straight away either. When you’re a teen, feeling awkward and unsure, it’s not very often that we get answers to our questions. The whole time I was reading Helen’s letters I was conscious of the fact that she’d never get a reply, and there was something quite satisfying and relatable in that.
Alexandra Shepard wrote such a wonderfully engaging story and made Helen’s voice so believable that in a story centring around Greek Gods living on Earth and all the powers that they display throughout the novel, the only thing I found unconvincing was that the 43 bus goes over Waterloo Bridge. Oh My Gods has everything I want from a teen novel. A lovable protagonist that generates literal laugh-out-loud moments, a crazy family that are the source of her most cringe moments, a great friendship group and a love interest that seems way too good to be true. I wish I had books like this in my life when I was growing up.
December 22, 2019
This was an okay read, nothing spectacular. My own expectations could be to blame. While Helen was constantly surrounded by Greek Gods and was under the threat of Mount Olympus, I never really felt the mythology aspect of it. It just seemed a bit lacklustre in it's exploration and characterisations.
Additionally, I'm still unsure on how I feel about Helen's romance. I'm unsure on whether or not he was a demi-god, or an actual God. I think he was the later, as he was referred to as 'immortal' (and not half) at the end of the novel. That made me feel uneasy that a potentially millenia old man (even though he looked 16??) was dating a 14 year old. Definitely should have been made clearer.
Had a semi-decent plot but I often found myself drifting and losing focus and hoping for the book to get to the point. I wasn't invested in many of the characters. For example, Helen's friends did not engage my interest but rather seemed lazily written and no time was really invested in developing / exploring these relationships, yet so much of the book relies on Helen's newfound family and the potential loss of it.
It is hard to say this without sounding patronising, and I really don't mean to, but I think this book would be best enjoyed by it's target audience, which isn't me. And that's not a bad thing, at all. I just think with my expectations and tastes etc, this didn't meet it. With that said, I still do enjoy some middle-grade (Percy Jackson, as a popular example) and YA on the younger spectrum, but this didn't seem to be able to be transcend audience bounds and appeal to me.
2 - 3 stars.
Additionally, I'm still unsure on how I feel about Helen's romance. I'm unsure on whether or not he was a demi-god, or an actual God. I think he was the later, as he was referred to as 'immortal' (and not half) at the end of the novel. That made me feel uneasy that a potentially millenia old man (even though he looked 16??) was dating a 14 year old. Definitely should have been made clearer.
Had a semi-decent plot but I often found myself drifting and losing focus and hoping for the book to get to the point. I wasn't invested in many of the characters. For example, Helen's friends did not engage my interest but rather seemed lazily written and no time was really invested in developing / exploring these relationships, yet so much of the book relies on Helen's newfound family and the potential loss of it.
It is hard to say this without sounding patronising, and I really don't mean to, but I think this book would be best enjoyed by it's target audience, which isn't me. And that's not a bad thing, at all. I just think with my expectations and tastes etc, this didn't meet it. With that said, I still do enjoy some middle-grade (Percy Jackson, as a popular example) and YA on the younger spectrum, but this didn't seem to be able to be transcend audience bounds and appeal to me.
2 - 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2019
Feels like teen spirit!
I love YA and teenage diaries, and Helen really reminded me of myself. Especially love reading about teenage life as an adult and Alex's writing took me straight back to my teen angst. Such a fun book - I hope it's a series!
I love YA and teenage diaries, and Helen really reminded me of myself. Especially love reading about teenage life as an adult and Alex's writing took me straight back to my teen angst. Such a fun book - I hope it's a series!
September 9, 2019
I adored the take on Greek mythology in the present day life. The ending was predictable but I honestly couldn’t really care bc it was so funny!
February 5, 2019
Good honest fun!
I was hyped for this as it looked super fun, and the cover is definitely drawing in the right vibe. It’s set In modern London and it’s about a teen trying to fit into a new life when she is related to Greek Gods. What’s not to like about that?
It is definitely at the lighter end of the scale, but it’s a quick easy read and will make you smile. And that’s honestly what I wanted from this book!
I saw the ending coming, so it wasn’t really anything too surprising, which is why I gave it 3.5 stars. But I’m still glad I picked it up and would definitely recommend it - especially if, like me, you are coming off the end of a vicious cold and need something light to ease your brain back into thinking! 💙
I was hyped for this as it looked super fun, and the cover is definitely drawing in the right vibe. It’s set In modern London and it’s about a teen trying to fit into a new life when she is related to Greek Gods. What’s not to like about that?
It is definitely at the lighter end of the scale, but it’s a quick easy read and will make you smile. And that’s honestly what I wanted from this book!
I saw the ending coming, so it wasn’t really anything too surprising, which is why I gave it 3.5 stars. But I’m still glad I picked it up and would definitely recommend it - especially if, like me, you are coming off the end of a vicious cold and need something light to ease your brain back into thinking! 💙
July 26, 2019
I hadn't really heard anything about this book until I was browsing Waterstones one day, and decided to treat myself to celebrate getting a new job. And my god, am I glad I picked it up! Anything to do with mythology is automatically a book for me, being a Classics graduate and all, and this book did not disappoint at all. Helen is a demi-god - half human/half god - who has had to move in with her absentee father, who also happens to be Zeus, and her half siblings (Aphrodite, Apollo, and Eros), after the death of her mother. Between dealing with all that, and navigating a new school, Helen really didn't need a love interest being thrown into the mix, but that's what happens. However, the real world is starting to discover that the gods are real, and Helen needs to do everything she can to keep it a secret, lest her and her family be thrown out of Olympus, for good.
I really enjoyed Helen as a character. She seemed so real, and her mixed race heritage was explored in a way that didn't seemed forced. Both sides of her family, both mortal and immortal, and their heritage and traditions were cherished by Helen, and you could see how she was discovering herself, and where she stood in the world, as I think most teenagers try and do at the same age. She was really fun too, and no part of the plot was boring. The twist was slightly predictable, but still enjoyable, and I liked how the mythology was woven into the modern life of a teenager in London, navigating all that that brings with it. If you're a fan of Percy Jackson, and want something similar set in England, or a bit more modern, this is definitely one for you.
I really enjoyed Helen as a character. She seemed so real, and her mixed race heritage was explored in a way that didn't seemed forced. Both sides of her family, both mortal and immortal, and their heritage and traditions were cherished by Helen, and you could see how she was discovering herself, and where she stood in the world, as I think most teenagers try and do at the same age. She was really fun too, and no part of the plot was boring. The twist was slightly predictable, but still enjoyable, and I liked how the mythology was woven into the modern life of a teenager in London, navigating all that that brings with it. If you're a fan of Percy Jackson, and want something similar set in England, or a bit more modern, this is definitely one for you.
January 16, 2019
I thought that this book was actually really cute. I do not think I am the target demographic but I could appreciate it for what it was. It was very easy to get through and it was funny and charming. I would recommend it for teens interested in Greek mythology or for anyone looking for a quick read with some heart to it.
June 16, 2019
Helen is a semi God and living with her dad Zeus and half sister Aphrodite after moving back to London and leaving her grandma's.
Her friends Noor, Daphne and Yasmin all planned to throw a New Year's Party which at last minute gets relocated to Helen's behind her dad's back and there she meets Marco, her dreamy guy who gave her her first kiss!
However with family around, Eros and Apollo her dad is always out with his new girlfriend Lisa and despite being head of the Gods seems to be distracted beyond normal.
However when her family break the rules about revealing powers to humans and gaining massive fame, on TV and YouTube, the family are landed in all sorts of serious trouble as they're called up to court to come on trial for their actions thanks to Marco revealing evidence he had despite promising Helen he wouldn't...
I saw what was coming in this book and figured Marco was a shifty character from the moment we meet him in odd circumstances however the twist at the end was and wasn't a shocker and the outcome was what I hoped and overall while it becomes obviously predictable the humour and tone of teen voice from Helen is so spot on it was super enjoyable and as someone who struggles to read fantasy I can't recommend this enough!
Her friends Noor, Daphne and Yasmin all planned to throw a New Year's Party which at last minute gets relocated to Helen's behind her dad's back and there she meets Marco, her dreamy guy who gave her her first kiss!
However with family around, Eros and Apollo her dad is always out with his new girlfriend Lisa and despite being head of the Gods seems to be distracted beyond normal.
However when her family break the rules about revealing powers to humans and gaining massive fame, on TV and YouTube, the family are landed in all sorts of serious trouble as they're called up to court to come on trial for their actions thanks to Marco revealing evidence he had despite promising Helen he wouldn't...
I saw what was coming in this book and figured Marco was a shifty character from the moment we meet him in odd circumstances however the twist at the end was and wasn't a shocker and the outcome was what I hoped and overall while it becomes obviously predictable the humour and tone of teen voice from Helen is so spot on it was super enjoyable and as someone who struggles to read fantasy I can't recommend this enough!
January 13, 2019
I was so hyped for this book, and I’m so disappointed… I mean, it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t that good either.
Greek Mythology is clearly my thing, so when I found out this book was about Greek Gods but in the contemporary world, living among us, I was thrilled.
But as soon as I started this book, I knew I was going to be disappointed. I don’t know, I guess it wasn’t for me. I think I was expecting a lot, and it didn’t hit my expectations.
I didn’t like the end at all, Hades being nice was not right for me aha. I really wanted more.
I did like some parts of it though, the characters were funny, I liked the modern vision, the representation, and the idea in itself.
So yeah, this wasn't the right book for me, and I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
Greek Mythology is clearly my thing, so when I found out this book was about Greek Gods but in the contemporary world, living among us, I was thrilled.
But as soon as I started this book, I knew I was going to be disappointed. I don’t know, I guess it wasn’t for me. I think I was expecting a lot, and it didn’t hit my expectations.
I didn’t like the end at all, Hades being nice was not right for me aha. I really wanted more.
I did like some parts of it though, the characters were funny, I liked the modern vision, the representation, and the idea in itself.
So yeah, this wasn't the right book for me, and I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
March 16, 2019
I love anything to do with mythology, particularly Greek so that meant I just had to read this book. Being half Greek, though unfortunately not half Goddess, made it even more appealing.
Helen is such a down to Earth, normal girl apart from the little matter of her father being the King of the Greek Gods. She hasn't had the easiest life so far and now she just wants to settle down in her new home, make some friends at school and maybe even have her first real kiss. Of course, life never goes to plan and her new family cause no end of problems for her.
Though the Gods have been around for centuries, they can still learn something from Helen. She's a normal girl but when she's needed, she finds the bravery inside her and shows the Gods who is wisest!
I really hope there will be more books starring Helen.
Helen is such a down to Earth, normal girl apart from the little matter of her father being the King of the Greek Gods. She hasn't had the easiest life so far and now she just wants to settle down in her new home, make some friends at school and maybe even have her first real kiss. Of course, life never goes to plan and her new family cause no end of problems for her.
Though the Gods have been around for centuries, they can still learn something from Helen. She's a normal girl but when she's needed, she finds the bravery inside her and shows the Gods who is wisest!
I really hope there will be more books starring Helen.
June 28, 2019
This book was fantastic! An absolutely delightful read! A fun, light book full of humour with an interesting, contemporary take on Greek mythology.
Helen is a typical teen, dealing with boys, schools and troublesome relations - only they just happen to be gods and goddesses. I laughed so much whilst reading this and I only wish I could have read this book whilst I was growing up. If you liked Meg Cabot and Jacqueline Wilson’s books then you’ll love ‘Oh My Gods’!
Helen is a typical teen, dealing with boys, schools and troublesome relations - only they just happen to be gods and goddesses. I laughed so much whilst reading this and I only wish I could have read this book whilst I was growing up. If you liked Meg Cabot and Jacqueline Wilson’s books then you’ll love ‘Oh My Gods’!
January 13, 2021
DNF'd at page 151. Been trying to get through this book FOREVER but calling it quits.
Just not my cup of tea?
Just not my cup of tea?
August 17, 2022
I loved this book about the Greek gods causing havoc with mortal lives in contemporary north London. Zeus is professor of anthropology at SOAS, his daughter Aphrodite is a make-up artist and beauty vlogger and his son Apollo is a DJ. Into their lives comes Helen Thomas, half-human, half-immortal daughter of Zeus who is moving in with her father after her (mortal) mother's death. Helen is clearly not your average teenager but she doesn't have any special powers or promise of immortality. As Zeus keeps reminding her, she's also not allowed to let anyone know that her family are gods. Indeed, they aren't allowed to use their powers on earth either (although this rule gets conveniently forgotten quite a lot). Break these rules, and Helen and her family could be sent back to Mount Olympus forever...
I really liked the way the book characterised the gods - Sheppard has a lot of fun with bringing their quirks and epic powers to life. Unfortunately, as well as being glamorous and all powerful, they don't make life very easy for Helen as she starts a new school and has to try and hide everything about her family from her new friends. Being a guinea pig for Aphrodite's beauty experiments has its risks too... Helen's troubles with friends, boys and exams are easy to relate to though and the tone is light-hearted and fun throughout.
A highly recommended read for fans of Percy Jackson, Greek myths and humorous reads.
I really liked the way the book characterised the gods - Sheppard has a lot of fun with bringing their quirks and epic powers to life. Unfortunately, as well as being glamorous and all powerful, they don't make life very easy for Helen as she starts a new school and has to try and hide everything about her family from her new friends. Being a guinea pig for Aphrodite's beauty experiments has its risks too... Helen's troubles with friends, boys and exams are easy to relate to though and the tone is light-hearted and fun throughout.
A highly recommended read for fans of Percy Jackson, Greek myths and humorous reads.
June 8, 2019
I picked this up because I wanted a light, fun read inspired by Greek mythology - and that's exactly what I got! Helen is one of Zeus' half-god, half-human children and she moves in with him and her older sister Aphrodite, soon to be joined by Eros and Apollo.
First she has to deal with moving schools then her father's strict rules and her immortal relations using their magic in the real world. I thought that Helen was a very realistic teenager and I liked seeing her make friends quickly which, while probably not entirely realistic, made a nice change to the main character having lots of angst over being left out. The storyline with Marco was pretty obvious, the second he appeared in Helen's back garden with a notebook and the trial itself felt really rushed after all the buld-up.
I liked the references to Greek mythology and was interested in the discussions about Helen's 'half-lifer' status and the debates about how much the Gods could be allowed to do on Earth.
Overall, a fun, light read which should give you a few laughs!
First she has to deal with moving schools then her father's strict rules and her immortal relations using their magic in the real world. I thought that Helen was a very realistic teenager and I liked seeing her make friends quickly which, while probably not entirely realistic, made a nice change to the main character having lots of angst over being left out. The storyline with Marco was pretty obvious, the second he appeared in Helen's back garden with a notebook and the trial itself felt really rushed after all the buld-up.
I liked the references to Greek mythology and was interested in the discussions about Helen's 'half-lifer' status and the debates about how much the Gods could be allowed to do on Earth.
Overall, a fun, light read which should give you a few laughs!
May 31, 2020
I WAS ALREADY UNINTERESTED LATELY WITH READING BOOKS SINCE EVERYTHING I PICKED UP SEEMS BLAND AND REPETITIVE. I THOUGHT I'D APPRECIATE THIS ONE SINCE IT'S CENTERED ON GREEK MYTHOLOGY AND GIVES OFF PJO VIBES. FLASHFORWARD, THE POV FELT JUMBLED WITH THE CHARACTER'S THOUGHTS AND THE STORYLINE JUST FELT OFF. YIKES!
April 28, 2019
Amusing 'contemporary female relation of Greek Gods' tale.
Maz Evans and Rick Riordan have both brought Greek mythology to the 21st century, placing young contemporary protagonists slap-bang in the middle of the Gods and relationships, keeping the stories alive and interesting. Both of those looked to the KS2-KS3 age range, whereas here, Sheppard looks at a teenage girl heading towards the other end of the teenage years and drops her in the midst of an Olympian drama.
Helen is a pretty normal teenage girl - interested in boys, social media, her appearance. But in one particular way she is FAR from being normal - her father is Zeus, king of the Greek Gods. Aphrodite is her half-sister. After the death of her mother, she is brought to live with her father's family in London, where they live amongst mortals incognito, bored with Mount Olympus. Helen is, of course, daunted and more than a little worried that it will affect how she fits in at her new school.
Writing letters to her dead mother about how she's feeling, we also watch as Helen tries to make friends, catches the eye of a cute boy at a party, tries to obey her family's rules... though it turns out they may not be the best at following their own guidelines - and it could get the entire family in trouble...
While this is breezily chatty and felt quite authentically teenage, I did feel a bit wearied with a typical adolescent girl's lusting after a 'cute boy', and the very typical way this affects relationships with female friends. The way Helen makes friends almost instantly in school felt a bit unrealistic, as did the 'connection' between her and an immensely fanciable boy.
That aside, the bringing of the classical gods into the modern world in nicely done, the current ways in which their talents might be used all worked really well (Aphrodite a beauty influencer on social media). I would have liked to see more from Zeus, his relationship with his mortal daughter is only bought out in a handful on scenes and not in any depth. Helen spends more time with her half-siblings than her father.
It's funny, and for fans of Greek myths, a pleasure to watch their modern incarnations. This would make a light read for ages 13-17, there is nothing unsuitable or worrisome.
Maz Evans and Rick Riordan have both brought Greek mythology to the 21st century, placing young contemporary protagonists slap-bang in the middle of the Gods and relationships, keeping the stories alive and interesting. Both of those looked to the KS2-KS3 age range, whereas here, Sheppard looks at a teenage girl heading towards the other end of the teenage years and drops her in the midst of an Olympian drama.
Helen is a pretty normal teenage girl - interested in boys, social media, her appearance. But in one particular way she is FAR from being normal - her father is Zeus, king of the Greek Gods. Aphrodite is her half-sister. After the death of her mother, she is brought to live with her father's family in London, where they live amongst mortals incognito, bored with Mount Olympus. Helen is, of course, daunted and more than a little worried that it will affect how she fits in at her new school.
Writing letters to her dead mother about how she's feeling, we also watch as Helen tries to make friends, catches the eye of a cute boy at a party, tries to obey her family's rules... though it turns out they may not be the best at following their own guidelines - and it could get the entire family in trouble...
While this is breezily chatty and felt quite authentically teenage, I did feel a bit wearied with a typical adolescent girl's lusting after a 'cute boy', and the very typical way this affects relationships with female friends. The way Helen makes friends almost instantly in school felt a bit unrealistic, as did the 'connection' between her and an immensely fanciable boy.
That aside, the bringing of the classical gods into the modern world in nicely done, the current ways in which their talents might be used all worked really well (Aphrodite a beauty influencer on social media). I would have liked to see more from Zeus, his relationship with his mortal daughter is only bought out in a handful on scenes and not in any depth. Helen spends more time with her half-siblings than her father.
It's funny, and for fans of Greek myths, a pleasure to watch their modern incarnations. This would make a light read for ages 13-17, there is nothing unsuitable or worrisome.
June 13, 2021
Cute mythology retelling with gods living out their lives on earth. Helen is the daughter of Zeus and after her mother passed, she goes to love with him in London. Unfortunately she also has to contend with her half-siblings, Aphrodite and Apollo, and her cousin, Eros. Things aren’t all bad though. She’s got some new friends and even a boyfriend! But the rules for immortals in the mortal realm are tricky and it’s just a matter of time before Helen messes things up completely.
Helen is delightful and her misadventures are fun and entertaining.
Helen is delightful and her misadventures are fun and entertaining.
December 22, 2021
Cute novel
This was a nice light read. I enjoyed the Greek Mythology characters and elements. The main character, Helen, was relatable and entertaining. All of the Greek Gods and Goddesses were lively and hilarious characters.
I would recommend this book to fans of ya novels and Greek Mythology.
This was a nice light read. I enjoyed the Greek Mythology characters and elements. The main character, Helen, was relatable and entertaining. All of the Greek Gods and Goddesses were lively and hilarious characters.
I would recommend this book to fans of ya novels and Greek Mythology.
February 10, 2019
I wish I'd had this book as a young teenager. It was the mortal bits I loved the most- the school friends, group chats, north London. And nothing beats it when a bus route you know comes up in a book!
March 1, 2019
I loved Oh My Gods! I'm giving it 4 stars because I feel like the ending was a little rushed and I would have loved more development in the action at the end!
August 16, 2019
This was so sweet and so fun to read. It was easy going and I loved the way the personality of the Gods was captured. It made me laugh and I highly recommend!
November 29, 2019
Not bad. Not good. Enjoyable but predictable.
June 15, 2020
More like 3.5 stars.. I found it a bit too predictable but it was a good read!
August 12, 2021
An adorable family-centered book about a teenage demigod daughter of Zeus...this book is what I’ve been searching for since my Percy Jackson days . Loved it !
February 27, 2022
Love Greek mythology particularly in contemporary settings. This was perhaps a little too young for me, a little to black and white in a world filled with immortal powerful beings.
February 2, 2019
Helen's teenage foot-in-mouth moments had me laughing out loud, her letters to her mum made me cry, and I stayed up late to finish it. I enjoyed this book so much as an adult and I would have lapped it up as a teen. I can't wait to see what Alex does next.
December 10, 2019
I picked this up because it’s about Greek gods, but actually it was quite a nice take on it. Alexandra Sheppard wins brownie points for being inspired by Percy Jackson. I think I’d really like this book if not for the fact that I’ve already encountered better stories featuring the Greek gods, namely Percy Jackson. It all felt just a little juvenile in comparison, but I still really liked the book. It’s actually been almost three weeks since I read this, and I’ve read so many other books since then that most of my thoughts about it have been crowded out of my head. But anyway, I recommend this book for any fans of Greek mythology looking for a light read!
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