Zeus the Mighty: The Quest for the Golden Fleas

Zeus the Mighty #1

by Crispin Boyer

Greek mythology meets cute talking animals in this first adventure in a hilarious new middle grade fiction series, starring Zeus the mighty ... king of the gods ... ruler of minions ... HAMSTER, and the crazy crew of critters of the Mount Olympus Pet Center.

Welcome to the Mount Olympus Pet Center, which sits high on a hill in Athens ... Georgia. The owner, Artie, has a soft spot for animals that need a forever home, and she has rescued a menagerie of creatures, each named after a powerful god or goddess. But these animals aren't just pets with cool names ...

Meet Zeus, a tiny hamster with a mighty appetite for power. His cage sits atop a high shelf so he can watch the other pets from above. But being king of the gods is a tough job: You've got to issue orders and decrees, make sure to stay in tip-top shape by running on your exercise wheel, and most importantly, lead your minions on epic journeys. And Zeus the Mighty has one giant task in front of him: Find the "Golden Fleas" and solidify his position before the other gods rebel.

Get ready to laugh, cheer, and learn with this adorable and quirky cast of characters in their unforgettable first adventure -- a reimagining of the tale of the Golden Fleece.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Mythology, Humor, Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure

192 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2019

About the author

Crispin Boyer lives in San Francisco and writes about history, wildlife, and technology. He and his wife, Ramah, are the lord and lady of a 1914 Victorian that is 700 times smaller than a typical castle but almost as drafty. Their microwave might not roast an ox like most medieval ovens, but at least their bathroom isn't a hole in the wall that empties into a stinky moat.

Reviews

[Airria Ugala · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty similar to a Geronimo Stilton book but it was about Ancient Greek so it was good. I think that the characters really showcased the Greek gods. I normally don't like books with pictures in them very much, because I can't imagine the characters too well, but the description were really good, so I could visualized like I can with a normal (picture less) book.

[Anthonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love how they put Greek mythology into animated characters. Great story, plot, and story line. Loved the index on Greek mythology. Gave this wonderful gem to my niece for Christmas. A must read for book lovers everywhere.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zeus is a hamster who rules the kingdom of the pet store along with the other Olympian gods, Athena the cat, Demeter the cricket, Ares the dog, and Poseidon the puffer fish. These animals have mystic powers and find artifacts that help them in their adventures. When Poseidon questions Zeus' ability to rule, Zeus goes on a quest to find the Golden Fleas (Fleece) to prove that he is worthy to be king of the gods.

I loved this funny book! The animals all have vivid personalities, and I loved their hilarious dialogue. It's so clever how Greek mythology is woven into the pet store setting.

My favorite thing was seeing how the story of Jason and the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece is reimagined with all the major plot points like Charybdis, Phineas the soothsayer, the harpies, a dragon who guards the fleece, and even the Oracle of Delphi. Locations around the pet store correspond to locations in ancient Greece, like Mount Olympus, the island of Crete, and the Aegean Sea. It's so imaginative!

The illustrations are adorable, and I loved the cartoony style. It really brings the characters to life with their silly expressions and funny antics.

I would recommend this book for children ages 8-12 who "don't like to read." It's sure to capture their attention, and help them to discover a love for reading!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Media Masters Publicity in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[K Gover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zeus the Mighty and the Quest for the Golden Fleas
National Geo Publisher
The Truth Behind the Fiction: Background knowledge about Greek Gods in back of book is very useful. The reader can also can get an idea of their personalities and relationships based on the way the animals act and interact.
Premise: Pet rescue center that has a Greek God theme. Pets names and areas of the store. ie) Mt Olympus, Argean Sea etc. In addition the human owner (Artie) listens to a Greeking Out Podcast that retells Greek myths which gives the characters ideas for their next adventure, as well as how to explain the problems they have to solve. Crafty technique!
You have to carefully read descriptions to figure out what everyday objects the pets are trying to use. ie) the toilet, tape measure, flash light. There are pictures that definitely move the script along.
They wear togas helmets crowns- but the humans can’t see them. So their perception of what is happening is definitely influenced by pets POV.
I had hoped this will hook those readers who are stuck in a graphic novel slump. This may be similar to “Wimpy Kid” series, yet with more text.
Recommend for advanced 4th, 5-7.

[Katie O. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like that some rather sophisticated concepts (Greek gods & myths, some animal facts) are packaged in a very young chapter book story line and simple writing style. The POV (via the pet store denizens only) puts readers right in middle of the action. Especially clever is hamster Zeus's & his minions' interpretations of modern store design and technology (e.g. electrical light, the Greeking Out podcast). Some of the Greek god to pet match ups are odd (Ares as a pug) and some are spot-on (Athena as a cat with an owl charm on her collar). And yet... there's something stilted in many of the plot transitions and character motivations. It's less poor writing than perhaps an underlying drive to (over) explain for the young reader. And while the pet store as Olympus/Greece setting bridges a remote time and era to modern context, the map in the front matter may not be sufficient orientation/grounding for mythology newbies. This setting issue, plus an abundance of puns and the ongoing mix of ancient and modern items and ideas could easily confuse readers periodically. Friendship, loyalty, leadership, and ambition with a dash of problem-solving-under-pressure are the abiding themes.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’re currently studying Ancient Greece and came across this book after listening to the Greeking Out podcast (recommend... it’s very good!). We listened to the audiobook version (but it’s fairly likely we’ll end up buying the book too).

My daughters were immediately interested in this; who wouldn’t want to hear a story about Greek Gods that are animals in a pet shop?! They were really amused by the idea of Zeus being a hamster, who is a little too confident for his own good.


I think this was a great version of the quest for the Golden Fleece, making it very accessible for children. It also demonstrated to my eldest how these myths can be re-written in an original way, something she’s been integrated in doing herself.

We’re looking forward to hearing the next book in the series.

[Harry Washburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

it is kind of scary. it is cool. i like the book.
i read it on my kindle. there is going to be another one. my favorite character is zeus.
it is a good book. there is a dragon in it. i love it. it is fiction.

[Bookphile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very creative and clever and really a lot of fun. I like that Zeus is really full of himself, but yet is still endearing in the end. I also very much enjoyed the innovative ways Boyer worked aspects of Greek mythology into Zeus's pet shop environment.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My readers will enjoy learning about Greek mythology from this series. Creative way of telling the story of Jason and the Argonauts using pets from a pet store (Zeus, Demeter, Ares, Athena, and Poseidon are pets of the owner Artie).

[Micah]

Didn't finish

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever and fun.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun book. Great premise! The whole theme is great, and the story was well thought out and thoroughly entertaining!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute first installment in what I sense is a series perfect for young independent readers.

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

[Kathleen Guinnane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun story about a pet store full of animals who believe they are the Greek gods. Adventures abound from toilet whirlpools and the robot vacuum Argo to a terrifying dragon and the Golden "fleas". A story about friendship and adventure. I look forward to more stories in the series. I read an arc of this book, so there were very few illustrations, but there's plenty of space reserved for the art. The book was also missing the truth behind the fiction section that would explain the allusions to Greek mythology. I think my students (grades 3-5) are going to enjoy Zeus and his Olympians.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on Greek mythology. The animals in a Pet Rescue Center are given Greek names by the owner. They believe they are these gods - especially Zeus the hamster. Together with Demeter the grasshopper, Athena the cat, Ares the dog and Poseidon the pufferfish, they set off to find the golden fleas. Along the way, a dragon appears and Zeus has to make a decision to rescue his closest friend or continue the quest.
Discussion on what we really value.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's start the year off with a book we spent a couple months reading last year: Zeus the Mighty and the Quest for the Golden Fleas. Based on Greek mythology and set in a contemporary pet store that rehomes rescue animals, Zeus the Mighty is a delightful chapter book for young readers who like adventure, animals, and mythology. And if they aren't already familiar with mythology, that's no problem since back matter introduces the gods. Furthermore, National Geographic Kids has myriad extension activities for the books, including the myth podcast that the pet store owner listens to each day. Golden Fleas, Zeus mishears the legend of the Golden Fleece and enlists his fellow Olympians (Athena the cat, Ares the pug, Demeter the grasshopper, and Poseidon the pufferfish) to search for golden fleas. They explore the uncharted territory of the connecting store that is under renovation and ride on the Argo, a robot vacuum. It is funny, exciting, and sometimes unpredictable despite one's prior knowledge of how the original legend ends. Boyer does an exemplary job of recreating the events of Jason and the Argonauts with animals in Mount Olympus Pet Center.

I usually criticize talking-animal books. So why am I agog to recommend Zeus? Two reasons:

1. consistency and logic
-Boyer's characters behave reasonably within the premise of rescued animals believing they are Greek gods living out legendary adventures in the setting of a pet store (unchristened animals are not anthropomorphized)

2. the adventures closely follow the original myths
-readers learn mythology alongside the hamster's adventure

I'd recommend it as a read-aloud for grades K-1, a shared read for grade 1, and an independent read for the intended audience of 8-12-year-olds.

The Quest for the Golden Fleas is the first installment in a new series of illustrated chapter book and is an engaging expansion of the Greek world, both historical and mythological. T knows the myths and gods from D'Aulaires' and various picture books – he read a Jason and the Argonauts adaptation last month – and was delighted to connect the characters and events between books. As a first grader, T can read the text, but the font size and volume of words per page seemed to intimidate him initially; he read a few pages before it was my turn to finish the chapter, rather than trading off chapters like we usually do with shared reading. We just began the second book, and I am reading it aloud to him. I plan for us to return to shared reading with the third book.

And we will for sure continue Zeus the Mighty. It is well worth our while.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeus the Mighty, a rescued hamster and his friends, Demeter a grasshopper, Ares a Pug, Athena a tabby cat and Poseidon a Pufferfish are all rescued critters whose home is in the Mount Olympus Pet Center found in Athens Georgia. Artie, the owner and care taker of all its inhabitants knew something was fishy about the little hamster since she would often open the shop and find Zeus in places he shouldn’t be.

Zeus’s adventure begins after overhearing Artie’s podcast on Greek mythology. The podcast has an Oracle telling the story of the Golden Fleece, but Zeus hears Golden Fleas. According to the Oracle finding the fleece would win Zeus favor with the Gods. While on their hunt for the Golden Fleas a new rescue, a green lizard, is on the loose and they are on the look-out for the dragon. Around the Greek themed store with its vaults or tool belts, automatic floor sweepers and toilet bowls, is where this teams gets into action.

Author Crispin Boyer has created a hilarious adventure in an ordinary but fantastic environment. The characters are loveable and in between their adventures readers will learn about famous Greek mythology stories and myths. The back pages invite readers to learn about Olympian gods, myth makers and artifacts. There are also short bios featuring the Olympians. A map shares the historical region with fun facts. Parents and teachers can use this book as a tool to pique the interest of young readers who want to learn more about Greek Mythology.

[Maarit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hamsteri nimeltä Zeus asuu Olympos-vuoren löytöeläinkeskuksessa ja hallitsee sen valtakuntaa yhdessä muiden eläinten (jumalien) kanssa. Hänen auktoriteettinsa on kuitenkin koetuksella, kun Egeanmeressä elävä pallokala Poseidon kyseenalaistaa Zeuksen johtajankyvyt. Ainoa keino, millä Zeus-hamsteri voi todistaa olevansa Olympos-vuoren kiistaton hallitsija on kultaisen kirpun löytäminen ja se tarkoittaa matkaa keskuksen kartoittamattomalle alueelle...

Hieman erilainen tarinaidea kreikkalaisten jumalten mukaan nimetyistä lemmikeistä, jotka saavat vaikutteita keskuksen johtajan Artien kuuntelemasta podcastista. Kokonaisuutena kirja on ihan mielenkiintoinen, mutta ehkä hitusen liian pitkä. Odotan kuitenkin mielenkiinnolla suomenkielistä jatkoa sarjalle. 3,5 tähteä 3 tähteen.

[Laura Mauro · Rating 3 out of 5]

* I got this book for review from the publisher for my honest thoughts*

I thought this was such a fun read. I really liked how it took greek mythology and turned it on its head. I think this book really had some fun moments but also taught a very popular greek myth in such a fun read. I think the ilusatation are really good at showcasing the action scenes. I also liked how the characters were very like their "greek gods"both in their relationships and their behavior. Def a fun series and one that i would rec to kids who are reading percy jackson or almost ready to start that series. Such a fun mythology adventure.

[Valente · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 Was this challenging (or considerably more challenging than my last Badge Book)
How was it more challenging? it was more challenging it had a lot of pages it had a lot of new words
2 Did I stretch myself by choosing a new genre? yes it took a bit of time but i focused
3 Was the content more complex than before? definitely it didn't have many pictures but the storyline was prety clean
4 Did it require more time/focus from me? yes for me it was one of those books that take time

[Sarah T · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a cute read aloud with creative plot/historical learning. I would give it higher stars but there really isn’t any moral or important lesson from the book to speak of. There are a few laughs, some young reader adventures and nice illustrations to break up the chapters for younger readers. Good enough to read the series out loud.

[Jennifer Wisegarver · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 5 year old child really enjoyed this book. They also are big fans of Ancient Greece, so this book ties it all together! While the adventures of a hamster in a pet store was maybe not MY favorite thing to read out loud for 178 pages (seemed long), the historical references and photos at the end bought the amount of time for me.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this was ridiculously cute. I'm still not sure 100% about whether these animals ARE actually Greek Gods- or just pretending/delusional but it's SO CUTE. I love the adventure ish aspect that isn't scary. The animals and their relationships and the lessons within the book.

[Ifrinna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with one of my tiny humans and we both loved it! Great way to tell the many tales of Zeus and his crew so that young minds can digest it and of course leaving out the not-so-plesent aspects. We're excited to read the next installment and do some more research about Greek mythology!

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was very witty and fun. I haven't yet listened to the podcast that is a companion to this book, but I will tell you this book was a fun spin on Greek mythology. I loved that Zeus is a hamster and all of the other gods and goddesses are other members of the pet store.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son loved this book and studying Greek mythology! I enjoyed reading it, too! (Although I wish it had historically accurate information on Athens, GA! We got a kick out of the errors made about our city.)

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've started a family book club since reading at the dinner table is always an argument. Lil is delighted that we're reading her books, and we're having fun with the Greeking Out podcast tie-in as well.

[Emily VA · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Greek mythology-obsessed 9 year old gives this 5 stars, and I’d give it 3, so I’m averaging our listening experience.

It’s a cute premise, but I don’t love over-confident, egotistical POV protagonists, even when they’re delusional / big-dreaming hamsters.

Well read on audio.

[Julia Pika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Going into this book and already knowing the myths makes this book really confusing. It's just a bunch of animals at a pet store that think they're Greek Gods but the myths/reality make it confusing. The artwork is cute though.