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Oh My Gods! #2
The Forgotten Maze
Karen and her new friends descend into a forgotten maze beneath Mt. Olympus Junior High in search of an online troll by the name of M1N0T4UR who has been ruining Karen's games with her friends.
When Karen moved to Mt. Olympus, she certainly didn’t expect to start junior high with a bunch of gods and goddesses—let alone discover she’s a demigoddess (who doesn’t yet know her powers)! Having recently joined the school newspaper, Karen decides to investigate a mysterious online troll that goes by the moniker M1N0T4UR. This leads her to a treacherous maze beneath the school where she and her friends must complete a set of phases to leave the labyrinth. The stakes are higher than ever and a wrong move could lead to some terri-BULL consequences.
When Karen moved to Mt. Olympus, she certainly didn’t expect to start junior high with a bunch of gods and goddesses—let alone discover she’s a demigoddess (who doesn’t yet know her powers)! Having recently joined the school newspaper, Karen decides to investigate a mysterious online troll that goes by the moniker M1N0T4UR. This leads her to a treacherous maze beneath the school where she and her friends must complete a set of phases to leave the labyrinth. The stakes are higher than ever and a wrong move could lead to some terri-BULL consequences.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2022
10 people are currently reading
1689 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Cooke
28 books181 followersStephanie is a writer based out of Toronto, Canada. Some of her graphic novels include ParaNorthern, Oh My Gods, and The Racc Pack. She's additionally worked on titles such as My Little Pony, Cat Ninja, Archie Comics, and more. She’s an avid reader, gamer, movie watcher, and pun connoisseur. She can often be found curled up with her snuggly cat…that she happens to be very allergic to.
Her debut young adult graphic novel, Pillow Talk, is out now. Find out more about her at stephaniecooke.ca.
Her debut young adult graphic novel, Pillow Talk, is out now. Find out more about her at stephaniecooke.ca.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 19, 2024
3.5 Stars
A lot better than the first book. I think that I enjoyed the gaming element and I love that there was a strong focus on friendship. I really enjoyed the artwork in this one and Zeus wasn’t as big of a character in this one as he was in the first volume, so I think that helped a little bit with my enjoyment. Based off of the ending of this particular volume, I’m interested in seeing if we are going to get another in this series.
A lot better than the first book. I think that I enjoyed the gaming element and I love that there was a strong focus on friendship. I really enjoyed the artwork in this one and Zeus wasn’t as big of a character in this one as he was in the first volume, so I think that helped a little bit with my enjoyment. Based off of the ending of this particular volume, I’m interested in seeing if we are going to get another in this series.
April 22, 2022
A quick and fun read. But...
This volume is very focused on the game Karen and her friends enjoy and later on how it gets translated to a real world version. For readers who play online collaborative fighting games, they'll probably connect better with volume two than I did. I found the heavy reliance on the game a bit tedious at times.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
Privileged Home Labyrinth 006699
This volume is very focused on the game Karen and her friends enjoy and later on how it gets translated to a real world version. For readers who play online collaborative fighting games, they'll probably connect better with volume two than I did. I found the heavy reliance on the game a bit tedious at times.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
Privileged Home Labyrinth 006699
January 31, 2025
A cute little comic that, again, would make an awesome kid's TV show. Definitely recommend it for, like, 8-12 year olds or such. I may be outgrowing books meant toward for the lower end of that because I definitely had more issues than I did before (nothing wrong with the book, of course, just things that had me rolling my eyes). For the audience it's meant for, though, it'd definitely be a fun ride!
April 29, 2024
I thought that this one was almost on par with the first one but not quite. Similar actions and storylines. Definitely not enough Zed in this volume. I find his character quite enjoyable. And Jeff! And his love of pancakes! He shall go down in history! If a third volume is released I will read it.
September 17, 2022
cute art!
the writing was a little clunky at times and a couple of character-related things came out of nowhere but it was fine
the writing was a little clunky at times and a couple of character-related things came out of nowhere but it was fine
July 15, 2023
It’s tough to follow up such a epic debut graphic novel.
December 10, 2021
Not quite as good as the first one
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
October 27, 2022
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Mimi (Demetra) and her family move from Massachusetts to a small coastal island because it's less expensive to run their Trident restaurant and they have family on Wilford Island, Florida. She is sad that she has to leave her best friend and fellow piano enthusiast, Lee, behind, but the two are able to talk frequently. The school is small, but Mimi makes a friend in super popular Carman. When their enthusiastic science teacher, Ms. Miller, teaches them about Melati and Isabel Wijsen and their Bye Bye Plastic Bags movement,, Mimi is enthralled and wants to start banning plastic bags from their island right away. She has a somewhat unlikely ally in Carman, whose father owns the local grocery store, and Anne and Henry Lowell, who run the local bookstore, Dusty Pages. Getting signatures on the petition, being interviewed by classmate Ethan for his Scaled Fish podcast, and worrying about her parents' restaurant opening makes it hard for Mimi to concentrate on her piano lessons with her new teacher Kyle and cut into her practice time. Carman seems super supportive when they are handing out free reusable bags at her father's store, or brainstorming flyers at home, but seems aloof at school. When Mimi doesn't invite her to the Trident's grand opening, Carman is hurt. Mimi worries that she won't be able to make much headway without her, and the Lowells have a health scare. Not only that, but Lee visits, and her piano playing has improved much more than Mimi's has. How will Mimi learn to balance her activism, piano, family and friends in her new community?
Strengths: This was a great depiction of a small island community, and I loved that Mimi's family was Greek and had a restaurant! It made me immediately hungry for a good, authentic horiatiki! There is a great balance between parental involvement and Mimi's own activities, and it's good to see that the parents have their own interests (but balance things a bit better than the parents in Pizza My Heart!). There are not a lot of books involving young people who play piano, so Mimi's interest in a future of competing is interesting. Of course, the best part is Mimi's determination to ban plastic bags from the island. Dimopoulos' has done a lot of research to outline what local governments can and can't do about this scourge, and gives great examples of places where bans have been effective. This is a topic dear to my heart, and with as many young environmental activists as there are in the world, you'd think we would hvae more middle grade books about topics of conservation. Anne and Henry are good examples of older people who have been and continue to be positively involved in their community, and the fact that the beach clean up crew is predominately older citizens is so true to life. All of the elements in this story were well balanced and entertaining to read. The notes and lists of resources at the end of the book will help readers who want to get involved. This is an essential purchase for middle school libraries, and I've already requested that my public library buy it!
Weaknesses: There are certainly some poetic lines, and Mimi's love of music and books gives a decent excuse for this format. Like most novels in verse, there isn't much in the way of meter, and it reads more like prose.
What I really think: I would LOVE to see a whole sub genre of realistic fiction books where middle school students take up worthy environmental causes and set about trying to change the world. I'm always a fan of Kids Doing Things, and when the book also includes some very realistic and constructive friend drama like Mimi has with Carman, this makes for a compelling story I can't wait to get into readers' hands.
More about my difficult relationship with novels in verse, for transparency: I actually had the first two students EVER who told me they LIKED novels in verse yesterday. I've bought a number over the years, but theydon't circulate (yes, even Red, White and Whole), and kids will wrinkle their noses at the format when I try to hand sell them. No matter how much I like books, if I can't get students to read them because of topic (dead parents, all the sadness) or format (verse novels), they are frustrating to purchase. Of course, the reason the girls liked novels in verse is right in line with the surge in popularity of graphic novels-- they are shorter. Many people like novels in verse, but it's a format with which I usually struggle, not only because I have rather exacting standards for poetry (I love you, Helen Frost!), but also because they have been hard to place with readers. File under: A me thing, not a book thing.
Mimi (Demetra) and her family move from Massachusetts to a small coastal island because it's less expensive to run their Trident restaurant and they have family on Wilford Island, Florida. She is sad that she has to leave her best friend and fellow piano enthusiast, Lee, behind, but the two are able to talk frequently. The school is small, but Mimi makes a friend in super popular Carman. When their enthusiastic science teacher, Ms. Miller, teaches them about Melati and Isabel Wijsen and their Bye Bye Plastic Bags movement,, Mimi is enthralled and wants to start banning plastic bags from their island right away. She has a somewhat unlikely ally in Carman, whose father owns the local grocery store, and Anne and Henry Lowell, who run the local bookstore, Dusty Pages. Getting signatures on the petition, being interviewed by classmate Ethan for his Scaled Fish podcast, and worrying about her parents' restaurant opening makes it hard for Mimi to concentrate on her piano lessons with her new teacher Kyle and cut into her practice time. Carman seems super supportive when they are handing out free reusable bags at her father's store, or brainstorming flyers at home, but seems aloof at school. When Mimi doesn't invite her to the Trident's grand opening, Carman is hurt. Mimi worries that she won't be able to make much headway without her, and the Lowells have a health scare. Not only that, but Lee visits, and her piano playing has improved much more than Mimi's has. How will Mimi learn to balance her activism, piano, family and friends in her new community?
Strengths: This was a great depiction of a small island community, and I loved that Mimi's family was Greek and had a restaurant! It made me immediately hungry for a good, authentic horiatiki! There is a great balance between parental involvement and Mimi's own activities, and it's good to see that the parents have their own interests (but balance things a bit better than the parents in Pizza My Heart!). There are not a lot of books involving young people who play piano, so Mimi's interest in a future of competing is interesting. Of course, the best part is Mimi's determination to ban plastic bags from the island. Dimopoulos' has done a lot of research to outline what local governments can and can't do about this scourge, and gives great examples of places where bans have been effective. This is a topic dear to my heart, and with as many young environmental activists as there are in the world, you'd think we would hvae more middle grade books about topics of conservation. Anne and Henry are good examples of older people who have been and continue to be positively involved in their community, and the fact that the beach clean up crew is predominately older citizens is so true to life. All of the elements in this story were well balanced and entertaining to read. The notes and lists of resources at the end of the book will help readers who want to get involved. This is an essential purchase for middle school libraries, and I've already requested that my public library buy it!
Weaknesses: There are certainly some poetic lines, and Mimi's love of music and books gives a decent excuse for this format. Like most novels in verse, there isn't much in the way of meter, and it reads more like prose.
What I really think: I would LOVE to see a whole sub genre of realistic fiction books where middle school students take up worthy environmental causes and set about trying to change the world. I'm always a fan of Kids Doing Things, and when the book also includes some very realistic and constructive friend drama like Mimi has with Carman, this makes for a compelling story I can't wait to get into readers' hands.
More about my difficult relationship with novels in verse, for transparency: I actually had the first two students EVER who told me they LIKED novels in verse yesterday. I've bought a number over the years, but theydon't circulate (yes, even Red, White and Whole), and kids will wrinkle their noses at the format when I try to hand sell them. No matter how much I like books, if I can't get students to read them because of topic (dead parents, all the sadness) or format (verse novels), they are frustrating to purchase. Of course, the reason the girls liked novels in verse is right in line with the surge in popularity of graphic novels-- they are shorter. Many people like novels in verse, but it's a format with which I usually struggle, not only because I have rather exacting standards for poetry (I love you, Helen Frost!), but also because they have been hard to place with readers. File under: A me thing, not a book thing.
March 12, 2022
I think that this book was so much better than the first. The story was a lot more interesting and the overall plot with the game was a good idea. The artwork was great to look at, especially the maze scenes. I'm a sucker for a labyrinth-inspired story. Also, the whole newspaper idea was interesting.
I will say though that I find it strange that we have Greek God and Goddess characters in this story like Athena, Apollo, Aphrodite, Ares, etc. and we don't get them really using their powers. There was so much opportunity for it in this one and they just didn't. Also, Ares is nothing like his Greek mythology counterpart. I was actually surprised when Karen was introduced to him in the story because I was expecting someone completely different. And again another child of Zeus that is not a child of him in this story. Though I will say the description of him at the end of the story does state it, unlike the others.
I did like how the characters all worked together throughout the maze to find a way out of it and to help Ares find Jeff. I just think that we could have got so much more out of all of the Gods and Goddesses in these scenes than we did. This could have introduced some of their powers from mythology. We did get strategy from Athena and archery from Artemis but the rest just seemed to be there.
This was definitely a more enjoyable volume than the last and I do think that I would pick up another one in the series if more were to come out. I've always been a sucker for a Greek Mythology series and I think that this one is a cute one that younger readers would probably enjoy quite a bit.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC of the book. All opinions are my own*
I will say though that I find it strange that we have Greek God and Goddess characters in this story like Athena, Apollo, Aphrodite, Ares, etc. and we don't get them really using their powers. There was so much opportunity for it in this one and they just didn't. Also, Ares is nothing like his Greek mythology counterpart. I was actually surprised when Karen was introduced to him in the story because I was expecting someone completely different. And again another child of Zeus that is not a child of him in this story. Though I will say the description of him at the end of the story does state it, unlike the others.
I did like how the characters all worked together throughout the maze to find a way out of it and to help Ares find Jeff. I just think that we could have got so much more out of all of the Gods and Goddesses in these scenes than we did. This could have introduced some of their powers from mythology. We did get strategy from Athena and archery from Artemis but the rest just seemed to be there.
This was definitely a more enjoyable volume than the last and I do think that I would pick up another one in the series if more were to come out. I've always been a sucker for a Greek Mythology series and I think that this one is a cute one that younger readers would probably enjoy quite a bit.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC of the book. All opinions are my own*
September 19, 2022
Karen misses her friends from when she lived with her mom. They still connect while gaming, but lately a troll going by M1N0T4UR has been crashing their games and every attempt to report him has failed. Karen treasures her time with these friends, and this guy is messing it all up. Karen decides to write about gaming for the school paper in her quest to bring them up to date on all things technological and then pivots to write about this guy. When her research leads her to a forgotten basement in Mt. Olympus where this guy appears to be getting online, she'll need the help of her new godly friends to survive the maze down there and route out the troll.
This was a fun way to introduce mazes and minotaurs of mythology to readers, mixing it with modern gaming. I like how Karen is introducing her old friends to her new friends, instead of feeling torn between the two groups. The mystery was done well. The graphic novel format is always popular, and the reimagined Greek gods and goddesses as modern teens needing to be schooled on modern tech is a funny concept that is highly entertaining. Hand this to middle school story fans, graphic novel readers, and mythology-based fantasy fans.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. The video games only battle robot-like creatures and it isn't bloody. The maze is potentially dangerous, but teamwork keeps everyone ok.
This was a fun way to introduce mazes and minotaurs of mythology to readers, mixing it with modern gaming. I like how Karen is introducing her old friends to her new friends, instead of feeling torn between the two groups. The mystery was done well. The graphic novel format is always popular, and the reimagined Greek gods and goddesses as modern teens needing to be schooled on modern tech is a funny concept that is highly entertaining. Hand this to middle school story fans, graphic novel readers, and mythology-based fantasy fans.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. The video games only battle robot-like creatures and it isn't bloody. The maze is potentially dangerous, but teamwork keeps everyone ok.
March 8, 2022
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Clarion Books through NetGalley.
Delightful sequel to Cooke's first story of Karen and her relocation to Mt. Olympus. The tale picks up with Tina becoming the editor of their junior high newspaper and encouraging all of the friend group to join the staff. Karen struggles to figure out what she wants to write about until a troll named M1nat4ur interrupts her video game with friends from her former home. She decides to track M1nat4ur down to end the problems. The group adds more friends and venture into the basement where no one goes. Readers see them work together to make it through the maze, find M1nat4ur and bring him into their group. The artwork is highly detailed and well drawn. Readers can study the background details several times and still find new connecting pieces.
I received an electronic ARC from Clarion Books through NetGalley.
Delightful sequel to Cooke's first story of Karen and her relocation to Mt. Olympus. The tale picks up with Tina becoming the editor of their junior high newspaper and encouraging all of the friend group to join the staff. Karen struggles to figure out what she wants to write about until a troll named M1nat4ur interrupts her video game with friends from her former home. She decides to track M1nat4ur down to end the problems. The group adds more friends and venture into the basement where no one goes. Readers see them work together to make it through the maze, find M1nat4ur and bring him into their group. The artwork is highly detailed and well drawn. Readers can study the background details several times and still find new connecting pieces.
October 29, 2022
Karen and her divine friends find their way into a maze under their school, as Karen is determined to find a troll who has hacked her precious gaming time with her friends from back home in New Jersey. M1N0T4UR is a disruptive presence whose location has been tracked within the school. The friends find their way into the old maze (a training ground previously) and must confront a series of trials in order to locate their quarry. Along the way, Karen discovers her hidden demigoddess powers, and the group discovers the truth behind the M1N0T4UR. Once again, the author manages to weave a classical story into the lives of contemporary (if divine) teens, and the result is a fun, imaginative story. I don't think there are any more of these yet, but I'll keep my eyes peeled!
May 12, 2022
Oh My Gods! The Forgotten Maze is an excellent installment in the middle grade graphic novel series that appeals to every lover of mythology, humor, and friendship! In The Forgotten Maze, Karen investigates a mysterious user with the handle M1N0T4UR in her favorite online game. It's pretty clear from the username what happens next, Karen & crew find themselves in a labyrinth with challenges that mirror the video game. For adult readers, it may seem on-the-nose, but middle graders will love the video game qualities and references that help them predict what happens next. Also, we get a peek into Karen's demigoddess powers!
December 21, 2024
Karen’s friend group in Mt. Olympus has decided to run the school newspaper, and she would like to write a story about her favorite video game. She likes to play this game with her friends from back home, but recently their games have been interrupted by an online troll that calls himself M1NOT4UR. She tracks the troll down to the school basement, where there is a labyrinth that used to be used for hero training. Now Karen and her friends must complete three tasks in order to escape the maze. In doing so, they might find out who M1NOT4UR really is.
A cute mid-grade/YA graphic novel with a mystery at a middle school Mt Olympus. It’s very average, but fun.
A cute mid-grade/YA graphic novel with a mystery at a middle school Mt Olympus. It’s very average, but fun.
February 11, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book! I knew this was a sequel and have yet to read the first one. I definitely want to read the first one now and I hope that the series continues. Not only was the story good but I loved the art as well. It was easy to read and I had a hard time putting it down.
I would recommend it to kids and adults. It would be great for anyone wanting a quick peek into Greek mythology or those just beginning to learn about it.
I really liked this book! I knew this was a sequel and have yet to read the first one. I definitely want to read the first one now and I hope that the series continues. Not only was the story good but I loved the art as well. It was easy to read and I had a hard time putting it down.
I would recommend it to kids and adults. It would be great for anyone wanting a quick peek into Greek mythology or those just beginning to learn about it.
October 21, 2022
An improvement over the first in the series, this one feels less gimmicky and more honest to teenagers and what they go through. I also thought the characters were better defined and fleshed out. The art style is still adorable and expressive — and I love the diversity of the character designs. The ending, however, still felt a little bit rushed — the whole backstory revealed in just a couple pages and then promptly dismissed.
November 6, 2022
Cute illustrations and a fun narrative! This graphic novel made me feel like I was 9 again and obsessed with the greek-mythology-but-if-they-were-modern-kids genre of books like the Goddess Girls and anything by Riordan. The funniest part was that you have all of these unique characters based off of Greek goddesses and gods and then you have a protagonist named KAREN and the stepbrother of Ares who's named JEFF.
May 30, 2022
This is an amazing book about Ares’ brother that disappeared. Luckily they find him in the basement in a maze. The maze is something special, it is from a video game. They make it out of the maze and all is well. I loved this book so I would recommend it to 9 and up. I would definitely read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2022
This was another fun romp! I think it’s a great alternative to those who don’t want to read Percy Jackson, but want to find a new way to take in the Greek myths. I love having that alternative to teach them, without them suspecting they ARE learning, to that series if readers don’t gravitate towards it!
June 20, 2023
Solid book 2 in the series about a "normal" teen living with her dad, Zeus, on Mount Olympus.
I liked the way they really integrated Karen's "normal" life and her video game stuff into this new reality she has. I liked that they began to touch on Karen's demigoddess powers and I liked how things were resolved (even if it felt a bit too easy or convenient). I would read more if there was more!
I liked the way they really integrated Karen's "normal" life and her video game stuff into this new reality she has. I liked that they began to touch on Karen's demigoddess powers and I liked how things were resolved (even if it felt a bit too easy or convenient). I would read more if there was more!
May 5, 2022
I read this just as fast as the first one! I devoured it in 30 minutes and I loved it. I cannot wait for a new one to be published. Of course idk how long until that happens but I loved these books! Highly recommend!!!
October 18, 2022
This was a light, fun and entertaining read. I am a sucker from mythology especially Greek mythology. This graphic novel is very loosely based on the Greek mythology but I still keeps the underlining the same. And I also have to say that the art style is adorable.
January 1, 2024
Last review of 2023 for me and lets just say I ended with a bang this series is so cute! I love mythology and this felt like such a fun little intro to mythology and it had all the fun finding yourself and friendship vibes all here for it 💖
July 8, 2024
I don't think the Greek gods really fit and it could have been good with made up gods. Although, I'm curious if I missed some character building in the first one. Not for one minute do I believe these are middle schoolers. Also, how are you naming a middle school character Karen in 2022??
November 22, 2024
2.5 stars. I liked the whole maze of the Minotaur/ maze thing, the obsession with the video game, and the newspaper but beyond that I felt much the same as I did about the first one in the series. I don't know why I picked this one up to begin with.
April 23, 2022
A fun continuation of the series. I really like how they are retelling the old Greek Myths.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the next book.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the next book.
May 3, 2022
Not as good as the first one, but it's a cute series.
May 21, 2022
Very cute and serviceable with a good message.
2.5
2.5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews