In this graphic-novel series opener, a girl discovers her father is a Greek god-sound familiar?When her mother gets the opportunity of a lifetime, Karen must stay with her estranged father, Zed, who lives on Mount Olympus. Upon her arrival, she learns that her father is obviously both affluent and influential, living in a palatial home and serving as both the mayor of the town and dean of her school. At Mt. Olympus Junior High, Karen quickly befriends Dita, Athena, and siblings Apollo and Artemis. When a classmate is turned to stone in the school library and Karen falls under suspicion, she and her new friends must find the culprit. Visually, Moon's bright and expressive art propels Cooke and Fitzpatrick's narrative, with tidy stylization and an alluring full-color palette. Karen, however, may be a polarizing character: She can be bratty at times and infuriatingly slow at others. At one point, her friends must practically spoon-feed her the concept that they are gods and goddesses-that their names are taken directly from the pantheon and that they live on Mount Olympus don't seem to clue her in. Despite the high-interest format, this doesn't bring enough novelty to set it apart from Percy Jackson. Nearly all the characters present White with the exceptions of Dita, who has a slightly darker skin tone, and assorted unnamed background characters.Intriguing but disappointingly derivative; here's hoping future volumes find a groove. (mythology notes, bibliography) (Graphic fantasy. 9-12)

A breezy tone and well-placed gags keep things moving in Cooke-s series opener, which twines well-trod school travails with Greek mythology. When middle schooler Karen is uprooted from life with her mom in New Jersey and sent to stay with her dad, Zed, on Mount Olympus, she does not expect it to be the mythical Mount Olympus, nor does she anticipate that her junior high school will be filled with youthful incarnations of ancient Greek deities. In addition to navigating a new social scene, a class load that covers ancient history and archery, and the knowledge that she may be a demigoddess, Karen must also figure out why students are suddenly getting turned to stone-a plot point that covers familiar ground for those who know the tales. Instantly inviting art with strong lines and a colorful palette by Fitzpatrick and Moon quickly situates the reader, while the light plot introduces the pantheon-based cast-which balances expected character traits (bookish Athena, sporty Artemis) with clever updates (Zeus as an enthusiastic father)-while setting up the next installment. Ages 8-12. Agent: Maria Vicente, P.S. Literary Agency. (Jan.)

Gr 4-8 A mystery of mythological proportions kicks off a charming new comic series. Middle schooler Karen learns she'll be staying with her father at Mt. Olympus while her mom relocates for an art project. Though it takes Karen some time to catch on, readers will notice something's up; she's treated like royalty on the flight and greeted by an enormous welcoming committee accompanying her father, "Zed," at the airport. Karen discovers that her father is Zeus, king of the gods, and her classmates are the Olympians themselves, who have chosen to be teens again for fun. She's still trying to get into the swing of things when a student is found turned to stone. Worried about suspicion falling on her, Karen enlists the help of her classmates to clear her name and crack the case. Readers pleased by the well-paced plot and endearing characters will be happy to note that the ending indicates further escapades are in store. Those familiar with Greek mythology will enjoy deciphering who is who, both from clues in the text and in the lively full-color illustrations. Karen and her father are white; the other characters are a variety of skin tones. Back matter includes character biographies of the featured Olympians and a bibliography. VERDICT Sure to be a hit among readers seeking an exciting mystery with mythological flair. Purchase where Rick Riordan's series are popular. Darla Salva Cruz, Suffolk Cooperative Lib. Syst., Bellport, NY