Fetch Book One: The Journey

KIRKUS -- Every hero needs a quest. Twelve-year-old Danni is devastated by the death of her dog, Pirate. When a mysterious substitute teacher introduces Danni to the world of Greek mythology, she’s surprised by how much the stories help to take her mind off her grief—especially when a familiar illustration leads her to suspect that the tales might be more than mere myth. Like a 21st-century Orpheus, Danni ventures to the Underworld in hopes of getting her best friend back but finds herself deeper in trouble than she bargained for when her younger brother, Sammy, follows her down. Aided by Danni’s teacher’s book and a wily hero of old, will Danni and Sammy best the guardians of Hades and fetch what they seek? Or will the cost of tempting fate prove too high to bear? This graphic novel acts as a gateway into Greek myth for readers too young for the intensity of Percy Jackson and the like and incorporates some lesser-explored aspects of the mythos into a quest that will engage anyone who’s ever lost a friend. The true standout, however, is the energetic, expressive artwork, which masterfully depicts the shifting moods and landscapes without ever becoming overwhelming. Hints at divine meddling and a gut-wrenching cliffhanger tantalizingly open the door to a sequel. Danni and Sammy are light-skinned; Hades presents Black. A solid series opener for budding mythology fans.