Review by Booklist Review
I am Argos, the Boar Slayer, . . . loyal hound to brave Odysseus. And thus, in first person, Argos tells the story of Odysseus' 10-year struggle to return to Ithaca and his beloved wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachos. Just a young dog when Odysseus left to fight the Trojans, Argos fondly remembers his master and longingly awaits his return. In his uncanny way, he communicates with other animals and many birds to hear of the progress (or lack, thereof) of Odysseus' travels. Always remaining hopeful, Argos faithfully maintains his duties of herding the sheep and protecting Penelope and Telemachos. Toward his life's end, faithful Argos witnesses his master's return. This inventive retelling of Homer's Odyssey is divided into three books, with the third book being told by Argos' son, Leander. Once readers accept the talking animals, they will find that the story faithfully follows Odysseus' troubled travels back to Ithaca. This may well be a way to get middle-grade readers to engage with the ancient tale.--Petty, J. B. Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-7-In this retelling of the ancient tale, the narrator is Argos, Odysseus's dog, left behind on Ithaka. The only way Argos can learn of his master's travels is to "talk" to the birds and other animals that have left the island. Argos speaks to gulls, owls, ravens, plovers, and others to find out the fate of Odysseus. The story follows the classic tale and uses the Greek names for characters and places. Readers learn of Odysseus's visits to Circe and his interactions with the Cyclops and the Sirens, as well as the suitors who hound Penelope, Odysseus's wife. Readers hear, too, of how Argos finds a mate and how his legacy is carried forth by one of his progeny. The prose is written in a style that reflects the ancient Greek origins of the story rather than contemporary speech patterns. Unfortunately, there is no glossary or pronunciation guide, which would be a big help to the target audience. VERDICT Hand this one to die-hard readers of the "Percy Jackson" series who are looking for a more traditional rendition of the Greek tales.-Elizabeth Kahn, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Avondale, LA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
This retelling of The Odyssey is primarily narrated by Odysseus's dog, Argos. The focus switches between Argos's experiences at home on Ithaka and what Odysseus is experiencing on his journey as relayed by the various animals who witness it. That the manner of retelling reflects the behavioral traits of the creatures in question adds a unique and enjoyable twist. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
