Hades Speaks! A Guide to the Underworld by the Greek God of the Dead by Vicky Alvear Shecter. Illustrated by J.E. Larson. Secrets of the Ancient Gods series. 128 p. Boyds Mills Press/ Highlights, September 1, 2014. 9781620915981. (Finished copy courtesy of publisher for review.)
Poor misunderstood Hades. He invites the reader to join him on a tour of the Underworld but warns those with a fear of the dark away and recommends sturdy walking shoes. Then he whines a bit about his little brother Zeus cheating him out of his right to choose his domain. He has no love for Zeus' son Herakles either. Not only does he lament the fact that temples are never built in his honor but that modern day children think that Homer is Homer Simpson and not the famous Greek poet.
Never mind, he is here to set us straight as he guides us through the Underworld and patters on snarkily while pointing out landmarks of interest. Persephone even makes an appearance. Atmospheric black and white illustration pepper the text, backmatter includes a map, a glossary, guide to gods and heroes and suggestions for further reading in print and on the web.
I hope there are more of these nifty guides planned. Hades Speaks and the earlier, Anubis Speaks are both wonderful additions to the 292 section of the collection. Your myth-o-philes will just eat this one up!
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