First published 2018
Jason stands before King Pelias, who demands he retrieve the golden fleece from distant Colchis before claiming his rightful throne. The young hero assembles the greatest warriors of Greece, the Argonauts, and sets sail on the ship Argo across treacherous seas. Their journey brings them face to face with bronze giants, clashing rocks that crush ships, and the sorceress Medea, who holds the key to their success. Meanwhile, other legendary figures pursue their own destinies. Atalanta races against suitors who seek her hand in marriage. The musician Orpheus descends into the underworld to reclaim his beloved Eurydice. Theseus navigates the labyrinth to confront the monstrous Minotaur that devours Athenian youth. Irish folklorist Padraic Colum weaves these classical myths together, creating a collection that won the Newbery Award and earned praise from Publishers Weekly as an unmatched introduction to ancient stories. These tales explore courage, love, sacrifice, and the price of heroism.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, greek-mythology, ancient, classical-studies
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, epic-quest, found-family
Setting: Colchis, Greece
Period: Ancient
256 pages · Paperback · Dover