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Myth-O-Mania #3
Say Cheese, Medusa!
Puts a modern and humorous spin on the Greek myth of Medusa and Perseus, in which Perseus slays Medusa in her sleep before she can turn him to stone.
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
About the author
Kate McMullan
194 books140 followersKate McMullan is an American children's book author.
She is the author of the Dragon Slayers' Academy series. She is married to author and illustrator James McMullan.
She also has books published under the name: Katy Hall.
She is the author of the Dragon Slayers' Academy series. She is married to author and illustrator James McMullan.
She also has books published under the name: Katy Hall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 23, 2011
Just when you thought you knew everything about Greek mythology, Hades - ruler of the underworld, tells us the real story of Medusa. A light-humored play on the mythology everyone knows, but with major twists.
The hilarity in this book is what makes it so great - I was giggling non-stop. I mean you have Hades who named his two steeds Harley and Davidson, Medusa concerned with hair products, and a frightening scary Athena. Our first introduction to the Goddess of war is where the story takes off - her actions kick into motion a hilarious adventure. Let's just say while Medusa and her sisters think they are out to have a good night, things go very wrong and they are changed forever!
The story revolves around Medusa and Perseus, except it deviates from the legends, and Perseus may no longer be the hero. Following Hades attempts to stop Perseus from finding Medusa left me in stitches - everything he attempted was foiled, including a great scene with his Granny Gaia. If you're in the mood to laugh, and don't mind twisted mythology, then this is your book.
Even though this is book 3 in a series, the books can be read in any order.
The hilarity in this book is what makes it so great - I was giggling non-stop. I mean you have Hades who named his two steeds Harley and Davidson, Medusa concerned with hair products, and a frightening scary Athena. Our first introduction to the Goddess of war is where the story takes off - her actions kick into motion a hilarious adventure. Let's just say while Medusa and her sisters think they are out to have a good night, things go very wrong and they are changed forever!
The story revolves around Medusa and Perseus, except it deviates from the legends, and Perseus may no longer be the hero. Following Hades attempts to stop Perseus from finding Medusa left me in stitches - everything he attempted was foiled, including a great scene with his Granny Gaia. If you're in the mood to laugh, and don't mind twisted mythology, then this is your book.
Even though this is book 3 in a series, the books can be read in any order.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2019
Wow !! After 'The goddess girls' series. I guess, I am obsessed with myth-o-mania
The famous 'Medusa' incident from the Greek myth is being retold here. But, Hades decides to reveal the truth this time.
The story is about the Greek gorgon, Medusa who was cursed by goddess Athena. Perseus, the great hero is on a quest to behead Medusa to save his mother from Polydectes. Did he succeed?
Is it true ? - what we believed so far 😂
Wonderful narration and is definitely for kids.
The famous 'Medusa' incident from the Greek myth is being retold here. But, Hades decides to reveal the truth this time.
The story is about the Greek gorgon, Medusa who was cursed by goddess Athena. Perseus, the great hero is on a quest to behead Medusa to save his mother from Polydectes. Did he succeed?
Is it true ? - what we believed so far 😂
Wonderful narration and is definitely for kids.
February 10, 2018
In Chapter 1, Persephone gave Hades a wallet so like if he had something way oversized -- way too big, way too small -- then he could put it in the wallet and it would get to the normal size. The wallet grows to put the thing in and then shrinks down so he can carry it around. Then he takes the thing out and it goes to its regular size.
September 10, 2018
I've been reading this series to my 9 and 7 year olds, and they've really enjoyed them. They're funny and quick paced.
June 26, 2023
Review in progress
September 29, 2011
This third book in the Myth-O-Manic series from Capstone Kids is phenomenal. The "true" story of Medusa and Perseus as told by Hades. It's not accurate to the original myth but a great introduction to Greek Myths for young children.
The story starts with Hades spending a night with his brothers Zeus and Posiden. "Po" wants to picnic with some moon goddesses at Athena's new temple. When Athena finds out, she curses the moon goddesses turning them into gorgons.
Later that night, Hades discovers Danae and Perseus. This starts off a legend in the making.
Hades promises to keep Perseus safe only to find he's grown up to be like his father Zeus - arrogant and lazy. Fun and frolics occur when Perseus sets of to hunt Medusa and bring back her head.
It's a violent concept but the book is violence free. It's witty and amusing with lots of cheese and pop culture references. Perfect for middle grade readers. There are some tough words but the book comes equipped with a glossery of names and another for more difficult words.
The story starts with Hades spending a night with his brothers Zeus and Posiden. "Po" wants to picnic with some moon goddesses at Athena's new temple. When Athena finds out, she curses the moon goddesses turning them into gorgons.
Later that night, Hades discovers Danae and Perseus. This starts off a legend in the making.
Hades promises to keep Perseus safe only to find he's grown up to be like his father Zeus - arrogant and lazy. Fun and frolics occur when Perseus sets of to hunt Medusa and bring back her head.
It's a violent concept but the book is violence free. It's witty and amusing with lots of cheese and pop culture references. Perfect for middle grade readers. There are some tough words but the book comes equipped with a glossery of names and another for more difficult words.
June 11, 2011
We are all familiar with Zeus’ version of Medusa’s story. Well, it turns out that Zeus is a bit of a myth-o-maniac, someone who spins wild myths that are not entirely true. Now it’s Hades chance to tell the REAL story of Medusa.
This time, the way Medusa and her sisters become Gorgons is entirely different. And you won’t believe how hair care products play into the story. Hilarious! Even funnier, is what happens to Perseus when he goes after Medusa. Never has a Greek myth been so fun to read!
This series has 8 books that can be read in any order. I want to read them all. I am especially excited for Keep a Lid On It, Pandora! They are being re-released with splashy new covers on August 1, 2011.
RATING
5 Loved
COVER COMMENTS
Ha! Look at Medusa all green with her snake hair. I love this cartoon image.
This time, the way Medusa and her sisters become Gorgons is entirely different. And you won’t believe how hair care products play into the story. Hilarious! Even funnier, is what happens to Perseus when he goes after Medusa. Never has a Greek myth been so fun to read!
This series has 8 books that can be read in any order. I want to read them all. I am especially excited for Keep a Lid On It, Pandora! They are being re-released with splashy new covers on August 1, 2011.
RATING
5 Loved
COVER COMMENTS
Ha! Look at Medusa all green with her snake hair. I love this cartoon image.
August 8, 2011
Hades, the god of the Underworld, is here to set the stories behind the legendary myths straight in this series. You see Zeus, the guy who likes to pass on the myths that we are familiar with, loves to stretch the truth. He always tweaks the story to be flattering to himself and his family members.
In Say Cheese, Medusa, Hades gives us the real story behind Perseus' childhood and "heroic" deeds. He also tells the true story of how Medusa came to be "Gorgonized" and given her stony curse. It involves a picnic in the wrong place at the wrong time and a very bad hair day.
Hades recollection comes in a very fun and lighthearted tone, and I really enjoyed the story. It will be a great high interest read for students, and I believe I will be adding it to my middle school library. I think my 6th graders will love it!
In Say Cheese, Medusa, Hades gives us the real story behind Perseus' childhood and "heroic" deeds. He also tells the true story of how Medusa came to be "Gorgonized" and given her stony curse. It involves a picnic in the wrong place at the wrong time and a very bad hair day.
Hades recollection comes in a very fun and lighthearted tone, and I really enjoyed the story. It will be a great high interest read for students, and I believe I will be adding it to my middle school library. I think my 6th graders will love it!
March 12, 2012
I laughed and laughed throughout this book! Greek myths told as they really happened from the viewpoint of Hades himself. He corrects the misconceptions we all believe to be true because we heard the stories from his myth o maniac brother Zeus (the big fat liar).
Having a 10 year old son who is enthralled by Greek Mythology, we requested this book from NetGalley. My son laughed all through the story. "Hades is really a good guy after all, he tries to save Medusa."
We will be purchasing all the books in this series (this is number three). Excellent story Ms. McMullan. You made education fun. I remember studying the old mythology books in school thinking "there must be some way to make these dry old stories fun". You have found the way, you have the golden touch. Love the stories!
Having a 10 year old son who is enthralled by Greek Mythology, we requested this book from NetGalley. My son laughed all through the story. "Hades is really a good guy after all, he tries to save Medusa."
We will be purchasing all the books in this series (this is number three). Excellent story Ms. McMullan. You made education fun. I remember studying the old mythology books in school thinking "there must be some way to make these dry old stories fun". You have found the way, you have the golden touch. Love the stories!
January 17, 2023
this was one of the best books I've read (in my life time....).
May 25, 2021
Hades was packing up clothes for Persephone as she was getting ready to leave for the beginning of spring. As she left Hades got an invitation from his little brother Posiden. He went to the party noticing Medusa, one of the moon goddesses and they started to talk. As they were walking up to the temple he noticed this wasn’t Po’s temple it was Athena’s temple and he started to walk in the temple telling Po that this is not his but Po did not care. The party got started and Athena walked in. She saw the moon goddess and said this was all your fault and that you will get cursed. She got cursed and she ran away with her sisters. Hades ran after them telling them where they should go. As Hades went back to his kingdom to examine the caves he had found a big copper block so he rang up his uncles and told them to come over and bring their tools. So they brought their tools, opened up the copper box and realized there was a woman and a child in they’re. Years passed and the child grew up. The mom said it was time for them to go and they left. Years later Hades had been wondering about Medusa and heard that the little boy that lived with him was sent out to kill her. So he tried to figure where they were because they moved spots once he knew where they were he flew over there. As he walked in unnoticed the boy was behind him in minutes and he tried to slay Medusa but failed and turned to stone on accident. As he was turned to stone and put in the front of the cave with the rest of the stone statues three gods appeared Zeus, Athena and Hermes as they came to the cave they saw the boy as stone. Zeus was mad and he made Athena try to make him live again, after a couple tries they got it right and they charged into the cave. As they got into the cave Medusa was waiting for them and Medusa was talking to Athena of why she was the one who got cursed and it was because Medusa had very beautiful hair and Athena had helmet hair. So they figured out an agreement, Medusa would give Athena the shampoo she uses and Athena would uncurse Medusa.
February 21, 2018
Κριτική στα Ελληνικά πιο κάτω...
I was curious for this series and in need of something light, so I picked this book and read it in a leisure afternoon. This is a very twisted re-telling of the Medusa/Perseus myth, narrated from the view point of Hades. Gods and heroes appear to have completely different qualities and characters than we know of in this book, while the ancient world seems too Americanised. The book is quite humorous and easy to read and while some points irked me, this is a teen book after all and I'm sure its market segment would find it very good. I enjoyed it and I'm sure others will, but I hope that its readers, especially teenagers, will feel intrigued to learn the proper version of the story and delve deeper into Greek Mythology.
Μία διασκεδαστική και εντελώς διαφορετική εκδοχή του μύθου της Μέδουσας και του Περσέα, γραμμένη για (Αμερικάνους) εφήβους. Ο Άδης είναι ο αφηγητής της ιστορίας και παρουσιάζει την δική του εκδοχή των γεγονότων στα οποία παίζει σημαντικό ρόλο. Γενικά οι θεοί και οι ήρωες δεν έχουν και πολύ σχέση με τους θεούς και τους ήρωες όπως τους ξέρουμε από την Ελληνική Μυθολογία και ο αρχαίος κόσμος εμφανίζεται πολύ Αμερικανοποιημένος, αλλά το βιβλίο είναι γραμμένο με χιούμορ και είμαι σίγουρη ότι το κοινό στο οποίο απευθύνεται θα το ευχαριστηθεί. Ελπίζω μόνο να παρακινήσει τους αναγνώστες να αναζητήσουν και να μελετήσουν την αυθεντική Ελληνική Μυθολογία κάποια στιγμή και να μην μείνουν μόνο σε αυτό...
I was curious for this series and in need of something light, so I picked this book and read it in a leisure afternoon. This is a very twisted re-telling of the Medusa/Perseus myth, narrated from the view point of Hades. Gods and heroes appear to have completely different qualities and characters than we know of in this book, while the ancient world seems too Americanised. The book is quite humorous and easy to read and while some points irked me, this is a teen book after all and I'm sure its market segment would find it very good. I enjoyed it and I'm sure others will, but I hope that its readers, especially teenagers, will feel intrigued to learn the proper version of the story and delve deeper into Greek Mythology.
Μία διασκεδαστική και εντελώς διαφορετική εκδοχή του μύθου της Μέδουσας και του Περσέα, γραμμένη για (Αμερικάνους) εφήβους. Ο Άδης είναι ο αφηγητής της ιστορίας και παρουσιάζει την δική του εκδοχή των γεγονότων στα οποία παίζει σημαντικό ρόλο. Γενικά οι θεοί και οι ήρωες δεν έχουν και πολύ σχέση με τους θεούς και τους ήρωες όπως τους ξέρουμε από την Ελληνική Μυθολογία και ο αρχαίος κόσμος εμφανίζεται πολύ Αμερικανοποιημένος, αλλά το βιβλίο είναι γραμμένο με χιούμορ και είμαι σίγουρη ότι το κοινό στο οποίο απευθύνεται θα το ευχαριστηθεί. Ελπίζω μόνο να παρακινήσει τους αναγνώστες να αναζητήσουν και να μελετήσουν την αυθεντική Ελληνική Μυθολογία κάποια στιγμή και να μην μείνουν μόνο σε αυτό...
August 22, 2020
Fun retelling of the story of Medusa and Perseus. I like Hades' easy narrating style and amusing humour. I like the way McMullan weaves in modern references. Hades' steeds are named Harley and Davidson. Hades being told off for "backseat flying". Medusa and her Gorgon sisters mentioning that at least with snake hair - they "never had a bad snake day". My favourite was the shortening of Polydectus, the following was hilarious.
“Enough grapes,” the king snapped. “King Poly want a cracker!”
McMullan, Kate. Say Cheese, Medusa! (Myth-O-Mania Book 3) (p. 102). Capstone Press. Kindle Edition.
The story was action packed and moved along at a fast speed. I liked that the Furies were back (they're my favourite characters). The twist was interesting. 4 stars for the target audience, 3 stars for me.
“Enough grapes,” the king snapped. “King Poly want a cracker!”
McMullan, Kate. Say Cheese, Medusa! (Myth-O-Mania Book 3) (p. 102). Capstone Press. Kindle Edition.
The story was action packed and moved along at a fast speed. I liked that the Furies were back (they're my favourite characters). The twist was interesting. 4 stars for the target audience, 3 stars for me.
March 22, 2022
Medusa
For some reason, I love the retellings of Medusa. I was very excited to read this! I once again enjoy the tale of not having the full story of the Greek gods and Hades telling us from his point of view. I wouldn’t say I’m very verse in the Greek mythology but reading about some of the characters really excited me. I wish the story centered more on Medusa and not Perseus trying to behead her.
Looking at the next book in the series, I’m only interested in reading about Cupid and Pandora. But I need a break from this genre of books.
For some reason, I love the retellings of Medusa. I was very excited to read this! I once again enjoy the tale of not having the full story of the Greek gods and Hades telling us from his point of view. I wouldn’t say I’m very verse in the Greek mythology but reading about some of the characters really excited me. I wish the story centered more on Medusa and not Perseus trying to behead her.
Looking at the next book in the series, I’m only interested in reading about Cupid and Pandora. But I need a break from this genre of books.
July 1, 2023
Good but…
It was an okay book. Good storyline a bit inaccurately written (i.e. Medusa’s head can’t turn immortals like Athena into stone. Poseidon looked at Medusa’s face after he made her desecrate Athena’s temple and he was fine.)
The problem is that there are SO MANY PUNCTUATION ERRORS. Sooo maaaaany. Kate will forget a dash, forget to turn italics back into normal text and vice versa. She’ll *ahem* put quotation marks in weird places and confuse the heck out of me. Not the best author but okay book.
It was an okay book. Good storyline a bit inaccurately written (i.e. Medusa’s head can’t turn immortals like Athena into stone. Poseidon looked at Medusa’s face after he made her desecrate Athena’s temple and he was fine.)
The problem is that there are SO MANY PUNCTUATION ERRORS. Sooo maaaaany. Kate will forget a dash, forget to turn italics back into normal text and vice versa. She’ll *ahem* put quotation marks in weird places and confuse the heck out of me. Not the best author but okay book.
January 7, 2019
This book was very creative and I enjoyed reading it. It was a little bit to silly for me because I know a lot about Greek myths so it confused me a bit. I am considering reading another one. This book is great and I would recommend it to readers that have no knowledge of the actual myth, but really anybody can enjoy it I think. If you have no background in Greek mythology I recommend that you read the glossary with the names of the gods so you can better understand silly phrases and puns
February 12, 2022
Another great entry in the Myth-O-Mania series! Hades has made it his mission to tell the true story behind the myths, and he always does it in such a fun way! These books are not meant to be a textbook on the old Greek myths, and if you understand that going in, you will find yourself fascinated by Hades' take on them! He definitely makes the gods seem more accessible!
Highly recommended:
5/5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
Highly recommended:
5/5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 24, 2019
A fun take on Greek Myths from Hades perspective as the misunderstood big brother. We've been studying Greek Myths and were ready for some light hearted fun after reading several books written in traditional style. A humorous take on the original myths following the outline of the traditional versions of the stories from the perspective of the first born of Chronos.
September 15, 2022
This book was very realistic and real. I mean not that realistic but yeah. At the end, they said that Medusa turned back to her human form. Well that would be wrong. But this book is a kid book, so I kinda see why they did that. I also loved how they didn't make Medusa the "monster." Athena could also be a little mean. No one is ever perfect!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2017
Most people know the story of Medusa and how she was destroyed by Perseus. Well in this book, Lord Hades is here to tell you the real story. The ending is so much better than what the myth said and way different too, but I still recommend it to Greek mythology lovers and history lovers of any age.
May 29, 2019
This book is SO GOOD! Hades shows what a myth o maniac Zeuss is. Zeuss got the story all wrong. He thinks medusas just a scary monster. But she was cursed just because of helmet hair. This book is really funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2020
These are really cute books. If you like Greek mythology, alternate plot twists, and modern storytelling - then definitely check out these books. The target audience is younger and it's a very quick read, but super cute.
December 1, 2021
Good or not
I liked this book but then didn’t it was good but didn’t really make sense to me but I like how it was about the hades,Persephone,and Medusa.I choose this rating because of this stuff that I have stated.
I liked this book but then didn’t it was good but didn’t really make sense to me but I like how it was about the hades,Persephone,and Medusa.I choose this rating because of this stuff that I have stated.
May 29, 2017
Easy and funny read. A look of the Greek myths by Hades point of view :)
November 20, 2017
I love stories of Medusas. And this one has such a clever twist.
December 23, 2018
Read this all the way back in 3rd grade and completely forgot its name but thanks Google. Loved it.
April 30, 2019
I enjoyed this twist of myth. Good book for mid grade kids to read. Quick time span without missing anything important.
June 2, 2019
Makes you really think.
June 16, 2019
Resd this with my 9 year old. She loves mythology and loves this series. Thinks it's so funny.
November 7, 2020
Lol I loved it! SO funny!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews