The Myth of Monsters: #2 The Gods' Revenge written by Katherine Marsh, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this engaging sequel, Ava returns for her second year at the Accademia del Forte, eager to prove that her ancestry is misunderstood and that her friends are not the monsters the gods portray them to be. However, the arrival of the new headmaster, Perseus, complicates matters as he enforces unfair rules that favor male students. Ava's friend Layla, who has mastered her Empusa powers, becomes the center of attention, stirring feelings of insecurity in Ava as she grapples with her own identity as a Gorgon. When Layla is mysteriously banished, Ava and her friends embark on a mission to rescue her, uncovering the truth about the original Empusa along the way. The narrative is rich with themes of empowerment and friendship, showcasing the girls' determination to confront the biases of the gods. As the characters navigate challenges, readers are treated to a blend of adventure, suspense, and girl power. With a strong emphasis on the importance of revealing hidden truths, this book captivates young readers while providing a fresh perspective on Greek mythology. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I admit, I liked this second book a bit more than the first.  It's a little less "all men are bad" and more the male gods have treated the female goddesses, queens and demi-gods, poorly - let's rewrite their stories!  I love that approach. Marsh portrays Medusa as a goddess who protected women and girls and was later punished for it.  The Empusa in the story is a shape shifting vampire loyal to Hecate.  I was also amused on the names word play.  Mr. Pankovych was Pan and Mr. Heff is Hephaestus. This series would make for a fun mythology-themed book club for middle-grade students. Discussions about the book can focus on the themes of empowerment and the portrayal of women in mythology, encouraging students to explore how these themes relate to contemporary society. Additionally, librarians can host creative writing workshops where students can rewrite their favorite myths from the perspective of the traditionally marginalized characters, fostering critical thinking and creativity. I think this book will be a hit with Percy Jackson fans, as it's a different perspective. I like that the reader is following Ava from 7th to 8th grade and that she has a good relationship with her brother now.  I am looking forward to a third book in this series???  It's been a fun read so far and I'd recommend it for any middle school classroom or school library.

Thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.  Expected publishing date is April 22, 2025.