Quicksilver

by Stephanie Spinner

Book Overview

Hermes--also known as Mercury, Wayfinder, and Prince of Thieves--has many talents. Wearing his famed winged sandals, he does the bidding of his father Zeus, leads the dead down to Hades, and practices his favorite arts of trickery and theft. He also sees the future, travels invisibly, loves jokes, and abhors violence. And he's an entertaining and ideal narrator on a fast-paced journey through ancient Greek mythology--from Medusa's cave to Trojan War...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440238455
• ISBN13: 9780440238454
• Release Date: December 2006
• Publisher: Laurel Leaf Library
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.2" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

A better book by Stephanie Spinner!

This a hilarous book about greek myths told from the eyes of hermes! It is of couse as a said above, hilarous! I read QUIVER also by Stephanie Spinner, i found this book much funnier, and entertaing. My problem with QUIVER was that you felt like there was something importent missing and Spinner didn't make Atalanta her own, but in this book she makes hermes real almost like he is telling you the story. I liked all the storys but i did feel like she rushed through them, as if to keep the book short. I do recommened this to someone who loves greek mythology!

Enjoyable novelization of the mythological figure Hermes

Stephanie Spinner returns to the exciting world of Greek Mythology with QUICKSILVER, the story of winged messenger Hermes. Her previous novel, QUIVER, brought to life the story of the swift Atalanta. Hermes had many roles, including bringing the dead to Hades and acting as swift winged messenger to and from the gods. He is shown almost as a young adult, trying to please his father Zeus while learning his responsibilities and principles. His mischievous side adds to the wonderful stories. Several of Hermes's stories are described here, including how he helped King of the Underworld Hades and goddess Demeter compromise over the beautiful Kore; and a tale of the changing seasons. Readers will especially enjoy the adventure of Perseus cutting off the head of snake-haired Medusa, which showcases the clever wit and multiple talents of Hermes. The apple contest decided by Paris that leads to the Trojan War brings out a new side in the Messenger. He is horrified by the senseless death and the way his family of gods takes sides. His last adventure listed here, saving Odysseus from the bewitching Calypso, brings a happy end for Hermes. It's fun to see the classic adventures novelized. BULLFINCH'S MYTHOLOGY can offer background and more information for those who are interested, and readers also may want to see the 1981 movie Clash of the Titans for another look at Perseus's tale. But you don't have to be an expert in Greek mythology to enjoy QUICKSILVER.    --- Reviewed by Amy Alessio