Gormless Gods and Hapless Heroes – Book Review

Life hasn’t been easy since Tim’s dad died – the kids at school call him Cinderella because he’s always at home doing the housework while his mum’s at work. But when Hercules unexpectedly turns up in this living room, life starts to  get a while lot more interesting! Super- strong, but no so super-smart, when Hercules sets out to help him Tim is left picking up the pieces.How do you convince a hero, that you don’t need his help?

 Poor Tim, you immediately feel sorry for him having to do housework for his mum straight after school. He’s being bullied at school and he misses his mum who is having to work two jobs. Then he smashes an expensive Greek vase by accident and that’s when his troubles start.

Hercules appears but only Tim can see him. Hercules wants to help but all he succeeds in doing is make things so much worse. Tim wants to get rid of him and Hercules wants to go home to his wife and daughter.

I love how the book develops the characters for further series, Hercules may be a bit dim but Tim still learns from him, in particular how to deal with the bully at school. Tim’s mum is hardworking and understanding and Tim has a great relationship with her, so much so that he tells her everything.

The book is fast moving and each chapter leaves you wanting to continue with the next. I read it with my 6 year old boy and 11 year old daughter. It was easy enough for them to read but we enjoyed reading it together. there is a puzzle which if solved will send Hercules home, my 11 year old worked out the puzzle in no time at all, although it was a little harder for Tim and Hercules.

There are fun illustrations throughout the book which add to the charm of story. Hercules always appears as big black character as you would expect to see on an ancient Greek Vase.

Disclosure: We were sent a free copy of this book as a member of Boolino Friends, all thoughts and opinions are my own.