Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Nymph finds her power, becomes goddess in captivating tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
STYX begins in the age of the Titans, a time of peace when the earth was still new. But their world is forever changed when Kronos, the youngest Titan God, kills his father and takes the throne. Kronos then decrees the girls of the Oceanids' family will no longer be goddesses, but nymphs who "live to serve" and no longer have divine powers. Styx, the eldest Oceanids daughter, is furious. What good is immortality, she thinks, if you have no power? But everything changes for Styx when she meets her cousin Asteria, who still retains her status as Goddess of Oracles and Falling Stars. The two girls secretly begin to train together in the arts of creation and magic and form a lifelong bond that will sustain them through perilous times to come. Both girls will marry. Styx against her will to Pallas, the God of Warcraft, and Asteria to the man she loves, Pallas' brother, Perses, the God of Destruction. The Titan's world is shattered when Zeus and the Olympians attack the Titans. As the war rages, Styx and Asteria, now both mothers, face loss and betrayal by someone they love. When the Titans fall to the Olympians, Styx faces an almost impossible choice between between loyalty and saving her family.
Is It Any Good?
Gill makes mythology accessible in this emotionally rich, elegantly written story about sisterhood, friendship, and female empowerment. It matters not if teens are pure fantasy fans, fantasy/romance readers, or poetry lovers, Styx is certain to captivate. Fantasy and romance fans won't be disappointed by the story's interweaving of magic, detailed world building, and complicated romantic relationships while teens looking for strong but complex female role models will be inspired by Styx's journey from overlooked child to powerful goddess. Readers who enjoyed Percy Jackson in their younger years will find much to dig into in this Greek mythology retelling featuring goddesses and gods they may be meeting for the first time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Styx was overlooked and dismissed by her family. Are there times when you've felt invisible, not seen or valued for who you really are?
The friendship between Styx and Asteria helps them find the courage and determination they need to persevere through challenging times. When has as friend helped you through a tough time in your life? When have you supported a friend?
Styx and Asteria lived in a patriarchal society where men held the power over girls and women (even goddesses). How much do you think has changed? Do you think boys and men still control the balance of power in your community or school?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 15, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2026
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