For readers fascinated by ancient myths and powerful figures, this graphic novel explores the turbulent reign of Poseidon, god of the sea and earthquakes.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is captivated by stories of immense power and equally immense tempers. It’s an excellent choice for exploring themes of anger, rivalry, and the consequences of unchecked emotion through the larger than life stories of Greek mythology. This graphic novel focuses on Poseidon, the volatile god of the sea, detailing his conflicts with his brother Zeus, his rivalry with Athena for the city of Athens, and his creation of the horse. The book's dynamic art and fast paced narrative make it highly engaging for readers aged 8 to 12. It’s a fantastic way to introduce classical myths while also providing a safe space to discuss difficult emotions like jealousy and rage.
The protagonist is a powerful god whose actions are driven by rage and jealousy, not heroism.
Sensitive Topics
This book deals with classic mythological violence, intense sibling rivalry, and godly wrath. Poseidon's rage is a central theme, often leading to destructive acts. The approach is mythological and metaphorical, not grounded in realism. It's a secular retelling of ancient religious stories. The resolution is a character portrait, leaving Poseidon's tempestuous nature unchanged and ambiguous, rather than showing a lesson learned.
Ideal Reader
A 9 to 11 year old who is obsessed with mythology, superheroes, or epic fantasy (like Percy Jackson). This child is drawn to powerful, flawed characters and enjoys action packed stories with high stakes. They might be grappling with their own strong emotions and find a safe outlet in a character whose anger can literally shake the world.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview scenes depicting monstrous births and the intensity of Poseidon’s rage (e.g., the flooding during the contest with Athena). The book can be read cold, but a quick chat about how Greek gods were very human-like in their flaws can be useful context. The parent notices their child is drawn to stories about villains or anti-heroes, or is perhaps expressing frustration in big, physical ways. The child might ask, "Why is he so angry all the time?" or be fascinated by the scale of a god's tantrum.
Age Experience
An 8 or 9 year old will likely focus on the action: the cool monsters, the epic battles, and Poseidon's immense power. They'll see him as a super-powerful, sometimes scary figure. An 11 or 12 year old is more likely to pick up on the psychological nuances: Poseidon's deep seated feelings of being second best to Zeus, his possessiveness, and the tragedy of his uncontrollable temper.
What Makes It Special
While many books retell Greek myths, this series excels at deep character studies. This isn't just a collection of stories about Poseidon; it's an attempt to get inside his head. The graphic novel format, with its moody, blue-toned color palette and dynamic paneling, visually communicates his volatile nature in a way prose alone cannot.
Read plot summary
The book chronicles the major myths of Poseidon, framed by a narration from the god himself. It covers his birth and imprisonment in Cronus's stomach, the Titanomachy, his claiming of the seas, his tumultuous marriage to Amphitrite, the contest with Athena over Athens, and his role as the creator of horses and the father of various monstrous offspring. The narrative is non-linear, jumping between key moments in his mythological history.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In the contest for Athens, Athena offers an olive tree and Poseidon offers a saltwater spring. Why do you think the people chose Athena's gift? Was Poseidon's reaction fair?
2
Poseidon seems to be angry a lot, especially at his brother Zeus. What do you think is the real reason he feels this way? Is he just a 'bad guy' or is it more complicated?
3
The book is called 'Earth Shaker'. We see Poseidon cause earthquakes when he's upset. If your feelings could change the world around you, what would happen when you felt happy, sad, or angry?
4
Poseidon's wife, Amphitrite, is also a powerful goddess of the sea. How does her presence seem to affect Poseidon? Does he act differently when he is with her?
