Styx and Stones
Percy Jackson meets The Labors of Hercules Beal in this hilarious, page-turning fantasy adventure with a heart of gold from two award-winning authors.
Simon expected more from life than being orphaned in ancient Greece and stuck in the Underworld for eternity. Determined not to forget who he is, he commits himself to escaping Hades. Along the way, he faces the monster Cerberus, befriends the tormented Sisyphus, and becomes Persephone’s favorite servant. Then, after centuries of failed attempts, he is finally thrust into modern times—and into the stall of a middle school bathroom. Naked.
With the help of Zeke, a nerdy rich kid on the social fringes, Simon learns to navigate this amazing and bewildering world. And with Simon’s help, Zeke begins to question his comfortable life and understand the true meaning of friendship. Everything seems to be going great . . . until the god of the Underworld sends a demon girl to bring Simon back. And suddenly, it’s not just the secret of Simon’s past that’s threatened, but their very lives—and everyone’s around them, too. Is their friendship strong enough to withstand the Will of Hades and save St. Nikolaos Academy Middle School?
From two-time Newbery honoree Gary D. Schmidt and two-time PEN Award winner Ron Koertge, Styx and Stones is an unforgettable coming-of-age adventure about friendship, courage, and identity, brimming with Greek mythology and high-stakes action.
- First published
- May 5, 2026
- Edition
- Ebook
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Shelved by 1 Litcadian
Reviews
Started April 27, 2026 · Finished April 28, 2026
Thank you to Werner Books & Coffee for allowing me to read and review this ARC. ——— STYX AND STONES is a refreshing, easy-to-follow story for young readers interested in Greek mythology. Although young Simon of Lacedaemon has been dead for over 2,000 years, his determination to return to the world of the living holds strong. He is a kind, likable character, though he is riddled with guilt surrounding his untimely death. However, he proves to be a beacon of hope to all others who come to know him, especially the shades he’s left behind in the Underworld and Queen Persephone. The book provides an interesting blend of mythology and modern living, throwing Simon right into the at-times humorous throes of middle school. In doing so, it highlights both the good and bad of this experience: impactful teachers, life lessons, crushes, and of course, bullies. Its portrayals of Hades and Persephone were especially interesting to me, as I feel I’ve seen many adaptations where they’re the Power Couple of Olympus. Here, we are reminded of the fact that before she was a queen, Persephone was first and foremost a prisoner, and she despises her downright evil husband. My criticisms: While we are given multiple POVs for this story, I did not care for Evelyn, Hades’ demon emissary, or her motivations at all. She was wicked without any real substance, and we never even learn if she got what she desired in the end. I was also shocked by the book’s casual mentioning of weed and some cursing. I guess it’s authentic for the modern day middle school experience (sadly), but still a shock to see. Also, why weren’t the adults more alarmed by this random kid showing up, naked, with nothing to confirm his existence? Overall, I think this book will be enjoyable for young readers interested in Greek mythology. It emphasizes the importance of friendship, building one’s self-esteem, and fighting for what you believe in.