EVEN GODS MUST YIELD TO FIRE

In this debut novel, an American college student undertakes an important mission—delivering a warning to Olympian gods.

Julia takes advantage of her semester off by relaxing on the beach and exploring the ocean. While scuba diving, she finds an underwater chamber—and a giant with “mottled greenish skin” brandishing a trident. It’s Poseidon, who’s been suffering because of the sea’s rising temperature. Julia agrees to warn the other slumbering gods, although she hasn’t quite accepted that the encounter is not a dream. These Olympian gods are somewhere in Salt Lake City, where Julia heads with guide Hermes, Poseidon’s nephew, and her aunt Grace, who took Julia in as a child. But not everyone wants the gods awakened, namely the goblins that shadow the group and try to hinder Julia and her cohorts’ progress. This forces them to bounce from train to train and city to city until they hit their destination. In the meantime, they make unexpected connections, from young twin “street urchins” to an escaped convict, and struggle to keep everyone together. Singer simplifies this fantasy series opener, predominantly centering it on one god (Hermes) and the journey to Salt Lake City. The engaging story gradually introduces a stellar cast, especially the charming twins Bruce and Patience. The equally memorable Hermes speaks in the style of a Greek epic—a discernible decasyllable verse that’s not a mere gimmick, as he dishes out pertinent information. Vivid passages highlight alluring sights and activities, including a moonlit walk in the mountains and a serene landscape viewed from a train. Although the author is likely putting off certain revelations for the sequel, this volume offers some surprises, like a character’s newfound ability. Meanwhile, the tale’s conspicuous environmental message doesn’t go deeper than a warning; decisions on what action to take will surely drive the subsequent installments.

This remarkable fantasy boasts an indelible cast of gods and mortals.