THE SIREN SONG
The Cronus Chronicles, Book Two
by Anne Ursu
Aladdin Paperbacks
Hardcover: 1416905898
Paperback: 9781416905905
Ages 8-12
464 pages

Eighth grader Charlotte Mielswetzski (pronounced Meals-wet-ski) feels a bit disgruntled. She and her cousin, Zee, have just returned from saving the human race, and what does she get? A huge grounding from her parents. She must go straight to school, call her mom at the end of classes, go straight home, call her mom when she gets there. No friends, no fun, no life! And don’t even get Charlotte started on the therapist she now must visit every week --- all because she snuck out of the house one night and refused to tell her parents why. But how could she? They’d never believe her. And it’s not like she had any choice in the matter. The entire human population had depended on her, even if they hadn’t realized it. 

The truth of that night must be kept between her and Zee, and one or two others, including the entire Greek god ensemble. It turns out that all of those Greek god myths are not really myths at all, but are true. A god by the name of Philonecron came up with a plan to take over the Underworld and stole human children’s shadows to build an army. Charlotte and Zee bravely faced the unknown and eventually emerged victorious, leaving Philonecron crippled and defeated. Now they are back to normal life and hoping that they never have to deal with another Greek god --- but they’re not holding their breath. They have a feeling that they will cross paths eventually. And they are right. Philonecron is slowly healing and quickly devising a new plan to take revenge on the cousins.

While desperately trying to deal with her difficult parents and hoping to get more chances to talk with the extremely cute guy who recently started at her school, Charlotte has to pack for her spring break excursion. Yes, she’s still grounded, and grounded very thoroughly, but her parents have won an educational trip on a historically themed cruise ship, including lectures and tours in Colonial Williamsburg, all aimed at old people with nothing better to do. At least the cruise ship has a swimming pool.

Meanwhile, Philonecron continues building steps onto his evil plan, one of which is contacting a powerful god named Poseidon for help. Poseidon is the god of the sea, and just the right god to help when the target will be sailing along the eastern coastline on an educational historical cruise ship. Once again, Charlotte and Zee will have to dig deep for courage and strength to face the terrifying gods and mind-boggling monsters determined to control the world.

THE SIREN SONG is the second installment in The Cronus Chronicles, and it delivers with as much excitement and humor as the first. Anne Ursu does an extraordinary job creating an entertaining story interlacing her own feisty characters with those of the infamous Greek myths. Her amazing sense of humor and fast-paced plot will conceal a bit of learning with a lot of fun. Readers will be happy to know that a third book featuring more hysterical adventures involving Charlotte and Zee will be coming.

    --- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND

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