BOOK REVIEW: The Aftermyth

THE AFTERMYTH
by Tracy Wolff
Available February 3

Penelope and her twin brother Paris are about to start a new life at the prestigious Anaximander's Academy, whose attendees study the great Greek myths and train in the fields most important to the gods of Olympus. Thus, each attendee is chosen by one of the deities: Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Aphrodite, or Hades. Penelope has dreamed of being another Athena, like everyone in her family before her, and her commitment to study and perfect seem to be pointing her in that direction... until everything starts falling apart.

After an impossibly imperfect entry, Penelope finds herself sorted in with the other devotees of Aphrodite: a house dedicate to the exact sort of glittery, beautiful chaos she can't stand. But after being forcibly befriended by fellow Aphrodites Fifi and Arjun, she starts to feel at home, even as she considers how she might undo the "mistake" of not being chosen as an Athena. As the year progresses, every new step seems fraught with impossible perils, and Penelope begins to see things others can't. Why does the very school itself seem to have it out for her? Who is the mysterious woman she sees in her visions? And why does lightning always strike when she questions the old myths?

The Aftermyth absolutely has the trappings of "magic school" stories, right down to supernatural sorting by personality. But in spite of everything it has in common with these stories and with mythologically-inspired stories, there's a key bit of worldbuilding that grabbed my attention. I won't say what it is, because it is the big secret of this first book. But a shrewd classics enjoyer should be able to see that something is amiss in this world that alleges to live by the gods. It's a great first entry in a promising new series, encouraging readers to challenge preconceptions even — and especially — when discouraged. I can't wait to see where Ellie, Fifi, and the rest go next.

This is definitely a middle grade book, meaning that some mysteries will jump out relatively quickly for older and more astute readers. Fortunately, Penelope never feels foolish for not getting there immediately. It's paced well for middle-grade readers, especially those just getting their feet wet in the world of Greek mythology.

Also, the limited first edition of this book is gorgeous. I'm not a big "sprayed edges" fiend (I can take them or leave them), but the snake patterning is really lovely on these. It's always nice to read a book that's also just lovely to look at.

TEA PAIRING: Magical Library Butterbrew
From Penelope's love of books to a certain scene later in the novel, this butterscotch blend inspired by mystical tomes feels like a perfect fit. It's one of my favorite mainstays in the Chapters catalogue. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!