Book review
Written by James Lovegrove
Solaris paperback
Release date 15 April 2010

The Greek gods have returned from their slumber and keep a tight leash on the world, forbidding nations from war and silencing dissenters with brutal efficiency. However, when a small team of heavy armed humans starts picking them off, Zeus reacts furiously…

The Age Of Zeus pits a group of disenfranchised and vengeful humans against the divine power of the Greek gods. This mix of mythology and science fiction isn’t a natural one at first glance, but Lovegrove pulls it off with aplomb.

Sam Akehurst makes a suitably fiery but smart protagonist, bent on revenge, and the novel wastes no time in getting down to business. Recruited by the millionaire arms dealer Landesman, a small team of 11 people become Titans, and carry out daring raids on the pantheon, equipped with bleeding-edge battle suits. However, not all is as it seems, and Sam’s detective skills are needed just as much as her newfound combat skills.

Lovegrove really takes time to explore the effect of the Pantheon on Earth, especially through the media, and has a pop at politicians into the deal, but not at expense of the pace. A few of the twists and developments aren’t too subtle, but this is a good, enjoyable romp with plenty of bang for its buck. The prose is solid, with only the occasional misstep, and there is a smattering of humour to keep things bubbling along. Den Patrick

VERDICT: 7/10
The Age of Zeus is a fun read that doesn’t get bogged down with technology or lengthy paragraphs of exposition.