This
review originally appeared in SequentialTart.
Publisher:
Lipstick
Press
ISBN: 978-0-9794589-0-3
Creators:
Monica Gallagher
Grade:
8
A sophomore at Troy University, Lelaina Pentheus has
lucked out — while waiting in line to register for on-campus
residency, she is befriended by extroverted Anneke Stone, who just
happens to be in need of another roommate. Shy Lelaina is quickly
welcomed into Anneke's extended circle of friends: her brother,
Anthony; other roommate, Lucy; ex-roommate, Sloane; and the downstairs
neighbors, Neil and Linden. Life seems to be normal — until
Lelaina's fainting spells return, and her hands get hot and bloody, and
she breaks a wall with her fists .... Then there's the strange man in
the dark coat and glasses, who claims to be the Greek God Hermes ...
and that Lelaina is the daughter of a Goddess ....
gods &
undergrads was another Previews discovery. How could I
pass up on something about Greek Gods in the modern world? I was even
happier when Hermes showed up (love the tattoo!).
I really like this series. The characters was so emotionally and
psychologically well-drawn. Is Linden a good guy? Is he a jerk? Why are
Anthony and Lucy keeping their relationship a secret? How much does
Anneke know? Just what does Lelaina want? What does Hermes want?
I really like the little touches that Gallagher throws in. The loud,
demonic residency administrator (eeeevil woman) who loves to terrorize
the students. The movie posters on Lelaina's wall — actual
posters, resized, rather than drawings. They say a lot about Lelaina's
personality and interests, and might even hint at the direction of the
series (I doubt the posters for Troy and Smallville are a coincidence).
gods &
undergrads is a true-lifeish tale of love and friendship
and betrayal and "find yourself" — with some Gods thrown in.
Recommended to fans of The
Plain Janes, Teenagers
From Mars and Sidekicks.
