Think of these books as a cross between Maureen Johnson and Rick Riordan. Our main character, Phoebe, is marooned (of sorts) on a Greek island when her mother remarries, and she has to Figure Out the New Life Changes, with the added twist: the high school she’s now attending is populated with descendants of Greek gods. There are all the elements of your usual high school chick fare — snotty Evil Stepsister (they actually call her that) and her snotty cheerleader friends; jerk (but cute) boy with Heart of Gold that she falls for, in spite of her Best Interests; best friends (that Phoebe left behind) who are dying to know What’s Going On; new best friend with an Agenda; and the boy who’s just a Friend. But throw in the added element of supernatural powers derived from being related to the Greek gods, a bit of a conflict with new best friend and Jerk Boy, and Phoebe trying figure out her place in the whole scheme of things (like why her down-to-earth therapist mother would run off with a Greek guy in the first place… which is never really explained), and you have enough to sustain a novel. But, really: it’s all about the hot guy and the main character getting together. Isn’t it?

In spite of all the gods, there’s nothing earth-shattering in the books. However, they are fun to read, and enjoyable on a hot summer’s day when your brain can’t do much work.

Rated: Mild. There is lots of kissing, some references to sex, and a few mild swear word.