What do you think?
Ante's Inferno
nan
- GenresFantasyParanormalFiction
208 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2012
About the author
Griselda Heppel
3 books26 followersI grew up in Germany, the land of black forests, red and white toadstools, gingerbread houses and lonely castles bristling with turrets. With so much Grimms’ Fairy Tales atmosphere around, no wonder that magic and stories became a firm part of my make-up.
I studied English at Cambridge – more stories and much magic – and it struck me that while many of the world’s great legends have been adapted for children, some have been overlooked. The Iliad,
the Odyssey and other Greek legends, tales of King Arthur and of Robin Hood have all inspired a huge number of children’s classics; but what about Dante’s Inferno?
The tale of Dante’s journey into the heart of Hell modelled on the ancient Underworld, in which he has to cross rivers of fire and blood, grapple with Cerberus, centaurs, harpies, furies – why should children miss out on that? Then there’s the Faust legend, as in Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, in which an
ambitious man sells his soul to the devil in return for knowledge and power – another great framework for an exciting, scary story.
After graduating I worked in publishing, got married, had four children and was somewhat distracted for a few years. But in the back of my mind stories grew and in 2012 I brought out Ante’s Inferno, sending 12 year-old Ante (short for Antonia) into the heart of darkness accompanied by her worst enemy, Florence, and guided by a mysterious 13 year-old boy called Virgil. The book won the Children’s category of the People’s Book Prize 2012/13 and took a Silver Wishing Shelf Award 2013.
And now The Tragickall History of Henry Fowst (publication August 2015) tackles the Faust legend, interweaving Elizabethan magic, demons and historical mystery into the everyday life of 13 year-old Henry, who’ll do anything to overcome his problems, even follow some weird instructions in an old diary...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 14, 2013
Ante is a young schoolgirl who gets picked on by Florence and her friends. She dreads being near her, as she knows it will be followed by Florence tormenting her. One day she decides enough is enough and when Florence makes fun of Ante’s name, Ante throws pepper in her face. Although feeling triumphant this means she is forced to flee and climb the staircase that no pupil dare go. In her efforts to hide from Florence, Ante sees a door she has never seen before, the organ loft. She scrambles into the dark room, followed by Florence. There is a broken rail that Ante is aware of, but as Florence nears it, she doesn’t say a word as for just a split second she hopes she will fall through and Ante will be able to escape. This feeling gets the better of her and Florence falls, but as she falls Ante discovers a shadowy figure that helps her escape, or at least she thinks she is escaping but instead she is led to a strange landscape with people from all backgrounds.
The boy is Virgil, or Gil for short that, like in Dante’s inferno, leads Ante through the circles of hell.
First Gil and Ante find Florence who has also fallen into this world of confusion and they go on to find a golden bough, which is their return ticket to their world. As they travel through each circle of hell they encounter great heroes in Elysium and terrible monsters such as the Minotaur. Each level follows Dante’s circles of hell with a modern and playful twist such as the Multivice complex with gluttons clearing up after harpies and fast food. Griselda keeps true to Inferno and mythology within each level and the dark sinister atmosphere making it a very dark and scary book at times, yet accessible to children who would otherwise be unable to access books as interesting and dark as this. When the three finally reach the final level of treachery they come face to face with the devil himself. But by this time this is the least of Ante’s worries as along her journey she has come to believe that Gil is actually dead, but what does this mean of her and Florence, did she kill Florence? Will she ever return to the organ loft?
I would use this for year 5 or 6 pupils as independent reading which I think would be very encouraging for reluctant readers especially as the themes in this book may encourage a new interest in reading. As children reading this are unlikely to have knowledge of Dante or the context surrounding it I think this would be an interesting book that would spark interest in many things that could be used as a springboard into things such as Greek mythology, famous figures such as Anthony and Cleopatra or even Roman poet’s such as Virgil. The book also has a Remembrance Day theme and would be good to use as it mentions key facts children would learn when researching this topic such as underage enlistment.
This is easily my favourite children’s book as it uses the intertextual links of adult topics such as Dante’s inferno and Passchendaele into something that is enjoyable for all ages and gives the chance for reluctant readers to be enthused about reading such a dark and engaging novel as even once I had started reading this book, I had to finish it without putting it down.
The boy is Virgil, or Gil for short that, like in Dante’s inferno, leads Ante through the circles of hell.
First Gil and Ante find Florence who has also fallen into this world of confusion and they go on to find a golden bough, which is their return ticket to their world. As they travel through each circle of hell they encounter great heroes in Elysium and terrible monsters such as the Minotaur. Each level follows Dante’s circles of hell with a modern and playful twist such as the Multivice complex with gluttons clearing up after harpies and fast food. Griselda keeps true to Inferno and mythology within each level and the dark sinister atmosphere making it a very dark and scary book at times, yet accessible to children who would otherwise be unable to access books as interesting and dark as this. When the three finally reach the final level of treachery they come face to face with the devil himself. But by this time this is the least of Ante’s worries as along her journey she has come to believe that Gil is actually dead, but what does this mean of her and Florence, did she kill Florence? Will she ever return to the organ loft?
I would use this for year 5 or 6 pupils as independent reading which I think would be very encouraging for reluctant readers especially as the themes in this book may encourage a new interest in reading. As children reading this are unlikely to have knowledge of Dante or the context surrounding it I think this would be an interesting book that would spark interest in many things that could be used as a springboard into things such as Greek mythology, famous figures such as Anthony and Cleopatra or even Roman poet’s such as Virgil. The book also has a Remembrance Day theme and would be good to use as it mentions key facts children would learn when researching this topic such as underage enlistment.
This is easily my favourite children’s book as it uses the intertextual links of adult topics such as Dante’s inferno and Passchendaele into something that is enjoyable for all ages and gives the chance for reluctant readers to be enthused about reading such a dark and engaging novel as even once I had started reading this book, I had to finish it without putting it down.
October 19, 2012
Ante is 12 years old and being bullied at school by Florence and her friends. After one confrontation, Ante runs up the forbidden staircase to the old organ loft and that is where the story changes, Ante think she hears Florence fall from the balcony and at the same time a boy about Ante's age appears from nowhere. A door that was not previously visible opens in the wall behind them so Ante, Gil (short for Virgil) and Florence go through. The tunnel brings the three out into the Underworld, Gil is a schoolboy from a 100 years old, so is much more familiar with the classics and guides the girls through the underworld, this echoes Virgil leading Dante through the underworld. Florence, Ante and Gil have a number of challenges to overcome; they have to outwit a three headed dog (Cerberus), the harpies, furies and the Minotaur as well as travel through the Shopping Maul and Multivice Complex. As Ante travels she is plagued by the thought that she is the one who is supposed to be in Hades as she has killed Florence. None of the three main characters are perfect, like all 12 year old children! Ante can be difficult and quick to judge, whilst Florence is very strong willed and Gil is hiding something. It is only when the three meet the Devil that the truth is revealed. The story ends with Gil, Ante and Florence in Passchendaele, a more modern day Hell, where Gil finds his brother and ends his journey.
Ante's Inferno is a fantastic read, a unique and interesting backdrop for a children's book. I have a very hazy recollection of Greek mythology but you don't need to know it to enjoy the story. There is an over-riding theme of friendship throughout the book, that between Florence and Ante as well as that between Gil and his brother. This theme could be explored, perhaps in PSHE. The book is aimed at 9-12 year olds and would also work well for individual reading. It could also be used as an introduction to the Classics and legends.
Ante's Inferno is a fantastic read, a unique and interesting backdrop for a children's book. I have a very hazy recollection of Greek mythology but you don't need to know it to enjoy the story. There is an over-riding theme of friendship throughout the book, that between Florence and Ante as well as that between Gil and his brother. This theme could be explored, perhaps in PSHE. The book is aimed at 9-12 year olds and would also work well for individual reading. It could also be used as an introduction to the Classics and legends.
September 12, 2012
12 year old Ante has a music scholarship to a private school. She lives with her mother, as her Ethiopian doctor father died when she was very young. Unfortunately she encounters a girl from her primary school, Florence, who dislikes her, and Florence and her friends set out to make Ante unhappy. One day Ante stands up to them, which results in them chasing her through the school. Ante hides in the organ loft, where Florence follows her. Then the rail gives way and they fall. After the fall, they notice an oddly-dressed boy who leads them into the Underworld, where they meet characters from classical mythology who help them on their quest to escape the Underworld and discover why they are there and why Florence is convinced that Ante has wronged her.
I really enjoyed this book. It isn't necessary to have knowledge of either Dante or classical mythology to enjoy it, but I would probably read it to a class or use it in guided reading with Y5 or 6 children after studying myths and legends. It would be great to discuss with children to develop their comprehension skills. I think children would really enjoy it.
I really enjoyed this book. It isn't necessary to have knowledge of either Dante or classical mythology to enjoy it, but I would probably read it to a class or use it in guided reading with Y5 or 6 children after studying myths and legends. It would be great to discuss with children to develop their comprehension skills. I think children would really enjoy it.
August 27, 2012
Ante’s Inferno, by Griselda Heppel, tells the story of 12-year-old girls Ante and Florence, as they journey through the Underworld with a boy called Gil who died a hundred years earlier. Following a path that leads to the centre of Hell, they face strange dangers and mythical monsters, while at the same time learning more about each other. For Ante, worse than the dangers of the Underworld are the fears that Florence may actually be dead, and that she, Ante, may have killed her.
Thanks to Griselda Heppel and Matador for sending me a review copy of this book.
Ante’s Inferno, as you’ve probably gathered from the title, loosely follows the events of Dante’s Inferno, part of Dante's The Divine Comedy. In Dante’s Inferno, Dante is led through the different levels of Hell by his guide, the ancient Roman poet Virgil. Dante’s Inferno itself references the sights and monsters seen during Aeneas’ trip to the Underworld in Book 6 of Virgil’s Roman epic The Aeneid. Ante’s Inferno is therefore building on many layers, creating its own, new, interpretation of these ideas.
This could have come out a little muddled or even too derivative of the earlier stories, but Ante’s Inferno never falls into either of these problems. It’s fresh, exciting, and very cleverly thought out. It explores Classical mythology with respect but also with a great deal of fun, and it brings a funny, modern twist to some of the sections of Hell that are found in Dante’s work. The Shopping Maul, in particular, is a very relevant metaphor for modern day readers, while also remaining entertaining and light-hearted. It reminded me very much of the modern-retelling of myths in the Percy Jackson books, and I think fans of that series would love this.
The story also features some great characters. Ante is our hero, but although she is a very sympathetic character, she does not always act very well in certain circumstances. Florence is a bully, but she is also a complex character who sees her behaviour towards Ante a little differently than Ante does. She is often quite arrogant and forceful, but she is also brave and proactive, and she proves that she does care about others. Neither character is a simple cut-out, and Gil is even more complex, but all three are extremely likeable in their own way. As Ante and Florence accompany Gil through the Underworld, it becomes apparent that this is less a story about Hell and more a story about friendship, misunderstanding, and, in particular, forgiveness.
This ties in with what I saw as one of the main themes of Ante’s Inferno, and is probably what impressed me most about the book. Despite being a story about a journey through Hell, Ante’s Inferno seems to show that there is really no such thing as pure good and evil. Human behaviour is far more complicated than this, and there are subtleties to every action. For Ante, Florence and Gil, it is their own guilt, misunderstanding of others, and tendency to focus on themselves, which leads to tragedy and suffering. Hell seems to be presented as a place that people create for themselves, based on their own guilt and obsessions.
Perhaps the closest the book comes to depicting pure evil is in the fields of Passchendaele, which are vividly and emotionally described. This section was extremely moving, and, although I adore Classical mythology and loved those parts of the book, this easily took over as my favourite bit. But even here, the horrors and suffering that human beings will inflict on each other are so much more complicated than a simple battle of good against evil. Even the Devil admits to having nothing to do with human evil; he is simply the punisher, not the driver. The message seems to be that people have to take responsibility for their own actions, and to prevent suffering by learning to understand each other better. The book presents a much more complex investigation of morality than I had expected, and I found it very interesting and thoughtful.
On one level, Ante’s Inferno is a pacy, gripping and exciting tale about the Underworld, about Classical mythology, monsters and action. It’s funny, moving and extremely enjoyable, and at the end of each adventure I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. But Ante’s Inferno also has a deeper layer, and what it really seems to be about is people, about human behaviour, friendship and guilt, and about taking responsibility for one’s own actions. I found it thoughtful and moving, as well as a lot of fun!
Thanks to Griselda Heppel and Matador for sending me a review copy of this book.
Ante’s Inferno, as you’ve probably gathered from the title, loosely follows the events of Dante’s Inferno, part of Dante's The Divine Comedy. In Dante’s Inferno, Dante is led through the different levels of Hell by his guide, the ancient Roman poet Virgil. Dante’s Inferno itself references the sights and monsters seen during Aeneas’ trip to the Underworld in Book 6 of Virgil’s Roman epic The Aeneid. Ante’s Inferno is therefore building on many layers, creating its own, new, interpretation of these ideas.
This could have come out a little muddled or even too derivative of the earlier stories, but Ante’s Inferno never falls into either of these problems. It’s fresh, exciting, and very cleverly thought out. It explores Classical mythology with respect but also with a great deal of fun, and it brings a funny, modern twist to some of the sections of Hell that are found in Dante’s work. The Shopping Maul, in particular, is a very relevant metaphor for modern day readers, while also remaining entertaining and light-hearted. It reminded me very much of the modern-retelling of myths in the Percy Jackson books, and I think fans of that series would love this.
The story also features some great characters. Ante is our hero, but although she is a very sympathetic character, she does not always act very well in certain circumstances. Florence is a bully, but she is also a complex character who sees her behaviour towards Ante a little differently than Ante does. She is often quite arrogant and forceful, but she is also brave and proactive, and she proves that she does care about others. Neither character is a simple cut-out, and Gil is even more complex, but all three are extremely likeable in their own way. As Ante and Florence accompany Gil through the Underworld, it becomes apparent that this is less a story about Hell and more a story about friendship, misunderstanding, and, in particular, forgiveness.
This ties in with what I saw as one of the main themes of Ante’s Inferno, and is probably what impressed me most about the book. Despite being a story about a journey through Hell, Ante’s Inferno seems to show that there is really no such thing as pure good and evil. Human behaviour is far more complicated than this, and there are subtleties to every action. For Ante, Florence and Gil, it is their own guilt, misunderstanding of others, and tendency to focus on themselves, which leads to tragedy and suffering. Hell seems to be presented as a place that people create for themselves, based on their own guilt and obsessions.
Perhaps the closest the book comes to depicting pure evil is in the fields of Passchendaele, which are vividly and emotionally described. This section was extremely moving, and, although I adore Classical mythology and loved those parts of the book, this easily took over as my favourite bit. But even here, the horrors and suffering that human beings will inflict on each other are so much more complicated than a simple battle of good against evil. Even the Devil admits to having nothing to do with human evil; he is simply the punisher, not the driver. The message seems to be that people have to take responsibility for their own actions, and to prevent suffering by learning to understand each other better. The book presents a much more complex investigation of morality than I had expected, and I found it very interesting and thoughtful.
On one level, Ante’s Inferno is a pacy, gripping and exciting tale about the Underworld, about Classical mythology, monsters and action. It’s funny, moving and extremely enjoyable, and at the end of each adventure I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. But Ante’s Inferno also has a deeper layer, and what it really seems to be about is people, about human behaviour, friendship and guilt, and about taking responsibility for one’s own actions. I found it thoughtful and moving, as well as a lot of fun!
January 12, 2013
Daisy (11) for www.booklittlebook.com
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Ante’s Inferno is a book about a girl called Antonia Alganesh or Ante for short Ante got into her school on a music scholarship, but at her school, were her arch enemies Florence and her gang. One day Ante went for her lunch break and the worst possible thing happened, Florence was after her. Ante didn’t know why, she had no memory of her ever being mean or spiteful to Florence. As Florence got closer Ante climbed into the forbidden organ loft were a hundred years ago a young boy fell to his death. Ante hears Florence and hides, as she does she hears a horrible thud that turns her life upside-down. Florence had fallen down on to the hard floor, in panic Ante jumps down to see her, and as she does she plunges them both into the underworld.
In the darkness she meets a boy, a boy called Gil the same one that fell those hundred years ago. Ante doesn’t understand. Is she dead? Where is Florence? When she and Gil finally find her they go and get their ticket out of the underworld, they face the not so normal guard dog, make some friends playing an unusual game of cricket, trap the Minotaur, and survive a chaotic trip to a shopping Maul (yes that is the correct spelling!) They also get battered by freezing cold conditions, play a nasty game of world war one and face the devil himself. They make it to the centre of hell, had Ante killed Florence? Who will make it out? Well I’m not telling you! Find out yourself!
This book leaves you on the edge of your seat. At the start I found it quite hard to read but once I was in, I was in, there was no stopping me. It drags you in and it’s a struggle to get out again. This book would be for 10 year olds+ I think it would be a bit difficult to read for anyone smaller than 10. Definitely a very good book! I will recommend it to some of my friends.
Verdict: If I’m honest this wouldn’t be the kind of book I would pick off the shelf and read (books about death and the underworld aren’t really my thing) but I was pleasantly surprised. I was glad I read it and am pleased that I have widened my reading genre’s. If you want to find out how good it is check it out yourself… I’m still not going to tell you the ending!
About 7 out of 10 I would say!
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Ante’s Inferno is a book about a girl called Antonia Alganesh or Ante for short Ante got into her school on a music scholarship, but at her school, were her arch enemies Florence and her gang. One day Ante went for her lunch break and the worst possible thing happened, Florence was after her. Ante didn’t know why, she had no memory of her ever being mean or spiteful to Florence. As Florence got closer Ante climbed into the forbidden organ loft were a hundred years ago a young boy fell to his death. Ante hears Florence and hides, as she does she hears a horrible thud that turns her life upside-down. Florence had fallen down on to the hard floor, in panic Ante jumps down to see her, and as she does she plunges them both into the underworld.
In the darkness she meets a boy, a boy called Gil the same one that fell those hundred years ago. Ante doesn’t understand. Is she dead? Where is Florence? When she and Gil finally find her they go and get their ticket out of the underworld, they face the not so normal guard dog, make some friends playing an unusual game of cricket, trap the Minotaur, and survive a chaotic trip to a shopping Maul (yes that is the correct spelling!) They also get battered by freezing cold conditions, play a nasty game of world war one and face the devil himself. They make it to the centre of hell, had Ante killed Florence? Who will make it out? Well I’m not telling you! Find out yourself!
This book leaves you on the edge of your seat. At the start I found it quite hard to read but once I was in, I was in, there was no stopping me. It drags you in and it’s a struggle to get out again. This book would be for 10 year olds+ I think it would be a bit difficult to read for anyone smaller than 10. Definitely a very good book! I will recommend it to some of my friends.
Verdict: If I’m honest this wouldn’t be the kind of book I would pick off the shelf and read (books about death and the underworld aren’t really my thing) but I was pleasantly surprised. I was glad I read it and am pleased that I have widened my reading genre’s. If you want to find out how good it is check it out yourself… I’m still not going to tell you the ending!
About 7 out of 10 I would say!
June 25, 2013
Ante’s Inferno begins with Ante, short for Antonia, playing the Last Post on the trumpet as part of a remembrance service for the ex-students of her school who fell during the First World War. Little does Ante know that not long after she will be experiencing first hand exactly what they went through.
But before that Ante first suffers from the bullying of Florence which leads to the Florence chasing her into the closed off organ loft, which is a dangerous place to be given the drop to the floor of the hall down below.
This is where the journey through Hades begins (just like Dante did in Dante's Inferno). Their companion on the journey is Gil, a boy who was murdered when he was pushed off the very same organ loft that the two girls entered the Underworld from. Along the way they encounter Cerberus the 3-headed dog, the boatman of the Styx, the seven deadly sins at the “shopping maul”, harpies, Chiron the centaur, a Minotaur and the devil himself. That is even before Ante is thrown into World War I action.
Ante learns that the reason she, as a mortal, is there is because she has some sort of task to do, although she doesn’t know what, although all gets revealed through the course of the book of course.
Maybe Hades isn’t hellish enough but this is a book for 11-year-olds so that is ok. Also youngsters may not get all the references to Dante’s Inferno, so it is a bonus if they are familiar with that, although it is possible to get by without it. They should enjoy the happy ending (the selected quotes on the back suggest this) and the action along the way though in thie well-told, action-packed tale.
But before that Ante first suffers from the bullying of Florence which leads to the Florence chasing her into the closed off organ loft, which is a dangerous place to be given the drop to the floor of the hall down below.
This is where the journey through Hades begins (just like Dante did in Dante's Inferno). Their companion on the journey is Gil, a boy who was murdered when he was pushed off the very same organ loft that the two girls entered the Underworld from. Along the way they encounter Cerberus the 3-headed dog, the boatman of the Styx, the seven deadly sins at the “shopping maul”, harpies, Chiron the centaur, a Minotaur and the devil himself. That is even before Ante is thrown into World War I action.
Ante learns that the reason she, as a mortal, is there is because she has some sort of task to do, although she doesn’t know what, although all gets revealed through the course of the book of course.
Maybe Hades isn’t hellish enough but this is a book for 11-year-olds so that is ok. Also youngsters may not get all the references to Dante’s Inferno, so it is a bonus if they are familiar with that, although it is possible to get by without it. They should enjoy the happy ending (the selected quotes on the back suggest this) and the action along the way though in thie well-told, action-packed tale.
February 9, 2013
I echo the words of Tilly, aged 12, quoted on the back cover of this fast-paced, highly imaginative and original novel. Like Tilly, it also made me laugh, think and (almost) cry. The graphic descriptions of encounters with figures from the classical myths sometimes made me shudder, while at the same time causing me to smile at the author's tongue-in-cheek ingenuity in breathing new life into ancient stories. The later scenes in the wasteland of Passchendaele, however, were presented with an intense and shocking realism which would do credit to some of the better-known adult novels on the theme. The author skilfully weaves together all this mythical and historical detail into a narrative in which the resentments and rivalries, the hurts and hatreds are likely to be recognized by almost every schoolchild everywhere, even if such catastrophic consequences do not normally follow. The depiction of guilt and reconciliation between the principal characters is delicately handled and, despite the richly fanciful framework of the plot, credible and convincing. There is so much here to inspire young minds and touch young hearts.
March 23, 2014
This book is the sort of book that keeps you up at night just so that you can read it (and that's something for me). It circles around 12 year old Ante and Florence, who are in sort of a massive bitchfight. They fall into hell and meet Gil, sending them in a journey to try and leave the underworld. If you're a lover of Greek mythology or any sort of metaphorical ideas or dark books I DEFINITELY recommend this one to you. In fact, I recommend it to anyone who likes reading. The descriptions are very poetic, and the language flows, but is easy to understand. I particularly liked the way that its images and different parts of hell stay with the idea engraved into your mind. THIS BOOK SHALL LEAVE YOU CHANGED.
February 3, 2013
I won this book through Goodreads Firstreads.
I did enjoy the storyline about little 12 year old Alganesh. The book was well written and even though it wasn't targeted at my age group, I did enjoy it.
4/5 stars
I did enjoy the storyline about little 12 year old Alganesh. The book was well written and even though it wasn't targeted at my age group, I did enjoy it.
4/5 stars
January 6, 2013
If anyone ever asks me to recommend a book for younger kids looking to get into epic journeys, I think I've found my answer.
'Ante's Inferno' is a fun, slightly dark read that tells a tale of friendship and betrayal through the eyes of Ante on a trip through Hades (though some would call it Hell.) Okay, maybe it's a little more than slightly dark. However, it teaches some valuable lessons using the ever growing bond between the three main characters as they fight sinful people, 'Kindly Ones' (who aren't nearly as kind as they sound) and the doubts that each of them carry about themselves.
For the audience, I think this book is great because it manages to tell a well-paced epic tale in a short amount of time for younger readers who aren't yet into long books. The writing style is mature but simple, making the book easy for a child to understand yet not so simple an adult couldn't get enjoyment out of it. The characters are endearing--though for a certain young girl it takes a while to see her as such--and by the end of the book you get the sense you're going to miss them.
The one thing that really struck me as wonderful about this book is the setting. 'Hell' is a much more interesting place than simple fire and brimstone, and though I know some of the ideas come from 'Dante's Infero,' many of them provide a refreshingly different version of 'Hell.' I mean, who would've thought a circle of Hell would've been a giant Shopping Mall... ahem, Shopping Maul. Places like these not only provided the reader with something interesting to read, but they gave some comic relief in a book that may be almost too dark for a younger reader without comedy. The Devil and his hideout were quite amusing as well, if I may say so. He's quite the sass monkey.
I also enjoyed the Greek mythology that was ever-present throughout the novel--fans of Percy Jackson should definitely think at checking this one out. Or the other way around; this would be a great read to get a young reader started on a fun romp through Greek mythology using a standalone novel before introducing them to a series. Whatever the case, if you have a child and you want to get them into the genre or just into reading in general, try putting this book in their hands. Whether they're male or female, later elementary school or middle school, it's a lovely read for any child who wants to begin the wonderful world of chapter books. And who knows; when your child is finished with it, you might want to give it a go as well.
*book won in Goodreads First Reads giveaway*
'Ante's Inferno' is a fun, slightly dark read that tells a tale of friendship and betrayal through the eyes of Ante on a trip through Hades (though some would call it Hell.) Okay, maybe it's a little more than slightly dark. However, it teaches some valuable lessons using the ever growing bond between the three main characters as they fight sinful people, 'Kindly Ones' (who aren't nearly as kind as they sound) and the doubts that each of them carry about themselves.
For the audience, I think this book is great because it manages to tell a well-paced epic tale in a short amount of time for younger readers who aren't yet into long books. The writing style is mature but simple, making the book easy for a child to understand yet not so simple an adult couldn't get enjoyment out of it. The characters are endearing--though for a certain young girl it takes a while to see her as such--and by the end of the book you get the sense you're going to miss them.
The one thing that really struck me as wonderful about this book is the setting. 'Hell' is a much more interesting place than simple fire and brimstone, and though I know some of the ideas come from 'Dante's Infero,' many of them provide a refreshingly different version of 'Hell.' I mean, who would've thought a circle of Hell would've been a giant Shopping Mall... ahem, Shopping Maul. Places like these not only provided the reader with something interesting to read, but they gave some comic relief in a book that may be almost too dark for a younger reader without comedy. The Devil and his hideout were quite amusing as well, if I may say so. He's quite the sass monkey.
I also enjoyed the Greek mythology that was ever-present throughout the novel--fans of Percy Jackson should definitely think at checking this one out. Or the other way around; this would be a great read to get a young reader started on a fun romp through Greek mythology using a standalone novel before introducing them to a series. Whatever the case, if you have a child and you want to get them into the genre or just into reading in general, try putting this book in their hands. Whether they're male or female, later elementary school or middle school, it's a lovely read for any child who wants to begin the wonderful world of chapter books. And who knows; when your child is finished with it, you might want to give it a go as well.
*book won in Goodreads First Reads giveaway*
February 28, 2017
Don't want to give a spoiler, but interesting what a British author views as the worst horror of Hell.
July 15, 2013
This book recently won a Silver Medal in The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards. The feedback from the Readers was as follows:
Most of your readers (9 to 12 year olds) thought the cover was very well done but much too old for them. (I tend to agree - it looks a little too much like a novel for adults)
All of the Readers thought the inners were well designed and the font size very easy to read.
The Readers loved the beginning - it really dragged them into the story quickly (always important with a children's book). They also enjoyed your character descriptions and the clever way the bully and Ante end up in the adventure together. They also liked the way you linked the ceremony for the war in the first chapter with the two charcters they meet later in the story.
The Readers - particulalry the girls - loved the parting of the four characters towards the end of the book. They felt it was very well written and very touching. (I read it and also thought so).
Generally, your book was very much enjoyed by our readers. Also, just a note, I see from the feedback a 15 year old boy also read it and liked it very much (food for thought!)
A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ!
'Griselda Heppel is a born storyteller. Your children will love her books and, to be honest, so will you.' The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Most of your readers (9 to 12 year olds) thought the cover was very well done but much too old for them. (I tend to agree - it looks a little too much like a novel for adults)
All of the Readers thought the inners were well designed and the font size very easy to read.
The Readers loved the beginning - it really dragged them into the story quickly (always important with a children's book). They also enjoyed your character descriptions and the clever way the bully and Ante end up in the adventure together. They also liked the way you linked the ceremony for the war in the first chapter with the two charcters they meet later in the story.
The Readers - particulalry the girls - loved the parting of the four characters towards the end of the book. They felt it was very well written and very touching. (I read it and also thought so).
Generally, your book was very much enjoyed by our readers. Also, just a note, I see from the feedback a 15 year old boy also read it and liked it very much (food for thought!)
A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ!
'Griselda Heppel is a born storyteller. Your children will love her books and, to be honest, so will you.' The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
November 4, 2015
I enjoyed this book very much. It is aimed at roughly 10-13 year-olds, but I think older teenagers and adults would also enjoy it.
As its title suggests, this is a sort of re-telling of Dante's story of his journey through Hell, set in the present day. There are some neat allusions to the original which those who have read it will enjoy, some characters and torments retold as they were in the original, and some very effective updatings. The narrative is exciting and gripping, and I became very engrossed in it. Ante, the main protagonist, is an engaging character with many of an insecure twelve-year-old's anxieties very well portrayed; I found her character and her struggles with her fears very convincing and involving.
I won't give away too much plot, but the three children making their way through Hell all have their difficulties and misadventures and, as in a good morality tale, all learn from their experience. This may sound a bit turgid and worthy, but it's not - it's a cracking read and a thoroughly enjoyable book with genuine moral and intellectual content. I'm not sure it was so truly outstanding as to merit five stars, but it's very good and warmly recommended.
As its title suggests, this is a sort of re-telling of Dante's story of his journey through Hell, set in the present day. There are some neat allusions to the original which those who have read it will enjoy, some characters and torments retold as they were in the original, and some very effective updatings. The narrative is exciting and gripping, and I became very engrossed in it. Ante, the main protagonist, is an engaging character with many of an insecure twelve-year-old's anxieties very well portrayed; I found her character and her struggles with her fears very convincing and involving.
I won't give away too much plot, but the three children making their way through Hell all have their difficulties and misadventures and, as in a good morality tale, all learn from their experience. This may sound a bit turgid and worthy, but it's not - it's a cracking read and a thoroughly enjoyable book with genuine moral and intellectual content. I'm not sure it was so truly outstanding as to merit five stars, but it's very good and warmly recommended.
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