Styx and Stones is no Percy Jackson clone. Yes, it is deeply rooted in Greek mythology. But it is also firmly present in the modern world. As such the conflicts are largely relatable to modern audiences. We have bullies, grief, loneliness, trauma, and much more. With so many issues feeding into the plot none of it is explored in a great deal of depth but the result is still satisfying. As we often see in Schmidt's books, there is a strong emphasis on characters deciding what kind of person they want to be, choosing kindness and empathy and strong morals even when it is difficult. We see characters struggling with jealousy and finding a way out of misery. And instead of clear villains and heroes we find that each character is complex and relatable even if they aren't always likeable. Well narrated, this is an audio book that is compelling and easy to absorb. It's also a book that will likely improve with multiple readings as each reading allows us to pick up on new aspects.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
