So I read the 2nd book in english. Which sounds weirder than the reading experience actually was. Ha!

I really liked where Rubin went with Hercules in this one - if I had to describe both books, the 1st is the perfect pass for the 2nd one to smash it into the goal. So, both books are quite different in that sense, and the really work well together. But this is the one that "strays" in good ways from what you'd expect from an adventure-action book. Yes, it still has humor as well as modern-day references that are fun and creative - but it also adds so much more.

I've been thinking if the 2nd book is "better" than the first. Would I recommend reading only the 2nd? My sense is that the 2nd is great because of the work the 1st book does - and that it wouldn't be half as good without that.

So, read 'em both. :-)

This is going to be hard because as I write this, I've already read the 2nd book. And they're SO GOOD. But, they're different enough that the 1st book has its own flavor and energy. I also love the art and the humor and the little nods to contemporary life even if the story is about ancient greeks!

I guess I'd say the first book is the "set up" - here's the hero (Hercules), here's why he's doing all the stuff he's doing, here's his situation... and isn't he fun and cool and interesting? There's action, and monsters, and fights, and humor, and it's all fun.

Highly recommend! (but, plan on reading the 2nd book too)