The Wolf-Girl, the Greeks, and the Gods: A Tale of the Persian Wars

Ages 9 to 12, Grades 4 to 7

The magic of mythology meets the grit of history in a blazing blockbuster retelling of the Persian Wars from award-winning author Tom Holland, lavishly illustrated by Jason Cockcroft.

I come to tell you a story. A story unlike any that has been told before.

The Trojan War is ancient history. The gods of Olympus are silent and have not appeared to mortals for generations. In the city-state of Sparta, young Gorgo’s mother gives a warning with her dying breath: the Persians are coming. The princess Gorgo, weaned on her nurse’s stories of gods and shapeshifters, never forgets her mother’s last words. When at last the drums of war begin to sound, she is swept up in a dangerous game of politics, treachery, and vengeance. With the blood of Herakles and Zeus himself running through her veins and the awakening of a dormant supernatural power, Gorgo, now queen of Sparta, must help lead her city-state against a mighty empire. Unraveling like prophecy and featuring stunning art from acclaimed illustrator Jason Cockcroft, Tom Holland’s dramatic reimagining of one of history’s most formidable wars will echo through the mind of the reader long after they have reached the final page.

About the Author

Tom Holland is an award-winning historian, author, and presenter of the acclaimed podcast The Rest Is History. He is the author of Rubicon, Persian Fire, and Dominion and has translated various classical texts, including Herodotus’s Histories. He has written and presented a number of TV documentaries for the BBC and Channel 4. Tom Holland lives in London.

Jason Cockcroft was born in New Zealand, grew up in the north of England, and studied illustration at Falmouth University. He has illustrated numerous picture books and fiction titles for all ages, most notably contributing the cover artwork for three of the original UK editions of the Harry Potter books. His debut fiction title, We Were Wolves, was long-listed for the Yoto Carnegie Medal. Jason Cockcroft lives in Yorkshire.