Goddess Boot Camp (Oh.My.Gods) by Tera Lynn Childs, Tera Childs

From the Publisher

Phoebe, who recently discovered she's a descendant of Nike (the goddess, not the shoe), is finding that supernatural powers come with a crazy learning curve. Her stepfather, headmaster of the Academy for descendants of the Greek gods, has enrolled her at Dynamotheos Development Camp—aka Goddess Boot Camp—with a bunch of ten-year-olds for the summer. Embarrassing as that is, hopefully it'll help her gain control over her powers in time to pass the test of the gods, continue training hard enough to qualify for the Pythian Games, and enjoy her godly boyfriend, Griffin, all while avoiding the ultimate mistake of accidentally misusing powers.

It's another fast-paced myth-inspired heroine's quest that's sure to bring out the goddess in anyone.

Children's Literature

This is the sequel to Oh. My. Gods. and I recommend that readers new to the series begin with that book. There is a great deal of background information given in the first book—and not this one—that will help the reader better understand the main character, Phoebe. Here, the girl is at a top-secret academy on the island of Serfopoula in Greece because her mother has fallen in love with the headmaster. The academy is actually a high school for teens who are descendants of gods and goddesses. Phoebe has a lot to digest with her new situation. She is not sure she will be able to get along with her stepsister. Also, her new stepfather forgot to tell her that there would be ten-year-old kids in the high school. If that is not enough, Phoebe is worried about losing her boyfriend. To top it off, she will have to pass a test given to her by the gods. I have never been into mythical novels, but this one is different. I enjoyed the writing and could empathize with what Phoebe was going through. It is not easy to learn how to control new powers. How would you like it if what you were thinking sometimes actually happened, really? This is going to be a very successful series. Those who love Harry Potter might enjoy this series just as much. This book is well-written, thought-provoking, and super interesting. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up–In this sequel to Oh. My. Gods. (Dutton, 2008), Phoebe, a descendant of the Greek Goddess Nike, is sent to Goddess Boot Camp by her stepfather so that she can learn to control her magical powers, on which she will be tested. But Phoebe is in training for a marathon in the Pythian Games, her boyfriend may be cheating on her, and the other girls at camp are about 10 years old. Add the fact that her evil stepsister is a counselor, and life is worse than it might be in Hades. Phoebe’s inner thoughts and emotions are conveyed well, and readers will feel for her. The plot has many twists and turns and moves along nicely, and there are beautiful descriptions of the Greek islands. However, the novel falls short in the last few chapters, which wrap up the several plot threads too neatly and have a disappointing resolution. Nevertheless, those who enjoyed the first book will want to read this one.–Jennifer-Lynn Draper, Children’s Literature Consultant, Oshawa, Ontario

Kirkus Reviews

Phoebe has recently learned that she is a descendent of the goddess Nike, but as amazing as that sounds, it is also a huge responsibility. She must master her newfound powers or risk the wrath of the gods-literally. Her new stepfather enrolls her in Dynamotheos Development Camp, also known as Goddess Boot Camp, for the summer. While trying to avoid being thrown into Hades, Phoebe is also training to run the marathon at the Pythian Games and working to keep her romance with Griffin from imploding. This sequel to Oh. My. Gods. (2008) is as fun and fast-paced as the first installment. Even though Phoebe is dealing with drama of mythic proportions, her insecurity in her relationships and her conflicts with friends and enemies alike make her a realistic and empathetic heroine. Flat secondary characters and predictable plot twists only minimally detract from the light and clever story line, which, although clearly begging comparison to Percy Jackson, makes for ideal beach reading. (Fantasy. 12 & up)

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