The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities: New Stories About Mythic Heroes

The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities is a collection of ten middle-grade short stories that feature beloved characters from the Rick Riordan Presents universe in the heart of several different mythological retellings. I personally haven't read any of the books in the Rick Riordan Presents collection but I was still able to enjoy each story for what it was. It would probably be more helpful and fun if the reader was familiar with the characters and their previous adventures before reading this anthology, but I don't think it's necessary.

Each of the ten stories was full of interesting characters who find themselves in some weird and scary situations. They all follow the general hero's quest template and each incorporates mythology as well. Some of the myths were familiar to me and some weren't but I really liked reading each author's reimagining. They were able to intertwine beloved characters and quirky worlds with timeless myths to create something fresh, new, and full of fun. I can't pick a favorite from among them; they each had their own aspects that I loved. I don't read much middle-grade fiction but I definitely recommend this book. It's a perfect read for fans of middle-grade fiction, fantasy, mythology, children's fiction, young adult fiction, retellings, and readers who are already fans of the Rick Riordan Presents universe.