Who let the Gods out by Maz Evans

"Who let the Gods out" by Maz Evans. This book is published by The Chicken House in 2017 and has 320 pages. 

Gods of Olympus have retired. Administration of the immortal community is handed over to the council of Zodiacs by Zeus. Virgo, being almost 2000 years old, is treated like a child by other Zodiacs. She wants to prove herself and takes on an unassigned responsibility and lands in the barn of Elliot Hooper, a 12 year old boy living, with his semi senile mother, on a farm that is about to be confiscated by the bank . Together they somehow manage to release Thanatos, daemon of death and King of daemons. Now Elliot has to put together a team to restrain Thanatos and acquire the four chaos stones before him.

Do Elliot and Virgo have it in them to stop Thanatos? And who does he cobble together? Will the Gods agree to their request for help? What is in store for them? Can he restrain Thanatos?

Author takes a lot of time to create the story background & build up. Author also spends time on Gods, their characteristic, quirks and tricks. Actual fight between Elliott and Thanatos is only a brief affair. Queen of England also makes a dramatic appearance but author does not explain her actions. Probably its left for the sequel. Elliot retrieves one chaos stone but there are three more to go. All these are pointers towards a series of books. 

Flow of the story is smooth. Characters are developed. Gods and constellations are more like caricatures than real characters but they also have feelings and understand the need of restraining Thanatos. Virgo's character receives special attention of the author. Her transformation from immortal to mortal brings about the change. Out brings understanding, emotions and empathy in her. Author has created humour effortlessly. Its a rare occasion for me to laugh out loud while reading a book.

The climax happens too early in the book. So the reader expects another one at the end. But it does not come. Author only ties up lose ends at the end of book. Author must be busy writing sequels.

This book must be inspired by Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series on Greek mythology. She looks at certain concepts in different light and angle. Some things are much the same like Rick. For example all the Gods and immortals are fans of modern Gadgetry. They are generally slow witted. They believe that a mortal can do the job better than them. Author has made a deliberate effort not to appear a copy cat and succeeded in it. Its a light and enjoyable book.

Why did I read this book?  Interesting title. 

What I didn't like?  Main fight is very brief. 

What did I like?  Humour, imagination. 

If you like fantasies, this Book is for you.