The first in a new series mixing modern-day humans with Roman gods and goddesses, O'Hearn's latest makes up for its familiar premise with sympathetic characters and brisk action. The story is told through two perspectives: Paelen, a thief who would rather steal Pegasus' bridle than fight for the survival of his Olympian heritage, and Emily, a New York City girl who finds the wounded winged stallion on her apartment building's roof during a thunderstorm. A sudden assault on Jupiter's realm by hordes of four-armed warriors caused this storm, and the fate of the Earth hangs on what Emily, Paelen, and their allies can do to restore the flame of Olympus. O'Hearn deftly depicts the struggles Emily goes through to keep Pegs from being harmed; Paelen, meanwhile, is imprisoned in a secret facility and forced to break into a vending machine for the junk-food approximation of ambrosia. The various threats are well-balanced by the affecting bonds being forged between the humans and the Olympian figures. A rousing start to the Pegasus series.--Nolan, Abby Copyright 2010 Booklist

When Pegasus and various Roman gods and their seemingly unstoppable enemies find themselves transported to present-day New York City, it's up to two young teens to help the gods save their respective worlds. Themes of loyalty, friendship, and self-sacrifice are explored in this gripping page-turner, the first in an expected trilogy. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A young girl, a flying horse and threats from evil creatures both ancient and modern: This British import has all the necessary ingredients for success. In the midst of a New York City thunderstorm an injured flying horse lands on the roof of Emily's building. Emily, still mourning her recently deceased mother, is immediately drawn to the creature, and she pulls in a classmate, angry Joel, for help. Pegasus has fled the Nirads, nearly invincible creatures that have attacked Olympus and extinguished the Vestal Flame that keeps it safe. Also on the run is minor Olympian thief Paelen. The action moves back and forth from Emily and Joel, whose story soon becomes high octane as Nirads attack and Olympian goddess Diana appears, and Paelen, who has been imprisoned by evil government agency CRU. Despite a moderately paced beginning, this is ultimately a fast yet emotionally satisfying chase novel: CRU wants Emily, Pegasus and Diana must find the girl who can rekindle the flame and the Nirads just want destruction. Characters are perhaps too good to be true (Emily and Joel's bravery, Emily's father's willingness to believe and help), but the violence--especially from the CRU agent-- and various emotional arcs makes the tale feel convincingly real. First in an energetic series aimed at Percy Jackson fans and sure to hit the mark. (Fantasy. 10-13)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.