I've written three books in my best-selling Hercules series - with a fourth one on its way in April 2026.
Percy Jackson meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid, explore the hilarious, Greek myth inspired escapades of Hercules Braver - a boy with Olympic levels of self-confidence but tragic levels of self perception.
Perfect for everyone from reluctant readers all the way through to kids settling into secondary school.
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WATERSTONES CHILDRENS BOOK OF THE MONTH, FEBRUARY 2025
BOOKTRUST BOOKBUZZ, OFFICIAL SELECTION 2025
RUNNER-UP LEICESTER BEST BOOK AWARD 2025
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“A brilliant, accessible and VERY funny book” - Jen Carney, author of The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.
"Thunder-bolts of fun with a cracking message about shattering the myth of the God-like male - what's not to like?" Chris Soul, Children's book reviewer
"Accessible, warm, funny... Well written and engaging, I read it in a single sweep," Fleur, Waterstones Bookseller, Bath
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If Hercules Braver is going to survive his new secondary school,he has to live up to his name, fast. He needs to become strong and tanned and popular, like a Greek hero. Not weak and pale and unpopular, like a Greek yoghurt.
But his bid for popularity ends up saddling him with a set of impossible tasks... like cleaning out the monster-riddled school pond, facing up to the school bully and finding the headmaster's missing cat.
Then Herc's charming, impressive birth dad turns up after years living in Greece, and Hercules thinks his problems are solved. With God-like strength and awe-inspiring powers, could his dad even
be ... the real Zeus?! And will Hercules learn what it truly means to be a hero?
A hilarious, accessible package brilliantly illustrated by David O'Connell. Ideal for fans of Louie Stowell's Loki, Maz Evans, Marvel's Thor films and Disney's Hercules. Hercules Braver's 'trials' are loosely based on the first three Labours of Hercules, ideal for all young fans of Greek mythology!
Warm-hearted representation of blended families and alternate father figures.
Hercules Braver has a secret: he's a real-life demigod! So, why does he seem so... ordinary?
Most children of Zeus have some kind of superskill - like bravery, warrior skills or healing powers. Well, thanks to a wild boar (long story), Herc and his friends are off on a school trip to Greece. He's bound to discover his gift there - and even meet more of the gods!
But after ending up neck-deep in horse poo, almost falling down a mountain and facing a fierce flock of ravens, this trip feels more like an epic voyage... What's really going on with the mysterious gods, Athena, Apollo and Ares? And will Hercules discover what makes him special?
Following up on Hercules: the Diary of a (Sort of) Hero, this is a hilarious, accessible package brilliantly illustrated by David O'Connell. Ideal for fans of Louie Stowell's Loki, Maz Evans, Marvel's Thor films and Disney's Hercules.
Hercules Braver's adventures in this book are loosely based on the next three Labours of Hercules, ideal for all young fans of Greek mythology!
Heartfelt exploration of friendship, secret struggles and discovering your strengths and talents, even if they're unexpected.
Hercules Braver may seem like a regular kid, but he is (secretly) a Greek hero... His birth dad is Zeus himself! So, Herc's life will no doubt be filled with GLORY. But what about FORTUNE?
It's the school holidays and Herc has so many plans... sailing a yacht, going on a cruise, and generally touring the world slaying monsters. But Mum tells him they're struggling to make ends meet, and the best she can manage is to send him to Young Explorers camp with his friend Pav. DISASTER!
How can Herc make money? Invent something amazing? Win the lottery? Become a tech billionaire? He's on the case with Pav, Hatty and Natthew. But their schemes take them to some unexpected places... especially when vengeful Zeus finds out that Hercules and Mum might reveal his secret existence!
Soon, Herc is facing the pranks of trickster god Hermes, rafting down a treacherous river, and dressing up as a donkey... Can he get his hands on the fortune he craves, or will he find that true riches lie in unexpected places? And can he and Mum finally get one over on the Greek Gods...?
Illustrations © David O'Connell 2024