One of the things that really makes THE LOST BOOKS OF THE ODYSSEY work is that everyone, at some point in their lives, has likely read Homer's epic of The Odyssey, the story of Odysseus and his beleaguered journey back to Ithaca after the Trojan War. But even if you aren’t familiar with The Odyssey, the story itself is so widely known that readers are bound to find themselves in familiar territory when taking up Zachary Mason's brilliant debut novel.

THE LOST BOOKS OF THE ODYSSEY is no mere retelling of the old tale. Held between its covers is a collection of what amounts to 44 episodes, or rather 44 bardic tales set to anywhere from four to ten pages each, quick enough for one sitting and reminiscent of the oral style of the traditional passing down of such stories. One could argue, though, that it would have been better served written in poetic form a la Homer.

The magic of the book comes from its segmented story design. Over and over, readers see Odysseus return home to Ithaca. Sometimes his wife, Penelope, greets him; other times, she does not. This leaves one to wonder which is true. Perhaps neither, if one of the stories is to be believed, wherein it is said that The Odyssey and its troublesome journey for our hero is merely a story the wounded Cyclops told himself. One of the more intriguing stories is the telling of Death's kidnapping of Helen, where Mason beautifully describes the shores of Ilium as being nothing more than ground bone.

Mason does a masterful job of description throughout the novel, giving simple yet vibrant and vivid imagery that springs to life in your mind. He also tinkers just enough with points from the original myth --- twisting them into a slightly askew direction --- but one that still feels just right for the moment and that sometimes make you pause to wonder Is that how it always was?

THE LOST BOOKS OF THE ODYSSEY is a winner, a fun and magical work that hopefully will not go overlooked by readers. Those who love myth, and the epic adventure and daring within, will find Mason’s first novel to be a perfect companion on a cold winter night.