Being immortal is not all it once was. Yes, the twelve Greek gods of Olympus are alive and well in the twenty-first century, but they are crammed together in a London town house–and are none too happy about it. Even more disturbing, their powers are waning. For Artemis (goddess of hunting, professional dog walker), Aphrodite (goddess of beauty, telephone sex operator), and Apollo (god of the sun, TV psychic), there’s no way out–until a meek cleaner, Alice, and her would-be boyfriend, Neil, turn their world literally upside down. When what begins as a minor squabble between Aphrodite and Apollo escalates into an epic battle of wills, Alice and Neil are caught in the cross fire, and they must fear not only for their own lives, but for the survival of humankind. Nothing less than a true act of heroism is needed–but can these two decidedly ordinary people replicate the feats of the mythical heroes and save the world? GODS BEHAVING BADLY is that rare thing: a charming, funny, utterly original first novel that satisfies the head and the heart.
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"I found out about this book because The Atlantic was reading it for their online book club. Let me just say, what a good choice! I totally devoured it. As the description says the novel is about the Olympians in modern times and their fall from being worshiped. Throw in a couple of "mortals" to their present state and it makes for funny reading material. I enjoyed how the author made the gods and goddesses look like an actual family. I thought that it was also clever on her part to give them a certain amount of humanity, while making them seem so unaware of their similarities to regular people. This is definitely for people who loved mythology when they were younger."
— Briana (4 out of 5 stars)
" Fun way to learn the ancient greek gods and their skills "
— Rene, 2/15/2014" I love anything mythology and this puts a current twist on my beloved Olympians. Funny,witty and adventurous, a great British comedy about our favorite trouble makers. "
— Jackie, 2/11/2014" Enjoyable read. Funny at times. "
— Kate, 1/30/2014" Quick lighthearted read and a fun refresher on your Greek mythology. Finished in an afternoon. "
— Aki, 1/23/2014" This is a cute, quick read based around an idea first hit upon by Neil Gaiman in "American Gods." Author Marie Phillips imagines a world in which the major Greek gods all moved to London about 400 years ago, bought a house and then went to seed. These gods are so bored with their lives that they can barely muscle the power to keep the sun shining and the wine flowing. Most of their time is spent playing pranks on each other and the occasional humans who get in their way. Two of those humans, however, wind up giving the gods a renewed sense of purpose and saving the world in the process. Fun but not meaty. "
— Joyce, 1/10/2014" It was just not what I really expected. Not my favorite. Rather predictable. Oh well, still worked. "
— Jill, 12/19/2013" It began so strongly, tongue-in-cheek with surprising little one-liners and descriptions that made me laugh out loud. About half-way through, plot finally emerged, but the humor fizzled. And then the plot ended quickly with such a predictable, "wait-I-thought-that-was-the-idea-all-along" revelation. "
— Maria, 12/16/2013" I kept hearing about this book on CBC and everyone loved it. That is because it is awesome. The Olympians are all perfectly developed and the mortal characters are sweet and you just want to kiss poor Neil by the end of it. It's David Sedaris meets Queen Camilla. Awesome. "
— Leah, 12/14/2013" This book is absolutely hilarious!!! "
— Jen, 12/5/2013" Very entertaining read, and the audiobook delivery was nearly perfect. I'll be ordering a paper copy to use with my World Lit students. "
— Christina, 12/3/2013" Funny, entertaining, & deliciously naughty! "
— Carol, 11/13/2013" A hilarious short read about what it would be like to have roman gods in current time - setting in London. A modern day epic. "
— Stella, 11/9/2013" hilarious read, especially if you like greek mythology "
— Kp, 10/23/2013" Very fun little book - I liked it. "
— CJC, 10/3/2013" Listening to this book had me laughing out loud so many times. Great, fun listen. "
— SenoraG, 7/9/2013" I had to read this for my Classical Greek Mythology class. It was really funny, and easy to read which I couldn't put it down. "
— Sarah, 3/7/2013" This book is so funny. It's a great afternoon read. "
— Monica, 3/5/2013" A hilarious and delightfully fluffy read, just what I needed over the break. It's not bloody Shakespeare, but still good fun. Thanks Larry for loaning it to me! "
— Jewra, 1/25/2013" I love this book! It is so different && i love the Greek&& Roman mythology "
— Bre, 12/17/2012" This wasn't as good as I was led to believe from previous reviewers. The story is simple enough, the Greek Gods are living on earth much diminished and unable to use their full powers until housekeeper Alice comes along and shakes things up. Maybe it was the execution, but somehow I expected more. "
— Sarra, 11/20/2012" Cute book! Entertaining and a very sweet plot. (Seriously, any book that ends with a happy wedding is sweet, imo.) "
— Debbie, 11/17/2011" Beach read. Would recommend to anyone going to the beach. ;) Read the synopsis...I don't have more to add. "
— Jamie, 11/11/2011" Hilarious! Imagine a mash-up of Percy Jackson and Bridget Jones. (Definitely the adult portions of Bridget!) The Greek gods are living in modern-day London and aren't having an easy time of it. this is a quick, easy read. "
— monica, 7/29/2011" It could have been so much more -- the author should have had more fun with it!<br/> "
— Carolyn, 5/2/2011" Oh how I wanted this to be good. The dust jacket and the Powell's sales person really sold it. But it was fluff. And not good fluff. "
— Jennifer, 4/28/2011" A different way to write about what the world thought they knew about greek mythology. Set in modern times, with a dry sense of humor and unexpected plot development. The characters are intriguing. A very funny take on what the gods would be like now. "
— Lauren, 4/19/2011" Though I love mythology and thought the gods were well depicted. It was dull and I thought the story line was pretty weak. "
— Lindsey, 4/14/2011" like 'percy jackson' for adults -- funnier and better written! still same concept though, predictable, but good to read. "
— Angela, 4/3/2011" What a dreadful book. It's a great concept, but the author missed the target. I only finished the book because I paid for it. "
— Cheryl, 4/1/2011" Brilliantly funny and intriguing book. I always enjoy books about Gods in the real world and this one outlines the greek gods in jobs that I could really believe they would do. The underworld being underneath Islington too was also a brilliant idea :) "
— Alana, 3/26/2011" Fluffy and silly, but entertaining and easy to read. I read my kid's Percy Jackson books, so it was fun to have another viewpoint on modern day Greek Gods. (In much reduced curcumstances) <br/> <br/>Some sex and language. "
— Sandy, 3/24/2011Marie Phillips is a Cambridge anthropology graduate who left her job as a researcher for the BBC to write. She currently works in a bookshop in Central London.
Rosalyn Landor is an English-born television, theater, and multiple-award-winning audiobook narrator. Her television credits include Love in a Cold Climate, Rumpole of the Bailey, Sherlock Holmes, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. She has won numerous Audie awards and AudioFile magazine Earphones awards.