Athena's Champion by David Hair and Cath Mayo

 

As the novel opens, Prince Odysseus of Ithaca has come to go through an event that will mark him as the true heir of his country.  Instead, family secrets are revealed that have him outcast and chased by those who would kill him.  Odysseus is short of stature but is known for his logical thinking.  He is saved from one who would kill him by the goddess Athena and agrees to become her theios or champion.  That gives him more strength, faster healing and faster moves but comes with obligations to serve her as she asks.

This is the early story of Odysseus' life.  He is brought into the war that is raging between the gods as Zeus tries to become the sole ruler.  He meets other heroes such as Theseus who he dislikes and forms a rivalry with.  The novel details the kidnapping of Persephone and the journey to Hades to retrieve her where Odysseus' skill in negotiating is a key factor.  

This is the first novel in the Olympus Trilogy.  It is not a straight retelling of the Illiad and the Odyssey but rather a reinterpretation of how the events of Odysseus' life make him into the hero he is known throughout history as.  The gods are presented as having many mortal traits such as jealousy and rivalry and they desire a relationship with humans to further their goals.  I listened to this novel and the narrator was perfect for this type of story.  This book is recommended for readers of myth.