ALMOND, David. A Song for Ella Grey. 272p. ebook available. Delacorte. Oct. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780553533590; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 9780553533606. LC 2014040181. Gr 9 Up–An innovative and dreamlike retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in modern-day Tyneside and Northumberland and told in Almond’s lyrical, distinctive prose. Narrator Claire has a passionate relationship with Ella, whom she has known since they were five years old. They are part of a “beautiful friendship group” of like-minded teenagers who gather to share their dreams and artistic efforts. When the mysterious musician Orpheus appears on the beach, the teens, as well as all the local wildlife, are enchanted by his weird and lovely music, but the one most enamored of Orpheus and his music is Ella, who hears him over Claire’s cell phone. Ella and Orpheus fall in love and marry, but Ella dies of snakebite on their wedding day. The novel follows the original myth fairly closely as Orpheus goes through river gates into an underworld where he encounters monsters and the rulers of the underworld. This is an impressive update of this often retold story, with artsy teenage characters and a lovingly detailed Northumbrian setting. Some parts, such as Orpheus’s death at the hands of crazed women emerging from the sea and references to his male lovers, will resonate more strongly with readers familiar with the original myth. VERDICT Teen readers of a literary bent and mythology enthusiasts will love this latest work from Almond.–Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ This review was published in School Library Journal’s September 2015 issue.