Percy Jackson's Greek Gods

Presenting Percy Jackson's Greek Gods by Rick Riordan, John Rocco.

Here is the summary of the book:

A publisher in New York asked me to write down what I know about the Greek gods, and I was like, Can we do this anonymously? Because I don't need the Olympians mad at me again. But if it helps you to know your Greek gods, and survive an encounter with them if they ever show up in your face, then I guess writing all this down will be my good deed for the week.

So begins Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, in which the son of Poseidon adds his own magic--and sarcastic asides--to the classics. He explains how the world was created, then gives readers his personal take on a who's who of ancients, from Apollo to Zeus. Percy does not hold back. "If you like horror shows, blood baths, lying, stealing, backstabbing, and cannibalism, then read on, because it definitely was a Golden Age for all that."

Dramatic full-color illustrations throughout by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco make this volume--a must for home, library, and classroom shelves--as stunning as it is entertaining.

Adjectives, Adverbs or such and such superlatives are just not proficient to explain just how much I loved this gigantosaurus book. Yes you heard, i bought the bigger imprint of the book and not the tiny one ..... so happy i was able to save for this ..... If you know me, then you know just how much I love mythology ..... and the Greek one had always been a favorite one too. Of course I had already read the original grisly details in full before so I knew what to expect but reading it all again in Percy Jackson's snarky and humor really brought a new life to the old tales.

Its funny. Its hilarious. Has gallons of jokes on kfc, One Direction and Justin Bieber to name a few. Its educational too with so many gorgeous illustrations to accompany Riordan's narrative. Top it all of its our favorite narrator Demigod Percy Jackson, going about it all in his sly and sarcastic way. Going the subtle way Rick Riordan tries to minimize on the gory details of these old myths by saying that, "so and so got his way" or so and so got a bit too cuddly with the unfortunate other ...... because at the end of it this is a middle grade series and really you don't scare the kids with all the 'R' - Rated details about the Gods.

Riordan also throws in some pretty great advice in between the lines here and there about the Gods in general, the female sect and announcements like no drinking before you are 30 or something .... Took me sometime too finish it but I definitely loved what I found in this book and as usual Riordan's writing and Percy's sly and dry humor sets it of fabulously.

"Innovative and excellent way of discovering the Greek pantheon"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology, Tie-in

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Books

Release Date: 19th August, 2014

My Copy: bought (hardback)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

Other Books from Rick Riordan:
                       (review links)
           
Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

The Heroes of Olympus #5 The Blood of Olympus

Presenting The Heroes of Olympus #5 The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen—all of them—and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood—the blood of Olympus—in order to wake.

The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it "might" be able to stop a war between the two camps.

The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.

Demigods check. Dangerous quest check. Godly action check. End of the world prophecy check. Amazing characters check. Wittiness check ..... and end of an era check. ...... Players are lining up. Sides have been chosen. Threats and schemes thought up. After the serious and time exhaustive exhilarating adventure at the 'House of Hades', the demigods race against the hour to stop the big bad, Mother Earth from rising.

While it is tempting to take the 'Athena Parthenos' to Athens, if it could help against the forces of Gaea but they know its rightful place is in Long Island to help stave off war between the Greeks and the Romans. So they divide. Reyna, Nico and Coach Hedge decide to deliver the statue and the remaining Argo II crew head to Athens..... and coupled with Riordan's witty dialogues, the Blood of Olympus makes for an outstanding finale.

Divided like before into the different perspectives. We see Jason finally accepting his present and overcoming his past. Leo keeping his promise *wink* & Piper was simply kickass. Nico got his closure. Reyna also learnt to leave her past behind and sadly Percy & Annabeth turned out to be bait ... I think I would have given it a 5 star if Percy or Annabeth (or both) had their own POVs, I didn't really see them do much of anything than what we got to read from others..... they kept getting saved .... So call me what you want but 4 stars it is  and no more.

The Blood of Olympus while it was a fitting finale, felt more of a Jason, Piper and Leo show. Of course I would also have loved to see a bit more prolonged battle against Gaea after she fully rose but what we saw worked well..... Ingenious really defeating her in that subtle way. Keeping true to the mythology and incorporating this epic journey, Rick Riordan definitely doesn't not disappoint. Of course i'll say again I would have given it 5 stars if we had seen Percy's POV but all said and done this is a great finale. It is now time to turn our attention to Riordan's upcoming series on Norse Mythology (which I am very excited for).

"A nerve-racking great end to this epic Greco-Roman conglomeration"

Genre :     Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Release Date: 7th October, 2014

My Copy: bought (ebook)

Rate:             4/5 (Really Liked It)

Series by Author(only those reviewed on blog):
         Heroes of Olympus 
         Kane Chronicles

Buy:         Amazon | Book Depository 

The Heroes of Olympus #4 The House of Hades

This is another one of those masterpieces. Presenting The Heroes of Olympus #4 The House of Hades by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

A masterpiece in a long line of masterpieces..... If you are privy to Rick Riordan's books, then you know what I am talking about.The mythology, the godly action, the quests and the humor..... If you don't know what I mean, well I suggest you go and buy his book because I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

..... Alright I AM STUMPED..... I have no idea where to start..... Rick Riordan keeps improving and amazing with that brain of his with his every release. Notably this is much darker and much more serious of a book than the previous one. Well expected since Percy and Annabeth fell into Tartarus at the shocking cliffhanger ending of the previous book and the others must follow the original plan and hope their fallen comrades can fight their way through from the other side in time to be saved.

This is a big and a rather heavy read with many perspective changes and a crew of protagonists but not complaining since Riordan balances them all equally - they all get equal and a fair chance to sine and impress and they all bring equally something new to the plot of the book..... Big character development can be seen throughout the lines of the plot.

Percy & Annabeth's harrowing journey through Tartarus surviving on fire and help from Titan, Bob. Jason's character bit more explored. Piper kick-ass. Leo and Calypso hitting it off. Hazel and Frank discovering their worth and maturing considerably.... BUT MAN...... NICO STOLE THE SHOW...... His is one character development I did not expect...... Although now that you think of it...... a lot of his actions make sense..... POOR GUY.....

EPIC STORY...... EPIC..... I can't even pic any faults in it because it was done so beautifully.....All said and done.... NOW BEGINS THE EXCRUCIATING WAIT FOR 'The Blood of Olympus' after a much calmer ending this time. 

"Another epic chapter in the lives of our favorite demigods"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology

Publisher: Hyperion

Release Date: 8th October, 2013

My Copy: bought (ebook)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Books in the series (review links):
              #1 The Lost Hero
              #2 The Son of Neptune 
              #3 The Mark of Athena

Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

The Son of Sobek

Engrossing..... Presenting The Son of Sobek by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

In this e-book short story by Rick Riordan, Carter Kane is investigating rumored sightings of a monster on Long Island when he runs into something else: a mysterious boy named Percy Jackson. And their meeting isn't exactly friendly. . . . Includes a sneak peek chapter from HOUSE OF HADES, Book Four in the Heroes of Olympus series.

 Its a tease.... Its a tease.... oh this is such a tease alright. Greece meets Egypt is what this is..... And I must explain.... 40 pages is not enough.....no sir not at all.

Carter Kane and Percy Jackson meet, fight and bond together over the crocodile terrorizing Long Islands.... You've read it and this is just what it us, a tease.... a crossover we all have been fantasizing about.... In all its cannonicity, this is a true brainchild of the megamind that is Rick Riordan.

Although it is not clear as to the timeline of this short.... oh why did it have to end so quickly.... But we have our own guesses, amd think it happens just before Heroes of Olympus began and Percy and Jason were brainwashed and taken to opposite camps (its just a thought, you guys can always contradict in the comment section, I welcome it)......

An idea just the same it could be the precursor of something even more dangerous coming their ways.... Finishing this I'm now counting days for "House of Hades" and "Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo".... oh why they have to be so far away.

"Rick Riordan you are and always shall be fantastic.... A crossover with explosive promises for the future"

Genre :     Young Adult, Short Story, Urban Fantasy, Mythology

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Release Date: 18th June, 2013

My Copy: bought (ebook)

Rate:             5/5 (It was Awesome)

Series by Author(only those reviewed on blog):
         Heroes of Olympus 
         Kane Chronicles

Buy:         Amazon 

Demigods & Monsters

HAPPY RELEASE DAY! Presenting Demigods & Monsters: Your favorite Authors on Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series (edited) by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

Released just before the March 2013 feature film Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, this new edition is updated through The Last Olympian, and includes several brand new essays!

The #1 New York Times bestselling Percy Jackson series—The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian—features a dyslexic boy who discovers he is the son of a Greek god, the target of mythical Greek monsters, and the center of a prophecy that could change the balance of power in the world forever. In Demigods and Monsters, YA authors take on the series' Greek gods, demigods, monsters, and prophecy, to add insight and even more fun to Riordan’s page-turner series.

The book also includes an introduction by Percy Jackson series author Rick Riordan that gives further insight into the series and its creation, and a glossary of ancient Greek myth, with plenty of information on the places, monsters, gods, and heroes that appear in the series.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians is one series that needs no introduction. A demigod of the eldest dogs..... sorry eldest Gods (Poseidon), a dyslexic half-human, half-God who discovers he doesn't hail from a family of nobodies..... but the biggest family of somebodies in the world..... and finds himself not only the target of pretty scary mythical monsters but also a part or the sole hero of apocalyptic prophecies (and let me tell you, a heroes fate is never good).

In 'Demigods & Monster', renouned YA authors of the field take on the Gods, the myriad monsters and our beloved characters and put them all under x-rays to chronicalize an insightful and a must read for any Percy Jackson fans.

Alongwith some of fun and some seriously analytical essays, this companion book also consists of an introduction to the series from Riordan himself, explaining how the series actually came into existence, and a glossary of the Greek myths with plenty information about the myths & legends, monsters and demigods and most of all the Gods.

"A must have companion book to the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series"

Genre :      Anthology, Companion book, Children's Fiction

Publisher: Smart Pop

Release Date: 2nd July, 2013

My Copy:  publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Heroes of Olympus #3 The Mark of Athena

Finally a book that I can categorize along with the Percy Jackson series, finally a book I liked in this series. Presenting Heroes of Olympus #3 The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan. Bare in mind there will be LOTS OF RAMBLINGS THROUGH.....

Here is the summary of the book:

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace. And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her? Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side. Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare....

I'll be honest with you all after Riordan's Percy Jackson series ended I was kinda lost with The Lost Hero......mind you I did like Kane Chronicles but Heroes of Olympus book 1 didn't really hold an interest with me. The Son of Neptune was a little better....return to normalcy.....because of Percy but man 'The Mark of Athena' felt right back at home. It felt right at home because it held everything that we are familiar with throughout the Percy Jackson series.

So the Greeks and Romans finally meet. As expected it goes from bad to worse within few hours. You really can't blame the Romans to think Argo II as not a battleship. But things, are fast going overhead, the Greek Demi-Gods need to find Nico before he dies, find the Doors of Death, and follow the prophecy about the seven demigods to come together and push back Gaia where she actually belongs. But Athena/Minerva demands retribution and Annabeth must adhere to what her mother says........Destructive when you have a Goddess for a mother, mark it.

Now I did say that the first two books of this series didn't much appeal to me but.......GOD.......The Mark of Athena is decided to kill. With the usual layout of Riordan's books involving three demigods, well this goes a niche further and doubles the stakes. This book is told from Percy, Annabeth, Leo and Piper's point of views. And who doesn't like to hear about Percy and Annabeth. GOD!! Missed his dry humor and Annabeth's resourcefulness because that is what they are and that shows again in this book. This book maybe about them all demigods trying to avert danger and Annabeth is on her own quest and this time she can't ask for two others. GOSH IS SHE STRONG.

This is one book that doesn't lack in anything at all. Its one of those unputdownable books.....and you know it. Riordan totally did it with book. The action, the mythology, his own twists and turns to the tale keeps you on the precipice of combustion. There is not one boring moment at all........

BUT GOD WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ENDING........I think i'll add 'KING OF CLIFFHANGERS' to Mr. Riordan's name because that cliffhanger was way amazing. Jaw-dropping. Totally. And I now have to wait a grueling long year for the House of Hades?? WHAT US THE WORLD COMING TO!! I WANT IT NOW!!!!!!

"Freaking-Jaw-Dropping Cliffhanger.....Mythological action and Riordan's perfect writing.....An OMG inducing book.......DO NOT MISS IT......I REPEAT YOU CAN NOT MISS IT"

Genre :      Middle Grade, Urban Fantasy, Mythology


Publisher: Hyperion Book CH


Rate:             5 /5 (It was Amazing)

Kane Chronicles #3 The Serpent's Shadow

The Egyptian mythology is not really my favorite but after reading Mr. Riordan's gripping tale, I need to definitely brush-up on it..... presenting Kane Chronicles #3 The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

He's b-a-a-ack! Despite their best efforts, Carter and Sade Kane can't seem to keep Apophis, the chaos snake, down. Now Apophis is threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness, and the Kanes are faced with the impossible task of having to destroy him once and for all. Unfortunately, the magicians of the House of Life are on the brink of civil war, the gods are divided, and the young initiates of Brooklyn House stand almost alone against the forces of chaos. The Kanes' only hope is an ancient spell that might turn the serpent's own shadow into a weapon, but the magic has been lost for a millennia. To find the answer they need, the Kanes must rely on the murderous ghost of a powerful magician who might be able to lead them to the serpent's shadow . . . or might lead them to their deaths in the depths of the underworld. Nothing less than the mortal world is at stake when the Kane family fulfills its destiny in this thrilling conclusion to the Kane Chronicles.

Things are dire when your enemy is the ultimate enemy of all (I'm not talking of Voldemort), the chaos serpent Apophis is rearing its giant head, destroying everything, manipulating events and leaving no witness alive. The Kane siblings, Carter and Sadie are now at their wit's end. They are loosing allies fast, the opposition is rebelling to get them destroyed and doomsday is close....How do you defeat something that is even bigger than the whole planet....does the chaos snake have the same body structure as of the human's? Because if so...then its is as simple and as dangerous as it can get....

This one was so good that it was too good to end so quickly. Carter was ever studious and very much the leader meant to be. Sadie was as smart-mouthed as well. But together they are stronger than ever. As with the previous books, this is also written as a recorded audio script, alternating between Sadie and Carter's point of views. Literally having to act the adult, Carter and Sadie are definitely not without their own teenage problems....*wink*

Well the messy love lives aside, the egyptian mythos is as effervescent and livelier as ever. Mr. Riordan sure knows how to turn a history lesson interesting to read about. The action and the climax was my GOD the best and most palpable. It was just so interesting and informative that ending it just like.... oh I so want more....I'm hungry for more.... it just can't be the ending of Apophis or the Egyptian Gods... we need more Mr. Riordan! After all nothing is forever....

"A hair-raising and jaw-dropping fianle - leaving us hungry for more"

Genre :      Young Adult, Mythology, Urban Fantasy


Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children


Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

Kane Chronicles #2 The Throne of Fire

Took me a little time to start this but I actually finished it in record and its actually getting very interesting. Ladies and Gents, my views of Kane Chronicles #2 The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians. And now their most threatening enemy yet - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family. To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished. First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly? Narrated in two different wisecracking voices, featuring a large cast of new and unforgettable characters, and with adventures spanning the globe, this second installment in the Kane Chronicles is nothing short of a thrill ride.

So now that the Egyptian Gods of Old have been released into the world trouble seems to be everywhere for our protagonist Carter and Sadie but as descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but treachery and devious gods added to the mix and they haven't had enough time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians now. The other branches of the House of Life are hunting the Kanes down once they left the safety of their branch...why because according to the customs of the House of Life it is an act of treason to host a God in their body (since the Gods need a physical body to be able to live out of the Du'at), the Brooklyn House. 

And now their most threatening enemy yet—the chaos snake Apophis—is rising. If they do not prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. Pretty apocalyptic would so is life for the Kane siblings. As they must go through persuasive Gods, treacherous magicians and battling devious beasts to save the day but most importantly stay alive and figure out a way to prevent the civilization from being destroyed.

The book starts out slow and gains momentum bit by bit. And as the first book this one is also narrated in two point of views, precisely it is a recording transcript that we see here, with the story moving with Carter and Sadie's POVs. Both have their moments of geniuses and moments of idiocy(not going to elaborate that will spoil the fun). Their sense of humor and that ever present sibling rivalry actually adds flavor to the story. As all of you remember in  the first book they were able to defeat Set and saw the real worker of the evil - the serpent of Chaos, Apophis who was breaking free from his cell in the du'at. Well he a few days from escaping that prison and it is upto the Kane siblings to prevent the chaos. On their journey to find the balance between chaos and order(tacky I know but i'm trying the post to be spoiler free), they meet new friends and allies, Bes, Walt, and many more who may have their own secrets but ultimately help save the day.

The one thing that I liked about the way the plot was written was that Mr. Riordan although did not dump the info on us (good on him) but popping them here and there.....which definitely keeps us on the edges.

So what if they won the battle but the war is yet to come and as things get heated up, I am definitely excited for the upcoming and the final book of the Kane Chronicles, the book is unamed yet, but it will contain the final battle against chaos and I am definitely excited for it.

"An adrenaline induced race to maintain the balance between order and chaos"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children


Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

Kane Chronicles #1: The Red Pyramid

After dabbling in the finer arts of Greek and Roman Mythologies, we now delve into the land of the Egyptians. Presenting Kane Chronicles #1 The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

Since their mother's death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane. One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives. Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them —Set— has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe - a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.

While I love all things Greek meaning Greek mythology but have absolutely no idea about the Roman Mythology (even if both are the same) but I do know a little bit about the Egyptians. Since the latter is supposed to be much more larger than the Greek and the Roman empires. 

So on with the story, Carter and Sadie Kane's mother died when they were young, and since then they have had to live apart - Sadie with her mother's parents in London, and Carter with his father, traveling the world looking for Egyptian artifacts. And as the arrangements were they can only see each other once a year. That year at their scheduled meeting hour their father Dr. Julius Kane takes both Sadie and Carter to the British Museum but something goes and both of them realize there may be much more to their father, and the Kane family than they knew and now they are on a "time sensitive mission" (remember Logan Lerman(Percy) uses the same phrase when they enter the Lotus Casino in LA) to stop Apocalypse happening.

All this done, I'd like to point out one thing here or like a point of differentiation between the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" and "Kane Chronicles" - whereas the former deals with a single point of view through out the whole series, i.e., Percy's, the latter alternates between Carter and Sadie's point of view. Also whereas Percy's story is more like a written diary with the funny chapter titles and the snippy comments at every point, the Kane Chronicles are more like an audio diary of the events but I have read the book so I don't know how the audiobook is going to be like.

Moving the layout of the story as to how it is presented is very much similar to the Percy Jackson series but thankfully not that similar, so it was a very refreshing read. But the one best quality of this book can be definitely attributed to the whole relationship or should I say the evolving understanding between Carter and Sadie. We know both live apart and as it is ruled are only allowed to meet one a year, so the whole journey is a treat as little by little after every incident in their path they start to understand one another in a whole new level. Although there is a little of jealousy there Carter is always on the move with his dad, never staying at a place more than a few days or even a few hours while Sadie gets to stay and get the normal life as a British school kid. 

Carter is a rather subdued personality, he is very shy and he just wants to impress his father, while Sadie is rather outspoken and brash, she very much knows how to lash out at somebody. So they learn to work together and it doesn't take much for them to learn the real value of family. And also the fact that Carter has a darker skin than Sadie, with a black father and white mother; which Mr. Riodan handles pretty well while not making a huge deal about it.

On the spiritual level i'd say the story revolves around the theme of "History repeats itself" or "As above, so below". At the heart of the story is an old legend at play. Well i'm not really going to elaborate or it will ruin the story for those who haven't read it yet. Also for those thinking this is another Percy Jackson does the Egyptian way....well....be prepared to be wrong......big time. At the end I'd say that after such an interesting read I am definitely on board for the next books in the series and after Greek, Roman and Egyptian lets see which mythology Mr. Riordan tackles next.

"Brilliant and Enticing - Be prepared for a journey that will take you to the heart of land of the Nile" 

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children


Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

The Heroes of Olympus #2: The Son of Neptune

We now delve deeper into the roman territory with Percy in The Heroes of Olympus #2 The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa tol him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth. 

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over he mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams. 

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart. Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.

So as I said above with this book we delve deeper into the roman camp and also see it through with our beloved Percy Jackson but the thing is he doesn't remember what happened to him or even who he really, aside from the fact that somehow he can control water and realizes enough that he is the son of the sea god. Somehow he makes it to the camp....well Camp Jupiter to be exact of the Romans and they are rather an unfriendly bunch. 

Even if Percy like Jason in the previous book that lost his memory but he can still kick butt and being the son of Poseidon/Neptune also doesn't hurt if you get awesome abilities over water. It is Percy leadership quality or should I say blatant honesty that makes the Romans suck it up and show that the Greeks had already perfected the art of war even before the great Roman Empire was even born (although the romans are much more disciplined and I am loathe to say modern). So even without the memory Percy fast makes his into the Roman camp and makes some new friends Hazel and Frank. Hazel who gets a second chance at life and Frank is a klutz. Then as luck would have they are sent on a quest.....well the next great prophecy might actually be upon them already.

Now with such a long summary I really don't feel like explaining the story, so i'm leaving it to you guys but lets discuss the finer aspects of the book now shall we? 

So like its predecessor The Son of Neptune also focuses on three point of views - Percy, Hazel and Leo to be exact. Since the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series mainly focused on Percy's POV so it was a bit refreshing to hear about Percy from Hazel and Frank's point of view. Another point of order is that the Percy Jackson & the Olympians is wholly based on the Greek Myths and The Lost Hero, a little of both the Greek and the Roman Myths but this one is solely based upon Roman myths, which is well rather disorienting because I am truly not well versed in the roman aspect of it all other than the fact that all the planets of our solar system our named after the Roman appearances of the Olympians. So, it takes a bit longer to get into the book rather that necessary.

Next lets look at our characters here. Aside from the fact that Percy literally doesn't remember anything about his life or what had happened to him during the seven months he went missing but he still remembers how to fight and with Riptide with him, he knows nothing can stop him. Frank he is well a mystery, whereas at first when we see he seems week but as he starts to uncover the truth about himself, he again an edge over his circumstances. Hazel is another mysterious character, she was supposed to be dead long ago but there you go, she gets a second chance at life. She is also rather strong, powerful and full of secrets of her own. The Gods of the Roman territory are also different rather civilized and sterner than their Greek counterparts. To sum it up every character is hidden behind millions of layers which peels off as we proceed further. 

And there you go Mr. Riodan just had to finish it of with a giant cliffhanger and The Mark of Athena doesn't even release until next year.

"Percy Jackson is back"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

The Heroes of Olympus #1: The Lost Hero

Basically an extension for the much acclaimed Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Presenting before you all my views of The Heroes of Olympus #1 The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper and a best friend named Leo. They’re all students at a boarding school for “bad kids.” What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly? Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare. Piper doesn’t understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn’t recognize her. When a freak storm hits, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she’s going to find out. Leo has a way with tools. When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there’s weird stuff, too—like the curse everyone keeps talking about. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist that each of them—including Leo—is related to a god.

Where there are Greek Gods, you bet you'll find their Roman counterparts as well. The Greek gods came first before the Roman ones, so while the greek bunch might be considered ancient, the roman ones are a bit more disciplinary and a bit more on the modern side. Technically as the history books say the romans took to the Greek gods are polished or improved them a little bit.

Anyways our story begins with a different set of trio - Jason, Leo and Piper. These three are best friends but there is a bit of a problem, Jason doesn't really remember who he really is or where he comes from but only the fact that he just woke up on the bus for the school trip to the grand canyon. Things go crazy when a storm spirit attacked them at the Grand Canyon and they have nothing to do except well fight for their lives. Jason realizes he could fly and had an amazing coin which could turn to a sword. Things go much more weirder when a bunch of people appeared, Annabeth and Butch asked for a guy named Percy Jackson. Of course, they couldn't understand what was that about. Jason, Leo, Piper then whisked to Camp Half Blood, well of course they go there - they are demigods.

But Camp Half-blood has got a predicament of its own - Percy Jackson is missing. Yup the beloved hero and son of Poseidon has gone MIA, no trace at all. The only positive factor he is not dead - yet. So Jason, Leo and Piper get themselves well acquainted with the camp while trying to fit-in. But trouble is not far behind. For some reason the Olympians have gone mum, literally. They are no longer answering the prayers or the summons. Our current trio is having troubles of their own. Jason is getting little glimpses of his past, Piper has her own problems (dad gone missing) and Leo is seeing ghosts. And that is not the only problem here - trouble is brewing - something far older than the gods or the titans themselves is stirring.

So this book marks the beginning of the new series and since it is an extension for the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, so we cannot talk about this book without talking about the series now can we! So what made that series so likable? Well firstly it was a whole new concept and the bonus point was - the gradual growth and change of our protagonist. It takes Percy a lot of time to fill the position of a hero, the journey and the whole transition period between this interim was what made the series so interesting to read and we could easily connect and those hilarious chapter titles - "Grover unexpectedly looses his pants"..."We get advice from a Poodle" and "I sit on the hot seat" or the snippy comments also didn't hurt. But in The Lost Hero - Jason, Leo and Piper....well are heroes. No transition necessary. Jason tries to be Percy, Piper feels like an outcast and Leo is insecure and sometimes even jealous. The three try to fill the roles of the original trio but fail. Its like they are just put there and we readers must deal with it. They are not given the space to evolve like Percy, Annabeth and Grover had. 

While the above mentioned points give it a bad name and but it had a definite quality - you couldn't put it down for a second even if you want to. The best part of the book can be pointed at the whole idea of Greek and Roman camps, which indicates more character-to-character conflicts than ever before. The part which will doubtlessly hold readers on tenterhooks is the news of what has happened to Percy.

That reminds me - stay connected as I go through the next book The Son of Neptune, which if the title is understood deals with our beloved character Percy, and what's been happening to him during the time he was missing in action.

"Greeks and Romans -- two sides of the same coin"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children


Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)