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Posts tagged ‘Heroes of Olympus’

The Blood of Olympus

Heroes of Olympus bk 5
By: Rick Riordan
the-blood-of-olympus
The conclusion to the heroes of Olympus series and a book I have been waiting all year for. Yay! It’s here.
There are still some very hairy challenges ahead for our seven demigods. They have come so far and battled through so very much, the end is almost in sight but so much still hangs on their decisions. Nico, Reyna and Coach Hedge are doing everything they can to get the Athena Parthenos to Camp Half Blood, it’s proving taxing, especially on Nico who has taken on most of the heavy lifting and the toll it is taking on him could be permanent. The others are on there way to the final destination but not without opposition as Gaia’s forces have obstacles and forces to push them back along the way. The demigods need to work together if they are going to win.
I loved this conclusion. It is action packed and moves all the way through at a lightening pace. Each demigod has grown throughout this story but this one is very poignant for Nico, Reyna, Leo and Jason. I particularly like the way Nico’s story is worked out but I won’t say any more about it. The blending of the mythologies works well, the twisted nature of Octavian who has a similar goal to the central heroes but he is driven by power and the desire to rule. The thing with a book like this is there really isn’t a lot to say at this point. The world is very familiar to those who have read the rest of the books, it is a well woven mix of the familiar and mythical. It is like stepping back into a place where you get to catch up with good friends. Riordan finishes this well.
The short story at the end with Annabeth and Sadie Chase, is a fun little teaser.
Loads of fun and if you haven’t read any of the Percy Jackson books, then I ask why not? Do yourself a favour and give them a try.
Highly Recommended
Publisher: Puffin Books
Published: 07 October 2014
Format: Paperback 565 pages
Categories: Science Fiction Fantasy
ISBN 13: 9780141339252
Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on side of page

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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The House of Hades

By: Rick Riordan

9780141339191

Heroes of Olympus Bk 4

Percy and Annabeth are trapped in Tartarus, their only hope is to journey across the land of the dead to the Doors of Death. This will perhaps be the most testing and brutal of all trails they have gone through. To make matters worse monsters are regenerating at an increased rate and none of them like the demigods, in fact Percy and Annabeth are the reason quite a few are in Tartarus in the first place. Still they have each other and that will get them through much and then there is Bob, a surprise addition to their team, and one that could just tip the balance.

On the surface Jason, Hazel and the others are trying to get to the House of Hades so they can be at the doors to help Percy and Annabeth. This is not turning out to be as simple as flying there. Gods and monsters are doing everything they can to stop them. Hazel discovers that Hecate has a plan for her, Frank fights his fears of his parentage and comes into his own and Nico faces up to his deepest secret. Will all that be enough, with the God’s being split between their Greek and Roman selves,  and the Roman demigods determined to attack Camp Half-Blood? Gaia must be stopped but is that even possible with the team split up this way?

An awesome action filled instalment of the Heroes of Olympus series. Percy and Jason are still obviously leaders but it is not all about them. Percy and Annabeth have a real partnership and together they are much stronger than could be expected. So much of this adventure hinges on Hazel learning new skills and how to have faith in herself and Frank stepping up to be the son of Mars that he is. Frank’s story arc in this is one that builds slowly but reaches an awesome crescendo and it is going to be interesting to see where he goes in the next book. Nico’s torment is something we finally have some light shed on and it is so sad in some ways, you just want Nico to be able to move through it, it too is something that we are left wondering about. Leo too gets the chance to have some growth in a rather unexpected way (but I’m not giving any spoilers).

The pace never wavers and as such this book like those before it is hard to put down. The world Riordan creates is varied, full of the familiar and unfamiliar, and it blends together seamlessly. It seems totally fine that one minute the heroes are using magical and advanced technology and the next it’s all swords and flying horses. These books are addictive, the blend of action and mythology often leaves me wanting more.

Recommended.

Publisher: Puffin Books

Published: 08 October 2013

Format: Paperback 565 pages

Categories: Fantasy, Mythology

ISBN 13: 9780141339191

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on side of page.

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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The Mark of Athena

By: Rick Riordan

Heroes of Olympus bk 3

Percy and Annabeth are finally reunited and Jason returns to Camp Jupiter. The first steps are tentative but the fragile peace is quickly shattered. It is in this precarious environment that the seven start out on their new quest. They have to find Nico di Angelo, who is being held by twin giants, if they are to have a chance at preventing the rise of Gaia.

The quest takes them across the path of those determined to stop them, they cannot be assisted by most of the gods as many of them have their own issues to do with split personalities. The greeks and the romans learn to work together in the face of enemies, time restraints and a coming war between their two camps.

Concurrent to the overriding quest Annabeth has a very personal journey to go on. Her mother has commissioned her to follow the Mark of Athena and correct an ancient wrong. This is a task she will have to face on her own, a task all those sent before her have failed to fulfil.

This is a welcome return to the world of Jason and Percy. The combination of these two characters is very interesting, two guys who are used to leading now trying to work together, the frustrations and feelings of inadequacy give their moments a great depth (as much as an action story can have depth).

Every character gets the chance to excel, they all get the chance you use their particular abilities to further the quest. This quest only continues because they find a way to work together, even when things are a little confusing.

In some ways Leo has the hardest time of it because he is the only one of the seven who isn’t with a partner, the other six are all couples. His story arc is interesting in a different way and the connection he has with Hazel gives that part of the story an different feel.

All the characters have important parts to play and in particular Annabeth who finally gets a solo quest. This story has developed into a great ensemble piece which gives you the chance to explore all the characters. The relationships between the couples add tension as they struggle to find just a few moments to be normal teenagers.

As always Riordan transports you to a place full of gods and monsters, it seems totally surreal and yet you are totally willing to be swept along for the ride. The action is fast paced, the plot skips along at a wonderful pace that ensures you are unwilling to put the book down for very long. The problem I have with these books is the wait between them. The Mark of Athena didn’t disappoint.

Highly recommended.

Publisher: Puffin Books

Published: 02 October 2012

Format: Paperback 528 pages

Categories: Mythology, Fantasy, Action

ISBN 13: 9780141335759

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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The Mark of Athena – Not a Review

Oh my goodness, can’t blog tonight, finally got my copy of The Mark of Athena and need to read instead. Sometimes even the extra study needs to find it’s place behind a good book.

Sorry.

Category:

A Little Fun

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Mark Of Athena – Cover Reveal/Chapter Tease

Okay so I am looking forward to this, but then I always do. I love the Percy Jackson books and that goes for this series as well.

Here are some covers:

The Australian one

The US one


Also if you are like me and impatient then maybe you will want to read the first chapter. I did and was again reminded of why this is a bad idea because now I really want to read the book but that won’t make it get here any faster. Teaser chapters are evil, but the link is here.

Which cover do you think is best? And do you like torturing yourself with first chapters?

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A Little Fun, News

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Book Club – Book Giveaway

I am in the fortunate position to have my hands on a spare copy of the second Heroes of Olympus book – Son of Neptune.

It’s real easy to win this comp, just leave a comment about why you loved the Percy Jackson books and someone will be selected at random.

And just in case you forgot or didn’t know – Percy is in this book. Yay!

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Book Club, Young Adult Fiction

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The Lost Hero – Book Club November

So having read the two Heroes of Olympus books I felt the need to go and re-read the whole of the Percy Jackson series. Yep, the whole thing. My conclusion? I still think they are really fun.

I really like the way Rick Riordan has made this a modern story woven through with mythology. Sure the purists will probably find a few problems with the underlying mythology but is that really why you read something like this? To get a greater knowledge and understanding of mythology? No not really. Not me. I read them because they are fun.

Sure genre fiction can slip little useful bits and pieces of information into your brain that you may find useful at some point in time. But really that isn’t why you read it.

Why do you read genre fiction?

I read it because it takes me away and I love to escape reality. Sure I’ve never read a book that is close to my life but then I wouldn’t want to, not sure it would be that exciting. Though having said that there are certain things I’ve gone through that I can identify with in some characters and I quite like that.

In this series I really like the way Riordan has added the three new characters into a setting we are already very familiar with. I also like the way he connects Jason into the world we know. The similarities and the differences are key as is his real connecting to a character we are also very familiar with. I have to say that that connection did surprise me and I like it when I am surprised.

In Piper’s case I really like her reluctance to be Aphrodite’s daughter, her disappointment when she finds out, also the flip side to what we tend to think of when we think of that particular goddess, I like that extra dimension. Piper and Leo are an interesting addition after the loss of Silena and Beckendorf in The Last Olympian. It brings a welcome balance to the previous loss.

Do I like these more than the Percy books? I think the series has developed strongly off the back of the Percy Jackson series and I really enjoy them.

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Book Club

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Book Club November 2011 – The Lost Hero

Book: The Lost Hero

Series: Heroes of Olympus

By: Rick Riordan

Genre: Mythology, Modern Fantasy

Synopsis

Jason wakes on the back seat of a school bus with no memory. He is told Leo is his best friend and Piper is is girlfriend but he just can’t remember. Before he can get his bearings all hell breaks loose. They are attacked by monsters, protected by a satyr and Jason is able to do things that seem totally unreal.

Jason, Leo and Piper are rescued only to crash land at Camp Half-Blood. Apparently it’s the only safe place for the children of the Greek gods. It doesn’t really appear all that safe; apart from the roaming monsters there are rumours of a terrible curse and a missing hero.

Piper finally finds out who her mother is and is not happy about it, but then that isn’t her only problem, she is hiding something much bigger for her new friends. She’s not the only one with a secret, the things Leo can do with fire…well that doesn’t even seem normal in a place where abnormal is the standard.

Then somehow the three of them are chosen to undertake a terrifying new quest. They have no idea what must be done or what they must sacrifice to succeed. And what is Jason’s secret? How does he know the things he does?

My Initial Thoughts

A very fitting installment in the world of Percy Jackson. A much bigger book but a no less riveting read. Told from three perspectives it keeps you interested and intrigued. As always there is plenty of action. Rick Riordan has produced another book I struggled to put down, even when my kids were demanding my attention.

Did I Like It?

In one word – yes. It was interesting going into Percy’s world where there was no Percy. Using Jason as the method for introducing the Roman aspects of the gods was a neat way to do it. It made the adjustment quite smooth, you come from a world you are really familiar with and then add a little something different.

The three characters for me were good replacements for the ones we know and love. Making Piper Aphrodite’s child, was a great move giving us the chance to explore the issues of love and beauty. Leo to provide humour and determination, and Jason to provide leadership make for a trio that work really well together. I look forward to seeing more of them in book three.

What do you think about the mixing of the mythologies, does it work for you? What do you think of how Piper fits into the family of Aphrodite?

Yes It’s Part of a Series

The second book has just been released which is why I chose this book but I would like to add that should you wish to comment about the second book that will be fine. I’m thinking that I will probably talk about it later in the month.

 

Category:

Book Club, Young Adult Fiction

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Tomorrow The Book Club Starts

Tomorrow is November and the start of our YA Book Club.

The first book this month is Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour. A novel about a road trip. With the end of school year coming up and our longest holidays on the way I thought this would be a good choice. It will give us the chance to think about where you might go if you got the chance to go on a road trip amongst other things.

Second up I decided to throw in something just for fun. The second of the Heroes of Olympus books by Rick Riordan has just been released so I thought we’d look at the first, The Lost Hero. If you’ve come through as a younger reader on the back of the Percy Jackson books, you are probably a fan of these. I know I am. I love the mythology and with these books we can look at the comparisons of the Greek and Roman mythologies.

So starting tomorrow I will repost my initial reviews with a little added and we can start the talking.

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Book Club, Young Adult Fiction

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Son of Neptune

I received a copy of this from the publisher.By: Rick Riordan

Heroes of Olympus series bk 2

Percy Jackson has woken from a deep sleep. He has no memory, except of one person from his past, Annabeth. He does however, know he is running from two snake-haired gorgons and fighting for his life. Lupa the she-wolf has taught him survival skills and for some reason water revives him. As more strange things happen, no matter how fantastical they seem, he accepts them as real.

Percy finds himself at a camp for half-bloods, he knows he is one but nothing about this camp is familiar and some things just seem wrong. There are some things though that don’t seem to have disappeared with his memory: his fighting prowess, his somewhat less than reverential attitude and his involvement in seemingly impossible quests.

With two new demi-god friends, Hazel and Frank, he sets out on a quest issued to Camp Jupiter by Mars the god of war, as part of the Prophesy of the Seven. If Percy, Frank and Hazel fail in their quest it isn’t just the camp at risk, but also those from Percy’s old life and even the world.

The clock is ticking…

Firstly Percy Jackson is back – cue me happy dancing.

Now we’ve got that out of the way…

Like always, things with Percy Jackson start fast and get faster. If you are lucky there are a few moments to eat, drink and be merry. It is nice that, in this book, where so much has changed, Percy has retained his attitude to the gods, and in this case it is a nice counterpoint to how the Romans view the gods. The contrast between the two camps, that was hinted at in the first book, is interesting to see in this more detailed manner. It is also interesting seeing the gods in their different incarnations.

Hazel is smart and thinks quickly on her feet. The key to her journey is her hidden past and her deepest secrets. Frank’s transformation, from the person Percy first sees when he enters the camp to heading out on the quest and beyond is sometimes surprising. The three work well together, it’s nice to see Percy a little out of his depth yet still be a confident figure.

On the surface it is all action in these books but scratch a little below the surface and you see these kids have plenty of their own problems clouding the quest.

Riordan has again bought us an action packed ride, filled with likable characters, great monsters and sometimes silly dialogue. He blends the fantastical with the real and you are totally drawn in for a brief escape. Descriptions are vivid, the pace often frantic. I love these books, they are pure adrenalised fun and a fantastic way to just get away for a while. The two books have set things up for an interesting finale.

Publisher: Puffin Books

Published: 04 October 2011

Format: Hardback 528 pages

Categories: Fantasy, Mythology, Action

ISBN 13: 9780141335728

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on side of page

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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