Magnus Chase: The Sword of Summer

By Rick Riordan

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by an uncle he barely knows—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. Uncle Randolph tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die…

I cannot say how excited I was when I learned that Rick Riordan would be doing another series based on Norse mythology. Admittedly, I only had a basic knowledge of the Norse god family tree, but I was on tenterhooks wondering just who Magnus’s godly parent would be. After all, that’s part of the fun right? I was not disappointed in Riordan’s choice, in fact I was downright ecstatic! Not what I was expecting, but I’m excited to see where Magnus will go with that pedigree. (No spoilers I promise!) I also enjoyed the fact that Riordan tied this series into the Percy Jackson series with Annabeth being Magnus’s cousin. Nice.

If you enjoyed Percy Jackson, definitely give Magnus a go. You get a new look at the more well-known gods like Thor, Loki, and Odin, made popular by the Avengers and Thor movies. Which also get a pop culture mention that made me laugh. This book stays more true to the mythology and not the comic-ology that most people know. It’s a fun rollick around the nine realms, meeting different species like dwarves and elves. It was pretty awesome people. Just read this and try not to like it. Although, it may help to do a Wikipedia search of the basics of Norse mythology before you start. It makes it more fun to read when you have a working idea of the story behind the story.

I give it a solid 4 out of 5

The Blood of Olympus (#5)

By Rick Riordan

Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made no progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaia. 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.

I FINALLY got through this one! I really enjoy Rick Riordan’s books, and waited until I was in the exact right mood to read this (I am a mood reader, and heaven help the book I read if I’m not in the mood for a romance/adventure/fantasy etc.). I have loved the relationships in this series and the character growth that happens with each of the main characters. I usually don’t like switching perspectives in books, and I do have my favorites, but this was great because I liked all of them. But, Leo was the one I was desperately rooting for. There’s something about a funny, loyal, and underdog-like guy that I can’t help but love. I read this book really looking for his happy ending. That’s all I’ll say! Oddly, I found that with the Percy Jackson series, I had a hard time remembering how it ended…and it’s kinda the same with this one. The books that Riordan writes are all about the adventure, the tension, the deadlines to the apocalypse. When you get there, when it’s crunch time, I start to lose interest a little. (Sorry Mr. Riordan! I’ll still read all your books!) That said, I’m happy to have read this series, and say that I liked it even more than the first series. Keep the mythology rolling Mr. Riordan, and I’ll keep coming back for more.

I give it a 3.75 out of 5

The House of Hades

By Rick Riordan

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 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.

Yay for Greek demigods! This is the penultimate installation of the Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan, and it is just as grand as the rest of the series. After loving the Percy Jackson novels, I didn’t think I would like another series even more, but this one takes the prize. I love all the characters, which is shocking because I usually dislike different perspectives (as I’ve stated many times) but this just plain works. The demigods are back and they’re into crunch-time. Gaia is rising, the Romans are marching, and the clock is ticking for Percy and Annabeth to meet the others at the Doors of Death. Follow Annabeth and Percy through Tartarus, meeting the monsters they put there, and some surprising allies. It’s a race to get to the doors, but it’s also a challenge to stay in one piece while running from the monsters that want revenge. The others up top-side are also racing to the Doors with the help of Nico diAngelo, who is shady (literally) to say the least. Leo is still tinkering and thinking of a certain girl on an island, Frank is still an awesome warrior teddy-bear with a stick for a lifeline, Hazel has some issues to work through, and Jason is trying to take the reins and lead them all to safety with the help and support of Piper. It’s difficult to review this without giving things away, so I’ll say just read it if you’ve started the series, it’s amazing and Riordan knows what he’s about.

Content warning: If it bothers you, there is a character that comes out as gay. I did appreciate how Riordan handled it with kindness and I thought it could be a teaching moment for parents and kids, whether you agree with it or not.

I give it a solid 4 out of 5 for awesomeness.

Heroes of Olympus 3: The Mark of Athena

By Rick Riordan

 

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six—who will complete the Prophecy of Seven? The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death?


What isn't to like about Rick Riordan's books about greek mythology in our present day world?  This next book in the projected 5 book series was just as great as the first two- though I have an unexplainable love for the first book in this series, this book was awesome in its own right. It's all about how the kids are setting out to fufill the new great prophecy. Demigods vs. Gaea, ready go!  I gotta say, while I usually am not a fan of the multi-perspective story telling, it works for this series exceptionally well. I was a little disappointed not to hear much from Jason though. But I loved Annabeth and Percy...little warm fuzzy feelings and girl giggles at their cute love story. And the ending was the most epic wonderfulness and at the same time dreadfulness that he could've done for his fans that enjoy the romantic moments. Sigh. I'm pleased to be waiting for yet another installment. I would be happy to have one of Mr. Riordan's greek mythology spin-offs waiting for me to read every year for the rest of my life.  If you haven't read them, go start with Percy Jackson and the Lightning Theif, then on to Heroes of Olympus.

P.S. If you didn't already know, they are making another movie out of Sea of Monsters that comes out this summer and I pray that it is better than the first one...because honestly as far as books into movies goes, that one was on my most hated list along with the movie of Ella Enchanted. (shudders people...shudders)

I give it a 4 out of 5

The Red Pyramid

By Rick Riordan


Since his mother’s death six years ago, Carter Kane has been living out of a suitcase, traveling the globe with his father, the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane. But while Carter’s been homeschooled, his younger sister, Sadie has been living with their grandparents in London. Sadie has just what Carter wants—school friends and a chance at a “normal” life. But Carter has just what Sadie longs for—time with their father. After six years of living apart, the siblings have almost nothing in common. Until now.

On Christmas Eve, Sadie and Carter are reunited when their father brings them to the British Museaum, with a promise that he’s going to “make things right.” But all does not go according to plan: Carter and Sadie watch as Julius summons a mysterious figure, who quickly banishes their father and causes a fiery explosion.

Soon Carter and Sadie discover that the gods of Ancient Egypt are waking, and the worst of them—Set—has a frightening scheme. To save their father, they must embark on a dangerous journey—a quest that brings them ever lcoser to the truth about their family and its links to the House of Life, a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs



This book took me forever to finish because I was reading it out loud. I didn't really like it as much as Percy Jackson or Heroes of Olympus, mostly because I don't know Egyptian mythology nearly as well. It was still doused with Riordan's trademark humor, which I greatly love and appreciate, and it was adventurous. I really liked the character of Anubis and also Horus. Sadie's crush on Anubis is pretty funny too. Riordan knows how to weave a tale that everyone will like: adventure, rescuing parents, a little romance for both Carter and Sadie, and magical powers. What's not to like? I guess the one thing that would help me out is to brush up on my Ancient Egyptian gods.

3 1/2 out of 5

Son of Neptune

By Rick Riordan
Percy is confused. When he awoke after his long sleep, he didn’t know much more than his name. His brain-fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight. Somehow Percy managed to make it to the camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he had to continually kill monsters that, annoyingly, would not stay dead. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him.


Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn’t do a very good job of it. When the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her “gift” for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn’t say no. Now, because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother claims he is descended from ancient 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 help the Fifth Cohort win at war games. His big and bulky physique makes him feel like a clumsy ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely—enough, even, to share the secret he holds close to his heart.


Yay! I finally was able to read the 2nd book in the Heroes of Olympus series! Sorry it took me a while to get this review up, I read it over Christmas break. It. Was. Awesome.
Okay, it was really good, I always enjoy Rick Riordan's sense of humor that he gives to Percy and the others. There are always a few laugh-out-loud moments, and sometimes it's from reading his hilarious chapter headings. Really, if you haven't jumpped on the greek mythology fiction bandwagon, please read The Lightning Thief first and go from there. If you can remember learning the Pantheon in school, or enjoy mythology this will make you smile and congratulate Riordan for his creativity in placing mythology in the present day.
As for the second installment, I was interested to note as I read, that while I loved it, I really really enjoyed the first one better. Hearing different characters usually drives me insane, but this book really works. I missed hearing about Jason and the others, and wondered about them the whole time. But meeting Frank (cute kid) and Hazel was so much fun. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED reading this book, but I just like the first one better. Minimally. Marginally. You get it.

4 out of 5

The Lost Hero

By Rick Riordan

Jason has a problem. He doesn't remember anything before waking up on a school bus holding hands with a girl. Apparently she's his girlfriend Piper, his best friend is a kid named Leo, and they're all students in the Wilderness School, a boarding school for "bad kids." What he did to end up here, Jason has no idea-except that everything seems very wrong.

Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, and her vivid nightmares reveal that he’s in terrible danger. Now her boyfriend doesn’t recognize her, and when a freak storm and strange creatures attack during a school field trip, she, Jason, and Leo are whisked away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood. What is going on?

Leo has a way with tools. His new cabin at Camp Half-Blood is filled with them. Seriously, the place beats Wilderness School hands down, with its weapons training, monsters, and fine-looking girls. What’s troubling is the curse everyone keeps talking about, and that a camper’s gone missing. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist they are all—including Leo—related to a god.

So when I first heard Rick Riordan was continuing with the greek mythology stuff after finishing the highly popular Percy Jackson series, I was a little doubtful he could create something as sensational again. But, I will gladly say I ate my words. The Lost Hero was incredible. I think I liked it even more than Percy Jackson to be honest. Mr. Riordan has a knack for grabbing you with the first sentence. Which I had to laugh at: "Even before he got electrocuted, Jason was having a rotten day." If you're a fan of greek mythology and of Mr. Riordan, I highly recommend his newest series, The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero and find out exactly who The Lost Hero is...

The Lightning Thief

By Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson has a hard time focusing in school. In fact, he's never been to the same school two years in a row. The thing is; weird stuff happens to Percy a lot. In fact, he could've sworn that his pre-algebra teacher just tried to kill him. When Percy informs his mother of the strange event, she knows it's time to tell him: he's not completely human. Percy is a demi-god, the son of a greek god, and his mother is sending him to Camp Half-Blood, where Percy can be safe and learn how to survive.
Instead, Percy is thrown into a quest to the underworld, along with the daughter of Athena and a satyr, to prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

"I accidentally vaporize my pre-algebra teacher". That's what got me hooked on this series. That is the first chapter heading in The Lightning Thief. If you ever studied greek mythology in school, you will no doubt love this series. It gives a fun new spin on the ancient greek gods and an adventure around every turn. This book might be for kids, but man, I enjoyed it just as much. The only thing that gets on my nerves in this book is how they make up their own way to swear by using the names of the greek gods. Otherwise, it is fantastic, and more than entertaining to read. This is one of those books I don't like to read in a public place because I have to strangle my laughter and I end up sounding like a goat! Give this series a try, and you'll be hooked with the first sentence.

Fun Facts: The adventures of Percy Jackson have just come to an end in The Last Olympian, fresh off the shelves. There are five books in all and each are worth your time! Another awesome thing: this book is being made into a movie! It will be released February 12 of 2010 and the cast looks interesting to say the least. Sean Bean is going to be Zeus and they have Pierce Brosnan as a centaur...(weird)

Also check out Rick Riordan's website for the series at http://www.percyjacksonbooks.com/ and you can have Rick himself read you the first chapter of The Lightning Thief!