Percy and Annabeth

Well, the two heroes that I like best are back (they get their storyline). They go through the depths of the evilest place in the world and happen to make a few friends while they’re at it also. The other heroes all go through their quests with their quirks and their powers beginning to show. We also learn of Nico and what is vital to him (why he does everything he does). It feels like there are too many characters in this series. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting exhausted switching between so many characters and trying to keep the stories intact.

Thoughts

I feel like I read this book ages ago. I’ve started writing again so my mornings for reading have gotten shorter. I read this on a plane from Munich to Edinburgh and back again. So, this book has travelled quite a bit with me. I find it nice to read on aeroplanes, it’s relaxing and gives you something to do for the shorter (1-4 hour) flights to do.

Themes

Now, I like to mention themes in all my new reviews. Obviously, since Percy and Annabeth survive in the worst place possible, through impossible odds, one theme I believe prevalent here is the idea of good v. evil. That there is inherently evil people in this world (monsters), and there are good people in this world (heroes). That good will overcome all obstacles. We almost see Percy turn evil at one point of the story, but Annabeth saves him from himself and talks Percy out of the act of evilness. I believe this also plays into the theme of good v. evil, but in another way, in that, there are good and bad sides to everyone. We also see this (spoiler alert) with one of the Titans, who should be an evil creation, but he turns out to be a really good guy.

I guess another theme in this book would also be courage. As with a lot of Riordan’s books in the Percy Saga, courage is something all heroes need. They need the courage to face their worst fears. They need the courage to overcome their greatest weakness. They need the courage to be a hero.

Recommendation

Well, I think if you have liked all the earlier books, you’ll definitely continue to like this book. There is quite a lot of character building in this book, but it still feels like I am watching too many characters in the spotlight. Riordan keeps track of the seven heroes throughout the story, but it can feel overwhelming at times.

Long time coming

So, I read this book a while ago now. I’ve been putting off doing the review for it. Not because I don’t want to, I’ve just been a little busy with life. That’s all. It took me a few weeks to even read this book in what should’ve been probably a few days. Why did it take so long? Well, I only actually read the book to and from work, and that was interrupted quite a bit by me hauling groceries (it’s a bit hard to pull out a book when you have two or three full bags of food to carry around the underground).

The end of a series

This is the final book in the Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan. It has a clean ending, and everything works out in the end as it should. All the characters have been through their trials and quests and have come out the other end smarter and stronger. Let me just say right now; Gods are dicks. I mean, they hide away for most of the series and only come out to take the glory.

Characters

Throughout the series, there is a prophecy. You get to see that fulfilled quite naturally by a certain character (the hints are there throughout the entire book). The big drama at the end (you know it’s coming) is no real drama because we already know he’s set everything up to beat it. We see in this book, the start of a more unconventional (gay) relationship, which I’m happy that Riordan finally addresses in a mainstream book (rather than after-the-fact).

Themes

One theme in this book is acceptance. As you learnt in the last book, Nico revealed he had a crush on Percy. This time around, he is accepted by everyone for who he is. He is no different to the other heroes (even though he may think so himself). I like that Riordan put this in here as I think children who don’t see themselves as their peers, may feel like outsiders. I hope that this book helps some of them see that everyone is equal in life.

Another theme common across the Percy Jackson series is the theme of approval. In this book, all the heroes (demigods) win the approval of their parents (the Gods). I guess this would be quite a common theme across a lot of teen books because a lot of children just want to be accepted and approved by their parents, and here the Gods reflect that.

Recommendation

In the same light as previous books, carry on reading. You’ll get your happy ending you want, and everything is tied up. If you’re considering this series and you’ve just read the Percy Jackson series, then maybe go to your library and read the first book as there are a lot more characters in this series demanding your attention. Overall, I would say I was happy with this book and the series, but my favourite would still be the original series.

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