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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
I really wish I liked this book more. I wanted to. The first one was decent. But man... the writing is really deteriorating. The plot barely exists. Most of the book is filler, with pointless side quests. Not to mention the characters are just not as likable as in other series. I appreciate the diversity that RR is putting into his series. Hearthstone is one of my favorite characters. But I hate the way in which RR is choosing to try and do it. It feels very hit-you-over-the-head with it, characters giving lectures, as opposed to more seamlessly integrated to who they are. Maybe i'm asking for too much from a children's book. I also have major quibbles with the way RR is dealing with religion in these books. Basically denigrating the very 'godly' structure on which the foundation of his novels exist, by also trying to uphold a character's belief in a monotheistic religion (in this case Islam, but it could have been any other religion and it would have bothered me all the same). It all just reeks of tokenism and the book and characters overall suffer for it.
Some of the things about Alex did not line up with my beliefs and I just couldn't get through it.
Content Warnings
I am a Christian, and the trans character bothered me a bit. Now I'm not some awful transphobe, but I don't agree with it.
3.75
The second book with Magnus Chase was a quick and fast paced read. I really enjoyed the characters and how diverse they were, and the gods were as enjoyable as ever. However, I felt that this book definitely suffered from the Second Book Syndrome. I thought that the plot was meandering in nature, with not a lot of forward momentum in some parts. I didn't think that this book stood up very well on its own merits, but rode the success of the first book while relying on setup for the final book.
The second book with Magnus Chase was a quick and fast paced read. I really enjoyed the characters and how diverse they were, and the gods were as enjoyable as ever. However, I felt that this book definitely suffered from the Second Book Syndrome. I thought that the plot was meandering in nature, with not a lot of forward momentum in some parts. I didn't think that this book stood up very well on its own merits, but rode the success of the first book while relying on setup for the final book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
I enjoyed this one and continue to feel that this series captures what made the original Percy Jackson series so great. The book doesn't pull its punches for a younger audience: there are some serious themes of childhood trauma, bigotry and even religion in this book. Yet, Riordan treats everything seemingly respectfully and makes you care about these characters. Alex is a great addition to the cast, making the story stand out from many contemporaries in the YA genre. I also continue to think that Magnus is a great lead, especially because he comes from a more humble place and genuinely empathizes with everyone's unique situations maturely. Excited to read the finale, and to be honest, a bit bummed I didn't have this one on my shelf sooner.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This is still a new book, so I'll keep my review spoiler-free as I talk about this book.
I feel like Rick has gotten more bold with his writing as the years passed. But at the same time, it's stuff I just expect to see eventually because of the myths. So the thing with Alex is no surprise to anyone familiar with Norse mythology, but seeing it in a novel aimed at children is something unexpected. I also really like how he portrays Sam's religion-- it's very respectful.
As usual, the book does a good job of incorporating the old myths while keeping it fresh for the audience. In a weird way, I love how different this Thor is from the one in the MCU. And I always have fun finding the nuggets of nerd in the story. Whether it's a chapter title or a reference thrown in, catching something I recognize always makes me smile.
It still has that same Riordan humor you come to expect. And since this is Norse mythology, it is more harsh and violent than the others in the extended universe. These books are like the 80s movies of the extended universe: offering the violent and possibly traumatizing while also giving a light-hearted edge.
While overall the book is good and continues threading this universe together, I would love to see a change in the Riordan formula. It always feels like the heroes are rushing to some kind of deadline. I can understand it since it gives the plot a sense of urgency, but it never feels like the characters are allowed to breathe for long before the next big thing happens.
But for what it is, it's good. And of course Rick knows just what to throw in at the last minute to hype up his readers for the next installment.
I feel like Rick has gotten more bold with his writing as the years passed. But at the same time, it's stuff I just expect to see eventually because of the myths. So the thing with Alex is no surprise to anyone familiar with Norse mythology, but seeing it in a novel aimed at children is something unexpected. I also really like how he portrays Sam's religion-- it's very respectful.
As usual, the book does a good job of incorporating the old myths while keeping it fresh for the audience. In a weird way, I love how different this Thor is from the one in the MCU. And I always have fun finding the nuggets of nerd in the story. Whether it's a chapter title or a reference thrown in, catching something I recognize always makes me smile.
It still has that same Riordan humor you come to expect. And since this is Norse mythology, it is more harsh and violent than the others in the extended universe. These books are like the 80s movies of the extended universe: offering the violent and possibly traumatizing while also giving a light-hearted edge.
While overall the book is good and continues threading this universe together, I would love to see a change in the Riordan formula. It always feels like the heroes are rushing to some kind of deadline. I can understand it since it gives the plot a sense of urgency, but it never feels like the characters are allowed to breathe for long before the next big thing happens.
But for what it is, it's good. And of course Rick knows just what to throw in at the last minute to hype up his readers for the next installment.