Reviews

I’ve read all of Rick Riordan’s books. I tell myself it’s to keep general tabs on the content of my pre-teens’ voracious reading habits, but really it’s because I have always loved ancient mythology, and his stories are fun to read.

I have liked some books and story arcs more than others (some I’ve virtually had to claw my way through finishing purely on principle), but I was particularly impressed with the character development of Apollo in this instalment. He is no longer the embarrassingly arrogant dude-bro of an immortal that we saw in the first book, but grapples with the weight of responsibility to others, and the fragility of life, and the complexity of what it means to live and be human. There were several instances where passages simply took my breath away with the profound clarity of wisdom contained, wisdom I wish I had have had access to when I was the age of my children, which, naturally, had me scrambling for highlighters and looking for ways to weave the messages into my own parenting.

I expected an enjoyable caper with heroes and monsters, and in that regard it certainly delivered (and especially being reunited with fondly-loved characters). But there was so much more that this book offered. Be prepared to be genuinely moved by this kids book. And then share it with all the children in your life.

isatb's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

readingwithkelsey's review against another edition

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5.0

Ricky boy has done it again. I knew this series was going to be one of his best, but I am just continuously impressed by this series - and this installment was definitely no different. What I feel makes this series a bit more special is the appeal to human emotions. Apollo is learning to be comfortable in his human body, and this means learning to appreciate that he is no longer a god, but that does not mean that he has nothing to offer. He reflects on his past, but embraces what he is able to do now and also takes the time to feel the emotions he wasn't able to before (embarrassment, fear, grief, etc). Apollo's POV is probably becoming one of my favourites because Riordan makes this character so appealing and charming to readers despite Apollo being extremely arrogant. He is funny and as the serious moves forward, becoming more humble and his growth is more apparent. Aside from the characters, the plot in this one was probably the most thrilling and had the most high stakes - which was also due to how intense and evil the villain was. Overall, this was just a balanced and great read!

manulss's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

rick riordan pagami lo psicologo.

libraryloading_'s review against another edition

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5.0

Great book as always! Made me really wanna throw it off my balcony and fall to floor in an emotional pool. Meg's life and her memories of her father, her want for revenge, and her trying to find herself after the abusive relationship with her uncle continue to unspool and help us understand how these kinds of emotions can affect a person to their very core. I really liked how Riordan tackled the subject of Piper and Jason's relationship. While I do believe they were really good for each other the topic of relationships that don't last forever is very realistic. It does need to be addressed that the first love isn't always the right one, especially for kids. As young children we always see the Disney true love, love at first sight, and happily every after and it doesn't always end like that. On that note, I do believe that Jason's death was very soon and hit very hard to many fans, myself included. My tears and current denial of his death are what I believe the characters in the book will feel. As Apollo, Piper and many fans will feel: he deserved a happily ever after and while he deserved that and so much more death does not always grant it; it is a hard pill to swallow. While I retain hope that Jason will reappear, it does not make his death any easier. Riordan brought many fans to tears and to emotions that will make us look towards our favorite characters, family members and friends and yearn to hold them close.

charzzatron3000's review against another edition

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Strong character development? No

3.0

rj_novotny's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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