thebigparade's reviews
16 reviews

The Tower of Nero by Rick Riordan

adventurous emotional funny 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

4.25

I binge-read the entire Trials of Apollo series over the month of January 2021, so forgive me if I got caught up in the story and forgot to take notes on each book... That being said, this book was a great finale to the series. I'm sad it's over, and I definitely cried about it more than once. I just--okay--you guys--I get really attached to characters, and Apollo is no exception. His growth over this series is powerful, and that's no more true than in this book. He's become a complex character, and it's been a joy to watch. Meg's development as well has been amazing to witness. Not matter how much I like when Riordan addresses real-world issues, it's still watered down a bit, which is true for Meg's upbringing too, but I still love that he talks about it.

So many people reading this book will have grown up in an abusive household like her, and even if the rep isn't perfect, they'll be able to see how strong Meg is and how she's able to ask for help when she needs it. And they'll see how much their friends or a trusted guardian are willing to provide that help, just like Apollo does for Meg.

  She really overcame a lot, and we love to see it. The pacing of this book felt a lot like The Last Olympian, which I enjoyed because I like anything nostalgic. But unlike that book, this one wasn't over when I thought it would be over, and I liked that surprise.

The last three-ish chapters were a little cheesy and tied the series up in a bow, but considering what happened in TBM, I'm okay with it, I guess. I do love a good cameo or five.

Overall, I loved TOA, and while I may not re-read it dozens of times like I do with PJO, it will be a forever-favorite series. And just to leave you with a bit of controversy, I liked this series more that HOO.

The Tyrant's Tomb by Rick Riordan

adventurous emotional funny fast-paced

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

4.5

I binge-read the entire Trials of Apollo series over the month of January 2021, so forgive me if I got caught up in the story and forgot to take notes on each book... That being said, this book was my favorite of the series! It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me sad the series was almost over. Seriously, this book has everything I loved about the previous ones (and Riordan's books in general). The pacing was on point. It was equal parts plot- and character-driven. After The Burning Maze, the stakes feel higher than ever, and Apollo drives the plot with his reaction to those events. The changes in his character are evident in everything he does. I am such a sucker for his slow yet powerful character development, and I think it was so smart to tackle that over the entire series. Other positives, we have some strong female characters taking center-stage in this book, and we get to see Praetor Zheng in action, which was fulfilling after he kind of falls into it in the last series. Also, I love Camp Jupiter and New Rome! I wish we could spend more time there in the Riordanverse, but I'll take what I can get. I just think its contrast to Camp Half-Blood is really interesting. Anyways, as you can see, I liked this book, and before I go, I just need to hype the ending and the battle scenes (spoiler-free of course). Here's to the Romans!

The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

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

4.0

I binge-read the entire Trials of Apollo series over the month of January 2021, so forgive me if I got caught up in the story and forgot to take notes on each book... That being said, this book destroyed me. It's much more emotional than the previous two, which provides a turning point in the series. Be forewarned that from this point on, the books have an underlining sadness to them that I think makes them (and Apollo) all the more complicated and interesting. Don't get me wrong, I'm an emotional reader in general and definitely cried during the entire series, even the first two books. That aside, this book took some time to get going, and the middle was a little slow for me. It's the worst paced book of the series in my opinion. If I were to re-read, I might just skim the first half. But I loved the cast of characters in this book--mostly old favorites. And I loved the environmental aspect in this one; it really tied some real-world issues with the plot, and I appreciated that. That's one of my favorite things Riordan does in this series. Even if though it's for children, he still finds a way to address hard subjects in a context his young readers will understand.

The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan

adventurous funny 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

I binge-read the entire Trials of Apollo series over the month of January 2021, so forgive me if I got caught up in the story and forgot to take notes on each book... That being said, I have a history of finding Riordan's second books a little boring or hard to get through, but this one was an exception! Apollo really comes into his own skin in this book. I just love following his character development, which happens over the entire series. He's funny yet reflective, and in this book, sure, we see him think about himself and his past, but he also thinks more about the people around him. I also enjoyed the setting of this book--who knew Indianapolis could be interesting? And I liked the juggling this book does with the various problems the characters face: the oracles, the emperors, the side quests, and especially the characters' relationships. Riordan definitely writes plot-driven stories, but I love that he doesn't forget about his characters.

The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

adventurous funny fast-paced

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

3.75

I binge-read the entire Trials of Apollo series over the month of January 2021, so forgive me if I got caught up in the story and forgot to take notes on each book... That being said, the first installment was not a disappointment! Lester/Apollo is a hilarious and imperfect narrator and it was a joy to laugh at him throughout this book. Meg is a fun secondary character and a great source for the beginning of Apollo's character development. I loved watching him be humbled by her and the other demigod campers. The book was a fast read for me, but I felt like some of the turns it took were either unnecessary, underdeveloped, or underwhelming. Still, it got me excited for the rest of the series. And bonus points for cameos from the characters in the previous books! Also, yay for everyone being queer!!

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

4.25

I love that this book was my first read in 2021. Colbert tells a much needed story about young people and the impact they have in their communities, but more specifically, she tells a black story. Marva and Duke experience a life much different than mine and must fight everyday because of it. As a white person, I have the luxury to sit back when I'm tired and let the world move on as it does, but these two and millions of real black people do not. I'm happy that 2020 brought recognition to black voices, especially in the book community, but if we do not listen, read, learn, and act, all of the pain of last year and the centuries before it will be for nothing. Books are powerful, and Colbert's The Voting Booth is no exception. It's a great YA read for anyone looking to learn about people different from you or be inspired by people just like you. Also, there's a cute cat.