#Riordanverse – My Book Reviews

The Tower of Nero (Book five in the Trials of Apollo series)

The Tower of Nero

Rick Riordan

Published October 6, 2020

Read November 10-19, 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Summary: At last, the breathtaking, action-packed finale of the #1 bestselling Trials of Apollo series is here! Will the Greek god Apollo, cast down to earth in the pathetic moral form of a teenager named Lester Papadopoulos, finally regain his place on Mount Olympus? Lester’s demigod friends at Camp Jupiter just helped him survive attacks from bloodthirsty ghouls, an evil Roman king and his army of the undead, and the lethal emperors Caligula and Commodus. Now the former god and his demigod master Meg must follow a prophecy uncovered by Ella the harpy. Lester’s final challenge will be at the Tower of Nero, back in New York. Will Meg have a last showdown with her father? Will this helpless form of Apollo have to face his arch nemesis, Python? Who will be on hand at Camp Half-Blood to assist? These questions and more will be answered in this book that all demigods are eagerly awaiting.

My Review: What a way to end a book, to end a series! Wow! Just wow! Uncle Rick, truly a masterpiece!

-Nina

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Additional Notes: I have been keeping TOA short and sweet with my reviews, mainly because I have already read these books and written these reviews (just not on this site) but also so I can save time to get to new books and give you better reviews. Hope this is all cool!

The Tyrants Tomb (Book 4 in Trials of Apollo)

The Tyrants Tomb

Rick Riordan

Published September 24, 2024

Read November 1-8, 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Summary: It’s not easy being Apollo, especially when you’ve been turned into a human and banished from Olympus. On his path to restoring five ancient oracles and reclaiming his godly powers, Apollo (aka Lester Papadopoulos) has faced both triumphs and tragedies. Now his journey takes him to Camp Jupiter in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Roman demigods are preparing for a desperate last stand against the evil Triumvirate of Roman emperors. Hazel, Reyna, Frank, Tyson, Ella, and many other old friends will need Apollo’s aid to survive the onslaught. Unfortunately, the answer to their salvation lies in the forgotten tomb of a Roman ruler . . . someone even worse than the emperors Apollo has already faced.

My Review: I forgot how much Apollo changes during this series. I put off reading it because I thought he remained a jerk. And the funny part is, I’ve read this series before! I’m not sure why I didn’t remember!

but it was also fantastic to hear from old Camp Jupiter friends!

-Nina

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The Burning Maze (Book three in the Trials of Apollo)

The Burning Maze

Rick Riordan

Published May 1, 2018

Read October 21 – November 1, 2024

Summary: The formerly glorious god Apollo, cast down to earth in punishment by Zeus, is now an awkward mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. In order to regain his place on Mount Olympus, Lester must restore five Oracles that have gone dark. But he has to achieve this impossible task without having any godly powers and while being duty-bound to a confounding young daughter of Demeter named Meg. Thanks a lot, Dad.

With the help of some demigod friends, Lester managed to survive his first two trials, one at Camp Half-Blood, and one in Indianapolis, where Meg received the Dark Prophecy. The words she uttered while seated on the Throne of Memory revealed that an evil triumvirate of Roman emperors plans to attack Camp Jupiter. While Leo flies ahead on Festus to warn the Roman camp, Lester and Meg must go through the Labyrinth to find the third emperor–and an Oracle who speaks in word puzzles–somewhere in the American Southwest. There is one glimmer of hope in the gloom-filled prophecy: The cloven guide alone the way does know. They will have a satyr companion, and Meg knows just who to call upon. . . .

My Review: This book truly kills me everytime. And Rick foreshadowed it with his dedication. The first time I read this book I wasn’t this time.

But my favorite part about this book is seeing the change in Apollo. He is understanding. He is changing.

-Nina

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The Dark Prophecy (Book two in Trials of Apollo)

The Dark Prophecy

Rick Riordan

Published May 2, 2017

Read October 8-18, 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Summary: Zeus has punished his son Apollo–god of the sun, music, archery, poetry, and more–by casting him down to earth in the form of a gawky, acne-covered sixteen-year-old mortal named Lester. The only way Apollo can reclaim his rightful place on Mount Olympus is by restoring several Oracles that have gone dark. What is affecting the Oracles, and how can Apollo/Lester do anything about them without his powers?

After experiencing a series of dangerous–and frankly, humiliating–trials at Camp Half-Blood, Lester must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America. Fortunately, what he lacks in godly graces he’s gaining in new friendships–with heroes who will be very familiar to fans of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series. Come along for what promises to be a harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride. . . .

My Review: I think Apollo as a narrator is almost as comical as Percy as a narrator. My only complaint is the serious scene is this one’s wasn’t as serious.

Other than that I loved this book and I’m not entirely ready for the next one!

-Nina

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Percy Jackson and The Wrath of the Triple Goddess (Book seven in the Percy Jackson series)

Wrath of the Triple Goddess (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #7)

Percy Jackson and The Wrath of the Triple Goddess

Rick Riordan

Published September 24, 2024

Read September 30 – October 7, 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Summary: Percy Jackson, now a high school senior, needs three recommendation letters from the Greek gods in order to get into New Rome University. He earned his first one by retrieving Ganymede’s chalice. Now the goddess Hecate has offered Percy another “opportunity”—all he has to do is pet sit her mastiff, Hecuba, and her polecat, Gale, over Halloween week while she is away. Piece of cake, right?

Percy, Annabeth, and Grover settle into Hecate’s seemingly endless mansion and start getting acquainted with the fussy, terrifying animals. The trio has been warned not to touch anything, but while Percy and Annabeth are out at school, Grover can’t resist drinking a strawberry-flavored potion in the laboratory. It turns him into a giant frenzied goat, and after he rampages through the house, damaging everything in sight, and passes out, Hecuba and Gale escape. Now the friends have to find Hecate’s pets and somehow restore the house, all before Hecate gets back on Saturday. It’s going to take luck, demigod wiles, and some old and new friends to hunt down the animals and set things right again.

My Reveiw: First, I absolutely loved the Chalice of the Gods. Second, this one was better! I really enjoyed it I had a lot of fun reading it and I defintely didn’t cry at all. It really was such a fantastic addition to the series. Plus, it takes place during Halloween so it was my Halloween read for this year!

Well done, Rick! Now we need the next!

-Nina

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The Hidden Oracle (Book one in the Trials of Apollo series)

The Hidden Oracle

Rick Riordan

Published May 3, 2016

Read September 12-29, 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Summary: Apollo, the once glorious god of the sun, music, poetry, and more, has been cast down to Earth in punishment by Zeus. Now he is an awkward mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. In order to regain his place on Mount Olympus, Lester must restore five Oracles that have gone dark. But how is he supposed to accomplish this task without having any godly powers? It’s time to recruit some help. A certain demigod named Percy Jackson shows him where he needs to go: a training camp on Long Island called Camp Half-Blood.

My Review: I feel like I preach the same thing every time I read an Uncle Rick book but it’s for a reason! These books are truly such a fantastic thing!

I love rereading this book series because so many old names come up and it’s so nostalgic!

I’m really excited (and nervous) to reread this series. I will take a break from it for a while to read the new PJO book but I still can’t wait!

-Nina

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The Serpent’s Shadow (Book three in Kane Chronicles)

The Serpent’s Shadow

Rick Riordan

Published May 1, 2012

Read March 17 – 21, 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Summary: He’s b-a-a-ack! Despite their best efforts, Carter and Sadie Kane can’t seem to keep Apophis, the chaos snake, down. Now Apophis is threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness, and the Kanes are faced with the impossible task of having to destroy him once and for all. Unfortunately, the magicians of the House of Life are on the brink of civil war, the gods are divided, and the young initiates of Brooklyn House stand almost alone against the forces of chaos. The Kanes’ only hope is an ancient spell that might turn the serpent’s own shadow into a weapon, but the magic has been lost for a millennia. To find the answer they need, the Kanes must rely on the murderous ghost of a powerful magician who might be able to lead them to the serpent’s shadow . . . or might lead them to their deaths in the depths of the underworld. Nothing less than the mortal world is at stake when the Kane family fulfills its destiny in this thrilling conclusion to the Kane Chronicles.

My Review: I always love reading Rick’s books. He does dual POVs so well. He spends so muche building world’s and characters but it never seems boring.

Both Sadie and Carter come so far in this series. I love seeing a full circle from these characters and I loved the parrallels between the gods and mortals.

I do wish the final battle had been a little longer. It felt very rushed and quick. It was almost a very long lead up for little.

Overall, spectacular book and a spectacular series!

-Nina

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The Red Pyramid (Book one in The Kane Chronicles)

The Red Pyramid

Rick Riordan

Published May 4, 2010

Read Febuary 29 – March 7, 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Summary: 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 Museum, 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 closer 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.

My Review: Rick is such an amazing writer! It’s been a while since I read this but the Egyptian was still so easy to understand and follow! Again dual Pov was *chef’s kiss!*

It was such a good introductory novel to the series. I would love to see even more Kane Chronicles in 2024. (We won’t, but still!) And it’s all because of Rick’s writing and storytelling.

It’s a fantastic way to get into Egyptian mythology on Rick’s other books. It’s just such an amazing story!

-Nina

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The Blood of Olympus (Book five in Heroes of Olympus)

The Blood of Olympus

Rick Riordan

Published October 7, 2014

Read January 18-20, 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Summary: Nico had warned them. Going through the House of Hades would stir the demigods’ worst memories. Their ghosts would become restless. Nico may actually become a ghost if he has to shadow-travel with Reyna and Coach Hedge one more time. But that might be better than the alternative: allowing someone else to die, as Hades foretold.

Jason’s ghost is his mother, who abandoned him when he was little. He may not know how he is going to prove himself as a leader, but he does know that he will not break promises like she did. He will complete his line of the prophecy: To storm or fire the world must fall.

Reyna fears the ghosts of her ancestors, who radiate anger. But she can’t allow them to distract her from getting the Athena Parthenos to Camp Half-Blood before war breaks out between the Romans and Greeks. Will she have enough strength to succeed, especially with a deadly hunter on her trail?

Leo fears that his plan won’t work, that his friends might interfere. But there is no other way. All of them know that one of the Seven has to die in order to defeat Gaea, the Earth Mother.

Piper must learn to give herself over to fear. Only then will she be able to do her part at the end: utter a single word.

My Review: I’m not going to lie this book made me cry. So much happened in a few hundred pages and it recked me! I love hearing from old friends back at Camp Half-Blood and joining the two camps was almost heart-wrenching! (In a good way)

Yet again, Rick wrote a few different plot lines in one book, using them to complement each other. He left the reader on cliffhangers jumping back and forth. It made the book impossible to put down!

He closed off the series with a great ending leaving space for more to happen.

He took Leo and added a whole new side to him and allowed Nico to begin to become himself. It is an amazing ending and the reason it’s my favorite series forever. I have no complaints about how amazing it is! Rick Riordan’s Heroes of Olympus will forever hold a special place in my heart!

-Nina

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House of Hades (Book four in Heroes of Olympus)

House of Hades

Rick Riordan

Published October 8, 2013

Read January 11-17, 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Summary: Hazel stands at a crossroads. She and the remaining crew of the Argo II could return home with the Athena Parthenos statue and try to stop Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter from going to war. Or they could continue their quest to find the House of Hades, where they might be able to open the Doors of Death, rescue their friends Percy and Annabeth from Tartarus, and prevent monsters from being reincarnated in the mortal world. Whichever road they decide to take, they have to hurry, because time is running out. Gaea, the bloodthirsty Earth Mother, has set the date of August 1 for her rise to power.

Annabeth and Percy are overwhelmed. How will the two of them make it through Tartarus? Starving, thirsty, and in pain, they are barely able to stumble on in the dark and poisonous landscape that holds new horrors at every turn. They have no way of locating the Doors of Death. Even if they did, a legion of Gaea’s strongest monsters guards the Doors on the Tartarus side. Annabeth and Percy can’t exactly launch a frontal assault.

Despite the terrible odds, Hazel, Annabeth, Percy, and the other demigods of the prophecy know that there is only one choice: to attempt the impossible. Not just for themselves, but for everyone they love. Even though love can be the riskiest choice of all.

My Review: This book had a lot of moving pieces to it. Not only were we following the journey of Argo II but also Percy Annabeth and Bob. Rick wrote two stories without making either suffer! It was really well done!

Percy and Annabeth both experienced extreme trials in this book. The end of this book shows little to how it affected them but I think we will see more. Leo was faced with a different challenge. You could see the effects of it immediately and it plays t a new side of his character. Hazel and Frank both had huge trials and gifts that changed them not just physically but mentally. I really liked how Rick controlled those events.

Other than that it’s the normal praise of writing and story arcs. Rick is truly a fantastic writer!

-Nina

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