Book Review: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Book Review for: The Sword of Summer

(Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard)

Written by: Rick Riordan

Published by: Disney/Hyperion

ISNB: 978-148476035-2

4.5 Stars

I read: the hardback

An incredible escape to another world!

Riordan pens an enthralling new adventure involving the Gods of Asgard with “The Sword of Summer.” Our hero is Magnus Chase. After retrieving the sword of Summer from the Charles River, he’s promptly killed by Surt, the fire god. Thankfully, a Valkyrie named Sam, saves him and takes him to Valhalla where he becomes one of Odin’s soldiers known as the Einherjar.

Trouble is not far behind. Sam is expelled from the Valkyrie, and Magnus must re-find the Sword of Summer. Complicating matters is Fenris Wolf who is rumored to bring about Ragnarok in 9 days. Can Magnus and his friends, Sam, Blitz, and Hearth find the sword and save the 9 worlds from Ragnarok?

Riordan’s writing style is easy to read and engages the reader. His characters are likable and endearing. Magnus is brave in the face of danger, and loyal to his friends. There are plenty of villains who bring out the humanity of Magnus and his friends. The plot is fast paced, keeping young readers turning the pages.

The best character of the book is Sumarbrander – the Sword of Summer – who has a personality all his own.

Overall, “The Sword of Summer,” is a story with great characters, great action, and great appeal. The ending is satisfying and leaves the reader wanting to find out more about Magnus and his friends.  I recommend this book for 10 years and older.  A breathtaking read that will resonate long after the reader has finished.

Book Review Friday: The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan #bookreview #percyjackson

Book Review for: The Blood of Olympus

Written by: Rick Riordan

Published by: Disney/Hyperion

ISBN: 978-142314673-5

I read: the hardback

5 stars

Heart Pounding Action!

Riordan wraps up the Heroes of Olympus series with a demigod feast in "The Blood of Olympus." Gaea is awakening and calling her minions to do her evil bidding. Only our favorite Roman and Greek demigods can stop her, but they'll need a lot of help along the way.

With an ensemble cast that includes Percy, Jason, Annabeth, Piper, Frank, Hazel, and Leo, the brave crew of the Argo II journey through the Greek homelands in search of the physician's cure and Gaea herself, encountering one obstacle after another.

Meanwhile, Reyna, Nico, and Coach Hedge shadow travel to bring the Athena Paratheon to Camp Half Blood. The Paratheon will unite the Greeks and Romans for the ultimate battle. Unfortunately, Octavian has something to say about that. Can Romans, Greeks, and Gods stop their bickering and fight together to rid the Earth of Gaea once and for all, or will the blood of Olympus unleash an unstoppable monster?

Riordan's writing is witty, sharp, and easy to read. His plotting and pacing is spot on. There's never a dull moment as the action keeps coming. The characters are compelling. Each has an interesting back story. What is most endearing is how they care for each other as friends, which makes this a great story for teenagers struggling to understand what friendship is all about.

This novel is the action packed conclusion to the "Heroes of Olympus" series. There's never a dull moment and I kept turning the pages, eager to discover what was next the heroes. I would recommend this novel for ages eleven and up. "The Blood of Olympus" will resonate with readers for it's adventure, friendship, and compelling storytelling.

Question for you:  Who is your favorite Demigod from the Heroes of Olympus series? 

Book Review Friday: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan #bookreview

Book Review for: The House of Hades

Written by: Rick Riordan

Disney/Hyperion Books

ISBN: 978-142314672-8

Avail: in print and ebook

5 Stars

A Terrific Page Turner!

Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus race against the clock to stop Gaea and her minions in this suspense packed tale filled with action and adventure. Percy and Annabeth travel through Tartarus on their way to find and close the Doors of Death. If they can't close the doors in Tartarus, Gaea will keep sending her minions through. Percy and Annabeth get help from a Titan and a Giant, but will it be enough to accomplish their mission?

On land, Jason, Piper, Leo, Frank, Hazel and Nico encounter obstacle after obstacle as they strive to find the House of Hades and the Doors of Death on Earth. Both Hazel and Nico, children of Hades, must embrace their own individual and unique underworld heritage or their quest will fail.

Riordan's writing is crisp and sharp. His characters demonstrate strengths and weaknesses, making them wonderfully human and totally relatable. Hazel doubts her abilities, but in the face of true adversity, she finds her courage. Nico is a loner, but must find the bravery and inner strength to wield Diocletian's scepter. Riordan effortlessly blends adventure and characterization. There's action, suspense, and several anxious moments as each hero faces a challenge they must overcome and everyone learns a little something about themselves.

What makes Riordan's writing shine is how he gives the old Greek and Roman gods a modern twist, making their stories interesting for a contemporary young adult audience. I highly recommend this book for 11 years on up.

There's never a dull moment for our heroes in the House of Hades. The story resolves the "Mark of Athena's" cliffhanger and will leave you anxiously anticipating the next book in the series.  

Question for you: Who is your favorite character in the Heroes of Olympus series? 

Book Review for: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan #bookreview

Book Review for: The Mark of Athena

Written by: Rick Riordan

ISBN: 978-142314060-3

Avail as: an ebook and in print

5 Stars

The Mark of Athena is an adrenaline rush that promises more heat than Leo's fingertips. Annabeth, Jason, Piper and Leo meet up with Percy, Hazel, and Frank. The quest is on! Unfortunately, the assembled demigods face one challenge after another on their trek to find the Mark of Athena.

The story opens with Annabeth, Jason, Piper, and Leo finding Camp Jupiter. Sadly, the Roman camp is attacked. Percy and his friends flee in the Argo II with the Romans hot on their trail.

The novel focuses on Annabeth and her quest to follow the Mark of Athena. The mark will lead her to the Athena Parthenos which will unite the Roman and Greek demigods. This is necessary to take on Gaea and her minions who are threatening to take over the world.

While not physically as strong as Jason and Percy, Annabeth finds her cunning and wits put to the test. She must figure out the map that leads to the Parthenos and retrieve the statue from its hiding place on her own. Meanwhile her friends battle Eidolons, sea creatures, and Gaea's minions, while on a mission to free Nico di Angelo from the grotesque giants, Otis and Ephialtes. Can Percy and his friends save the day and put Gaea's plans on the rocks?

Riordan's writing is easy to read. In fact, I had to remind myself to slow down so I didn't miss anything. He's a master at making Greek and Roman myths interesting to young readers. His characters are compelling – each layered with flaws and doubts that make them wonderfully human.

 

Alternate Cover 

The pacing was perfect. The story opens with an exciting battle and breathless chase, slowing down in just the right places to let the reader catch their breath before picking up again. And let's not forget there's an ending that leaves you biting your nails.

"The Mark of Athena" is geared for a young adult audience, nine-years-old and above. I highly recommend it. The story is an exciting read that will leave you breathless.

Book Review Friday - The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan #bookreview

Book Review for: The Lost Hero

Written by: Rick Riordan

Scholastic Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-545-46262-4

Avail: as print and ebook

5 Stars

Riordan pens a gem of a story with "The Lost Hero." The novel opens with Jason, Piper, and Leo attacked by storm spirits on their way to Wilderness School. But Jason has a problem – he's lost his memories. Can he lead his friends on a quest to prevent Gaia from awakening?

The story introduces three new heroes to Camp Half-Blood and a new problem – Gaia, mother Earth herself. Jason, a son of Jupiter, is heroic, fierce and brave, but a little unsure of his abilities. Piper is loyal and true, but can she rise above the challenges and prejudices a daughter of Aphrodite faces? Leo loves to fiddle with his hands, but are his inventions a help or a hindrance on their quest? These new heroes will be given plenty of tests to prove their worth, but can they overcome challenge after challenge?

Riordan's writing style is sharp and witty, appealing to a young adult audience. The plot takes plenty of twists and turns. Jason embodies the classic Greek hero. Piper and Leo appeal to the modern audience as Riordan shows not only the character's vulnerabilities and insecurities, but also their strengths. Piper proves that true love is more than skin deep, and Leo shines as a hero from the school of hard knocks.

What Riordan does best is give Greek mythology a modern twist, attracting modern young adults.

"The Lost Hero's" story appeals to readers of all ages and genres. The novel's endearing characters and suspenseful plot will have readers on the edge of their seats. A definite page-turner! I highly recommend this book.

BUY LINK: Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.com/B003TSEL7S 

Book Review for: "The Last Olympian"
Written by: Rick Riordan
Disney/Hyperion Books
ISBN: 978-142-310150-5
Avail as: ebook & print
4.5 Stars

Riordan delivers an action-packed, suspense-filled story with his final book in the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series titled "The Last Olympian." The battle is on between Kronos, his Titans, the Olympians, and the demigods. The prize is Earth and it's way of life. Who will win?

New York is under siege and the Titan Typhoon is wreaking havoc throughout America. The mist hides the truth from humans, but the demigods and Olympians struggle against the Titans. Percy leads Camp Half-Blood in the defense of New York, however things aren't what they seem. By the time the dust settles, Percy and his friends will have their courage, resolve, and inner strength tested. The final battle is packed with surprises.

Riordan's writing style is easy to read. There's adventure, fast-paced action, and plenty of suspense mixed in with the perfect does of tender, character revealing moments.

Percy's come a long way since his first adventure, displaying a rare maturity for his age. Nico diAngelo, Hades' son, also proves his worth. There are a lot of surprises in store for the demigods and how they face adversity defines their character. It's a lesson that will resonate with the novel's young reading audience.

Again, Riordan's done a wonderful job putting a modern twist on the ancient Greek legends, making them appealing for today's audience. The series inspires young readers to explore and read.

"The Last Olympian" is full of secrets, unexpected twists, and nail-biting suspense. Readers 9-years-old and up will enjoy this novel. I highly recommend it.