Tag Archives: Easy Reading

Foundation by Mercedes Lackey

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Overview

Foundation

Title: Foundation
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: The Collegium Chronicles #1, Valdemar #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Outside the windows, the sun was setting.

Synopsis

THE BUILDING OF THE HERALDS’ COLLEGIUM

Mags has slaved at the gem mines for as long as he could remember, completely unaware of how unusual his paltry existence was – until some strangers on huge white horses forced their way past the mine owners and carried him away to Haven to become a Herald Trainee.

Suddenly the whole world opened up for him. He was warm and well fed for the first time in his life, and he had Dallen, his Companion, who seemed more miraculous than an angel. But the world of the Collegium was not all heavenly. there was political upheaval in Valdemar’s capital, for the ancient way of training Heralds – the system of one-on-one mentoring that had been successful for centuries – was failing. Many veteran Heralds had died in the wars, and there were too many Trainees to go around. A Heralds’ Collegium was being built, and many thought it was wrong to train Heralds in classrooms the same way the Bardic and Healer Trainees were schooled. But dissent among the Heralds was no the only discord in Haven, for the court had been infiltrated by foreign “diplomats,” who seemed to be more interested in seeding discontent than in actual diplomacy… and Mags seemed to be the only one who’d noticed…

Thoughts

Foundation was a really unique book in my eyes. Most books have a very specific plot line and journey through the chief protagonist’s life. Foundation, not so much. It’s almost like a huge introduction for the remaining three books in the series. Not that this is a bad thing. Of all of the Mercedes Lackey books I’ve had the pleasure of reading, it is Mags that I feel the most connected to. So much so that when I finished reading this series, I turned right around and started to read it again.

Lackey has this incredible ability to take real human tragedy and cruelty, and show you how it can affect a person’s sense of self, confidence and even physical well-being. Foundation is no different. Child slavery is still occurring throughout the world, and it is something that most of us don’t really want to think about. Especially when it is all too easy to imagine the same thing happening to your own loved and cherished ones. So, the telling of Mags’ journey from child slave (really no better than a wild animal) to Herald hit me hard. There is something especially terrifying about the corruption and destruction of childhood innocence. At least for me. Mags’ childhood and back story made me appreciate my own life and upbringing to a whole new level.

Foundation is the first book in my favourite Valdemar series thus far. The combination of the creation of the Collegium, Dallen’s humour and Mags’ gratefulness for the simple things in life bought these characters to life and made me turn the pages again and again and again. Combine that with the beauty and simplicity of Bear and Lena’s friendship, and this story was very sweet and enthralling in its every word.

<- Magic’s PriceIntrigues ->

Image source: Mercedes Lackey

The Killing by Robert Muchamore

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Overview

The Killing

Title: The Killing
Author: Robert Muchamore
Series: CHERUB #4
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Easy reading, Spy novels
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: James flicked the sheet across to Kerry and slumped theatrically across her bed.

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Synopsis

Leon is a small-time crook who’s ridden his luck for three decades. When he starts splashing big money around, the cops are desperate to know where it came from.

They call it CHERUB, a secret organisation with one essential advantage: even experienced criminals never suspect that children are spying on them.

James’ latest mission looks routine: make friends with Leon’s kids, infiltrate his home, dig up some leads.

But the plot James begins to unravel isn’t what anyone expected. And the only person who might know the truth is a reclusive eighteen-year-old boy.

There’s just one problem.
The boy fell to his death thirteen months earlier.

Thoughts

I found James incredibly hard to love in The Killing. From the first CHERUB book, you understand that he is a rebel and not exactly completely moral, but by the fourth book, he is incredibly; well, douche. But, after moving on from James’ stupidity, this is, like all the other CHERUB books (thus far) a great read, and highly recommended.

My problems with James in this book stem from the way that he deals with his own issues. He has anger issues, blames everyone else for his own bad actions and temper, and really doesn’t treat his girlfriend or friends very well. I understand having anger, I’m pretty quick tempered, but it’s never okay to strike an innocent being, and then blame it on someone else. I suppose that Muchamore was using this as a lesson that violence, especially violent anger isn’t okay. But, I honestly almost put this book aside after the first chapter. It’s difficult reading about a protagonist who is selfish, and a little cruel. If it wasn’t for Lauren and the other CHERUBs, I quite frankly, probably would have stopped reading.

The other reason that this book is so wonderful is the way in which James’ amoral actions lead to his friends’ ostracizing from the social group. So much so, that he takes an assignment to escape his isolation. Not only was this a great example of consequences for one’s actions, but it also made me feel physically ill. Pain, both physical and mental is easy to deal with, but the idea of someone being completely isolated (regardless of their actions) actually made me feel physically ill. A fact that I’m sure says more about me than Muchamore’s writing, I’m sure.

Problems aside, this book was brilliant. It delved into the world of conspiracies and murder; a world where no one could be trusted, and everyone was liable to get hurt. Again, Muchamore chose a very real, and very terrifying topic as the focus of the crime – police corruption and brutality. The idea that those who are sworn to protect you could be the ones who actually hurt you is worrying and concerning.

<- Maximum Security Review Divine Madness Review ->
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Maximum Security by Robert Muchamore

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Overview

Maximum Security

Title: Maximum Security
Author: Robert Muchamore
Series: CHERUB #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Easy reading, Spy novels
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: The rooms at the front of the building also had sliding glass doors and balconies that overlooked gardens, rather than the windows overlooking the muddy football pitches you got at the back.

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Synopsis

Over the years, CHERUB has put plenty of criminals behind bars. Now, for the first time ever, they’ve got to break one out…

Under American law, kids convicted of serious crimes can be sentenced as adults. Two hundred and eighty of these child criminals live in the sunbaked desert prison of Arizona Max.

In one of the most daring CHERUB missions every, James Adams has to go undercover inside Arizona Max, befriend an inmate and then bust him out.

CHERUB kids are trained professionals, working in everyday situations. Their essential advantage: adults never suspect that children are spying on them.

Thoughts

I loved this book. Not only did it talk about the prison system – something that actually slightly terrifies me, but it also showed Lauren in her own power and position. From her extra brutal experience of basic training (and the resultant shovel-incident) to her first assignment, Lauren shows her ability to hold her own and do right by others. The fact that James’ very masculine energy is contrasted against his sister’s highlights the ability for both genders to pursue the same tasks, albeit sometimes a little differently, but still effectively.

Reading a book based in a prison managed to enhance my feelings of discomfort surrounding this setting. Probably a good thing, as prison’s are not only designed to keep the guilty in, but also as a deterrent to others who are considering going against the mould. Being immersed in this criminal world through the eyes of a juvenile was terrifying – it is all too easy to imagine something going wrong in a child’s life and leading to their warped criminal reality in a place of violence and fear.

A lot of stories paint criminals and the ‘bad guys’ as very one-dimensional creatures – they have neither morals nor excuses. Muchamore doesn’t do this. By using kid spies, you are forced to understand how children can become monsters and how these monsters turn to men (or women if the case be). Curtis Key, the main antagonist in this story is horrifyingly vulnerable and disturbed – it is so easy to understand how his uncomfortable childhood could lead to the creation and proliferation of a suicidal murderer.

So far, my favourite of the Cherub books, Maximum Security had a high octane plot line with a terrifyingly relatable sociopath (or is it psychopath) acting as the chief antagonist. The stakes are raised, and you get the sense of danger and potential harm throughout the story. Yet another book that I got so hooked on that it was finished in less than a day.

<- Class A Review The Killing Review ->
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Class A by Robert Muchamore

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Overview

Class A

Title: Class A
Author: Robert Muchamore
Series: CHERUB #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Easy reading, Spy novels
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: I can lend you a fiver, James.

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Synopsis

When CHERUB kids go undercover, no one suspects that they are trained professionals, working to infiltrate criminal organisations that have eluded MI5  and the police for years.

James Adams is on his biggest mission yet, working to nail Europe’s most powerful cocaine dealer. He’ll need all his specialist training if he’s going to bring down the man at the top.

The reasons for CHERUB’s existence is simple: adults never suspect that children are spying on them.

Thoughts

The second book in the Cherub series is a great follow up to The Recruit. From terrorism, we are thrown into the world of drugs and drug dealing. Once again, Muchamore’s understanding of the criminal underworld was brilliantly rendered and masterfully executed. Understanding how such industries are run, and the ways in which they can be bought down was something that I didn’t know much about, and discovering more of the information was very appreciated.

Class A really drove home the fact that a lot of criminals have families of their own. They even have their own motivations and that the reasoning for their actions is not just black and white. Junior’s actions and interactions with James reminded me that even though a parent might think that they are supporting their family, their choices can severely affect their children and even endanger them. Once again, Muchamore’s ability to bring crimes down to my level of understanding really drove home the impacts of adult decisions, and the vulnerability of children to these forces.

This story also brings Lauren (James’ little sister) closer to the forefront. Her basic training experiences are told, and the possible inability of military training to successfully instruct some people is highlighted. Likewise, Lauren’s future potential is alluded to as she becomes the first to do a number of things in Basic Training. Lauren’s characterisation sits well with Kerry, giving a number of main characters from different ethnic backgrounds and genders, proving that anyone can do anything that they put their minds to.

<- The Recruit Review Maximum Security Review ->
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The Recruit by Robert Muchamore

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Overview

The Recruit

Title: The Recruit
Author: Robert Muchamore
Series: CHERUB #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Easy reading, Spy novels
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: James knew he had no chance with blood running down his face and his right hand so painful he couldn’t even move it.

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Synopsis

A terrorist doesn’t let strangers into her flat because they might be undercover police or intelligence agents, but her children bring their mates home and they run all over the place.

The terrorist doesn’t know that one of these kids has bugged every room in her house, made copies of all her computer files and stolen her address book. The kid works for CHERUB.

CHERUB agents are aged between ten and seventeen. They live in the real world, slipping under adult radar and getting information that sends criminals and terrorists to jail.

Thoughts

The fact that this is a spy story set in Britain just makes me ridiculously happy. There are so many stories that are based in America, so every time I read something that is so obviously not American. Combine this with the fact that it’s a story about kid spies – the series is a winning story. At least in my opinion.

Stories about orphaned youth are a big staple of the young adult genre. After all, it’s easier for a kid to be in charge of their own future when there is no parent to watch out for them and stop the bad things from happening. A fairytale about a child growing up in a nuclear family just isn’t very interesting. But taking those children who are a little damaged and not at all well-behaved, that was a little different. But, it worked. James Adams, is kind of a dick at times, he has anger issues and a tendency to get into trouble. But, ultimately, he has a good heart. And that shines through again and again in The Recruit.

Muchamore goes into a lot of depth about the basic training and military discipline that this unique brand of spy must go through. To me, it was so realistic that I am sure he has undergone his own form of military training. He also doesn’t create a male-dominated group of spies. Rather, the toughest fighter on campus is a small girl. This balance between males and females in the story and the realistic impact of terrorism and military training on a group of people has quickly made this one of my all-time favourite series of young adult books.

<- More Robert Muchamore reviews Class A Review ->
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Brightly Burning by Mercedes Lackey

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Overview

Brightly Burning

Title: Brightly Burning
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Valdemar #15
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: He won’t kill me.

Synopsis

A CURSE OF FIRE

When Archer and Nelda Chitward moved their family from a small rural village to the bustling city of Haven, it was cause for great celebration. After all, their textile skills had made them leaders among their Guilds, welcomed into the highest of Guild social circles.

But not everyone in the Chitward home was happy about this “improvement” in the family’s position. Lavan, their middle son, had no desire to be a cloth-merchant, needleworker, cloth-dyer, or anything related to his family’s Guilds. He didn’t really know what he wanted to be – except back home in Alderscroft! To make matters worse, his parents had enrolled him in an “exclusive” private school. It was a place where the arrogant older students were expected to keep discipline, and as a lanky, undersized, sixteen-year-old newcomer, Lavan quickly became the primary scapegoat.

It didn’t help that whenever the older boys caught him he turned a bright scarlet with suppressed rage – a rage which left his skin feeling sunburned and tender, and so filled his mind that he was unable to see, hear, or even to think. For days on end Lavan was overwhelmed by blinding headaches and was unable to attend classes, yet even his pain was a welcome respite from the daily torture he suffered at school.

But nothing could have prepared Lavan or anyone in Haven for what was to come. For from his rage a Gift unlike any known in Valdemar would be born in a fiery conflagration which Heralds and Healers alike would be hard-pressed to contain…

Thoughts

As usual, Mercedes Lackey managed to seriously surprise me with this story. Similar to The Last Herald Mage trilogy, I knew that Brightly Burning would be a tragic tale – it’s mentioned in some of the other Valdemar books. But, it still hooked me and took me on an amazing journey through Lavan’s short, and sad journey.

I’ve read about homosexual and heterosexual characters, and love triangles until I’ve been blue in the face, but Brightly Burning is the first story that I can remember reading about a character that is asexual. Or at least, that is the way he seemed to me. There is a huge difference between a lack of sexual interest in the storyline (because they are too young, or it isn’t part of the author’s plot), but to read about a character that actually doesn’t appear to have any sexual interest in another was really interesting. I have read articles that say that Sherlock Holmes is supposed to have been asexual too, but I haven’t had the privilege of reading the original stories yet. So this was a really welcome difference. It was refreshing.

Even though I knew that Lavan wasn’t going to have a happy ending, it was really nice to find out the whole story. As myths and tales of our past are warped with time, I felt that the truth of Lavan’s tale was so much more exciting and surreal than the pieces I had managed to put together throughout reading the other Valdemar books. Lackey is a master of intertwining completely different generations throughout her books – Valdemar has become a very real place within my head because of this. It is so multidimensional that I can’t store all of the facts in my head, much like real life.

The final moments of this book are etched into my mind forever. All I have to do is think of fire of Lavan Firestorm and I can picture his final moments. To so vividly engrave a moment into my mind is a mark of how brilliant Lackey is.

<- Closer to the ChestOathbound ->

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The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

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Overview

The House of Hades

Title: The House of Hades
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: The Heroes of Olympus #4, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #12
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: This one began leaping around the deck, stuffing things into a burlap bag – Piper’s dagger, Leo’s Wii controllers.

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Synopsis

A THOUSAND DEADLY MONSTERS. THREE BATTLING DEMIGODS. ONE FATAL DECISION.

Hazel looked behind Hecate at the middle gateway. She saw Percy and Annabeth sprawled helplessly before those black-and-silver doors. A massive dark shape, vaguely humanoid, now loomed over them, its foot raised as if to crush Percy.

‘What about them?’ Hazel asked, her voice ragged.
‘Percy and Annabeth?’
Hecate shrugged. ‘West, east or south… they die.’
‘Not an option,’ Hazel said.
‘Then you have only one path – and that’s the most dangerous of all…’

Thoughts

Riordan tried a new tack in this story – in that he split the storyline into two stories, running parallel in time. It effectively split the story into the well-known characters of Percy and Annabeth, and the new arrivals in the Percy-verse. This gave the story such a variety and flavour that it was hard not to continue to flip the pages late into the night.

Nico was so easy to relate to in the first books – at least for me. So having him take such a predominant place within The House of Hades was really exciting. It also made me feel like he finally had the potential to stop his wandering ways and find a home amongst the other Demigods. The feeling of Nico’s final acceptance is expanded when he finally reveals what has made him so removed from the others. It was a plot twist that I didn’t see coming – it took me completely by surprise. But, once I read the great reveal, I looked back on all of Nico’s past actions in a new light with a new understanding.

Although I love Annabeth and Percy’s journey, and thoroughly enjoy the fact that Nico seems to finally be finding his place amongst the others, it’s Frank’s journey that really pulls me in. His discomfort throughout the story at his identity as Ares’ / Mars’ son is tangible. His inability to understand how to take charge and fight throughout makes me think of a cuddly teddy bear. And this idea is reflected in the others’ views of him. But, his ability to harness his abilities and use his brain to fight the good fight were admirable. It is Frank that reminds me that brawn can be brains too. That the child of war can show the honourable side of such a battle.

<- The Mark of Athena Review The Blood of Olympus Review ->
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The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

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Overview

The Mark of Athena

Title: The Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: The Heroes of Olympus #3, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #11
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Let’s go see what that means.

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Synopsis

ONE FATAL PROPHECY. SEVEN BRAVE DEMIGODS. A QUEST TO FIND – AND CLOSE – THE DOORS OF DEATH.

Annabeth and her friends Piper, Jason and Leo have landed at Camp Jupiter with one mission in mind. The time has come for Roman and Greek demigods to unite. With Percy Jackson, hazel and Frank by their side, they must combine forces to find – and close – the Doors of Death.

But Annabeth is hiding a secret – a command from her mother, the goddess of war and wisdom: ‘Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me.‘ Annabeth is already risking her life… What more does Athena want her daughter to do?

Now the seven demigods must begin their quest across land and sea to Rome, but what will they have to sacrifice this time – and what unspeakable horrors await?

Thoughts

For me, The Mark of Athena was Annabeth’s story. She first had to test her pride and courage in Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth, but it was this journey that really tested all that she was. Not only was she forced to strike out on her own and rely completely on her own skills, but Annabeth had a huge choice to make. Honour her mother’s wishes or save the others (and in the meantime, the world).

Not only is Annabeth faced with difficult decision after difficult decision, but, she is also forced to face her greatest fears and toughest challenges. If I hadn’t guessed it from the previous books, Annabeth is an incredibly strong and powerful young woman. And I think that it is this journey that forges her in fire. She comes out much stronger and more confident in her own abilities than before. Annabeth’s character and plight are a great way to remind us all that wisdom is sometimes the most powerful weapon of all. At least, that has always been my belief (or hope).

The parting between Percy and Annabeth after their recent reunion was particularly painful. It was wonderful to see the childhood crush of the previous series bloom into love at the beginning of The Heroes of Olympus series. the way that Percy plans for their future together was maybe one of the sweeter and more realistic aspects of a relationship that I have read. His inability to tell her about it because he was scared – well, that was far more realistic than anything else in the series. It is this love and reluctance to be separated again that gives us the strongest cliff hanger in the series. Well, I was certainly holding my breath and longing for the next book!

<- The Son of Neptune Review The House of Hades Review ->
Image source: Penguin

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

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Overview

The Son of Neptune

Title: The Son of Neptune
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: The Heroes of Olympus #2, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #10
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: She didn’t really believe in charms or fortune telling or ghosts.

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Synopsis

ONE CURSED DEMIGOD. TWO NEW HEROES. A QUEST TO UNLEASH THE GOD OF DEATH…

Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, God of the Sea, has woken from a very deep sleep and come face to face with two snake-haired ladies who refuse to die.

But they’re the least of his problems. Because Percy finds himself at a camp for half-bloods, which doesn’t ring any bells for him. There’s just one name he remembers from his past. Annabeth.

Only one thing is certain – Percy’s questing days aren’t over. He and fellow demigods Frank and hazel must face the most important quest of all: the Prophecy of Seven. If they fail, it’s not just their camp at risk. Percy’s old life, the gods and the entire world might be destroyed…

Thoughts

The Son of Neptune reintroduces yet another one of my favourite characters from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Nico completely plucked at my heartstrings throughout his story and his inability to fit in (even with children who tend to be misfits) made me feel some kind of kinship with him. He is still very dark and unhappy and has a layer of mystery surrounding him – it’s hard to tell whether he is on the side of the heroes, or willing to let the world fall.

The Son of Neptune rounds out the seven heroes that are supposed to save the world. With the addition of Hazel and Frank, the group is complete – not only in numbers, but also in personalities. Hazel is the complete opposite of both Annabeth and Piper – she is meek and has a very dark and troubled past. Contrastingly, Frank is gangly and very unsure of himself and his powers. They’re the cutest of the demigods (at least in my opinion). Contrasted against the others’ confidence and amazing abilities, the insecurities and ways in which they are just slightly more withdrawn from the world not only makes me want to hug them, but also makes their journeys of discovery so much more potent.

Paralleling Hazel’s past with Frank, Percy and Hazel’s quest provided two enthralling storylines that pulled me in. One was fast paced and almost impossible to predict what was going to happen, while the other was laden with foreshadowing and provided you with glimpses into the heroine’s insecurities.

Without giving much away, the idea that Death could be chained was fascinating. I’m sure that everyone has wanted to stop Death in its tracks – losing someone you love is incredibly painful. But, the realities of this are driven home throughout the story. Yes, Death could be cheated, but then even those that wanted the peace of death may be forced to come back. It was a great reminder that the beauty and importance of life is highlighted through the darkness of death.

<- The Lost Hero Review The Mark of Athena Review ->
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The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

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Overview

The Lost Hero

Title: The Lost Hero
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: The Heroes of Olympus #1, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #9
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Beckendorf and Percy Jackson blew up a cruise ship full of monsters.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

OLD ENEMIES AWAKEN AS CAMP HALF-BLOOD’S NEW ARRIVALS PREPARE FOR WAR.

When Jason, Piper and Leo crash-land at Camp Half-Blood, they have no idea what to expect. Apparently this is the only safe place for children of the Greek gods – despite the monsters roaming the woods and demigods practising archery with flaming arrows and explosives.

But rumours of a terrible curse – and a missing hero – are flying around camp. It seems Jason, Piper and Leo are the chosen ones who must embark on a terrifying new quest, which must be completed by the winter solstice. In just four days’ time.

Can the trio succeed on this deadly mission – and what must they sacrifice in order to survive?

Thoughts

I loved delving into the world of Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase again. For someone with an obsession with reading, Greek mythology and fantasy, this series is definitely one that has me coming back again and again – so the expansion of the Percy Jackson verse was kind of exciting. Plus, it begins a journey that is way more intense and epic than Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

The Lost Hero introduces three new key characters to the Percy Jackson verse – Piper, Leo and Jason. And, honestly, it is a tie between whether I love Piper or Annabeth more. Piper is the daughter of love and as such, feels kind of useless and insignificant. But, throughout the tale, she proves again and again and again the power of such an emotion. She isn’t the meek, vain girl that is expected, but a power in her own right. Her journey to discovering her own strength while helping her comrades was so nice, and again, Riordan helped to remind us that we all have our own strengths and weaknesses, and in embracing them we can discover who we truly are.

Adding a slightly violence crazed satyr to the mix of powerful piper, lost Leo and forgetful Jason helped to add more flavour and humour to the story. His habit of yelling die and taking swings at potential enemies with his baseball bat was such a stark contrast to Grover that I couldn’t help but giggling. It also had me rereading the book a few times, if only to giggle at the slightly more inopportune moments of his violent emotions.

The conclusion of this story brings to light the Roman-Greek crossover throughout this series. I had wondered about the Roman side of the Gods while reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians, so finding out that this had been considered throughout the writing process was fun and interesting. And, as with his adaptation of the Greek Gods, very well thought out and engaging.

<- The Crown of PtolemyThe Son of Neptune ->

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