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This post is in three parts, the first is my review of the Percy Jackson & the Heroes of Olympus series’, (In an attempt to convert those who haven’t read it.) the second is a mini recap of House of Hades, (For those with as bad a memory as me) And last but not least my Blood of Olympus review! After trying for an hour to figure out the spoiler boxes, (again) I gave up. So, please stop reading when you see the spoiler warnings!
PERCY JACKSON By Rick Riordan
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Mythology
Pages: 377
Point of View: First (Percy)
Released: January 1, 2005
Predictability: 3 out of 5 (Where 1 is George RR Martin (If the characters make a plan or think about the future I know it isn’t going to go that way.) And 5 is Cinder (where I guessed what was going to happen long before it did, but it was still a great book.)
Source: Owned!
My Rating: 10/10 Stars
Prophecy:
A half-blood of the eldest gods
Shall reach sixteen against all odds
And see the world in endless sleep
The hero’s soul, cursed blade shall reap
A single choice shall end his days
Olympus to preserve or raze
Bad Guys: Kronos (Zeus’ titan father), various monsters and other demigods
My Review:
After being attacked by his algebra teacher and then the Minotaur, Percy finds himself at Camp Half-Blood and learns his father is a god.
The Percy Jackson books are one of my favorites. I didn’t read them for years because I used to be really into Greek mythology and I was afraid they’d just annoy me, but the mythology is well done with enough new elements to create a unique world. The characters are great, some people complain Percy is too perfect, but he messes up all of the time and I like him.
The humor of these books is very well done, and Riordan is master of the bad pun.
The first book is crowded with adventures, I think Riordan had too many ideas, but the rest of the series is better paced.
HEROES OF OLYMPUS (Percy Jackson 2) By Rick Riordan
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology
Pages: 576
Point of View: Third (Various)
Released: January 1, 2010
Predictability: 3 out of 5 (Where 1 is George RR Martin (If the characters make a plan or think about the future I know it isn’t going to go that way.) And 5 is Cinder (where I guessed what was going to happen long before it did, but it was still a great book.)
Source: Owned!
My Rating: 10/10 Stars
Prophecy:
“Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire, the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death!”
Bad Guys: Gaia (Mother Earth), the giants, various monsters, Octavian (Okay, so being a jerk probably doesn’t make him a ‘villain’, but I don’t care, I can’t stand the guy.)
My Review:
This sequel is just as good as the original and in some ways even better!
Unlike the first series in which each book is a different year, these books take place over a few months. Everything I liked about Percy Jackson is back along with more romance.
In the first book, the Last Hero I found myself looking for Percy. He’s supposed to be in this new series right? Stop looking, he isn’t in this book. The main characters are Jason, Piper and Leo each with their own perspective. (The perspectives are a little awkward in this book, but by the next one Riordan has smoothed it out.) I liked each of the new characters, especially Leo. (And their gym teacher coach Hedge.)
In the second book, The Son of Neptune Percy is back, but he’s lost his memory, all he remembers is a girl named Annabeth. (Awe!) He finds himself at Camp Jupiter a camp for Roman demigods. He makes friends with Frank, and Hazel the daughter of Pluto. I liked them both, especially Hazel. Also, Nico is back!
Mark of Athena. Finally Annabeth gets a point of view! The other POVs are Percy, Piper and Leo. Leo’s built a flying ship called the Argo II and the demigods fly to camp Jupiter. Annabeth and Percy are reunited, (one of the best scenes in the book!) It takes some getting used to, having all of the seven together, but relationships form and overall this is my favorite book of the Heroes of Olympus.
Gaia, Mother Earth is waking up and she plans to destroy the gods and the world as we know it. She’s imprisoned death, and opened the doors of death, so no monster can be vanquished. The Heroes head to Rome and the House of Hades to stop her. Percy dreams that Nico is in trouble, but Annabeth’s mother has given her an impossible task, so he insists on going with her while Leo, Hazel and Frank go to save Nico. (Jason and Piper stay on the Argo II with coach Hedge) Warning: Cliffhanger!
House of Hades. Points of View: Everyone! (Percy, Annabeth, Leo, Hazel, Jason, Frank, & Piper.) The demigods must close the doors of death to prevent monsters from escaping from Tartarus.
Have you read Percy Jackson or Heroes of Olympus? (Did I make you want to?)
HOUSE OF HADES RECAP (for those of us with a bad memory) SPOILERS below!
Annabeth and Percy have just survived Tartarus and closed the doors of death.
When the Romans went to Camp Half Blood to fight the Greeks they caused the god’s personalities to fight with one another, making them all basically nuts and useless. And only a demigod and a god fighting together and kill a giant.
Hazel has a new magic, Hecate helped her learn how to control the mist to create illusions.
They found a zombie stick (Scepter of Diocletian) which summons an army of ghostly soldiers. Nico took it with him.
Frank became a proctor of the Roman legion. Jason stepped down because the Roman ghosts didn’t recognize him as a proctor due to his confliction wanting to be one of the Greeks.
While in Tartarus, Annabeth sent a message to Rachel to give to Reyna. If a Roman demigod returns the Athena Parthenon (the statue of Athena that Annabeth recovered in Mark of Athena) to Camp Half Blood it will heal the rift and thus prevent the war. Reyna flew to the Argo II, but her Pegasus Scipio died in the flight. She left with Nico and Coach Hedge to return the statue.
Reyna left Octavian *cough* jerk *couch* in charge of the Romans and of course he’s still preparing for a fight.
(And of course I totally forgot which giant is which, but it didn’t really matter.) Damasen is the one created to fight Ares, he’s considered a traitor by the giants, but Annabeth and Percy met him in Tartarus and he’s not a bad guy.
Review of BLOOD OF OLYMPUS with MINOR SPOILERS (Those given away in any review.) There will be another warning before the MAJOR SPOILERS! (The stuff I just had to squeal about!)
BLOOD OF OLYMPUS (Heroes of Olympus 5) By Rick Riordan
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology
Pages: 502
Point of View: Third, (Jason, Piper, Leo, Nico, and Reyna)
Released: October 7, 2014
Predictability: 4 out of 5 (Where 1 is George RR Martin (If the characters make a plan or think about the future I know it isn’t going to go that way.) And 5 is Cinder (where I guessed what was going to happen long before it did, but it was still a great book.)
Source: Owned!
My Rating: 10/10 Stars!
Who Dies? (For people like me who want to know so I don’t have to worry the whole book and can just read it and enjoy) I have to know!
My Summary:
The demigods have twelve days left to stop the goddess Gaia from awakening. Hera / Juno informs them that they must stop the goddess Nemesis if they want to prevent the fight between the Romans and the Greeks. In her insanity, Nemesis mentions a ‘physician’s cure’, a potion that can save someone from death. The demigods travel to collect the ingredients for this cure in the hopes that it could save one of them. Gaia’s forces know they’re coming and are doing everything they can to prevent the Argo II from reaching Athens.
Meanwhile Nico, Reyna, and Coach Hedge are trying to get the Athenian Parthenon to Camp Half Blood, but Gaia’s sent her Hunter after them. To make matters worse, with each shadow travel Nico’s getting weaker.
My Review:
I shall try to type in complete sentences. This book is just as good as the rest in the series. I still LOVE all of the characters and even the new ones. The right amount of humor was sprinkled throughout the book to keep the mood from going too dark. The pacing was quick, and it felt like time was really running out.
I liked Reyna’s point of view, before I didn’t really care about her, but after hearing her voice I really cared about her and worried for her. Jason and Piper were Jason and Piper, I appreciated Piper’s growth. Yeah that’s all I’ve got. They’re just not squeal worthy. I liked seeing Frank step up to lead the legion and Hazel’s improving magic. Poor Percy and Annabeth, I think they were traumatized from Tartarus still. They really didn’t play a major role in the book. I loved getting to hear Nico’s voice! I also enjoyed his growing relationship with Reyna, a kind of sisterly friendship.
My Only Complaint: is the limited points of view. No Percy Jackson! He’s my favorite character! (And usually my favorite isn’t the main character) But he’s so funny! I wanted MORE Percy! (And Annabeth) This is the FINAL Percy Jackson book after all. (Okay I know it’s technically Heroes of Olympus, but it’s really Percy Jackson 2)
Overall: I’m still sad that it’s over, but it was a good last book and I’m satisfied.
If you haven’t read Blood of Olympus STOP NOW! Below there are MAJOR SPOILERS!!
NICO!!! I’m so glad the little guy finally got over Percy Jackson. And that confession?!! PERFECT! I wish I could hear what Percy thought of it! I’m also glad that he made a friend / potential new crush. He’s not alone anymore! I was so proud of him!!
LEO!! OMG I was so scared for him! He kept hinting at this whole sacrificing himself to save everyone thing. (Which was annoying, because like I didn’t have it all figured out.) I didn’t see Festas coming though, I was so happy to see that dragon ‘alive’ again! That ending was PERFECT! I’m so happy he got his happily ever after with Calypso! They’re re-meeting was so cute! I love their relationship! (So much better than that sappy stuff she had going with Percy)
Best Quote: “Hey, you want to meet Chuck? This is my boy Chuck!” Coach Hedge. (And that was great that Clarisse felt protective over the little guy!)
Best Scene: (Okay, one of them) The demigods fighting with their godly parents was so cool! That fight against the giants! Just wow!
Best Page:
Anyone else read Blood of Olympus? What did you think!? Did everything happen that you wanted to happen?
Woven Magic Books 
Great review! All I can say is that I’ve really got to get back into reading these books. Riordan really handles the Greek mythology well. It’s so hard to find something that appreciates the mythology, but is still able to make something new with it while staying true to the original stories.
Thank you! You really should, they’re just fun to read. I was surprised at how well he uses mythology. I know there are lots of versions of myths, so it’s easier to be accurate, but he weaves them together so well.
I’ll read this once I’ve finished BoO 🙂
haha that’s how I felt last week! Must remember all of the review posts!
Not reading the review!!!! Im trying to squeeze it in soon so don’t want to know anything about the book!! Lol. I so think everyone should read Percy, its great for any age 🙂
I agree, these are terrific books! I debated on holding my review so more people could finish the book, but I couldn’t wait any longer!
“And flash him!” I loved that part. Percy Jackson has been my favorite series since I was like twelve and this book, oh this book. I loved it so much.
I was totally the same way about Reyna, she was kind of just there in the other books and I had no feelings for her, but I really came to love her character in Blood Of Olympus.
Also Nico!!! I was squealing through all of his chapters, I swear. I’m not sure why but he has always been one of my favorite characters. His highlights though, I think, were his confession to Percy(like you I would love to see this from Percy’s POV), the part near the middle with Roman demigod(I can’t remember his name!) and the Nico defending the others, you know the ghost part? I’m trying not to outright say it and obviously I’m failing!
Anyways, great review! And we must continue in the quest to convince more bloggers to read Percy Jackson! =)
Yay someone who’s read the book! 🙂 I loved all of the books, it’s so sad that there isn’t going to be more Percy Jackson. I cracked up at the flash him part too! Sometimes a character needs to tell the story to get their voice across, I think with Reyna being so strong and not showing her emotions it really helped her to get a POV.
haha I was squealing too! Finally Nico got to tell the story! The part where he wanted to say something was awesome, but didn’t was hilarious! (I hope you know what part I mean) The little Nico still lives inside the older brooding Nico. He’s one of my favorites too! I felt so bad for him, it was nice for him to finally be a little happy. I think he smiled twice in this book! I know just what part you mean, and no I don’t remember his name either. That was spooky cool!
Thank you! I know, we must convert more Percy Jackson fans! 🙂
I think I probably would have enjoyed these more when I was younger. I haven’t read any of the books, but I did read a Percy Jackson story in an anthology (I think the story was called “Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo”). It was cute, but it was a bit young for my taste. I can certainly see why the books are popular, though!
Yeah, I have a ‘young’ sense of humor. I haven’t read that short story, so I don’t know how it compares to the series. It does take place during the original Percy Jackson though, which was more middle grade. The Heroes of Olympus books are young adult, so maybe you’d like those better. I understand not everyone is going to love these books, I just have to try to convert as many people as I can. 😉
OKAY so I didn’t read ANY of this because I haven’t read any of Riordan’s books and if at some point I decide to take the plunge into this very very long series and read them I do not want any spoilers or ideas about what happens. (BoO is already being somewhat spoiled because I know so many people reading it right now.)
There are like a bazillion copies in our receiving room at work and I’m definitely wondering if it’s worth the read. Middle Grade is hard for me to get into because I can’t really relate with the characters, and most of the time I just don’t like the lack of romance or the simplicity of the writing. So serious question: would this be a series for me? Would I like the characters, or would it maybe be a stretch? I just don’t want to start this and be disappointed because it’s hard for me to enjoy it like everyone else. 😦
I’m sorry to hear that people have spoiled Blood of Olympus for you. No worries, I’m just happy to hear that you’re planning to read the books. 🙂 You have a million copies at your fingertips?!
Heroes of Olympus is Young Adult and you don’t have to read the first series first. (Though of course it’s probably better if you do.) There’s plenty of romance in Heroes of Olympus and even some in Percy Jackson.
I love this series, so it’s hard for me to know if you’d like it or not. I’d recommend it to most everyone though. 🙂 My sense of humor is a bit childish, but I didn’t find the books too simple. I really hope you like it if you decide to give it a shot!
I have yet to read these…and likely won’t unfortunately. For some reason Greek mythology books are almost never a hit with me. Nut my nephews love them!
I’m sorry to hear that about Greek Mythology. Yeah, I love mythology so much I’m always hesitant to read books based around myths, but usually I can’t resist. Nice to hear your nephews have good taste! 🙂
Loved your review! 🙂 I was also disappointed to find out Percy and Annabeth didn’t have a pov. I know they were there, but it just felt like they weren’t! And yes, Percy’s thoughts on Nico’s confession!! And people complain Percy is too perfect? Have they read the books, haha? I never perceived him as too perfect, since everything (especially in the original series) goes wrong and he can be such an idiot.
Thank you! 🙂 Yeah, I didn’t think there was enough Percy and Annabeth either. I mean, one chapter from Percy’s POV at the very end, that’s all I ask. Maybe Riordan will write another short and we can hear what Percy thought of the events of Blood of Olympus. (Especially Nico’s confession.) Yeah, I read in a lot of reviews for the original series that Percy was too perfect. I never got that reading the books though. haha yeah, he’s a little boy, he makes tons of stupid mistakes.
Yes, even a few sentences would have been enough! Who knows, maybe he and Annabeth have a bigger role in Magnus Chase than we think 🙂 (I’m probably giving myself false hope haha)
The main character in Magnus Chase supposed to be Annabeth’s cousin, so they might at least get a cameo. There’s nothing wrong with false hope! I thought Percy Jackson was over once and then there was a whole new series!
That sounds like a great series! I haven’t read any but I watched the movie and it was nice, maybe I should try the books too, they look fun and nice to read.
It’s a terrific series! I liked the movie too, until I read the books and as usual there is no comparison, the books are 100 times better! They are a lighter fun series, which is sometimes just what I need. 🙂
So I only read the first bit because *hangs head in shame* I’ve only read the original series and not the spinoff! The horror, I know. But I totally agree with what you said about the humour. THE SARCASM IS JUST PERFECT. Oh, I love a good bit of sarcasm 😀
haha. That’s okay, I hope you change your mind and decide to read them though. I think Heroes of Olympus might be even better than the original! Some books certainly are. I love sarcasm! (That wasn’t said sarcastically by the way.) 😉
Wow! 10 stars across the board, eh? WHY AM I NOT READING THIS SERIES!!! Oh right, because it’s middle grade, and that’s not a genre that’s in my regular rotation. I might have to make an exception for Percy Jackson & the Heroes of Olympus though.
haha Yup. Some of the books are better than others, but even the ones I didn’t like as much are 10 stars! YOU SHOULD BE READING THIS SERIES!!! (hehe) The first series is middle grade, but the second is more young adult, plus they’re on the more mature end of middle grade. (By that I mean plot wise, nothing’s dumbed down or overly simplified.) The first book he crammed it full of quests and adventures, but the other ones are better paced. You should so make an exception, they’re just such a fun read. 🙂
Brilliant Molly! Absolutely brilliant! I’m halfway through BoO but I agree with you. What a great finale except for no POVs from Percy. That would have been nice 😦 But I love that Nico’s getting his. He’d better have a happy ending after everything that’s happened to him. And I loved the “flashing”exchange between Piper and Annabeth 🙂
hehe Thank you, thank you. 🙂 I love the sense of humor in these books. The flashing exchange was great! (Even better because it was Annabeth) Yes, I really wanted a Percy pov, but Nico’s is cool. I hope you enjoy it. (And finish it fast so we can discuss spoilers!)
I have loved the Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus series, and I am sad to see that it is finally over. I felt a bit underwhelmed with Blood of Olympus, especially the lack of a Percabeth and the finale which concluded too quickly for my liking. I won’t post spoilers in this comment in case anyone is reading it atm.
I had pretty high expectations going in and they were almost met. If only Percy had been in the book more. (and Annabeth, but mostly Percy.) I knew there wouldn’t be an epilogue and I’m not a fan of them, but I do wish we’d gotten just a little bit more at the end. Maybe Riordan will be bugged into writing a short story or a novella or something! 😉
Did you feel there were a few loose ends that were tied up? One that confused me was how this whole time they said that Percy would have to make a sacrifice that his fatal flaw wouldn’t let him make. When it comes to the end, as soon as Jason says Percy has to let them do it, he is just like “oh alright then.” and walks away. Besides a few things, I did enjoy the book.
I noticed a few loose ends at the end too, (though I didn’t remember that one) especially with Percy and Annabeth, because they weren’t really necessary to stopping Gaia. I still loved the book, but I wish there had been more closure. I need more!!
I started the Percy Jackson series and really liked it, but for some reason I never followed through and read the rest of the books. I think I’ll add this to my 2015 ‘to do’ list 🙂
I hate when I stop a series part way, then I forget what the beginning was about by the time I get back to it. I hope you enjoy Percy Jackson! 🙂
Well, to be honest, I LOVED Percy Jackson. The whole series actually except for book 5 that was so-so. As for The Heroes of Olympus, book 1 I enjoyed, book 2 as well but I DNFed book 3 because, strangely, I found it childish and long and having so many unecessary scenes. 😛 Glad you enjoyed though!!
hehe nothing wrong with not liking a book. (Even Percy Jackson.) The Mark of Athena was my favorite! But yes, you’re right there’s lots of side quests going on and not much progress in the main plot line. Maybe you matured as you were reading and that’s why it seemed childish? I obviously haven’t matured, and probably never will. 😉
LOL!! Hahah, maybe I have matured, how sad, when I think of it, in a way. There are many books that won’t please me anymore. You won’t have that problem though 😉 lol
😀 I have a reader problem, I kind of started Heroes of Olympus and The Kane Chronicles together with bunch of other series and now I kind of don’t remember starting from which part I haven’t read the books.
But whoa Percy is coming back then! 😀 (obviously I am in part 2…so skipped rest of your review ^^
Anyways glad you liked these series
haha I hate when I do that, then the books get all jumbled up in my head.
We don’t know if Percy’s coming back or not, I’m just hoping he is. He NEEDS to come back!
Thanks. I loved it! 🙂
So, I stopped reading where you instructed me to. So, you have partially sold me- trust me, this is a very big accomplishment, I had absolutely zero intention before I read this! The humor bit does actually sound pretty good, I really didn’t know that about the books. I love a book that can make me smile, even with serious subjects and action and such. The thing holding me back is the whole mythology thing AND (this is probably most important) that I am very, very wary of middle grade. I do not really get along with it most of the time. Never have, even at the appropriate life points 😉 BUT, I will consider it, and more importantly, I am glad you are satisfied with it! But I am sorry it is over for you, I do hope you get to read another amazing series soon!!
Yeah! I’ll take what I can get and conciser it a compliment! Good job stopping, I always have the urge to peak at spoilers as much as I hate them. These are more mature for middle grade, by that I mean they aren’t dumbed down at all, also the second series is young adult. You could always start with the Heroes of Olympus. I’m just happy you’re considering it, because I really enjoyed these books. I’ve been saving Riordan’s Egyptian series, so there’s always that. 😉 Thanks!
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Okay, so I still haven’t BoO, but I’m so excited! Great review of Percy and The Lost Hero — didn’t read BoO’s because I’m starting it soooooon!
-Jon from Bookish Antics!
I wanted to savor it, but I couldn’t wait! Plus I was afraid of internet spoilers. Thanks! I hope you like it! 🙂
I enjoyed the Lightning Thief. Stopped there but you have inspired me to continue. Great reviews.
I’m so glad you’re going to give it another shot! 🙂 The Lighting Thief is good, but I think Riordan just had too many ideas and tried to use them all, the other books are even better! Thank you.
Great review.
I must say I have the same complaint about the lack of that one particular POV. The scene with Percy and Jackson at the bottom of the sea almost made me think that the author was making him retire.
And I’m not so sure we’ve seen the last of this literary universe.
Thanks! Yeah, it wasn’t the same without Percy. I don’t think the character could ever retire, the monsters and gods won’t let him. I’m not giving up hope yet, I thought Percy Jackson was over once only to have him come back. 🙂
And there is a real chance that both of Riordan’s universes are brought together. He has already started bridging them in some short stories.
I haven’t read those yet, but I love that it’s all connected. The new series is going to be connected to, because the main character is Annabeth Chase’s cousin!
I love the Percy Jackson series and read them all! I haven’t read any of Rick RIordan’s other books- but I want to soon. I think I will start with The Last Hero! (Thanks for mentioning about the spoilers- I skipped them). 🙂
The Last Hero is a good place to start since Percy Jackson’s in that series too. I want to read the Egyptian ones, but I’m currently hording them. Of course, I hate it when people spoil things for me.
I really enjoyed your review! This series was amazing — I had trouble loving Jason at first (too perfect.. and not Percy). But I see why Riordan left out Percy’s and Annabeth’s out of the last book… he wanted to torture us! (Mission accomplished!). But I liked that in the event he ever gets bored and wants to write up another awesome quest (maybe bring back the spirit of Delphi from wherever he stuck her) the loose strands are all there to pick up. Oh, and Leo…. best new character!
Thank you. 🙂 Jason was fine, but he just didn’t have the personality that Percy has. Yes, he most definitely wanted to torture us! I thought the series was over once and he decided to write another series, so I still have hope. They’re all great characters, but I agree Leo’s one of the best!
BLOOD OF OLYMPUS. JUST, WORDS FAIL ME.
Nico getting over Percy was undeniably one of the best parts of the book. (Percy’s cluelessness was just hilarious 😀 ) The few things that irked me about BoO were just that Rick Riordan didn’t show the after effects of Tartarus. Were they traumatized, get ill, or what? The fight wasn’t hard enough, Gaia was defeated too easily – AND MORE ON PERCY AND ANNABETH, PLEASE 😛
And finally, I wanted some kind of epilogue. I knew Rick wouldn’t write one, but it felt somewhat…like a loose end. *shrugs*
Gosh, this comment makes it seem like it was a bad book. But lol, I couldn’t stop fangirling 😀 I LOVED ALL YOUR MINI REVIEWS. YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST RESPECTS FOR TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO READ PJ AND HoO :3
I know, I can’t believe it’s over!
Yes! Nico’s confession was the BEST! I want to read it from Percy’s Point of View now!
I agree! For all that build up she got beat too easily. Plus there were things hinted at that weren’t used. Like Percy’s flaw. (Maybe a sequel? I know, I’m delusional, but a girl can hope) I think Tartarus did effect them we just didn’t get to get inside their heads. They’re not the sort of characters to let it show.
I’m hoping there wasn’t an epilogue because he’s not sure if he’s done and that’s why he doesn’t want to wrap everything up.
I understand, it was hard to review, because it was SO GREAT, but not perfect.
Thank you! 😀 It can’t hurt to try. (Though I’m still bugging my sister to read it)
Great review! I just love how the series keeps becoming better- and how much more diverse the members are. It’s absolutely amazing the characters he has created and how they reflect on all his readers too! Blood of Olympus was absolutely amazing and I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of the book too, so no complaints there! 😀