The Blood of Olympus (Heroes of Olympus, bk 5)

by Rick Riordan

Libby audiobook 14 hours

read by Nick Chamian

Published: 2014

Genre: YA fantasy

A continuation of the story. Percy, Annabeth, Leo, Frank, and Hazel are in Athens. Nico travels with Reyna to return the Athena Parthenos to Camp Halfblood before the Romans and Greeks get into war (and before Gaea arises). I forgot where Jason and Piper were . . . it was good, but I was often mentally focused on other things as the story unwound.

I'm not sure I even have a favorite part, though Nico deciding to stay at Camp Half Blood at the end was nice.

The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus bk 3)

by Rick Riordan

Libby audiobook

read by Joshua Swanson

Published: 2012

Genre: YA fantasy, mythology

Not sure why I'm continuing on with this series, but it's fluffy fun. (Though it does make me think about how an author could write Christian stories that draw young readers in the way Riordan does with mythology. Thank you, C.S. Lewis, for the Chronicles of Narnia.) This one focuses on Annabeth (sort of). My favorite part was in the aquarium in Atlanta and Frank, Leo, and Hazel warning Percy about the treatment of the sea creatures. Knowing me, I'll probably go ahead and finish the series after I get done with some of the other audiobooks I have loaded now.

The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus, bk 2)

by Rick Riordan

Libby audiobook 13.5 hours

read by Joshua Swanson

Published: 2013

Genre: YA fiction, mythology

 

It just occurred to me that I've probably blogged about this book already. Percy is chased by Gorgons, ends up at Camp Jupiter (the Roman counterpart to Camp Halfblood), befriends Frank and Hazel, they go on a dangerous quest, and at the end of the story the Argo II shows up with the people from book 1.

 

It was a more pleasant "listen" than the last book I had, but I definitely need to take time to find good audiobooks that I haven't already read . . . 

The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus, book 4)

by Rick Riordan
PRMS hardcover 583 pages
genre: YA fantasy, mythology

It was easier for me to keep the characters straight in this book. Percy and Annabeth, Jason and Piper, Frank and Hazel. Leo. Nico. Coach Hedge has always been pretty clear . . . Kill! Anyhow, another fun romp through modern day Earth with a huge infusion of Greek and Roman mythology. The trip through Tartarus (Bob!) and Leo's exile to Calypso's island were my favorites. I am eager for the next book!

 

<Above posted 7.22.14 Below added 11.8.21>

 

With all the books that I've never read, I'm not sure why I'm "re-reading" these . . . but I do tend to want to finish a series once I've started. I listened to this on Libby audio. It's nice to have an audiobook when I do so much driving, though sometimes the car / phone bluetooth technology doesn't work the way I expect. 

The Mark of Athena

by Rick Riordan
PRMS hardcover 574 pages
genre: YA fantasy

A little confusing with all seven demigod heroes plus extra characters in this story. Basically, Annabeth needs to find the Athena Parthenos (a giant statue of Athena that has been missing for millenia) and the other six heroes need to rescue Nico. Gaea is rising, evil spirits called eidolons are trying to possess the heroes, and there are the usual fights and problems that arise on their journey to Rome. There's also the Greek / Roman problem. Fun, interesting, but not my favorite of his books. Of course, I'll read the next book in the series . . .

Favorite part: Annabeth outwitting Arachne.

The Son of Neptune

by Rick Riordan
PRMS hardcover 513 pages
genre: YA action adventure, mythology

Percy has "lost" eight months of his life when he stumbles upon Camp Jupiter. The Romans take him in, but he especially befriends Hazel and Frank. The unlikely trio go on a quest to rescue the god of death, Thanatos. Great fun, though it dragged a bit in places. Frank and Hazel are wonderful characters. I wonder how the Sammy / Leo drama will unfold . . . I need to read book 3!

The Lost Hero

by Rick Riordan
PRMS hardcover 553 pages
genre: YA adventure, mythology

Although this is a re-read, I want to blog it while it's fresh in my mind. I'm not always good about keeping track . . .
Percy Jackson has gone missing and Annabeth is searching for him.
Jason Grace shows up on a bus on a field trip remembering nothing about himself, much less his "girlfriend" Piper or his "friend" Leo.
The three end up at Camp Half-Blood where they learn about their demigod status, their powers, and their quest. They must save Hera before the king of the giants Porphyron rises and Gaea fully reawakens.
My favorite parts are Leo fixing Festus, the giant bronze dragon, and Piper getting control of the Aphrodite cabin from Drew.
Fun story.

 

<The above entered 4.24.14. Below added 10.1.21.>

I didn't realize this was my *third* time reading this book. For the most part, it bugged me. But I had the audiobook on Libby and was in my car a lot. It worked well to listen while I drove. (Technology. Wow. My phone and car are smarter than I am!)

 

Reasons it bugged me:

• in the height of action / fighting, someone having a conversation about something not related to a life and death struggle
• the long section between Piper and Hera . . . about mythology . . . 
•  there was something else, but I didn't jot any notes and I don't care that much

 

This time my favorites were Coach (the satyr) and Mele (the wind spirit). Read by Joshua Swanson, it was a good way to pass car time. I've already requested book two . . . not sure why right now. But the other audiobook I have on my phone has been torture and I wanted something a bit more enjoyable. More on that later.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Riordan
PRMS
genre: YA mythology, fantasy fiction

I'm re-reading while on the elliptical at work. Don't want to blog each one . . . but making a note. Finished The Titan's Curse (book 3 - Artemis & the Hunters / appearance of Bianca & Nico DeAngelo / San Francisco / The General = Atlas). These are just plain fun books. Started The Battle of the Labyrinth . . . not sure why I didn't do a re-read of #1 and #2.

The Serpent's Shadow

by Rick Riordan
PRMS hardcover 401 pages
genre: fantasy adventure, Egyptian mythology

The final part of the trilogy. Wonderful conclusion, though I really wanted them to find an actual cure for Walt (Akhenaton's curse). Enjoyed the story and the two wonderful young narrators.

The Throne of Fire

by Rick Riordan
PRMS hardcover 447 pages
book two in the Kane Chronicles
genre: fantasy, Egyptian mythology

Sadie and Carter are at it again - saving the world while having bizarre experiences as Egyptian magicians. I LOVE the voices of these two young people - Riordan can embody the voice and attitude of a 13-year-old British girl - simply amazing. They need to find three pieces of a scroll so they can awaken Ra and prevent Apophis from rising. They have been busy training initiates, but Carter is obsessing about finding Zia and Sadie is trying to figure out her personal love triangle with Anubis and Walt.
Reading these makes me curious about Egyptian mythology, something I know little about. I'm not sure why students don't seem to like this series as well as the Percy Jackson books . . . are they more challenging to read? Do the two narrators throw them off? Is Egyptian mythology less accessible than Greek? I'm appreciative of Riordan's talent. I like that there is humor in with the action and adventure.

The Red Pyramid

by Rick Riordan
Kane Chronicles 1
PRMS paperback 516 pages
genre: fantasy / mythology adventure

Carter and Sadie are siblings being raised apart. Egyptian mythology, good vs. evil, Sadie is younger but also bolder. Their uncle Amos. Goddess Bast. Lots of fighting and travel portals.

Good, but I'm too tired to blog.

The Lightning Thief, Sea of Monsters, The TItan's Curse

by Rick Riordan
various formats - audio
reader?
genre: YA adventure, fantasy

It's been fun to re-"read" these titles. It freshens my memory for tomorrow's discussion of the Lost Hero. Interesting phenomenon that Riordan created . . .

The Lost Hero

by Rick Riordan
Peter Mobeck's copy, 552 pages

Just like the Percy Jackson series, this was very readable, action-packed, and full of fun characters and unbelievable turns of event. We'll discuss it at eighth grade book club next week. I enjoyed it, but found the improbable last-minute escapes to be a bit much. Leo and Festus were my favorite parts. . .

The Last Olympian

by Rick Riordan
PRMS, hardcover, ? pages

Wow. This series just got better and better with each book. I really enjoyed this conclusion to the story as the Olympians and the Titans do battle. Percy has grown and matured, other characters' storylines and futures are more thoroughly dealt with, mysteries are woven and unwoven. Delightful!

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Demigod Files

by Rick Riordan
PRMS, 140 pages, hardcover

A student told me I "had" to read this before reading book five. It's a delightful little book, written as though told to other demi-gods. There are three short stories, some interviews, drawings, etc. I enjoyed the three stories and how they enriched our view of some characters (especially Clarisse and Nico). Delightful book. Quick read.

The Battle of the Labyrinth

by Rick Riordan
PRMS paperback 361 pages

In this installment, Percy and friends try to find Daedalus in the labyrinth that he built. They know that Luke will try to attack Camp Half-Blood through an entrance to the labyrinth. Adventure, danger, and some flirting ensue.

I'm so glad that kids are excited about reading these books and getting genuinely interested in mythology as a result! I'm looking forward to reading the last book to see who will fulfill the prophecy.

The Titan's Curse

by Rick Riordan
PRMS paperback 312 pages

Book 3 in the Percy Jackson series. Thalia, Annabeth, and Percy rush to help Grover retrieve two half-bloods from a mysterious school. But more and more dangerous monsters are loose and on the attack.

Like: action, mythology woven in, some unexpected turns
Dislike: Nico disappearing without a trace, Bianca's body not being found . . . too many loose ends (so read the next book already!)

The Sea of Monsters

by Rick Riordan
PRMS, paperback, 279 pages

Delightful, of course. My students were appalled that I hadn't read past the first Percy Jackson book. In this one, Percy has dreams of Grover in danger. Percy and Annabeth set out with Percy's new "friend" Tyson, who happens to be a young cyclops. Adventure, humor, and relationship lessons happen.