Rick Riordan
EXPECTATIONS
I could not contain my excitement journeying on our beloved trio’s next quest towards obtaining the second recommendation letter for Percy’s college admission into New Roman University. I was optimistic and quite sure that Rick Riordan would lead, as per usual, with his excellent writing and story telling, leaving me eager, bright eyed, and in high hopes of the second adventure in this series.
STORY
This time, our trio must undergo a quest for the ever dramatic and eccentric Hecate, goddess of magic and crossroads. This includes house sitting and pet sitting her hellhound Hecuba and polecat Gale, and, just like any other Percy Jackson book come before, something is bound to head south. The pacing of the story is perfect and in the usual Rick Riordan fashion, easy to follow along as our heroes navigate through the ups and downs of their latest trials. I thoroughly enjoyed the tactics and strategies our trio devised to evade and outsmart their opposition, reinforcing how excellent they are as a team. There are, most definitely, rough patches and deep puddles that Percy and Grover must hurdle over, but they are able to navigate these strong emotions and circumstances the way two brothers who genuinely love each other do. And of course, Percy and Annabeth demonstrate, once again, how both are forever willing to selflessly carry each other’s pains and burdens, with love, duty, and camaraderie.
CHARACTERS
Now, I absolutely adore Percy; however, in the first half of the book, his one-liners, sarcasm, and comebacks felt overly exaggerated. I am unsure what the author’s aim was, or why he chose to overdo it instead of letting Percy’s natural wit and humor shine through. The dialogue in Percy’s mind felt almost juvenile, like he was not a high school senior or the Percy we all know, which truly felt like I was reading the story through a stranger’s perspective. On the bright side, towards the middle and end of the book (and I can tell you exactly which chapter), but the Percy I came to know and love, finally revealed himself. The narration did not feel try hard, but relaxed and familiar, and Percy felt like an old friend returned. Throughout the story, Rick Riordan assures us that Percy’s heart is, and always will be, in the right place, but the writing at the start was definitely rough and unexpected. I am hoping that the author will stay true to the dynamic and authentic way he has always brought Percy to life, and that he remembers that our beloved character does not have to change for anyone.
Bookheart 
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