It's the first book in Rick Riordan's newest series, the sequel series to his Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, and I thought it was even better than The Lightning Thief. The story is told from the points of view of three new characters, but it picks up only a few months after where The Last Olympian ended. So, you're going to recognize a lot of characters. I loved the twists the story took, and I can't believe how long it took me to figure out where "the lost hero" was. Though I'm sure that was Mr. Riordan's intent; my attention was thoroughly diverted elsewhere.
If you enjoyed the Percy Jackson books, you'll love this one. Besides the new characters, he's added layers that I'm not going to spoil for you. The way Rick Riordan uses mythology without ever letting information bog down the story, without ever confusing his readers, amazes me. Easy reading is hard to write, and this book kept me up late (because I had to know how it would end). Ben shook his head over when I went to bed, but he's probably reading The Lost Hero tomorrow, and then we'll see ;)
If you haven't read the previous series, you could still pick this up and love it, but the first series is very much worth reading. You can read my recommendation here.
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is Shannon Whitney Messenger's brainchild, and today, she's not only telling you why you should read The Mysterious Benedict Society, she's giving away a copy.
Have a great week!
Yay for MMGM! My post will be live in a few hours--but I am so excited to see yours. I will be featuring this one--as soon as I have a chance to read it (why why why is life so busy?) But I must admit, I've been stunned at how little blogger buzz it's gotten. We seriously need to pay more attention to MG in the blogosphere. I intend to do everything I can!
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this Myra. You = Awesome!
Thanks for the great review. I have it on reserve at the library. Can't wait to read it. I agree with Shannon. People need to focus on MG more on blogs. Thanks for spotlighting it.
ReplyDeleteBoth sound great!
ReplyDeleteI love books you can't put down. Except for being exhausted at work the next day!
I love mg's...Thanks for the great review, Myrna!
ReplyDeleteMy 10 yo son's reading it. I get it after him. :D
ReplyDeleteI saw this last week at Sam's Club and wondered how it was, so thanks for the recommend. I read the first Percy Jackson and enjoyed it, my son LOVED them, so I'm sure he'll be all over this. Thanks! Have you read The Red Pyramid? Good story, too.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea! Wow, I am missing another series by Riordan! I read Percy Jackson so fast and then am waiting for the next book in the Kane Chronicles, off to request it, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI need a new series for my grandson. What age would you say this caters to?
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Thanks for the recommendation, Myrna! I've read the first two books in the Percy Jackson series but haven't gotten around to the others. Knowing the spin-off series is so good will givce me new motivation to read the rest of the first.
ReplyDeleteI read the first series and I thought it was pretty good. He followed the mythology really well. The only things that bugged me about the first series was some of the descriptions of the monsers, (he changed how they looked) and how farther into the series when ever one of the characters uses an exlamation they say "Oh Gods." I think that is a little to close to swearing and taking our Lords name in vain. Besides those two things I think it was a very good series.
ReplyDeleteKelly, I haven't read The Red Pyramid yet, but I intend to.
ReplyDeleteSue, it appeals to lots of people. I'm not sure how old your grandson is or what kind of reader he is, but Robyn devoured the first series at ten.
Thanks for the review! My daughter LOVES this author!
ReplyDeletetaffy.lovell@gmail.com
I'm glad to hear this. The reviews for his other new series about Egyptian gods were not favorable.
ReplyDeleteI saw that he had a new book out. We listened to the first book in the last series during a road trip to North Carolina. We all loved it, and when I got back, I read the rest of the series. Can't wait to be able to settle down with this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the wait list for that book (at least, I think I am. I should double-check.) I loved the Percy Jackson series, so I know I'll like this one too.
ReplyDelete"Besides the new characters, he's added layers that I'm not going to spoil for you. The way Rick Riordan uses mythology without ever letting information bog down the story, without ever confusing his readers, amazes me."
ReplyDeleteYES! I agree so much with this! I loved this book. Percy's still my favorite character, but I love the direction Riordan's going with the mythology.
Thanks for the review, I'll pick it up for my niece!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for this book. I am a serious fangirl of RR.
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
This sounds like a great book! I've read the Lightning Thief and loved it, he's so talented!
ReplyDeleteI loved The Lost Hero! I couldn't stop reading it, either. I wonder why it hasn't gotten more publicity than - or even just as much publicity as - the Percy Jackson books, because it's so fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Riordan yet. I've been reading more MG lately, so maybe I'll pick these up.
ReplyDeleteI have this on audio and need to get to it. (Since I loved Red Pyramid and all the PJ books.)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the rec, Myrna! :o)
I haven't read any of Rick Riordan's books and I'm thinking that's where I'm headed next, as soon as I finish the Potter series for the zillionth time!
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