This is big news guys. Big News.
If that's not a testament to how much I love this author, this series, and these characters - then I don't know what could be. Also, I really just had to know what happened after the end of Mark of Athena (because? Holy cliff-hanger Batman!). What I wasn't anticipating (but should have seen coming with Riordan's sarcastic dedication on page 1) was another, crazier cliff-hanger in this novel.
I cannot believe I have to wait until Fall 2014 for the final installment of this series (or that the series will be completely over after Fall 2014).
If you haven't gotten yourself into the Percy Jackson universe yet. You really need to. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Also, as a quick note: if you haven't gotten to this point in the series (meaning you at least haven't finished Mark of Athena) you really don't want to read the rest of this review. There's no way not to spoil the last book when talking about this one. So, please consider yourselves warned. Spoilers for Mark of Athena as well as House of Hades lay ahead. Proceed at your own risk.
WHAT WAS WRITTEN
At the end of The Mark of Athena Annabeth and Percy had fallen deep into the belly of the Earth - into the depths of Tartarus. And now they must find a way to survive the Underworld and make it back out on the other side - via the Doors of Death.
The other five demigods have an equally daunting task ahead of them. They have to put aside their worries for Percy and Annabeth and follow Percy's instructions to meet them at the mortal side of the Doors of Death. And they have to do this while fighting their way through Gaia's mounting forces.
If all seven demigods are able to reach their respective sides of the Doors of Death in time there is a chance they might be able to seal them off for good and stop the giants (and other awful minions of Gaia) from rising. The big question at the back of everyone's mind, however, is if the doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth escape?
And if this wasn't enough, the Roman army is marching on Camp Half Blood while the seven are busy trying to save the world.
With The House of Hades Rick Riordan has yet again sent his readers along for a crazy, dangerous, and suspenseful ride.
WHAT MY BRAIN HAS TO SAY ON THE MATTER
You mean I have to wait until next fall to find out what the heck is going to happen? I give up. Seriously.
Okay, no I don't.
Let's start with that dedication, Rick Riordan. I knew I was in for it when I opened House of Hades and saw "To my wonderful readers: Sorry about that last cliff-hanger. Well, no, not really. HAHAHAHA. But seriously, I love you guys" staring out back at me. You see, that cliff-hanger at the end of Mark of Athena? It killed me. And seeing that dedication told me I was in for quite another cliff-hander at the end of this one. Thanks, Rick, we love you too. But my nerves (to quote Mrs. Bennett)? They're fed up with you. In the most loving and heartfelt way.
Okay, onto the rest of the book: I loved it. It's as simple as that , but let's break it down a little.
I loved the depictions of Tartarus as a living, breathing entity. It kind of made up for my lack-luster enjoyment of Percy and Annabeth's relationship through the pit. Yes, I care for them both deeply and love that they're together. And I get that their love for each other was their defining motive for making it through each and every step of Tartarus. But I think I was just a little bored of them - of their incessant, no, let me sacrifice myself for you! and their completely selfless worry. I found myself trying to read their parts faster to get to the action of the other five demigods. Which was also hard because I was absolutely fascinated by Percy's recognition of aspects of the place - from the bodily images of being inside Tartarus to Bob and Little Bob (who I love). I think Tartarus might be one of Riordan's best inventions yet.
And then Piper. Woah, girl! Where did that come from? The charmspeak and the sword fighting? Girl is a beast - and I love that Riordan finally gave her the attention she deserves. Not that she was ignored previously, but her role just upped itself so much in my eyes as well as the other demigods. And Frank too. Man, his character development was pretty epic in this book. It's nice to see him step out of his own shadow and just take ownership of his destiny. I cannot think of a character who I've been so proud of recently. And Leo. I think I will always love that guy - the comedic relief, the dedication to his friends, his imagination. He's one of my favorite Characters that Riordan has ever created. It's nice to see his self doubt diminish a little bit when he has to leave Calypso. Which helps him grow up so much in this book. He becomes so much more of himself and is given such a sense of purpose. I cannot wait to see how his story ends.
All in all, Riordan did a really great job with this book after the cliff he left all of us clinging to. I feel like a lot of my questions got answered. It's hard to believe that I have to wait a whole year to see how this will all play out. Simultaneously, It's hard to believe that there's only one more Percy Jackson novel. I can't decide if I want Riordan to write more Percy-esque novels or if I want the series to be left alone as it is (er, will be).
We'll see. I do have a whole year to think about this.
You mean I have to wait until next fall to find out what the heck is going to happen? I give up. Seriously.
Okay, no I don't.
Let's start with that dedication, Rick Riordan. I knew I was in for it when I opened House of Hades and saw "To my wonderful readers: Sorry about that last cliff-hanger. Well, no, not really. HAHAHAHA. But seriously, I love you guys" staring out back at me. You see, that cliff-hanger at the end of Mark of Athena? It killed me. And seeing that dedication told me I was in for quite another cliff-hander at the end of this one. Thanks, Rick, we love you too. But my nerves (to quote Mrs. Bennett)? They're fed up with you. In the most loving and heartfelt way.
Okay, onto the rest of the book: I loved it. It's as simple as that , but let's break it down a little.
I loved the depictions of Tartarus as a living, breathing entity. It kind of made up for my lack-luster enjoyment of Percy and Annabeth's relationship through the pit. Yes, I care for them both deeply and love that they're together. And I get that their love for each other was their defining motive for making it through each and every step of Tartarus. But I think I was just a little bored of them - of their incessant, no, let me sacrifice myself for you! and their completely selfless worry. I found myself trying to read their parts faster to get to the action of the other five demigods. Which was also hard because I was absolutely fascinated by Percy's recognition of aspects of the place - from the bodily images of being inside Tartarus to Bob and Little Bob (who I love). I think Tartarus might be one of Riordan's best inventions yet.
And then Piper. Woah, girl! Where did that come from? The charmspeak and the sword fighting? Girl is a beast - and I love that Riordan finally gave her the attention she deserves. Not that she was ignored previously, but her role just upped itself so much in my eyes as well as the other demigods. And Frank too. Man, his character development was pretty epic in this book. It's nice to see him step out of his own shadow and just take ownership of his destiny. I cannot think of a character who I've been so proud of recently. And Leo. I think I will always love that guy - the comedic relief, the dedication to his friends, his imagination. He's one of my favorite Characters that Riordan has ever created. It's nice to see his self doubt diminish a little bit when he has to leave Calypso. Which helps him grow up so much in this book. He becomes so much more of himself and is given such a sense of purpose. I cannot wait to see how his story ends.
All in all, Riordan did a really great job with this book after the cliff he left all of us clinging to. I feel like a lot of my questions got answered. It's hard to believe that I have to wait a whole year to see how this will all play out. Simultaneously, It's hard to believe that there's only one more Percy Jackson novel. I can't decide if I want Riordan to write more Percy-esque novels or if I want the series to be left alone as it is (er, will be).
We'll see. I do have a whole year to think about this.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Title: The House of Hades (The Heros of Olympus #4)
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure
Medium: Hard Cover, 597pp
Publisher: Hyperion Books (8 October 2013)
Date Read: 25 October 2013
Source: Purchased @ Barnes & Noble
Recommended For: Middle School+, YA Lovers, Fantasy Lovers, Mythology Eethusiasts
Challenges: Goodreads
First Line: During the third attack, Hazel almost ate a boulder.
Favorite Line: To my wonderful readers: Sorry about that last cliff-hanger. Well, no, not really. HAHAHAHA. But seriously, I love you guys.
Last Line: The Argo II sailed into the night. [whited out, for spoiler's sake]
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