Review- The Lightning Thief: Illustrated Edition (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Lightning Thief: Illustrated Edition

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1

Author: Rick Riordan

Illustrator: John Rocco

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology

Publication date: July 2005

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Purchased hardcover

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Synopsis: Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school . . . again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

This deluxe gift edition of the internationally best-selling first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, lavishly illustrated by series artist John Rocco, is a must-have for Riordan fans.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I have owned this copy of The Lightning Thief FOR YEARS but I had not read it. I first read The Lightning Thief I think maybe 13 years ago? So it’s been a while. So with the new TV show coming out, I thought this would be the perfect time to revisit this book and finally read the illustrated edition.

Review: Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan

Title: Daughter of the Deep

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, sci-fi, fantasy

Publication date: January 2021

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan pays homage to Jules Verne in his exciting modern take on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Ana Dakkar is a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, a five-year high school that graduates the best marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers in the world. Ana's parents died while on a scientific expedition two years ago, and the only family she's got left is her older brother, Dev, also a student at HP. Ana's freshman year culminates with the class's weekend trial at sea, the details of which have been kept secret. She only hopes she has what it'll take to succeed. All her worries are blown out of the water when, on the bus ride to the ship, Ana and her schoolmates witness a terrible tragedy that will change the trajectory of their lives.

But wait, there's more. The professor accompanying them informs Ana that their rival school, Land Institute, and Harding-Pencroft have been fighting a cold war for a hundred and fifty years. Now that cold war has been turned up to a full broil, and the freshmen are in danger of becoming fish food. In a race against deadly enemies, Ana will make amazing friends and astounding discoveries about her heritage as she puts her leadership skills to the test for the first time.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I love mythology and I love Rick Riordan’s takes on all these different myths, but I was very excited to read something new and a little different from him! This book was inspired by the classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I didn't know anything about it, so I was excited to dive into it (pun absolutely intended 😆) and learn more through Rick Riordan's writing. And I ended up really enjoying it!

Review: The Hunt (Project Paper Doll #2) by Stacey Kade

Title: The Hunt

Series: Project Paper Doll #2

Previous book in this series: The Rules

Author: Stacey Kade

Genre: YA, sci-fi, paranormal romance

Publication date: April 2014

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Ariane Tucker has finally escaped GTX, the research facility that created her. While on the run, Zane Bradshaw is the only person she can trust. He knows who-and what-she is and still wants to be part of her life.

But accepting Zane's help means putting him in danger.

Dr. Jacobs, head of GTX, is not the only one hunting for Ariane. Two rival corporations have their sights set on taking down their competition. Permanently. To protect Zane and herself, Ariane needs allies. She needs the other hybrids. The hybrids who are way more alien and a lot less human. Can Ariane win them over before they turn on her? Or will she be forced to choose sides, to decide who lives and who dies?

My rating: ★★★★★

This book picks up right where The Rules left off, with Ariane and Zane on the run from the lab and the scientist who created Ari. She may be free of the lab for now, but they’re still looking for her. Her only chance is to recruit the other hybrids from the other competitors. Unfortunately, these hybrids are a lot less human than Ari is. They are... unsettling, to say the least.

Review: The Rules (Project Paper Doll #1) by Stacey Kade

Title: The Rules

Series: Project Paper Doll #1

Author: Stacey Kade

Genre: YA, sci-fi, paranormal romance

Publication date: April 2013

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

1. Never trust anyone.
2. Remember they are always searching.
3. Don't get involved.
4. Keep your head down.
5. Don't fall in love.

Five simple rules. Ariane Tucker has followed them since the night she escaped from the genetics lab where she was created, the result of combining human and extraterrestrial DNA. Ariane's survival-and that of her adoptive father-depends on her ability to blend in among the full-blooded humans, to hide in plain sight from those who seek to recover their lost (and expensive) "project."

But when a cruel prank at school goes awry, it puts Ariane in the path of Zane Bradshaw, the police chief's son and someone who sees too much. Someone who really sees her. After years of trying to be invisible, Ariane finds the attention frightening-and utterly intoxicating. Suddenly, nothing is simple anymore, especially not the rules.

My rating: ★★★★★

The trouble with rules, though, is that you’ll always be tempted to break one—for the right reasons, due to unavoidable circumstances, because it feels as if there’s no other choice. And once you break one, the rest seem like so much broken glass. The damage is already done.

I had this book on my tbr for 11 years! ELEVEN! That is insane, especially considering how much I enjoyed it! Before starting this book I had read a bunch of, you know, good books, but nothing amazing. And then this one came along and I fell in love with it!

Review: Spell Bound (Hex Hall #3) by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Spell Bound

Series: Hex Hall #3

Previous books in this series: Hex Hall (#1) | Demonglass (#2)

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Genre: YA, paranormal

Publication date: March 2012

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Library book

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Synopsis:

Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

My rating: ★★★★☆
I love anything witchy and magical, and Spell Bound was just a fun read! This whole series was amazing! Snarky Sophie and swoon-worthy Archer... LOVE! There were a lot of surprising twists and turns in the story, which I loved. And it was just a fantastic ending to the series, but it makes me sad! *cries*

Review: Demigods & Magicians (Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles Crossover #1-3) by Rick Riordan

Title: Demigods & Magicians

Series: Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles Crossover #1-3 | Percy Jackson and the Olympians | The Heroes of Olympus | The Kane Chronicles

Novellas in this book: The Son of Sobek (#1) | The Staff of Serapis (#2) | The Crown of Ptolemy (#3)

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology, Egyptian mythology

Publication date: April 2016

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own hardcover

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Synopsis:

Magic, monsters, and mayhem abound when Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase meet Carter and Sadie Kane for the first time. Weird creatures are appearing in unexpected places, and the demigods and magicians have to team up to take them down. As they battle with Celestial Bronze and glowing hieroglyphs, the four heroes find that they have a lot in common--and more power than they ever thought possible. But will their combined forces be enough to foil an ancient enemy who is mixing Greek and Egyptian incantations for an evil purpose? Rick Riordan wields his usual storytelling magic in this adrenaline-fueled adventure.

My rating: ★★★★★

First of all, yes, I do own each individual e-book plus this physical copy of the book that bundles together all three stories :)

Review: The Blood of Olympus (The Heroes of Olympus #5) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Blood of Olympus

Series: The Heroes of Olympus #5

Previous books in this series: The Lost Hero (#1) | The Son of Neptune (#2) | The Mark of Athena (#3) | The House of Hades (#4)

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology, Roman mythology

Publication date: October 2014

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own Hardcover

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Synopsis:

Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen—all of them—and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood—the blood of Olympus—in order to wake.

The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it "might" be able to stop a war between the two camps.

The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.

My rating: ★★★★★
So, in this book, the demigods are trying to get the Athena Parthenos to Camp Half-Blood before all hell breaks loose and an all out war is started... all while trying to keep Gaea from waking up fully.

Review: The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Sword of Summer

Series: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Norse mythology

Publication date: October 2015

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own Hardcover

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Synopsis:

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die...

My rating: ★★★★★
Do I even need to mention that I loved this book? You all know Rick Riordan is my favorite author, so I doubt it ;) But I'm going to say it anyway, I LOVED it!! I loved the mythology! While Greek mythology is my favorite, really, I find all mythology interesting and am always up to learning more about them. As is the case with Norse mythology. I am a bit familiar but not nearly as much as I am with Greek mythology. Which is one of the things I love about this: you learn about mythology but in a fun way! I particularly love that we got into the more minor gods, because we all pretty much know about Thor and Loki, mostly thanks to Marvel (not that I’m complaining... even though the mythos in the MCU isn’t all that accurate to the classic Norse mythology).

Review: The Demigod Files (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Demigod Files

Companion book to: Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Author: Rick Riordon

Genre: Middle Grade, fantasy, Greek mythology

Publication date: February 2009

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own Hardcover

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Synopsis:

How do you handle an encounter with Medusa on the New Jersey interstate? What's the best way to take down a Minotaur? Become an expert on everything in Percy's world with this must-have guide to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Complete with interviews, puzzles, games, and original short stories by Rick Riordan.

My rating:

The Demigod Files is such a fun book! Not only does it have fun interviews with the hilarious Stoll brothers (on pulling pranks), Annabeth (on Percy Jackson, hehehe), Grover, and, of course, Percy Jackson himself, but it also has a map of Camp Half-Blood, a crossword puzzle, word search, and my favorite: short stories!

Review- MARY: The Summoning (Bloody Mary #1) by Hillary Monahan

Title: MARY: The Summoning

Series: Bloody Mary #1

Author: Hillary Monahan

Genre: YA, horror

Publication date: Sept. 2 2014

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: E-ARC from publishers via Netgalley

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Synopsis:

There is a right way and a wrong way to summon her.

Jess had done the research. Success requires precision: a dark room, a mirror, a candle, salt, and four teenage girls. Each of them--Jess, Shauna, Kitty, and Anna--must link hands, follow the rules . . . and never let go.

A thrilling fear spins around the room the first time Jess calls her name: "Bloody Mary. Bloody Mary. BLOODY MARY." A ripple of terror follows when a shadowy silhouette emerges through the fog, a specter trapped behind the mirror.

Once is not enough, though--at least not for Jess. Mary is called again. And again. But when their summoning circle is broken, Bloody Mary slips through the glass with a taste for revenge on her lips. As the girls struggle to escape Mary's wrath, loyalties are questioned, friendships are torn apart, and lives are forever altered.

A haunting trail of clues leads Shauna on a desperate search to uncover the legacy of Mary Worth. What she finds will change everything, but will it be enough to stop Mary--and Jess--before it's too late?

My rating: ★★★★★
Oh man, this book, you guys... I don't have words to tell you how awesome this books was! It was creepy and haunting and oh-so good!

Review: The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4) by Rick Riordan

Title: The House of Hades

Series: The Heroes of Olympus #4

Previous books in this series: The Lost Hero (#1) | The Son of Neptune (#2) | The Mark of Athena (#3)

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology, Roman mythology

Publication date: October 2013

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own hardcover

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Synopsis:

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

My rating: ★★★★★
[WARNING: Major spoilers from the previous book, The Mark of Athena. Otherwise, it's spoiler free if you have not read HoH :)]

Holy Hades, this book was AMAZING! That is no surprise, of course, seeing as how much I love mythology and all of Rick Riordan's books ;) And after the crazy cliffhanger (quite literally, too) in The Mark of Athena, I was ecstatic to finally start on this book and dive into this world that I love so much! But OH MY GODS! I don't think I can review this book without fangirling all over the place! It was just so absolutely PERFECT!

Review: The Staff of Serapis (Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles Crossover #2) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Staff of Serapis

Series: Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles Crossover #2 | Percy Jackson and the Olympians | The Heroes of Olympus | The Kane Chronicles

Previous novella in this series: The Son of Sobek

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology, Roman mythology

Publication date: May 2014

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own e-book

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Synopsis:

In this adventure, Annabeth encounters more oddities in the subway than usual, including a two-headed monster and a younger blond girl who reminds her a little of herself. This is the story fans have asked for, in which Annabeth Chase teams up with Sadie Kane. The demigod daughter of Athena and the young magician from Brooklyn House take on a larger-than-life foe from the ancient world. Perhaps even more disturbing than the power-hungry god they encounter is the revelation that he is being controlled by someone—someone all too familiar to Sadie. As a special bonus, the first chapter of THE BLOOD OF OLYMPUS, the final book in The Heroes of Olympus series, is included.

My rating: ★★★★★
In The Staff of Serapis, we have Annabeth who is just minding her business in downtown NY, when all of a sudden she see a monster... that ignores her? And to top it off she has never seen anything like it! So she follows said monster and runs into a feisty British girl (Sadie!) who is also hunting a devious little creature. Without giving too much away, Annabeth and Sadie team up to fight this monster and something much bigger that they did not expect... they need to stop it before it destroys the world. But then again, these seems to be their normal ;)

Review: Deep Blue (Waterfire Saga #1) by Jennifer Donnelly

Title: Deep Blue

Series: Waterfire Saga #1

Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Genre: YA, fantasy, paranormal

Publication date: May 6th, 2014

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: From publishers via Netgalley for review

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Synopsis:

Deep in the ocean, in a world not so different from our own, live the merpeople. Their communities are spread throughout the oceans, seas, and freshwaters all over the globe.

When Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, awakens on the morning of her betrothal, her biggest worry should be winning the love of handsome Prince Mahdi. And yet Sera finds herself haunted by strange dreams that foretell the return of an ancient evil. Her dark premonitions are confirmed when an assassin's arrow poisons Sera's mother. Now, Serafina must embark on a quest to find the assassin's master and prevent a war between the Mer nations. Led only by her shadowy dreams, Sera searches for five other mermaid heroines who are scattered across the six seas. Together, they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world's very existence.

My rating: ★★★☆☆
What caught my interest about Deep Blue was the cool concept of mermaids with magic who are basically underwater witches. I mean, how cool is that? Plus a princess who goes out on an adventure to recruit other mermaids to save the underwater world? Yes please! It sounds like a fantastic adventure! Unfortunately, it was not executed as well as it could have been and it definitely was not what I expected, which is not always a good thing. But I do feel like it had potential!

Review: The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Mark of Athena

Series: The Heroes of Olympus #3

Previous books in this series: The Lost Hero (#1) | The Son of Neptune (#2)

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology, Roman mythology

Publication date: October 2012

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own Hardcover

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Synopsis:

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare...

My rating: ★★★★★
Oh this book... You all know how much I love Greek mythology and that Rick Riordan is one of my most favorite authors ever, right? Well, The Mark of Athena was just as amazing as his other books!

Review: Alienated by Melissa Landers

Title: Alienated

Series: Alienated #1

Author: Melissa Landers

Genre: YA, paranormal romance, sci-fi

Publication date: Feb. 4th, 2014

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: the publishers via Netgalley (thank you SO much!)

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Synopsis:

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

My rating: ★★★★★
This book... I have so much love for it you don't even know! It was no surprise that it became a fast favorite of mine!

Review: The Son of Sobek (Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles Crossover #1) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Son of Sobek

Series: Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles Crossover #1 | Percy Jackson and the Olympians | The Heroes of Olympus | The Kane Chronicles

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology, Egyptian mythology

Publication date: June 18, 2013

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own e-book

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Synopsis:

In this e-book short story by Rick Riordan, Carter Kane is investigating rumored sightings of a monster on Long Island when he runs into something else: a mysterious boy named Percy Jackson. And their meeting isn't exactly friendly. . . . Includes a sneak peek chapter from HOUSE OF HADES, Book Four in the Heroes of Olympus series.

My rating: ★★★★★
Percy AND Carter? YAY!! Rick basically answered our prayers of a cross over and the result was pure freakin' awesomeness! I absolutely loved everything about it! And if you've got no idea what I am talking about, Percy Jackson from "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" and "Heroes of Olympus" AND Carter Kane from "The Kane Chronicles" meet in this clash of mythologies!

Review: The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus #2) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Son of Neptune

Series: The Heroes of Olympus #2

Previous Book in this Series: The Lost Hero

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology, Roman mythology

Publication date: October 2011

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own Hardcover

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Synopsis:

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.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem — when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery — although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely — enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.

My rating: ★★★★★
PERCY IS BACK!!! YAY!!! And now with that out of my system, lets get to the review... :)

Review: The Throne of Fire (The Kane Chronicles #2) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Throne of Fire

Series: The Kane Chronicles #2

Previous book in this series: The Red Pyramid

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Egyptian mythology

Publication date: May 2011

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own Hardcover

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Synopsis:

Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians.

And now their most threatening enemy yet - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family.

To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished.

First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?

Narrated in two different wisecracking voices, featuring a large cast of new and unforgettable characters, and with adventures spanning the globe, this second installment in the Kane Chronicles is nothing short of a thrill ride.

My rating: ★★★★★
So, after the craziness that happened in The Red Pyramid, Carter and Sadie set out to ding the 3 books of Ra in order to awaken him. This is the only chance they have of defeating Apophis (Chaos). Along the way, Carter decides that he wants to go find Zia, which I was not liking the idea of (and Sadie agreed with me!) All this while trying some newbie magicians! Yay! New characters!

Review: The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles #1) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Red Pyramid

Series: The Kane Chronicles #1

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Egyptian mythology

Publication date: May 2010

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own Hardcover

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Synopsis:

Since their mother's death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane.

One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives.

Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them — Set — has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe - a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.

My rating: ★★★★★
Carter Kane is always on the move with his Egyptologist dad, never in the same place for too long, while his younger sister, Sadie, lives with their grandparents in England. On one of their rare visits, Carter and his dad visit Sadie in England and they go to a museum on a normal "outing." Carter is not impressed, he is always going to museums with his dad. Then their dad starts acting weird, other weird stuff starts happening at the museum, this leads to that and Sadie and Carter suddenly find themselves running for their lives and thrust into a world where Egyptian mythology in not just mythology-- it's very real!

Review: The Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke

Title: The Neptune Project

Series: The Neptune Project #1

Author: Polly Holyoke

Genre: Middle Grade, sci-fi

Publication date: May 2013

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: The publishers via Netgalley (thanks!)

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Synopsis:

With her weak eyes and useless lungs that often leave her gasping for air, Nere feels more at home swimming with the dolphins her mother studies than she does hanging out with her classmates. Nere has never understood why she is so much more comfortable and confident in the water than on land until the day she learns the shocking truth—she is one of a group of kids who have been genetically altered to survive in the ocean. These products of the "Neptune Project" are supposed to build a better future under the waves, safe from the terrible famines and wars and that rock the surface world.

But there are some big challenges ahead of her: no one ever asked Nere if she wanted to be part of a science experiment; the other Neptune kids aren't exactly the friendliest bunch, and in order to reach the safe haven of the new Neptune colony, Nere and her fellow mutates must swim across hundreds of miles of dangerous ocean, relying on their wits, their loyal dolphins and one another to evade terrifying undersea creatures and a government that will stop at nothing to capture the Neptune kids ... dead or alive.

Fierce battle and daring escapes abound as Nere and her friend race to safety in this action-packed marine adventure.

My rating: ★★★★★
The Neptune Project was just amazing! First of all, I have never read anything like it! I mean, the whole thing basically takes place in the ocean! How cool is that?