Monday, September 17, 2012

Book Review: The Heroes of Olympus:The Demigod Diaries - Rick Riordan

The Heroes of Olympus: The Demigod Diaries
What dangers do runaway demigods Luke and Thalia face on their way to Camp Half-Blood? Are Percy and Annabeth up to the task of rescuing stolen goods from a fire-breathing giant who doesn't take kindly to intruders? How exactly are Leo, Piper, and Jason supposed to find a runaway table, dodge a band of party-loving Maenads" ("who just might be a little psychotic), and stave off a massive explosion...all in one hour or less?
With his trademark wit and creativity, Rick Riordan answers these questions and more in three never-before-seen short stories that provide vital back-story to the Heroes of Olympus and Percy Jackson books. Original art, enlightening character interviews and profiles, puzzles, and a quiz add to the fun in this action-packed collection.


*A story from Luke Castellan's point of view, from the days when he adventured with Thalia and Annabeth. Many people have asked me to write an adventure prequel to The Lightning Thief. Here it is!

*A classic first-person Percy Jackson story, the first I've written since The Last Olympian. In this adventure, Annabeth and Percy's date is interrupted by the god Hermes, whose staff has been stolen by a fire-breathing giant. This cannot be good . . .

*A Leo Valdez story, set at Camp Half-Blood. As Leo builds the Argo II, something goes terribly wrong. Now Leo will need the help of Piper and Jason, or the entire camp might be destroyed.

*And, as announced on Rock Center, the anthology includes a debut short story from my son Haley. Since Haley inspired the entire Percy Jackson series, it seemed only right that I asked him to contribute his own original spin on Percy's world for this book. I was amazed at what Haley came up with. His brother Patrick, who's a tough editor, was quick to say, "Dad, his story is better than yours!" Haley ponders the question: "What happened to the demigods who fought with Kronos's army after the battle in Manhattan?" This is the story of one such demigod, and I have to admit, some of Haley's ideas are so good I wish I'd come up with them!

4/5 stars (really like it)
The first story gives a glimpse into how Luke was when he was traveling to Camp Half Blood with Thalia.  Also gave us a little background into Thalia.  I like how we get more understanding into why Luke did what he did in the series.  Also we met a young and wild Annabeth.
The second story was great.  Percy & Annabeth are on a nice picnic and get interrupted by Hermes and sent on an errand for him to retrieve his staff.  Percy is funny as usual and Annabeth kicks butt.  But we get to see how much Percy loves Annabeth and how sweet he can be.
The third story is about Leo building the Argo II and how Jason and Piper help him retrieve an important piece that is needed to complete it.  Great to see what was going on at Camp since we didn't get to see it in The Son of Neptune.
And the last story is by Rick's son Haley and it's written very much in the style of Rick.  It helps explain the mist and why monsters can sense Heroes.  Also it is from the point of view of one of the Heroes that fought with Kronos.  It just goes to show you that the evil side is not always evil.  I wonder if this character along with another new character will be written into the series.
 

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