Dear Mr Riordan,
Oh my gods! Words cannot describe how pissed I am right now! I waited one whole year for The Son of Neptune to come out, and you end with that (view spoiler)
Knowing that I have to wait to 2012 in agony, trepidation and anticipation until The Mark Of Athena comes out - it really annoys me. But what annoys me more is that I know that I will end up formulating a whole pile of theories, probably inaccurate ones, until the next Heroes of Olympus is released.
It was a great book by the way - don't get me wrong. The characters couldn't me more endearing, the plot was the perfect action flick with a drop of romance and well... it had Percy. I mean honestly, if any book includes Percy, its rating rockets up to four stars. The fact that its heart racing pace kept me up until 4 o'clock in the morning? An automatic five.
But seriously, you should really reconsider the ending.
Sincerely, a frustrated and slightly disgruntled fan.
Showing posts with label Rick Riordan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rick Riordan. Show all posts
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan Review
Where the previous books in the series have been funny, action packed and adventurous, The Mark of Athena does it infinitely better. This book has it all: character and relationship development, and action packed plot. Basically, this book was the bomb:
The book picks up from where we were at The Son of Neptune . We finally, finally get to see Percybeth reunited an entertaining fashion (view spoiler). However, the reunion is cut short when, in typical demi-god style, not everything goes according to plan. Thus, within 20 pages of the book we already have some action!
After the mishaps (view spoiler), our heroes begin the quest. Told from four alternating perspectives, this book is all about the quest of sailing to the ancient land (ie. Rome) to find the Doors of Death. On the way, the characters go on mini-quests and then report back in the Argo II.
In these mini-quests we really get a feel for the characters. The character development in this book was gold. Jason, who I've never really liked, gained my respect. Piper, who is coolbut a damsel in distress changes our perception of her. Leo by default is awesome but in this book he becomes very relatable (view spoiler). Percy, who we think we know, we see from different angels that give us more understanding of him as a character. We really empathise with Hazel and Frank in their complicated situations. Despite all these good characters, Annabeth stole the show. She has always been brave and intelligent but in this book she really demonstrates just how brave and intelligent she is. Basically, if you didn't like certain characters before hand, you at the very least respect them by the end. And if you don't:
Just kidding. People are entitled to their own opinions.
Talking about character development: relationship development. Percybeth in this book was different. Typically, they have a "lighthearted, awkward, teasing relationship." In this book we see Annabeth distance herself from everyone because she needs to be secretive. Percy is still the same but he develops a major fear and grows slightly weary of the hero life. As a result of the character changes, the relationship changes. I can see how people don't like these changes but I personally applaud them because it shows Percy and Annabeth are growing up and maturing.
The other relationship which was developed was Jasper. You can see how they are sort of perfect for each other. On the other hand, I can see the issues with their relationship because:
1) Piper likes Jason for what she wants him to be
2) Jason is impassive.
If you don't like the relationship and character development there is lots of action. We have our usual selection of monsters which our heroes fight them off with their God given powers. I particularly liked that the heroes didn't just try to brute force beat an opponent. If the other person was stronger, faster, or just genuinely better, the hero would use their intelligence to beat them. In this book you understand what that, "being a hero doesn’t mean you’re invincible. It just means that you’re brave enough to stand up and do what’s needed."
Finally, the plot in this book was... different. Generally, Riordan's plots are formulamatic: Hero receives a prophecy and completes it (albeit, not according to plan and just in time). InThe Mark of Athena there are three prophecies which are stated in a slightly confusing fashion which makes it hard for you as the reader to really grasp all of them (although, I did read this at 12 am - my brain wasn't functioning at it's potential). Despite this, we do know that there is a basic plot: find the Doors of Death. It could be argued that that is really all we need.
To summarise, this book was good like the get-off-your-butt-and-go-buy-a-copy, page turning, this-should-be-more-popular good!
The book picks up from where we were at The Son of Neptune . We finally, finally get to see Percybeth reunited an entertaining fashion (view spoiler). However, the reunion is cut short when, in typical demi-god style, not everything goes according to plan. Thus, within 20 pages of the book we already have some action!
After the mishaps (view spoiler), our heroes begin the quest. Told from four alternating perspectives, this book is all about the quest of sailing to the ancient land (ie. Rome) to find the Doors of Death. On the way, the characters go on mini-quests and then report back in the Argo II.
In these mini-quests we really get a feel for the characters. The character development in this book was gold. Jason, who I've never really liked, gained my respect. Piper, who is cool
Just kidding. People are entitled to their own opinions.
Talking about character development: relationship development. Percybeth in this book was different. Typically, they have a "lighthearted, awkward, teasing relationship." In this book we see Annabeth distance herself from everyone because she needs to be secretive. Percy is still the same but he develops a major fear and grows slightly weary of the hero life. As a result of the character changes, the relationship changes. I can see how people don't like these changes but I personally applaud them because it shows Percy and Annabeth are growing up and maturing.
The other relationship which was developed was Jasper. You can see how they are sort of perfect for each other. On the other hand, I can see the issues with their relationship because:
1) Piper likes Jason for what she wants him to be
2) Jason is impassive.
If you don't like the relationship and character development there is lots of action. We have our usual selection of monsters which our heroes fight them off with their God given powers. I particularly liked that the heroes didn't just try to brute force beat an opponent. If the other person was stronger, faster, or just genuinely better, the hero would use their intelligence to beat them. In this book you understand what that, "being a hero doesn’t mean you’re invincible. It just means that you’re brave enough to stand up and do what’s needed."
Finally, the plot in this book was... different. Generally, Riordan's plots are formulamatic: Hero receives a prophecy and completes it (albeit, not according to plan and just in time). InThe Mark of Athena there are three prophecies which are stated in a slightly confusing fashion which makes it hard for you as the reader to really grasp all of them (although, I did read this at 12 am - my brain wasn't functioning at it's potential). Despite this, we do know that there is a basic plot: find the Doors of Death. It could be argued that that is really all we need.
To summarise, this book was good like the get-off-your-butt-and-go-buy-a-copy, page turning, this-should-be-more-popular good!
Heroes of Olympus 5 by Rick Riordan Prereview
I am so pumped for the finale of this amazing series! It's the final show down where The Heroes of Olympus, our heroes finally show the giants who's boss.
I know I'm coming across as conceited by saying that they will win, but:
1. This book is pitched for tweens - how can there not be a happily ever after?
2. My brainwhich is slightly irrational when it comes to anything Riordan relatedrefuses to accept the possibility that anything bad could happen
...Oka so I might be in denial here, but who isn't hoping for the best?
Mingled amongst the excitement, there's apprehension. Because it is the end. No more laugh out loud Leo, adorable Percybeth moments, or the final quests where nothing goes according to plan? Nada. I'm feeling a little weepy inside
Okay, so maybe a lot would be more accurate
The only plus side I can see to this whole 'last-book-int-the-series' dilemma is that if there is one person who can conclude a book series like no other (recall; The Last Olympian ), it is Riordan!
I know I'm coming across as conceited by saying that they will win, but:
1. This book is pitched for tweens - how can there not be a happily ever after?
2. My brain
...Oka so I might be in denial here, but who isn't hoping for the best?
Mingled amongst the excitement, there's apprehension. Because it is the end. No more laugh out loud Leo, adorable Percybeth moments, or the final quests where nothing goes according to plan? Nada. I'm feeling a little weepy inside
The only plus side I can see to this whole 'last-book-int-the-series' dilemma is that if there is one person who can conclude a book series like no other (recall; The Last Olympian ), it is Riordan!
House of Hades by Rick Riordan Prereview
Read first chapter here
Unfortunately, I was right: The Mark of Athena ended with aheart wrenching, sob inducing, horrifying cliffhanger.
I understand that Riordan, as a author who needs to sell books, has to keep the reader in suspense so they buy the next book. But seriously?
Why in Hades did Riordan have to end The Mark of Athena in that spot? Percy and Annabeth - my two favourite characters - are falling into Tartarus and he ends the bookthere after one of the most romantic moments in this book. This was my reaction:
Let's just take a moment to pray that Riordan doesn't to the unmentionable.
Despite all this, I can't help but feel happy because they are finally together. Plus, Riordan soothed the wound by say that of Percy and Jason, Nico thought Percy was better. Serious bonus points for Nico!
Moving on, if we consider Percy and Annabeth's situation since The Heroes of Olympusstarted they have either:
1) Been separated and unsure or worried about each other
2) Been in imminent danger. (Although, admittedly they are together now. This pleases me greatly.)
It just me or does the universe have vendetta against Percybeth?
The main consolation I can give is that Percy and Annabeth's characters are too big not to have a part in The House Of Hades . If I had to guess, I'd assume that one of their point of views will be told parallel with the main groups (ie. Jason, Piper, etc). At the end they will reunite after or during the epic show down when the close the Doors of the Death.
As always, Mr Riordan goes on my 'author's who need to write faster list'. Let me clarify: I think it is really great that he publishes a new book in the series ever year and I understand that it takes time to produce perfection. At the same time, after that cliffhanger I need to know what is happening. *Sigh* I'll have to console myself with the thought that the waiting will make it sweeter.
Edit : found this on Tumblr. It's exactly how I imagined Percybeth falling:
Unfortunately, I was right: The Mark of Athena ended with a
I understand that Riordan, as a author who needs to sell books, has to keep the reader in suspense so they buy the next book. But seriously?
Why in Hades did Riordan have to end The Mark of Athena in that spot? Percy and Annabeth - my two favourite characters - are falling into Tartarus and he ends the bookthere after one of the most romantic moments in this book. This was my reaction:
Let's just take a moment to pray that Riordan doesn't to the unmentionable.
Despite all this, I can't help but feel happy because they are finally together. Plus, Riordan soothed the wound by say that of Percy and Jason, Nico thought Percy was better. Serious bonus points for Nico!
Moving on, if we consider Percy and Annabeth's situation since The Heroes of Olympusstarted they have either:
1) Been separated and unsure or worried about each other
2) Been in imminent danger. (Although, admittedly they are together now. This pleases me greatly.)
It just me or does the universe have vendetta against Percybeth?
The main consolation I can give is that Percy and Annabeth's characters are too big not to have a part in The House Of Hades . If I had to guess, I'd assume that one of their point of views will be told parallel with the main groups (ie. Jason, Piper, etc). At the end they will reunite after or during the epic show down when the close the Doors of the Death.
As always, Mr Riordan goes on my 'author's who need to write faster list'. Let me clarify: I think it is really great that he publishes a new book in the series ever year and I understand that it takes time to produce perfection. At the same time, after that cliffhanger I need to know what is happening. *Sigh* I'll have to console myself with the thought that the waiting will make it sweeter.
Edit : found this on Tumblr. It's exactly how I imagined Percybeth falling:
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