Published - 1st August 2010
Publisher - Puffin
Format - Paperback
Synopsis -
Freshman orientation is
about mastering new things, but this is ridiculous. Percy didn't expect
that in his first week at school, he would have to face a squad of
demon cheerleaders. And the dangers are far more than scholastic:
Kronos's armies are threatening even the relative safety of Camp
Half-Blood. The fourth installment of Percy Jackson and the Olympians
deals out action, surprises, suspense, and gripping characters.
I've been reading the Percy Jackson series on and off for a while now and i'm finally nearing the end! I absolutely ADORE these books and Battle of the Labyrinth was no exception. From the opening line until the book ended I was completely hooked, on the edge of my seat and in love with the characters and the world that Riordan has created.
The one constant in Percy's life since finding out his true parentage has been Camp Half-Blood. It's a home, he has friends, loved ones and a purpose but this time, it is far from safe. Percy & co must save Camp Half-Blood and stop Kronos from rising, no matter what it takes. I found this book was a lot faster paced because of the threat to the Camp and to those Percy loves. It also introduced more Gods and their children which is just one of the things that I love about this series - I'm actually learning something. I know next to nothing about mythology but I can definitely hold my own now! I'm actually looking at getting some non-fiction books about mythology soon thanks to Percy.
One problem I have with the series, which isn't a problem at all really, is that I love Luke. He is so well written (though cryptically). I harboured grand ideas that somehow, Luke would redeem himself and return to Camp Half-Blood as family and not as an enemy. For anyone who has read the book, you'll understand why my certainty about Luke is waivering. I am SO anxious to find out what the hell is going on that it takes up a lot of my time! I've invested way too much into the Percy Jackson series lol! Though i've been spreading out the books hugely, I plan on reading the final book this week and so with that in mind, this isn't an overly insightful review as I feel i'd just repeat myself with the next review!
As a little side note - if anyone has read the second Olympian series by Rick Riordan - do you recommend it?
Published - 1st April 2006
Published By - Disney Hyperion Books
Format - Paperback
Goodreads 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' 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' 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.
After reading many reviews and getting many recommendations for this book, I have finally read the first in the series, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd seen the film but I was a little concerned that the writing wouldn't be great. I had nothing to worry about though!
I read the first few chapters and immediately loved the book and the characters. Percy is charming and funny (though i'm annoyed he is portrayed as a 12 year old!) and very likeable, as are other characters such as Annabeth, Grover and Chiron. The writing style was brilliant and not too 'young' and I honestly just couldn't put this book down. I wanted to know what they were doing, where they were going and more importantly, who was the lightning thief?
The Lightning Thief really didn't disappoint and I think these books are going to be popular for a long time to come amongst children and adults. I can't wait to read the next installment - The Sea of Monsters.
