The Heroes of Olympus

Rick Riordan

• Book One: The Lost Hero
• Book Two: The Son of Neptune
• Book Three: The Mark of Athena
• Book Four: The House of Hades
• Book five: The Blood of Olympus

The Heroes of Olympus is the squeal series to the five-book Percy Jackson series. Hands down I LOVED Percy Jackon, Heroes of Olympus not so much. I know that it was my love for the Percy Jackson series that held me back from liking Heroes of Olympus as much as I could have, but it was also the slew of character and different perspectives. I kept searching for the witty remarks from Percy and overall really wanting to read about Percy Jackson and his friends…not the new characters. Because of this, I never honestly gave the new characters a chance.

That being said, it was a LONG action-packed series, each book is pushing 400+ pages. Percy and a few of his returning Greek demi-friends join forces with new campers to fulfill a prophecy like no other.

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

How will seven demi-gods come together? What does this all mean?? You will most definitely have to read the series to get an explanation because I am still piecing it all together. Should you read this follow up adventure? Yes, but be warned it is a bumpy ride, and things are a little different if you are jumping right after Percy Jackson.

Spoilierish whining below, read at your own risk. 

It was exciting, but there were a handful of things I didn’t like.

1. Multiple Point of views

It is known I do not like this. I had whiplash by the end of book four. Who was I reading about? What was happening? Where are so and so now? Am I still reading about the prophecy of seven? Bottom line, I don’t like reading in this style. If you do, you will love this!

2. Why so many characters?

Percy, Annabeth, Pipper, Hazel, Leo, Frank, Jason, Nico, countless gods/goddess and overlapping myths. I found myself relating more to the confused and angry gods than I did the crew of demi-gods. This prophecy/plot was complicated.

3. The romance

I loved that Percy Jackson had limited romance. I understand everyone is older and getting older in the Heroes of Olympus series, but I don’t see a need to pair up everyone. If the character doesn’t have a significant other, they are a put out about it. I understand this is spot on for teenage life, but it felt rushed (minus Percy and Annabeth).

4. Greek, Roman, Native American, Chinese, and Mexican mythology???

Hear me out. I loved Riordan included mythologies from cultures around the world, BUT it felt so rushed I found myself question the universe Riordan has built. While I saw the mix of mythologies as a unifying force, it was too much for me to follow. Keeping track of Pipper, Frank, and Leo’s backgrounds that threw me for a loop. Even though Riordan didn’t dive deep into each of them as he does Greek and Roman mythology the hints towards other mythologies felt like a stretch within the universe.

5. SO LONG

I struggled through book five. I know it was the last book, but I was over the nonstop twist and turns. This series was way too long for me. I wish the story could have been mushed into a trilogy. I am not sure if Heros of Olympus is a middle-grade reader or YA or somewhere in between, wherever it falls I would not recommend to any reader because of the length. 

What did I enjoy?

• Rick Riordan does a great job of making a diverse group of demi-gods, something he is continues to do throughout his work. If you are looking for a series with diversity, Heros of Olympus is a good start.
• I loved the return of Percy and Annabeth. Both characters grew so much through each book I was very impressed. I enjoyed Percy’s shift in perspective and development of fears. I liked almost the same things with Annabeth, who we have seen as a standoffish badass, now is vulnerable. Her worries on how the prophecy will play out and their close calls with death are beyond realistic. Their change as individuals and as a couple was perfect, I loved it.
• The mix of mythologies was a whirlwind to keep up with, but it was insanely creative. I did complain about it, but at the same time, I did like it.
• I loved loved loved hearing from the lesser known god/goddess children. I wish I could remember all the times I giggles while reading.
• Overall, I was very grateful there was another series with Percy Jackson characters. I clung to the little scraps of information I got about what the “old” characters were up to while the seven demi-gods chased the prophecy. As always, everyone played a role, and it was a fun ride even though it paled in comparison to the Percy Jackson series.

If you are a fan of Riordan, a fan of Percy Jackson, and ready for another high action adventure look no further than Heros of Olympus. If you really loved Percy Jackson, maybe skip this series and move on to Riordan’s other popular series.

 

Pictures from Riordan Wiki.

 

Have you read this series? Is it on your reading list? What did you think about it if you did? Are you a fan of Rick Riordan?