Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth Review

Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

Published: March 6, 2008

Synopsis: In this fourth book of the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series, Percy and his friends are faced with even greater dangers that are threatening Camp Half-Blood and Olympus itself. They embark on a quest through Daedalus' ancient labyrinth to find the inventor himself and stop Luke and Kronos's army from destroying the camp.

My rating: 5/5 stars

 

 

First off, I realize I skipped reviewing The Titan's Curse and I have excellent reasoning behind that: these books just got so good that it's saying something that I've put them down long enough to write this review. =)

 

[Note: This review is somewhat spoilerly. Don't read on if you haven't finished the book.]

 

My reaction to reading the first two Percy books was mostly that they were fun reads that I'd continue when I got the chance. However, since the third book, I haven't been able to put them down. Holy Hades they just got that amazing!!!

 

I loved every aspect of this book. It is probably my favorite one yet although The Titan's Curse is a pretty close second. There was just so much adventure and humor and sadness and edge-of-your-seat suspense. There were times when this book made me laugh out loud and other times when I was gripping the pages so tightly that I'm surprised the pages aren't horribly wrinkled. And the emotions... *sniff* our little Percy and Annabeth are growing up.

 

Percy and friends met so many interesting characters along the way this times around - Nico (even though he was technically introduced in book three, he had a bigger role in this one), Briares, Calypso, Daedalus, Pan, Rachel. I loved the themes that were attached to all these new characters. The power behind the belief in yourself and in others - even if those others aren't worthy of it like Briares and Daedalus weren't at first. The importance of letting go - the way Nico had to let go of Bianca and learn to trust Percy. I especially loved the not too subtle theme of taking care of the environment. I closed this book wanting to plant a garden in honor of Calypso and Pan.

 

Surprisingly, my favorite quote came from Dionysus, "But remember, boy, that a kind act can sometimes be as powerful as a sword... Sometimes small things can become very large indeed." (pg. 346 of the US paperback ed.)

 

Enough reviewing... must read last book...

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Book Review

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Published: March 21, 2006

Synopsis: Percy has been in six schools in six years and is being expelled again. It's not his fault strange things keep happening when he's around like his math teacher turning into a mythological fury and trying to kill him. However, he soon finds out that he is no ordinary 12 year old. He is a demi-god, son of Poseidon, and evidently the thief who stole Zeus' master lightning bolt. Percy and his newfound friends from Camp Half-Blood find themselves going on an adventure to prove his innocence and stop the gods from going to war.

My rating: 3.5/5 stars

 

 

First off, let me just say, that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would have enjoyed this book much more if I were twelve and reading it. However, given the fact that I am not twelve, it was still a fun, quick read. And, of course, it was ten times better than the movie which I saw when it first come out on DVD.

 

I'm jumping on the Percy Jackson bandwagon really late as this book has been on my TBR list for years. I've been meaning to read it ever since I found out that the movie was very different (which most book-to-movie adaptations are of course). I was slightly hesitant because this, along with all of Rick Riordan's books, have been closely paralleled in hype and as a super popular middle grade series to Harry Potter. Walk into any Barnes and Noble and you'll see what I mean; I should know, I work in one. Now, I grew up with Harry Potter. I read the first book when I was 8, I think, about a year or so after it was published and I remember being completely saddened when I found out that the third book wasn't out yet. I've read and reread all the Harry Potter books several times since the series ended and they'll always be special to me. Now, while reading The Lightning Thief I couldn't help but make the comparisons between the two: brave protagonist who didn't know he was special - Harry/Percy, know it all girl best friend - Hermione/Annabeth, bumbling boy best friend - Ron/Grover, Dumbledore/Chiron, Voldemort/Kronos (don't say his name!), Snape/Mr. D, Hogwarts/Camp Half-Blood, etc. etc. etc. I could go on. However, regardless of any of that, I still very much enjoyed this book. It had great action sequences, likeable characters, and bits of well placed humor.

 

My favorite part of the book, of course, is it's take on Greek mythology. I loved that Rick Riordan modernized the myths and even poked fun at a few of the gods. For example, I thought it was great that Dionysus, god of wine, was being punished for his lush habits and I liked the idea that Olympus moves with wherever the heart of Western Civilization lies. I thought that was particularly clever. Although having prior knowledge of Greek myths makes the reading more fun - as it becomes a fun guessing game to figure out along with Percy which god you're dealing with - it's not absolutely necessary. Names, places, and beasts are adequately described so the reader doesn't feel lost if they're not familiar with the myth.

 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I wish I hadn't waited so long to read it. I'd definitely recommend this anyone interested in Greek mythology, fantasy, or adventure or to parents who want a stepping stone to get their kids into classical mythology.