This book catapults us back into the world of the demigod Percy Jackson. With new twists and turns, that will have you laughing out loud, as well as making you hold on tight.
This book is the second in the series and follows on from The Trails of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle. The main narrative within the story centres around Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, music, and prophecy, as he wrestles with the lost of his godly powers, and is forced to live as an acne infested teenager called Lester after he is cast out of Olympus by his father Zeus.
In order to become a god once again, he is tasked with restoring the three oracles from ancient times. The opening character begins where the previous book left off Apollo, Calypso, and Leo, going on a quest to rescue Apollo’s Demigod master Meg. A twelve year old child of the Greek goddess of agriculture Demeter, who is in the clutches of her evil stepdad the Emperor Nero the first member of the Triumvirate. As the story continues Meg’s character arch really begins to develop in interesting ways from her powers increasing, and her internal struggles against her stepdad.
What I liked most about this book. Is the way in which Rick was able to develop characters from his previous series, and make them feel fresh and new without making them feel out of place. However also maintaining what made us love them in the first place. My favourite being Leo Valdez, a Demigod of the Greek god Hephaestus, along with his trusted sidekick Festus the huge malfunctioning bronze dragon which we meet in the Blood of Olympus series.
This story has a number of subplots but essentially centres around the groups quest to find Meg and the second oracle which are both located somewhere within the American Midwest. If this task wasn’t daunting enough, the oracle is located within a haunted cave which if it doesn’t kill you. Forces you to go insane. To make matters even worse the oracle is been pursued by the second member of the deathly Triumvirate, who’s thirst for blood hasn’t been seen for over a millennia. To further complicate matters he is a former lover of Apollo, and as the story develops we find Apollo holds a dark secret over his demise.
Now my only criticism of this book is that at times it can seem predictable. As I read on I found that I was finishing sentences, and able to see how the characters were going to proceed. Yes the fight scenes are enjoyable, and Rick is able to weave mythology in a way that doesn’t bore his audience. However I wanted more an unexpected twist, a character development we didn’t see coming, and just simply more mystery to keep us entertained.
Now your probably wondering well if its predictable why would we read it. Well here my answer. If you like a book that makes you remember the old tales of heroes, gods, and creatures, that does it in a way that will make you laugh out loud as you ride on the bus then this is the book.
Rick has a marvelous way of taking the modern day and mixing it with the old. Now some of you may argue that so are a lot of authors within urban fantasy, but the reason why I keep coming back to this series, is that the characters stay with you. Adding new dimensions and subplots that just hook you in. It a delightful read for both adults and children alike.
If you liked this book tell me what you liked?
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The Dimension Between Worlds 