Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Five: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

The last instalment of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is more of a battle report than a novel. As a fantasy reader, I’d rather have a bit of both. But for the most part, it is a gripping read.

Author: Rick Riordan

Released: May 5, 2009

New York Times children’s best seller series

Synopsis

The entire plot can be summarized by one word, war. Manhattan is destined to witness a contemporary Greek battle. Nico di Angelo, son of Hades, convinces Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, to bear a well-known curse, which could be the remaining hope to thwart the advances of titan Kronos, inhabiting Luke’s body, and son of Hermes, against the gods of Mount Olympus.

As if things aren’t bad enough, the gods of Olympus are spread thinly, Hades is refusing to fight alongside his brothers, Poseidon’s domain is under siege, while the rest of the gods are in Central America fighting a primal evil that Kronos has unleashed, leaving the Empire State Building, site of Mount Olympus, to be defended by the demigods of Camp Half-Blood against an army of assorted mythical monsters and brainwashed demigods.

Amidst the immensity and intensity, the Great Prophecy reveals its true self to be far from expected, a common feat of prophecies, a truth which will require Percy to study his mortal enemy—definitely not his favorite subject.

Reading Experience

Unlike the usual bittersweet ending achieved by other sagas; the satisfaction of a fairytale ending against the finality of a riveting storyline, Book Five feels more of a closure—the thing you look for when you want to move on. Don’t get me wrong, it is action-packed and readers will still find themselves soaring across chapters. But there’s almost nothing unpredictable or unexpected in the entire plot, except the part where the River Styx is involved.

Readers would always have room for character histories, even more for the intended readers of Percy Jackson. Character history is a tool used by writers to make the audience relate to the characters and more immersed in the storyline, which is as present as much as a tip of an iceberg in this instalment. This ingredient is used sparingly, maybe owing to the fact that everything needs to be fast-paced. But like any rollercoaster ride, there should always be a point of slowing down to build up an utterly breathtaking climax. 


Moreover, the last book of a series means tying up of loose ends, but the way it was done in the Last Olympian is rather dull and uncreative, like some final credits of a movie. I still think Riordan  has a great fast-paced writing style necessary for his target readers, but I guess I expected more for a final instalment. 

In Conclusion

It might not be a breathtaking novel, but it would make a breathtaking 3D movie.

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Four: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

The second to the last book for most, if not all, sagas or series has a certain degree of significance that any reader should be aware of. Authors will improve on early foreshadowing they’ve laid in the early instalments, either bring it nearer to a close or make it more cumbersome, or intriguing, until one reads the last book. The Battle of the Labyrinth surely did both, but more of the latter.

Author: Rick Riordan

Released: May 6, 2008

New York Times children’s best seller series

Synopsis

Luke, son of Hermes, and a follower of the titan Kronos, was ready to lead their army to destroy Camp Half-Blood. He intends to use the labyrinth for his army to pass through. This discovery brought anxiety to the entire camp, perhaps how any camp should feel had they known an entire army of mythological Greek demons and traitors are to wage war against them.

Annabeth Chase; daughter of Athena, receives a quest, to find Daedalus, creator of the labyrinth, and prevent Luke’s army from getting Ariadne’s string, the string that can help one find his way through the labyrinth.

The labyrinth is known to cause madness once inside. It is also known to grow and extend, further mortifying those inside it to be more lost, the only setback for Luke, so he also sets out to find Ariadne’s string.

In the labyrinth, Annabeth is accompanied by, of course, Percy Jackson; son of Poseidon, Grover; a satyr, Tyson; Percy’s cylopes brother, and Nico di Angelo; son of Hades. In their misfortune, they found themselves, like many others, lost in the labyrinth despite Annabeth’s wisdom and inclination to architecture.

Percy seeks the help of Rachel Elizabeth Dare. Rachel, despite being a mortal, possesses the ability to see through the mist and which makes her an effective GPS in the labyrinth. So it becomes a race between their party against Luke’s army, as the countdown begins for Camp Half-Blood’s probable final hour.

But what they found in the labyrinth, was more than any of them intended, and wanted to find.

Reading Experience

Had it not been for Pacific Rims by Rafe Bartholomew, I would’ve finished reading and writing The Battle of the Labyrinth earlier. But since my reading has been preoccupied for quite some time, I only had this chance to write my review.

Riordan maintained his sprint paced storytelling prowess. It is also good news, though expected, when I say that humor is inserted in the plot’s entire run.

Though there were quite a few more additions to the original myths, he was able to include the well-known factoids about the labyrinth. No, Icarus did not make an appearance, but Daedalus surely did. More so, Riordan touched a bit more metaphysical, should I say subjects or rather concepts, when he dabbled on Daedalus’s form (that’s for you to read) and his labyrinth and its sprawling behavior.

Those who know about the labyrinth’s story would be very familiar with Daedalus and Icarus, and their wax wings, but be prepared for King Minos’s portrayal which may eventually make you grind your teeth.

Luke is bound to play a very intriguing role. What Riordan has written about Kronos and Luke in this book will make one more curious of how things would turn out in Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian.  Another character whom Riordan has made more pivotal in the series is Nico di Angelo. My interest in him being the son of Hades, grew more as he demonstrated his capability to call the dead and even command them, but I do have a special interest in the book’s last scene.

In Conclusion

In a nutshell, the pacing and build-up is nothing short of laudable, a satisfying second to the last book of the series. Reading The Battle of the Labyrinth will surely intrigue, since it feels it was meant to intrigue, the reader to join Percy Jackson in his next and last adventure.

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Reading List as of August 2010

It’s quite confusing right now, and with work and everything in between, it’s quite difficult to chance a satisfying lengthy reading. I’m lucky to get an hour to read, honestly. But I do read, I guess everyone should find time to do so. Though most would consider movies and TV as an effective alternative, nothing can replace reading. There’s this one guy at Starbucks, he had this novel propped open in one hand, don’t know what he was reading though, a cigarette on the other, and was having a conversation with a friend. It’s either he’s a really good multitasker or a ‘phony’, as what Holden would say. Maybe they were talking about the book, I have no way of knowing (unless I eavesdrop). Anyway, I still wish I could multitask without reducing my full appreciation of a storyline. But I do ‘multi-read’, try it! It’s like watching TV without the remote, the monthly cable bill and the scheduled programming.

I’m currently reading Book Four of the Percy Jackson and The Olympians Series by Rick Riordan, titled The Battle of The Labyrinth. So far, it began in the same fashion with its preceding instalments. 

I mostly read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. If you’re interested, you can find it in the children’s section because it has its little drawings and sketches by the author. My friends chuckled when they saw its illustrations. I can’t blame them. Because in contrast with The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, the two are very different, but only in terms of packaging. They partially have a similar concept about being an adult, and I am taking my time with The Little Prince. Its metaphors are overwhelming and very relative. So even if it’s quite a short read, I savor each and every page. I sound famished (haha).

At intervals, I’m also reading Sherlock Holmes, The Complete Novels and Stories Volume 1 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I’m a huge fan of Doyle’s work since high school. So you can imagine how enthused I was with the Sherlock Holmes movie. It wasn’t a letdown, yet it did disappoint at certain details, I guess that is to be expected, though Irene Adler was a perfect fit. Reading the compendium works best when you don’t have much time to spare but you don’t want to get cut-off with your reading.

After I have read and written reviews, for at least The Battle of the Labyrinth and The Little Prince, I’ll be finishing The Little Friend by Donna Tartt (Note: this is not a sequel of The Little Prince, haha!).  

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Three: The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan

You don’t need a black Pegasus to fly through the pages of The Titan’s Curse. It will still have its “new book smell” when you’re done with it.

Author: Rick Riordan

Released: May 1, 2007

#1 New York Times children’s best seller series

Book Sense Top Ten Summer Pick for 2007

Synopsis

It has been prophesied that a child of the ‘Big Three’; Zeus, Poseidon or Hades, will either make or break Mount Olympus. Bringing the mythological world asking who the prophecy is about, Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, or Thalia, daughter of Zeus?

Grover, a satyr (demigoat?), has found two sibling demigods and has asked assistance from his demigod friends: Thalia, a temperamental high school student, punk demigod and a former tree, brandishes her Medusa-engraved shield in battle, Aegis, alongside Percy and Annabeth, daughter of Athena.

Rescuing two new demigods brought them across Artemis’ path, which Thalia is not so happy about, and also ended with the loss of Annabeth, which Percy, in turn, is not so happy about. But Artemis isn’t the only well-known mythological character they encountered. Aside from the scheming Titan, Kronos, another ominous unnamed Titan seem to be orchestrating the string of events from behind the scene, ending in an unprecedented battle.

Reading Experience

My copy of The Titan’s Curse still has its new book smell after dashing across its pages with Percy Jackson and the rest of the demigods. Riordan started the book with Percy in search for newfound demigods whose lineage remains indefinite. More familiar Greek mythology characters are introduced, this time, having more bearing with the main plot rather than delaying the heroes from their goals. Perhaps the most popular would be Artemis, the maiden Olympian goddess who has evaded all love pursuits and leads an unending hunt. And I’d rather keep you guessing on who the others are or I might give away the whole plot.

As expected with a children’s book, the writing is fast-paced and every word easily gets through. But what is more noticeable is the flawless balance between the good and necessarily bad turns. Perhaps every children writers’ challenge is to achieve a sense of gloom but not despair for these needed pivotal twists, concepts of death and bereavement are downplayed but not to the point of forfeiting their significance. More importantly, humor and maintaining a child-friendly read further proves Riordan’s writing skill.

In Conclusion

This third instalment in the Percy Jackson series is by far the most engaging and thrilling read. The Titan’s Curse is definitely enjoyable for ages 7 and up. 

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Two: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

I haven’t read a book that screams ‘sequel’ louder than The Sea of Monsters, the second installment in the famous Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan.

Author: Rick Riordan

Released: May 2006

New York Times #1 Best selling series

A Child Magazine Best Book of the Year

Synopsis

All is well for Percy Jackson, the demigod son of Poseidon, and his mother. His school year was supposed to end pleasantly, until a seemingly prophesied grand battle of dodgeball jumpstarted another mythological adventure.

Camp Half-blood, the only safe place for demigods, is under siege. Thalia’s tree, a daughter of Zeus who sacrificed herself to ensure the safety of her fellow demigods, that provides the camp’s protective boundaries has been poisoned, and monsters have begun attacking the summer campers. Whether it is considered as good or bad luck, Percy’s satyr bestfriend, Grover, accidentally found the Golden Fleece and at the same time unwillingly prepped for marriage to Polyphemus, the Cyclops who devoured Odysseus’ men. The Golden Fleece was the exact antidote that Camp Half-Blood needs to cure Thalia’s tree and restore safety.

With his friend’s life threatened, and his favorite place on Earth doomed to be conquered, Percy finds himself traversing the Sea of Monsters in quest for the Golden Fleece. The Sea of Monsters is the same sea inhabited by dangerous creatures and treacherous obstacles that Odysseus crossed after the Trojan War, spending ten years in the process, just to return to his home in Thessaly. And Jason navigated through this ominous seascape chasing after the same Fleece that Percy and Annabeth, daughter of Athena, was desperate in acquiring.

Aside from worrying about the huge, one-eyed cannibal who has taken possession of the Fleece, Percy races against two more demigods: Clarisse, daughter of Ares, aboard her daddy-gift war ship, CSS Birmingham, and Luke, son of Hermes, aboard the ship Princess Andromeda, where the scheming Titan, Kronos, is pulling the strings.

As the waves crash on each other, a plan within a plan is slowly unveiled. And Percy learns more about a prophecy which menaces the peace in Mount Olympus.

Reading Experience

Rick Riordan’s well-paced storytelling aptitude remains intact. Humorous allusions and funny lines, delivered with a matter-of-fact tone, ease the reading flow. The accuracy in fitting Greek mythology with the plot is, as usual, ambivalent. The pieces of Greek mythology aptly provide a reliable underpinning for the story. In effect, this feat also causes predictability, especially if the reader is well-acquainted with such allusions. Yet knowing only a tad bit of Greek mythology diminishes the distinct delights offered by the Percy Jackson series.

This second installment reeks of sequel and an awfully strong scent of a not-so-'under'lying plot. Though it is very much expected that there is a third installment, too much spotlight on the saga's storyline deters a more satisfying use of foreshadowing. Before the reader even picks up the book from its commercial shelf, he already looks forward to the next title in the series. And this feeling does not lessen, on the contrary, the sensation intensifies as the book draws to a close. This is actually a good marketing strategy, but it might throw off seasoned readers.

To put it simply, it felt like a halftime break during basketball. A fun watch, it makes you applaud and gasp as the cheerdancers perform tosses and stunts, enough time to recap what happened during the first half, but you just want to get it over with, eager to start the second half.

In Conclusion

I would still recommend reading The Sea of Monsters because there were a lot of materials here which would probably crop up, more significant, in the succeeding titles. But if you expect this installment to stand on its own, it will not—it’s part of a series anyway.

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Reading List as of February 2010

I'll be posting a review of Edith Hamilton's Mythology before the week ends. Well Percy Jackson, or rather Rick Riordan, was successful in making me review Greek mythology in preparation for Book Two of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, The Sea of Monsters.

I'm currently reading, When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris, which is really funny and at the same time perceptive. It is a compilation of the author's essays and often hilarious delivery and take on things. 

I am also reading  Book Two of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, The Sea of Monsters--which was surprisingly hard to find. I somehow felt like there is a race that I don't know about, and worse, I feel like I'm part of it.


And I still am reading Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, and it's almost a year since I picked it up. Oh well.


The next books in my reading list are:
1) Book Three of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
2) The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Volume 2 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
and hopefully,
3) another Magical Realism book.

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

I jumped on the bandwagon, so what? I enjoyed the ride.

Author: Rick Riordan
Released: 2005
New York Times Bestseller
Already a major motion picture

Synopsis

The Greek gods are still alive, and procreating, with mortals. Percy Jackson is a by-product of an Olympian Deity—more specifically, a son of Poseidon. Kicked out of school every year, friendless, dyslexic and has ADHD, no one knew, especially Percy himself, that his fate will shatter the barriers of myth and reality. Well no one but the Oracle perhaps, since its reason for existence is riddling out prophecies.

Mount Olympus, with the address; 600^th Floor, the Empire State Building, New York City, NY, is at the brink of war. Someone stole Zeus’s Master Bolt, a symbol of power and also a potent weapon of mass destruction. The indignant Zeus points his finger at his proud brother, Poseidon. With his pride hurt, Poseidon is willing to make a stand, refusing to prove his innocence, deeming the act ungodly. 

But as Percy reaches Camp Half-Blood, the blame is passed on, and Percy is suspected of a grand thievery. Fresh from the discovery of being a demigod, Percy has to prevent Mount Olympus from ripping apart and has exactly ten days before a war between the sky and the sea is declared. And to do that, he needs to return Zeus’s Master Bolt, clearing his involvement in the process—or so he thinks.

Reading Experience

If you’re looking for a mature read, as early as now, I’m telling you not to read it. But if you are willing to let the child in you play, then by all means get a copy.

The first of the series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ is the Lightning Thief. Rick Riordan certainly has a flare for light reading as he toyed with Greek mythology and adventure, and the two already sounds redundant. To review it in comparison to other titles with more depth and maturity in them would be unjust, not to say that the entire plot lacks depth, but not as frequent. It lacks the quality of making you contemplate on a thought, or passage, marvel with the depth of interpretation—but it makes you grin, grope for some knowledge of the Greek gods, if you ever had some.

Riordan’s writing is well-paced, and enjoyable. The pages continually flick from one to the next. His style has this fluidity and adequate humor immersed in Percy’s storytelling. Like Twilight the book is told from the protagonist’s point of view, but unlike Twilight, it doesn’t have a sort of school girl love story fantasy. It is fantasy yes, but more along the lines of Harry Potter; adventure and magic, well in this case, mythology.

Riordan also nailed his characters’ persona and aura well. With use of dialogue, description and behavior the three main characters: Percy, Annabeth, a daughter of Athena, and Grover, the satyr, it is easy for the reader to establish their signatures, preventing a volatile personality.

Mentioning Harry Potter is purposeful. There are a lot of similarities between Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, aside from both of them being listed on the New York Times bestseller list. However, most similarities are acceptable because they are original in Riordan’s way. I just have to note such likeness because anyone who have read Harry Potter would be compelled to compare it, and trust me, it would take a lot of willpower not to.

There’s a strong resemblance between The Sorcerer’s Stone and The Lightning Thief, like Harry was 11 when he got through a dungeon full of obstacles designed by adult powerful wizards while Percy is 12 when he defeated Ares, the god of war, in a swordfight.

But it would pay to enjoy the book as it is, well at least I did. A new conceptual world, mythological creatures coming to life and attacking, an oddly similar yet different chase with two demigods and a satyr are all for the readers’ taking. Riordan has his own brand of storytelling, and so far it’s good. You may need to brush up on your Greek mythology but Riordan is able to snug adequate snippets within the storyline. Or better yet, another kudos to Riordan, in making the reader interested in Greek mythology.

In Conclusion

I’m not encouraging you to read the book, well at least for now, since it has already hit the cinemas. And movie adaptations rarely satisfies avid book readers, I would recommend watching the film first, not that I have seen it yet, but I do intend to. In that sequence, you’ll enjoy your seat inside the movie theater and your couch at home. But if you can set aside your expectations from the book to the reel, and judge the film as it is, then go ahead and read it first.

Overall, it was a good, fun read. You may even want to read it again after reaching the last page. As for me, I intend to buy Book Two. Let’s just say that Riordan ended the Lightning Thief well. Well enough to make you wonder what’s up next.

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