Percy Jackson's Greek Gods

Presenting Percy Jackson's Greek Gods by Rick Riordan, John Rocco.

Here is the summary of the book:

A publisher in New York asked me to write down what I know about the Greek gods, and I was like, Can we do this anonymously? Because I don't need the Olympians mad at me again. But if it helps you to know your Greek gods, and survive an encounter with them if they ever show up in your face, then I guess writing all this down will be my good deed for the week.

So begins Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, in which the son of Poseidon adds his own magic--and sarcastic asides--to the classics. He explains how the world was created, then gives readers his personal take on a who's who of ancients, from Apollo to Zeus. Percy does not hold back. "If you like horror shows, blood baths, lying, stealing, backstabbing, and cannibalism, then read on, because it definitely was a Golden Age for all that."

Dramatic full-color illustrations throughout by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco make this volume--a must for home, library, and classroom shelves--as stunning as it is entertaining.

Adjectives, Adverbs or such and such superlatives are just not proficient to explain just how much I loved this gigantosaurus book. Yes you heard, i bought the bigger imprint of the book and not the tiny one ..... so happy i was able to save for this ..... If you know me, then you know just how much I love mythology ..... and the Greek one had always been a favorite one too. Of course I had already read the original grisly details in full before so I knew what to expect but reading it all again in Percy Jackson's snarky and humor really brought a new life to the old tales.

Its funny. Its hilarious. Has gallons of jokes on kfc, One Direction and Justin Bieber to name a few. Its educational too with so many gorgeous illustrations to accompany Riordan's narrative. Top it all of its our favorite narrator Demigod Percy Jackson, going about it all in his sly and sarcastic way. Going the subtle way Rick Riordan tries to minimize on the gory details of these old myths by saying that, "so and so got his way" or so and so got a bit too cuddly with the unfortunate other ...... because at the end of it this is a middle grade series and really you don't scare the kids with all the 'R' - Rated details about the Gods.

Riordan also throws in some pretty great advice in between the lines here and there about the Gods in general, the female sect and announcements like no drinking before you are 30 or something .... Took me sometime too finish it but I definitely loved what I found in this book and as usual Riordan's writing and Percy's sly and dry humor sets it of fabulously.

"Innovative and excellent way of discovering the Greek pantheon"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology, Tie-in

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Books

Release Date: 19th August, 2014

My Copy: bought (hardback)

Rate:              5/5 (It was Awesome)

Other Books from Rick Riordan:
                       (review links)
           
Buy:           Amazon | Book Depository 

The Son of Sobek

Engrossing..... Presenting The Son of Sobek by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

In this e-book short story by Rick Riordan, Carter Kane is investigating rumored sightings of a monster on Long Island when he runs into something else: a mysterious boy named Percy Jackson. And their meeting isn't exactly friendly. . . . Includes a sneak peek chapter from HOUSE OF HADES, Book Four in the Heroes of Olympus series.

 Its a tease.... Its a tease.... oh this is such a tease alright. Greece meets Egypt is what this is..... And I must explain.... 40 pages is not enough.....no sir not at all.

Carter Kane and Percy Jackson meet, fight and bond together over the crocodile terrorizing Long Islands.... You've read it and this is just what it us, a tease.... a crossover we all have been fantasizing about.... In all its cannonicity, this is a true brainchild of the megamind that is Rick Riordan.

Although it is not clear as to the timeline of this short.... oh why did it have to end so quickly.... But we have our own guesses, amd think it happens just before Heroes of Olympus began and Percy and Jason were brainwashed and taken to opposite camps (its just a thought, you guys can always contradict in the comment section, I welcome it)......

An idea just the same it could be the precursor of something even more dangerous coming their ways.... Finishing this I'm now counting days for "House of Hades" and "Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo".... oh why they have to be so far away.

"Rick Riordan you are and always shall be fantastic.... A crossover with explosive promises for the future"

Genre :     Young Adult, Short Story, Urban Fantasy, Mythology

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Release Date: 18th June, 2013

My Copy: bought (ebook)

Rate:             5/5 (It was Awesome)

Series by Author(only those reviewed on blog):
         Heroes of Olympus 
         Kane Chronicles

Buy:         Amazon 

Demigods & Monsters

HAPPY RELEASE DAY! Presenting Demigods & Monsters: Your favorite Authors on Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series (edited) by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

Released just before the March 2013 feature film Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, this new edition is updated through The Last Olympian, and includes several brand new essays!

The #1 New York Times bestselling Percy Jackson series—The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian—features a dyslexic boy who discovers he is the son of a Greek god, the target of mythical Greek monsters, and the center of a prophecy that could change the balance of power in the world forever. In Demigods and Monsters, YA authors take on the series' Greek gods, demigods, monsters, and prophecy, to add insight and even more fun to Riordan’s page-turner series.

The book also includes an introduction by Percy Jackson series author Rick Riordan that gives further insight into the series and its creation, and a glossary of ancient Greek myth, with plenty of information on the places, monsters, gods, and heroes that appear in the series.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians is one series that needs no introduction. A demigod of the eldest dogs..... sorry eldest Gods (Poseidon), a dyslexic half-human, half-God who discovers he doesn't hail from a family of nobodies..... but the biggest family of somebodies in the world..... and finds himself not only the target of pretty scary mythical monsters but also a part or the sole hero of apocalyptic prophecies (and let me tell you, a heroes fate is never good).

In 'Demigods & Monster', renouned YA authors of the field take on the Gods, the myriad monsters and our beloved characters and put them all under x-rays to chronicalize an insightful and a must read for any Percy Jackson fans.

Alongwith some of fun and some seriously analytical essays, this companion book also consists of an introduction to the series from Riordan himself, explaining how the series actually came into existence, and a glossary of the Greek myths with plenty information about the myths & legends, monsters and demigods and most of all the Gods.

"A must have companion book to the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series"

Genre :      Anthology, Companion book, Children's Fiction

Publisher: Smart Pop

Release Date: 2nd July, 2013

My Copy:  publisher and netgalley

Rate:              5/5 (It was Amazing)

The Heroes of Olympus #2: The Son of Neptune

We now delve deeper into the roman territory with Percy in The Heroes of Olympus #2 The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

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.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa tol him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth. 

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over he mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams. 

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart. Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.

So as I said above with this book we delve deeper into the roman camp and also see it through with our beloved Percy Jackson but the thing is he doesn't remember what happened to him or even who he really, aside from the fact that somehow he can control water and realizes enough that he is the son of the sea god. Somehow he makes it to the camp....well Camp Jupiter to be exact of the Romans and they are rather an unfriendly bunch. 

Even if Percy like Jason in the previous book that lost his memory but he can still kick butt and being the son of Poseidon/Neptune also doesn't hurt if you get awesome abilities over water. It is Percy leadership quality or should I say blatant honesty that makes the Romans suck it up and show that the Greeks had already perfected the art of war even before the great Roman Empire was even born (although the romans are much more disciplined and I am loathe to say modern). So even without the memory Percy fast makes his into the Roman camp and makes some new friends Hazel and Frank. Hazel who gets a second chance at life and Frank is a klutz. Then as luck would have they are sent on a quest.....well the next great prophecy might actually be upon them already.

Now with such a long summary I really don't feel like explaining the story, so i'm leaving it to you guys but lets discuss the finer aspects of the book now shall we? 

So like its predecessor The Son of Neptune also focuses on three point of views - Percy, Hazel and Leo to be exact. Since the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series mainly focused on Percy's POV so it was a bit refreshing to hear about Percy from Hazel and Frank's point of view. Another point of order is that the Percy Jackson & the Olympians is wholly based on the Greek Myths and The Lost Hero, a little of both the Greek and the Roman Myths but this one is solely based upon Roman myths, which is well rather disorienting because I am truly not well versed in the roman aspect of it all other than the fact that all the planets of our solar system our named after the Roman appearances of the Olympians. So, it takes a bit longer to get into the book rather that necessary.

Next lets look at our characters here. Aside from the fact that Percy literally doesn't remember anything about his life or what had happened to him during the seven months he went missing but he still remembers how to fight and with Riptide with him, he knows nothing can stop him. Frank he is well a mystery, whereas at first when we see he seems week but as he starts to uncover the truth about himself, he again an edge over his circumstances. Hazel is another mysterious character, she was supposed to be dead long ago but there you go, she gets a second chance at life. She is also rather strong, powerful and full of secrets of her own. The Gods of the Roman territory are also different rather civilized and sterner than their Greek counterparts. To sum it up every character is hidden behind millions of layers which peels off as we proceed further. 

And there you go Mr. Riodan just had to finish it of with a giant cliffhanger and The Mark of Athena doesn't even release until next year.

"Percy Jackson is back"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children


Rate:              4/5 (Really Liked It)

The Heroes of Olympus #1: The Lost Hero

Basically an extension for the much acclaimed Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Presenting before you all my views of The Heroes of Olympus #1 The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan.

Here is the summary of the book:

Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper and a best friend named Leo. They’re all students at a boarding school for “bad kids.” What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly? Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare. Piper doesn’t understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn’t recognize her. When a freak storm hits, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she’s going to find out. Leo has a way with tools. When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there’s weird stuff, too—like the curse everyone keeps talking about. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist that each of them—including Leo—is related to a god.

Where there are Greek Gods, you bet you'll find their Roman counterparts as well. The Greek gods came first before the Roman ones, so while the greek bunch might be considered ancient, the roman ones are a bit more disciplinary and a bit more on the modern side. Technically as the history books say the romans took to the Greek gods are polished or improved them a little bit.

Anyways our story begins with a different set of trio - Jason, Leo and Piper. These three are best friends but there is a bit of a problem, Jason doesn't really remember who he really is or where he comes from but only the fact that he just woke up on the bus for the school trip to the grand canyon. Things go crazy when a storm spirit attacked them at the Grand Canyon and they have nothing to do except well fight for their lives. Jason realizes he could fly and had an amazing coin which could turn to a sword. Things go much more weirder when a bunch of people appeared, Annabeth and Butch asked for a guy named Percy Jackson. Of course, they couldn't understand what was that about. Jason, Leo, Piper then whisked to Camp Half Blood, well of course they go there - they are demigods.

But Camp Half-blood has got a predicament of its own - Percy Jackson is missing. Yup the beloved hero and son of Poseidon has gone MIA, no trace at all. The only positive factor he is not dead - yet. So Jason, Leo and Piper get themselves well acquainted with the camp while trying to fit-in. But trouble is not far behind. For some reason the Olympians have gone mum, literally. They are no longer answering the prayers or the summons. Our current trio is having troubles of their own. Jason is getting little glimpses of his past, Piper has her own problems (dad gone missing) and Leo is seeing ghosts. And that is not the only problem here - trouble is brewing - something far older than the gods or the titans themselves is stirring.

So this book marks the beginning of the new series and since it is an extension for the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, so we cannot talk about this book without talking about the series now can we! So what made that series so likable? Well firstly it was a whole new concept and the bonus point was - the gradual growth and change of our protagonist. It takes Percy a lot of time to fill the position of a hero, the journey and the whole transition period between this interim was what made the series so interesting to read and we could easily connect and those hilarious chapter titles - "Grover unexpectedly looses his pants"..."We get advice from a Poodle" and "I sit on the hot seat" or the snippy comments also didn't hurt. But in The Lost Hero - Jason, Leo and Piper....well are heroes. No transition necessary. Jason tries to be Percy, Piper feels like an outcast and Leo is insecure and sometimes even jealous. The three try to fill the roles of the original trio but fail. Its like they are just put there and we readers must deal with it. They are not given the space to evolve like Percy, Annabeth and Grover had. 

While the above mentioned points give it a bad name and but it had a definite quality - you couldn't put it down for a second even if you want to. The best part of the book can be pointed at the whole idea of Greek and Roman camps, which indicates more character-to-character conflicts than ever before. The part which will doubtlessly hold readers on tenterhooks is the news of what has happened to Percy.

That reminds me - stay connected as I go through the next book The Son of Neptune, which if the title is understood deals with our beloved character Percy, and what's been happening to him during the time he was missing in action.

"Greeks and Romans -- two sides of the same coin"

Genre :      Young Adult, Fantasy


Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children


Rate:              3/5 (Liked It)