Wednesday 27 October 2010

Book Review - Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero

Synopsis
This is a thrilling new series featuring three brand-new demigod heroes, from the best-selling creator of Percy Jackson.

Old enemies awaken as Camp Half-Blood's new arrivals prepare for war.

When Jason, Piper and Leo crash land at Camp Half-Blood, they have no idea what to expect. Apparently this is the only safe place for children of the Greek Gods – despite the monsters roaming the woods and demigods practising archery with flaming arrows and explosives.

But rumours of a terrible curse – and a missing hero – are flying around camp.

It seems Jason, Piper and Leo are the chosen ones to embark on a terrifying new quest, which they must complete by the winter solstice. In just four days time. 
Can the trio succeed on this deadly mission- and what must they sacrifice in order to survive?

My Review
It has felt like a lifetime since I was immersed into the world of Percy Jackson, and I was sooo happy when I heard there was a new book. Diving back into the world of Greek Myths, Gods and Demigods, i picked up the book, and sped through it. Rick Riordan spins a fantastic story that is well paced, full of action and excitement.
Although set in the world of Percy Jackson, the hero himself is not in the book, he is missing. This immediately made me catch my breathe. What had Riordan done with him. Many of our favourites feature in the book, if only briefly. Annabeth is of course searching for Percy, but does play an important part.
This book is centered around three new heroes, Jason, Leo and Piper, all who have deep secrets that could threaten all they work for.
The book starts with Jason waking up on a bus not knowing who or what he is, he has total amnesia. Everyone on the bus seems to know him, except the teacher who seems suspicious of him. Things of course go from bad to worse.
The trio are taken to Camp Half-Blood and end up with a mission, I don't want to put too much here, because I don't want to give the plot away, of course though, the mission is filled with danger, conflict and adventure.
This book splits the world into another view, You still have the Greek Gods, but Riordan has bought in their other side, and delved into the Roman aspect of their 'lives'. What is the difference between 'Zeus' and 'Jupiter' is it just a name, or is there more to it? I found this really fascinating to read, I love the fact that these books teach you about Greek myths and now Roman, without seeming to be learning.
Although I missed the presence of Percy, I found myself drawn into the new characters, Pipers feisty nature mixed with uncertainties of who she is, Leo's quick wit and charm, and Jason's strong presence, mixed with his quest to discover who he is, and regain his memories, I felt like I'd known them all along.

My Rating
I would give this book 9/10, a fantastic read, absolutely gripping, only took a point of because I have to wait a whole year for the next part, Mr Riordan, what are you doing to me?


No comments: