It has been nearly a decade since I
read the first Percy Jackson book, and the latest novel The House of Hades,
was absolutely amazing. It took me a little longer to read this novel than
usual, but once I started reading it I couldn’t stop. I love that the Heroes
of Olympus series follows so many different characters. It isn’t so much
that things get confusing, but following a few characters gives the story more
depth and shows more of the storyline.
Gaea is waking, and she isn’t happy
with the Gods and Demigods. While this has been coming for many novels, this
one takes it to a new level. Not only do the seven demigods chosen for the
quest (and Nico makes eight) have to battle titans and giants, but Percy and
Annabeth face the manifestation of Tartarus itself. Onc of my favorite things
about this novel was that many people that Percy has met for the last nine
books come back. Calypso and the titan Bob both play significant roles in this
novel. If it wasn’t for the things that Percy had done in previous novels to
help them and show them kindness, they would never have gotten as far as living
through the end of the novel.
House of Hades follows Percy
and Annabeth’s long and dangerous journey through Tartarus, something that no
mortal has ever done. At the end of Mark of Athena the two had fallen
into the pit, and fell for days. If it wasn’t for their love and determination
to keep each other safe, I do not think they would have survived. Not only is
the underworld dangerous and deadly on its own, but it is the place that
monsters are reborn, and Percy and Annabeth have killed their share of
monsters. It is those same monsters that they once slayed that are now coming
after them with vengeance. Crossing over the many rivers of Hades’ realm,
re-defeating monsters, and trying to survive solely on a liquid fire only to
face Tartarus manifested at the Doors of Death push the heroes past their
limits. But the two refuse to give up, their friends should be waiting on the other
side, and if they can’t make it out, then Earth will be doomed.
While Percy and Annabeth travel the
depth of Tartarus, the other five demigods with the help of Nico, head west
toward the mortal side of the Doors of Death hoping to free their friends, and
destroy the monsters that are trying to come through in order to side with
Gaea. Things are not easy for the heroes on Argo II. Nico has to face his
demons and isolation, made even more difficult when Jason discovers the real
reason Nico tries to stay secluded and who he is in love with. Jason struggles
with his loyalties. While he is a Roman demigod, he feels more of a connection
to Camp Half-Blood and the Greek friends he has made. Hazel has to accept that
she is a daughter of Pluto with the ability to control the mist and starts to
ally herself with Hecate. Frank learns secrets of Coach Hedge, and starts
learning to raise and control dead armies. And Leo, he was marooned during a
battle with Jason’s old wind enemies, and it just happens to be the island of
Calypso. Argo II tries to get to the doors of death, but old and new foes are
everywhere, trying to break their spirits and their bodies.
I think this is the ultimate penultimate
book in the epic saga of Percy Jackson. I hate that I have to wait a year for
the final book, but it has been an amazing ride so far!!
No comments:
Post a Comment