REVIEW: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
Fantasy (Middle Grade/YA)
597 pages
Rated:  5 stars

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

MY REVIEW

This is one of my favorite series. I really appreciate Riordan's sense of humor and his creative ways of writing. I always can connect to the characters easily, and it feels as if I can live alongside them, feeling and seeing their adventures as they travel across the sea.

I have to say I'VE BEEN WAITING WAY TOO LONG for this book to come out (a year is much too painful) and I read it in two days. I loved the ending (shh...) but I really am afraid for the last book... is Riordan going to kill off all my babies? I loved loved loved the whole book, and though The Mark of Athena is my favorite book in the series, this one is a close second. I enjoyed seeing the characters working together without Percy and Annabeth, keeping close eyes on the two as they struggled through Tartarus together.

Character development...man...I mean, look at Frank now! Everyone has kind of grown up and learned how to live on as easily as they can right now, dealing with all the new problems hanging over their heads as they head for the Doors of Death. I really hope to see a good end to how they've struggled through both physical and emotional trauma.

I think this is great for middle grade readers, though I know many teens enjoy it as well. I know I do! It's a great fantasy book, and it teaches a lot about Greek and Roman myths and legends on top of how they function, such as celebrations/feasts, life, and fighting traits.

Review: Sylo by D.J. MacHale

Sylo by D.J. MacHale
Sci-Fi (Middle Grade/YA)
415 pages
Rated: 5 stars

THEY CAME FROM THE SKY parachuting out of military helicopters to invade Tucker Pierce’s idyllic hometown on Pemberwick Island, Maine.

They call themselves SYLO and they are a secret branch of the U.S. Navy. SYLO’s commander, Captain Granger, informs Pemberwick residents that the island has been hit by a lethal virus and must be quarantined. Now Pemberwick is cut off from the outside world.

Tucker believes there’s more to SYLO’s story. He was on the sidelines when the high school running back dropped dead with no warning. He saw the bizarre midnight explosion over the ocean, and the mysterious singing aircraft that travel like shadows through the night sky. He tasted the Ruby—and experienced the powers it gave him—for himself.

What all this means, SYLO isn’t saying. Only Tucker holds the clues that can solve this deadly mystery.

LOOK TO THE SKY because Pemberwick is only the first stop.

My Review:

This book was very good, and the ending left me with my mouth agape. It was one of the best books I've read so far, and I can't wait to read the next.

The plot, characters and the resolution was all very well situated and thought out, and I had no trouble reading and understanding the book at all. I could easily identify with the characters and their pain and suffering as they went through this traumatic section in their lives. I really liked how they were able to pick themselves up and work out their problems in order to save others or even their own lives. They weren't weak, stupid, sometimes argumentative, but everything usually worked itself out in the end.

 I honesty cannot say that it has any  issues or problems with the text or plot, and it is perfect for Sci-Fi lovers, and those who like books about warfare and battle.