If you saw my 'What I Got For Christmas' post then you know I received the 4th book for Christmas, but before I could read it, I had to start at the beginning and work my way up. Seeing how I read them all I thought it would be a good idea to combine them all into one post. So you may wish to get comfy and grab a drink cause this post is a tad on the long side - sorry about that!
The Lost Hero (The Heroes Of Olympus #1)
Description: Jason has a problem. He doesn't remember anything before waking up on a school bus holding hands with a girl. Apparently he has a girlfriend names Piper. His best friend is a kid named Leo, and they're all students at a boarding school for "bad kids". What he did to end up here, Jasob has no idea, except everything seems wrong. Piper has a secret. Her father, a famous actor, is missing, and her vivid nightmares reveal that he's in terrible danger. When a freak storm and strange creature attack during a school trip, she, Jason, and Leo are whisked away to someplace called Camp Half-blood. What is going on. Leo has a way with tools. What's troubling is the curse everyone keeps talking about, and then a campers gone missing. Weirdest of all, his bunk mates insist they are all - including Leo - related to a god.
Review: I'd say this is a YA book so wasn't sure what to expect as I've found a lot of YA books are the same. The storyline is interesting and also refreshing. I can honestly say I've never read anything like this book before. It grabs you from the first chapter. All the characters have their own little secrets that they are all trying to avoid being exposed.
It's a fun way to teach YA & me about the Greek gods. Even though I'm 24 the story felt like it was teaching me that I can be anything I want to be and you don't find that in many books. I also found myself really connecting with the characters and found myself caring about them.
Would I recommend?: Yes, without a shadow of a doubt. You need to read this book.
The Son Of Neptune (The Heroes Of Olympus #2)
Published: 2011
Description: Percy is confused. When he woke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any 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. Because of a mistake Hazel made, the future of the work is at risk. Haz 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, be he doesn't see it. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery. His bulky physique makes him feel like an OC, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.
Review: This book tell you the other half of the story. I wasn't too keen on this book. I didn't connect with these characters, I found them at the beginning to not be that interesting maybe because i was so invested in the first book. But the further into the book I got the more I started to enjoy it. This book centres on Frank, Percy & Hazel who must save Thanatos before Gaea awakens. Obviously you should recognise Percy as the boy who should be in Camp Half-Blood. In this book you learn about the Roman gods which I found interesting - confusing but interesting all the same.
Would I recommend?: Yes, it's unique how the story is set and handy to find out about the other side. If you liked the first one then you will no doubt like this.
The Mark Of Athena (The Heroes Of Olympus #3)
Published: 2012
Description: Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy - after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera - it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can't blame the Roman demigods for thinking the shop is a Greek weapon. Annabeth hoes that the sight of their praetor Jasob on deck will reassure the Romans that they come in peace. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. She already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find - and close - the Doors of Death. What more doe Atheba want from her.
Review: All 7 Demi gods embark on a quest to defeat two giants and find Athena's statue.
I enjoyed this book now that all 7 Demi gods are together working as a team. As the story goes on more secrets are revealed and you get to learn more about all the characters. Greek & Roman gods make an appearance through out in order to help out their children. It was nice to see certain Demi gods (mostly my favourites Percy, Annabeth and Leo) have their own quests which they have to do, which makes for really good reading and more than likely leaving you reading late into the night.
My Rating: 5/5 I see a theme here.
Would I recommend?: Oh yeah! Much more action and fighting in this book.
The Heroes Of Hades (The Heroes Of Olympus #4)
Published: 2013
Description: 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.
Review: I started off enjoying this book but the further in it got the more it started to get dry and dragged out, that i found it a struggle to reach the end. The book is really in depth and it jumps from Percy & Annabeth to the other 5 demigods which at times was confusing trying to keep up with two stories. It was a good story none the less but could have been a little shorter.
Would I recommend?: Of course if you've read the previous 4 books then you must continue.
Overall thoughts: I would highly recommend this series. It's a great read for both YA and adults. One of the best series out there.
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What are your thoughts on this series?
FTC: I brought all 4 books with my own money. 5th book was a gift for Christmas. All opinions are my own and 100% honest. Descriptions are from Goodreads & Images are from Google.
