Book Reviews

Trials of Apollo: The Tower of Nero by Rick Riordan

Synopsis:
Lester’s demigod friends at Camp Jupiter just helped him survive attacks from bloodthirsty ghouls, an evil Roman king and his army of the undead, and the lethal emperors Caligula and Commodus. Now the former god and his demigod master Meg must follow a prophecy uncovered by Ella the harpy. Lester’s final challenge will be at the Tower of Nero, back in New York.

Will Meg have a last showdown with her father?

Will this helpless form of Apollo have to face his arch nemesis, Python?

Who will be on hand at Camp Half-Blood to assist?

Review:
This is the fifth and final installment in the Trials of Apollo series, an offshoot of Percy Jackson. The Percy Jackson series was a favorite of mine, and this latest series is just as fun and exciting. As a punishment, Apollo has been sent to Earth as a mortal. Now, he is working with Meg and his other demigod friends to take down the evil king before he becomes unstoppable.

This finale doesn’t disappoint. With the odds increasingly against them, Apollo and his friends form unlikely alliances and face down an incredible foe. With a big showdown, suspense, drama, and plenty of humor at times to lighten the mood – middle readers to adults will enjoy this fantastic series. And while it’s not necessary to read the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series, it is helpful to know some of the characters who overlap. And Riordan proves once again that he’s a master at middle grade fantasy.

Hush by Dylan Farrow

Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Shae has led a seemingly quiet life, joking with her best friend Fiona, and chatting with Mads, the neighborhood boy who always knows how to make her smile. All while secretly keeping her fears at bay… Of the disease that took her brother’s life. Of how her dreams seem to bleed into reality around her. Of a group of justice seekers called the Bards who claim to use the magic of Telling to keep her community safe.

When her mother is murdered, she can no longer pretend.

Not knowing who to trust, Shae journeys to unlock the truth, instead finding a new enemy keen to destroy her, a brooding boy with dark secrets, and an untold power she never thought possible.

Review:
Shae is a strong and determined young woman. She is focused on finding her mother’s killer, above her own safety. It turns out that Shae has a rare gift, so she uses her new position to search for clues. But there is something far more sinister going on.

Hush is the first in a new YA fantasy series. It’s set in a unique world that takes a while to start to understand. But the story is captivating from the start. It’s full of suspense, drama, and intrigue. There are several gripping twists along the way, as well as engaging characters. I devoured this one quickly, and can’t wait for the sequel.

Dragonwatch: Champion of the Titan Games by Brandon Mull

Synopsis:
The war against dragons intensifies. Will Kendra and Seth find the help they desperately need from the Giant Queen? This fourth book in a five-book series leaves the underwater dragon preserve of Crescent Lagoon for a gladiator-style arena at Titan Valley, the magical realm of towering giants and enslaved dragons. Our two young heroes have never felt so small or faced a challenge so . . . giant!

Review:
Kendra is busy trying to stop the dragon invasion, while trying to find her brother as well. And Seth just wants to get his memories back. Their journeys both collide at Titan Valley. But it’s uncertain if they can trust each other’s motives.

Champion of the Titan Games is the next to last in this captivating spin-off series of Fablehaven. The adventure and excitement doesn’t let up as these adventurers face a wild array of challenges and dangerous creatures. All of the humor, suspense, mystery, and drama make this – and Brandon Mull’s other books – must-reads. There are always fun twists and surprises along the way. Mull is a master of children’s fantasy – the engaging characters, unique worldbuilding, and thrilling adventures. I enjoyed this installment from beginning to end. And now the final book in the series can’t come soon enough!

The Mirror: Broken Wish by Julie C Dao

Synopsis:
The Mirror: Broken Wish marks the first book in an innovative four-book fairy-tale series written by Julie C. Dao, Dhonielle Clayton, Jennifer Cervantes, and L. L. McKinney, following one family over several generations, and the curse that plagues it.

Sixteen-year-old Elva has a secret. She has visions and strange powers that she will do anything to hide. She knows the warnings about what happens to witches in their small village of Hanau. She’s heard the terrible things people say about the Witch of the North Woods, and the malicious hunts that follow.

But when Elva accidentally witnesses a devastating vision of the future, she decides she has to do everything she can to prevent it. Tapping into her powers for the first time, Elva discovers a magical mirror and its owner-none other than the Witch of the North Woods herself. As Elva learns more about her burgeoning magic, and the lines between hero and villain start to blur, she must find a way to right past wrongs before it’s too late.

Review:
Elva has a gift – or a curse – according to how you look at it. She has visions, that always seem to come true. And when she discovers letters from the witch in the woods to her mother, Elva realizes that she needs to seek help from the one person who has no reason to.

Broken Wish is a captivating fairy tale. It’s dark and heart-wrenching. But Elva’s hope and kindness affects everyone around her. She’s an amazing young woman who thinks nothing of personal gain, just for those most hurting. This isn’t a Disney princess fairy tale, with everyone living “happily ever after.” But there is a hope for the future. And this beautifully-written tale makes me excited for the next in the series.