Review: Demigods and Monsters

Demigods and Monsters: Your Favorite Authors on Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series

Which Greek god makes the best parent?Would you want to be one of Artemis’ Hunters?Why do so many monsters go into retail?
Spend a little more time in Percy Jackson’s world—a place where the gods bike among us, monsters man snack bars, and each of us has the potential to become a hero.
Find out:
Why Dionysus might actually be the best director Camp Half-Blood could have

How to recognize a monster when you see one

Why even if we aren’t facing manticores and minotaurs, reading myth can still help us deal with the scary things in our own lives

Plus, consult our glossary of people, places, and things from Greek myth: how Medusa got her snake hair extensions, why Chiron isn’t into partying and paintball like the rest of his centaur family, and the whole story on Percy’s mythical namesake.

When I bought this I thought it was going to be something like The Demigod Diaries or The Demigod Files - some bonus Riordan content. When I realized what it was though, I was a bit diappointed but interested. Behold, my thoughts:

The introduction was really cool to me - it's basically Rick Riordan expressing his amazement that people could find symbolism and deeper meanings in a bedtime story he made up for his kid. Includes interesting quote by Mark Twain. 

Monster Recongnition for Beginners- cute, entertaining. Liked the footnotes. 

Why Do So Many Monsters Go Into Retail? - found this boring, was unable to figure out the concrete claim the writer was trying to make. 

Stealing Fire From the Gods -  well written, but a familiar concept. 

Would You Want to be One of Artemis' Hunters? - a question I (and I bet every other female reader of The Titan's Curse) had thought about a bunch of times. The whole dilemma in one essay.

Dionysus: Who Let Him Run a Summer Camp? - ahhh loved this. Mr. D is my favorite. 

The Gods Among Us - heartfelt. A good and important read.

Percy Jackson and the Lords of Death - some new and interesting comparisons to Maya mythology, and a How To Build A Middle Grade Adventure guide.

Eeny Meeny Miney Mo(m) - oh, admit it. You thought about which godly parent you'd want a million times. This essay confirmed my choice! (APOLLO)

Percy, I Am Your Father - rating of the gods based on their parenting skills. An overlook over the whole series, some very good points. 

As Bad as They Wanna Be - all about Hades and Nico. I loved this! Always thought they deserved more credit than they got. 

The Greek Hero- New and Improved - agreed!

Not Even the Gods Are Perfect- nicely done, but a subject discussed in other essays. 

Frozen Eyeballs - about oracles and prophecies. Had more potential than it lived up to. 

The Language of the Heart - ehhh.

A Glossary Of Ancient Greek Myth - cutely written, actually had a lot of new info there, but I still stopped halfway through because you can only read a list of definitions for so long.

Overall? Not going to excite your middle grader, but if you have a thoughtful fan in mind this might work for them. Rating:

Happy 2016 dear people! So sad I missed December here on the blogosphere, and looking forward to a year filled with happiness and books!

Love, 

Esty

Review: Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes

Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes
Rick Riordan
Companion to Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Percy Jackson's Greek Gods

Who cut off Medusa's head? Who was raised by a she-bear? Who tamed Pegasus? It takes a demigod to know, and Percy Jackson can fill you in on the all the daring deeds of Perseus, Atalanta, Bellerophon, and the rest of the major Greek heroes. Told in the funny, irreverent style readers have come to expect from Percy, ( I've had some bad experiences in my time, but the heroes I'm going to tell you about were the original old school hard luck cases. They boldly screwed up where no one had screwed up before. . .) and enhanced with vibrant artwork by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco, this story collection will become the new must-have classic for Rick Riordan's legions of devoted fans--and for anyone who needs a hero. So get your flaming spear. Put on your lion skin cape. Polish your shield and make sure you've got arrows in your quiver. We're going back about four thousand years to decapitate monsters, save some kingdoms, shoot a few gods in the butt, raid the Underworld, and steal loot from evil people. Then, for dessert, we'll die painful tragic deaths. Ready? Sweet. Let's do this.

I don't need to tell you about Percy Jackson. All I need to say is that if you love him, if you love Greek myths, and EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU KNOW THEM, this is your book.

Right after I finished Percy Jackson's Greek Gods (link to my review), the other gorgeous, coffee table-sized companion, I immediately started salivating for a book about the heroes. Imagine my delight when it's release was announced right away... a year before. Basically, was so psyched to receive my preorder after 12 months of agonizing wait.

AND I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. Back are the chapter titles, and Percy's unique sarcasm on everything. And this time, he brings up his own experience with everyone quite a lot! I loved the little reminders of all the fun times we had as kids with him. (No spoilers, don't worry)

Also, HOORAY FEMINISM! Rick Riordan really made an effort for the ladies and it shows. He includes the stories of Otrera, Atalanta, and Cyrene, all lesser known. He also makes a point of explaining how sucky life was for women back in ancient times, and of course how stupid Percy thinks that is. 

And of course, John Rocco's ever-amazing illustration. Truly, just a feast for the eyes. And did I mention this book is HUMONGOUS? Well, it's HUMONGOUS. 416 super-sized pages of glorious Greek fun. Rating: 



Love,
Esty

Happy Birthday Percy Jackson and the Olympians!

The Lightning Thief: 10th Anniversary Edition (B&N Exclusive Collector's Edition) 

Rick Riordan

Illustrated by John Rocco

My review of Percy Jackson's Greek Gods.

Before my thoughts, a tidbit: I reread a lot. A lot of times, in between every review I post here, I've reread another book that I don't review.  In most cases, every time I review a book in a series I reread all its predecessors, meaning I recently reread all of The Sisters Grimm series and The Lorien Legacies. Not to mention all The Heroes of Olympus and Mortal Instruments. 

I don't review rereads on principle (I'm talking about a book I read before I started blogging, therefore there is no review for here on Boarding with Books). The reason for this is because if your reading it again/ continuing the series you obviously liked it enough to do so. Also, your thoughts are very different from the initial impression you got when you immersed yourself in it the first time, more like a personal comparison with what you felt before, not so much review material. 

Anyway! Why, if so, am I doing this review on a book I have learned by heart read many times since my youth and is among my all time favorites? 

Well, it's been ten years. 

God this is so emotional.

When did we get so old??

I remember getting my copy of The Battle of the Labyrinth and staying up all night (or so I thought) until my dad made me go to sleep so I went to bed clutching it. I also remember spoiling it for myself because in grade 4 (or 5) I did NOT have the self-control it takes to avoid the internet. Lord, I didn't even try! I googled it myself! (:

Oh, wait. I meant to review the bonus content in the anniversary edition.

We'll start with the cover: I've seen opinions all across the spectrum. Honestly, I kinda like it. But no, not enough that if given the choice I'd choose to own the new ones. Christine at PolandBananasBooks made a video with her new Percy Jackson swag (so jealous) and made a good point... they just don't stand out like the old covers did! I'd miss the big gold writing on my shelf. 

However, just for this anniversary edition of The Lighting Thief it worked. It was done by the amazingly talented John Rocco (who did every other Rick Riordan thing ever) along with a gorgeous mural of all the new art on the inside jacket. On the inner side of the cover are the covers of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief in a bunch of different foreign languages... so cool!

There's the original outline (Twas the first time I've seen a real manuscript ouline. Twas fascinating), Riordan's first submission letter, a little Q&A, a letter from John Rocco, maps of Camp Half-Blood and the Underworld, a little note from Percy, a Greek Mythology reference guide and a list of myths relating to the story. Basically, lots of cute stuff. If I could ask for more I'd want interviews with the gods, maybe with some of the campers - though I realize it's premature for The Lightning Thief, come on. Who buys the collectors edition if not for avid fans?

Overall, I was so happy. It is an amazing gift to get, and I urge you to give the same present to yourself or to your favorite demigod friend. Rating:

Review: The Blood of Olympus

The Blood of Olympus (Heroes of Olympus #5)

Rick Riordan

Middle Grade, Greek Mythology

Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen—all of them—and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood—the blood of Olympus—in order to wake.

The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it "might" be able to stop a war between the two camps.

The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.

SPOILERS BELOW

GUYS. THE END OF AN ERA IS UPON US.

*sniffs*

The standout thing about this? I did NOT expect the tears coming our way. I thought I personally would be emotional (because of the fact that I have like kissed the Percy Jackson books goodnight since I was 10 years old) but in no way did I think Rick Riordan would crank up the feel factor like he did. 

The personal journeys our characters went through are immense - but the series truly reached it's peak in that aspect in The Blood of Olympus with Nico's and Reyna's points of view. My heart just broke for them again and again but also swelled with insane pride. 

And the MOMENTS. I just can't even. Percy and Annabeth in the spot of the rivalry in Athens. Never before has a book made me sob from PURE HAPPINESS. 

I EVEN STARTED TO LOVE PIPER AND FRANK! If that doesn't speak of character development, nothing does. 

LEO. Enough said. 

And of course, the never- ending slew of cracks that could make even the most mature reader bust out laughing. Even Jason got in a few this time!

But there was just this one thing that nagged and nagged me about this installment and that was the lack of closure. 

For God's sake this is the last demigod book EVER and we didn't have any chapters from Percy or Annabeth's point of view. We never found out what happens to Apollo or the Oracle of Delphi. And all the FREAKING GODS OF OLYMPUS THEMSELVES come down to fight with their children and we don't know what they said to them. The book ends with everyone thinking Leo's dead. HOW ON EARTH AM I SUPPOSED TO FEEL SATISFIED HERE?? 

Percy hasn't seen his mom in a year. The Hunters and Amazons don't come to the final battle. There's no Olympic council rewarding all the heroes. The demigods of Camp Half-Blood don't make a new clay bead. REYNA DOESN'T FIND LOVE.

I WANT MY ENDS TIED UP ALL NICE AND PRETTY, MR. RIORDAN. I'VE LOVED EVERY BOOK OF YOURS FOR ENOUGH YEARS TO EXPECT THIS. 

But of course, it was beautiful nonetheless. I could never give anything by this author anything less than 5 stars. Now all that's left is to go mourn the loss of my childhood. Supporting comments much appreciated! *wipes tears and blows nose* Rating:

ICon Festival 2014!

Hey guys! The holidays are just wrapping up here, but not before I managed to make it to my first ever geek event convention for science fiction and fantasy! Living in Israel means I never get to make it to events like BEA or author signings, and definitely not Comic-Con (because when I do go to the States I'm on the East Coast). 

So I was absolutely overjoyed to attend ICon in Tel Aviv this year (=Israel Convention)! Thought I'd make a post to show you my haul: 

Me and Kelley Armstrong! I read The Summoning years ago but I remember liking it. She signed my program and gave me an adorable book mark!! Obviously I brought a sparkly pen. The kind that smudges. *facepalm*

The booths were sooooo awesome. Here's some of the cool products I picked up (I know, I know. I should have gotten this stuff years ago. What kinda fangirl am I??) :

Please ignore the fact that I left the tag on. In my defense, I was excited. 

Took this one at home already... 

Okay, so this refers to a TV show. Whatever. The Sherlock merchandise was the best stuff there.

There was an arena where there were costume competitions and gladiator fighting, and all sorts of lectures and panels. Hopefully I'll put up a slideshow in the sidebar with some more pics(: 

So that was my first geek experience! What events have you been to? Tell me! (don't hesitate to make me jealous!) 

Have a great weekend!
Love,
Esty

Review: Percy Jackson's Greek Gods

Percy Jackson's Greek Gods (Percy Jackson companion book)
Rick Riordan 
Greek Mythology

A publisher in New York asked me to write down what I know about the Greek gods, and I was like, Can we do this anonymously? Because I don't need the Olympians mad at me again. But if it helps you to know your Greek gods, and survive an encounter with them if they ever show up in your face, then I guess writing all this down will be my good deed for the week. 

So begins Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, in which the son of Poseidon adds his own magic--and sarcastic asides--to the classics. He explains how the world was created, then gives readers his personal take on a who's who of ancients, from Apollo to Zeus. Percy does not hold back. "If you like horror shows, blood baths, lying, stealing, backstabbing, and cannibalism, then read on, because it definitely was a Golden Age for all that."Dramatic full-color illustrations throughout by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco make this volume--a must for home, library, and classroom shelves--as stunning as it is entertaining.

I really don't know how I managed since The Last Olympian. In Percy Jackson's Greek Gods we get a HUMONGOUS coffee table-sized book filled with GORGEOUS illustrations and HILARIOUS chapter titles and the one thing we missed most of all- PERCY JACKSON'S VOICE. 

Only Rick Riordan could take rape, incest, adultery, murder, and cannibalism and make it all PG. Here you have it, ladies and gentlemen. A Beginner's Guide to the Greek Gods suitable for your 5th grader. And for you. Everyone really. 

Back when Percy was my life (no, wait. That's all the time. So I mean like, grades 4 through 6) I devoured anything I could find about the myths and thought I knew it all. As Percy would say, HAHAHAHA. No. Just goes to show you what a vast wealth of stories there are. With every Riordan publication I read, I learn more about mythology and what influence it has even today.

Ahhhh, Percy. How I have missed you. Please keep writing. You only covered the Olympians. We need to know about the minor gods, the monsters, and of course the tales of famous demigods like Hercules and Perseus and Orpheus and Jason. COME BACK!!!

People, prepare yourselves. The last volume featuring our dear Percy approaches (Bloods of Olympus, this October). We'll get through this. Hopefully. And there's the Magnus Chase series coming up. (our long-promised Norse series by the one and only Rick Riordan. Click the link to read more) 
Rating: 

Review: House of Hades

House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus #4)
Rick Riordan
Middle Grade Adventure, Greek Mythology

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.

Usually I try to keep my blog spoiler free, because in my opinion if you can't read the review because you haven't read the book than what help am I? I want to help you choose your books. The exceptions are novels like Clockwork Princess and this, about which nothing can be said about the writing, character development, pacing, or feeling, because all that is obviously completely flawless. No, this won't be much of a review- more a rant discussion of the actual events. So, if you haven't read it, GET OFF YOUR DEVICE AND READ IT. If you have, please comment and help me sort through my feelings.

SPOILERS START HERE


OK, NICO IS GAY?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! WWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAATTTTTTT OMG.
I think my shock has less to do with the fact that he is gay rather than the fact that Rick Riordan put a gay character in his book. For a long time we've been trying to figure out what Nico's deal is, and while I had a lot of theories, I didn't think in that direction AT ALL. You just don't expect to encounter homosexuality in a kid's book! But when I got over the original heart attack, I appreciated what Riordan did there. He writes his books for kids, not white straight kids. If all his characters were what is considered default than in a way he'd be adding to the discrimination people face today.  In addition, I'd like to give him credit for not actually using the words 'gay' or 'homosexual' or 'attracted to boys'. It makes it not a political issue, rather a difference- and the kids read and are like, 'ok, Nico had a crush on Percy. That makes him different' . What a subtle and brilliant way to promote acceptance. Also, notice how the new series features Hazel- who is black, Frank- who is Chinese, and Leo- who is Hispanic. Refreshing. 

Guys: I FINALLY began to like Jason. Up until now he was given all the respect afforded to Percy but the readers didn't know him or love him, so it was like, STOP BEING AN EQUAL TO PERCY. I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU DO ANYTHING YET.  But in this book you do. He really becomes a leader- gets to know his team, relents when needed. I STILL think Piper is useless, though. Sue me. 

Me-when-I-found-out-Coach-Hedge-is-having-a-baby (it was obvious in the beginning if you've ever had a little sibling): AHAHAHAHAHA OMG EEEEEEHHHH

LEO AND CALYPSO- one word:FEEEELS
More than one word: I genuinely missed Calypso! It was such a disconnected incident in The Battle of Labyrinth (right  book?) that I didn't think about her very much after. I am so happy Leo found her- he deserves her the most. 

Dear Rick Riordan,
Can we get some Grover, Tyson, Thalia, Chiron or Rachel please? Or at least some more Reyna.
Sincerely,
Where-have-all-my-awesome-people-gone

PERCABETH
WOAH. I knew they would come out changed and a little scarred. It was kinda a beautiful process, actually. Also, it was nice to see them grow up and start planning their future, if a little heartbreaking. 
And the big surprise? We see an almost fatal mistake of Percy's-forgetting about Bob and Calypso. It showed that even the good guys can make bad mistakes. It was a little shocking, having worshipped Percy all my life, but a good wake up call. Nobody is perfect. Not even close.

Last two things: Anyone else catch the dedication? *gnashes teeth and growls*
THE TITLE OF BOOK FIVE: THE BLOOD OF OLYMPUS. MAKE OF THAT WHAT YOU WILL.

How will I live after next fall?

Book-to-Movie Review: Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson #2)
Book by Rick Riordan

In order to restore their dying safe haven, the son of Poseidon and his friends embark on a quest to the Sea of Monsters to find the mythical Golden Fleece while trying to stop an ancient evil from rising.

After the last disappointment we suffered four years ago with the release of The Lightning Thief movie, needless to say my expectations were low for this movie. Likewise, I had seen the negative reviews. 

I went anyway- how could I not? 

The plotline- ridiculous. Percy does and says a lot of unnecessary things. While they did more or less stick to the book, they had to do a lot of explaining about Kronos and stuff which they left out in the previous movie. While doing that, they even screwed up the mythology behind it. Really?? The book is one thing, but at least get the original Greek story right. 

So they finally remembered Annabeth is blond. Four years too late, buddy. 

ANNNIE??? ANNIE??? WHERE ON EARTH DID THAT COME FROM?! HER NAME IS ANNABETH. NOTHING ELSE. 

The fight scene: Ok, besides the fact that they raised Kronos two books too early, it should take more than 1 sword thrust from Percy to take him down. At this point I didn't even bother to remark anything to my friends. I just rolled my eyes. 

The positives? 
There were some pretty funny lines, Tyson was was a really heartwarming character, you gotta love Logan Lerman. The hippocampi was cool too. Percabeth shippers will get some hugs to cheer for. Other than that- Go watch it, enjoy seeing your childhood brought to the big screen, and try not to get annoyed too much.

Rating: 2.5 stars


Esty

Review: Son of Sobek

Son of Sobek
Rick Riordan
middle grade short story

Carter Kane is investigating rumored sightings of a monster on Long Island when he runs into something else: a mysterious boy named Percy Jackson. And their meeting isn't exactly friendly. . . . 

Basically a crossover between Percy Jackson and the Kane Chronicles. Can anyone say, RECIPE FOR WIN??

Of course it was perfect! Percy and Carter funny and sarcastic as usual, saving Manhattan from bloodthirsty monsters. What's new? Honestly, my only complaint was that it was too short. I thought there would be earth-shattering revelations on both their parts, what with realizing there are other gods alive, but not to worry- nothing changes. You'll see.

I was also happy to see Rick Riordan left us an opening that Carter and Percy will meet again in the future... hmmm :) Rating:


Anyone else been seeing these rumors about a new Harry Potter? They're not true... right?
Happy Monday!
Esty