Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero is the first book in a new series (The Heroes of Olympus) about Camp Half-Blood and demigods, but not really about Percy Jackson. As the story begins, Jason, Piper and Leo are three students at a Wilderness Camp/Detention School on a field trip to the Grand Canyon. Jason has no memories, but everyone else around seems to know him. When they are attacked by a fellow student-turned-monster, the three discover a protector has been watching over them and they are sent to Camp Half-Blood. Once there, the mystery of Jason's past gets even weirder with the reactions of others to him. He learns that Hera is imprisoned and he's been selected to free her. So, with Leo's and Piper's help, Jason battles across the United States and Canada on his quest to find Hera before it's too late.
For all of you that loved the Percy Jackson books, The Lost Hero will not disappoint. Built along the same formula -- three demigods, a quest with the fate of the world in question, and plenty of enemies to battle along the way -- the reader will find comfort in familiar territory. But, that's not to say the story is in any way unoriginal or boring. Even though this series will be closely tied to the Percy Jackson series, I don't think you have to read Percy before reading this one, but I'd probably recommend reading them first. Yes, he's mentioned a lot. Yes, some of the events from Percy's books are talked about. But, I still don't think you will be completely lost in The Lost Hero. You might just appreciate the story more if you know Percy's story. Although the book is quite long (553 pages!), I didn't find it difficult or even slow to read. There's plenty of action-filled excitement to hold your attention and make you want to keep reading.
I think Riordan has another hit with The Lost Hero. It was everything I could wish it to be -- fast-paced, suspenseful, exciting and fun. I give it an 'A.'
No comments:
Post a Comment