The Hammer of Thor: Magnus Chase and The God's of Asgard #2 by: Rick Riordan

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Mythology
Published: October 4, 2016 by: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 471
Rating: 4/5 stars

Thor's hammer has made its way into enemy hands, and it's up to Magnus Chase and his demi-god friends to get it back before the Nine Worlds come crashing down. Along the way, they will find that they must gain the trust of Loki, aka the most hated to the god's, as only he has the power to negotiate for the hammer back, and prevent Ragnarok from beginning. And he'll do it, only for a price...

I did not think that I would enjoy this series as much as I am. I've usually only been a Greek mythology person, but this series keeps me entertained and of course has those little Percy Jackson easter eggs in there that I absolutely love. This is one of Riordan's most diverse series and it is so well written.

This book gave us a gender-fluid character in Alex, the return of the badass that is Samirah, and of course, Magnus, who is so charming and funny. I think I enjoyed this storyline even more than from the previous book as it basically gives me the only Norse God that I am familiar with, lol.

All this being said, I don't think I will ever enjoy this series just as much as I enjoy the Greek myths, but that's personal preference. I know a lot of people out there love Norse mythology, and if you do, you will love this series.

Have you read The Hammer of Thor? What did you think?

The Dark Prophecy (Trials of Apollo #2) by: Rick Riordan

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Mythology
Published: May 2, 2017 by: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 414
Rating: 5/5 stars

On his second quest to gaining his immortality back, the god Apollo must track down his lost mentor Meg Mcaffrey, all with the help of son of Hephaestus Leo Valdez, his girlfriend Calypso, and a group of retired hunters of Artemis who will all try to protect themselves against the many enemies Apollo has made during his time as a god.

I will never, ever get tired of Rick Riordan's writing. I mean, this guy went from writing books that were not so diverse and quite predictable, to some of the most diverse middle-grade/YA books out there. He weaves mythology into the modern day world, and his witty humour and pop culture references never get old.

I think I may have enjoyed this book even more than the first. Probably because my boy Leo Valdez was a central character, and he is ultimately my favourite character Riordan has ever created. I loved reading about him again, as well as the introduction of new characters who were so lovable and funny.

I can fly through these books. They are hilarious, educational, and satisfy my love for mythology like no other. I hope Riordan never gets tired of writing in this world because it's perfect.

Have you read The Dark Prophecy? What did you think?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase #1) by: Rick Riordan

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Middle-Grade/YA
Published: October 6, 2015 by: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 499
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Ever since Magnus Chase's mother's mysterious death, Magnus has been homeless, a troubled kid who has no family. But when a complete stranger warns Magnus that he is in great danger, Magnus uncovers the truth about his family: he is the son of a Norse God. Now Magnus is swept into the magical world of the myths he never thought were true, and along his journey to find his father, he must embark on a quest. A quest to save his life, and the lives of the innocent people that fire giants long to destroy.

It's been a while since I've picked up a good old Riordan mythology series! I was very weary going into this book, since I've only known to love his Greek/Roman myths and never cared for the Kane Chronicles. And I think that was the main problem with this book. I'm not completely into other mythology, but I did enjoy the familiar wit of these novels and how easy to get through they are.

This book as the similar tone of all of Rick's books. They are funny and sarcastic, a lot of references to pop culture and the modern world, but with an mythological twist. I once more appreciated this writing because of how easy it makes the reading, and how it doesn't feel heavy at all. I got through this book quickly.

Again, I loved the diversity once more brought to the table and how committed Riordan is at showcasing a variety of people in his novels. It is so healthy for children to read these types of books so that they can know just how diverse the world actually is.

But, the main downfall for this book was that I'm not all that into Norse mythology. Like I said, I'm only into the Greek and Roman stuff and so this book left me a bit bored and a lot less keen on learning about the mythology. I find Norse mythology just to be unfamiliar and not something I'm interested in, and for that, I lost interest in the book.

So overall, I liked this book. It was charming and funny, just not my cup of tea when it comes to mythology.

Have you read The Sword of Summer? What did you think?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

The Hidden Oracle (The Trails of Apollo #1) by: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade/Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Mythology
Published: May 3, 2016 by: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 376
Rating: 5/5 stars

*excessive use of caps lock ahead*

After Zeus has the last straw with his son Apollo, Apollo is banished to Earth where he is turned into a mortal, a teenager boy to be exact. Without the powers that he has grown accustomed to for thousands of years, Apollo now must navigate the human world, with his former enemies looking to take advantage of this. With his life in danger, Apollo must go to Camp Half Blood, the infamous safe ground, for people like himself.

I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW EXCITED I WAS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT RICK WAS WRITING ANOTHER PERCY JACKSON SPINOFF! Those books were my CHILDHOOD in every way possible, and I was in serious mourning when The Heroes of Olympus series ended, because I thought we had seen the last of Camp Half Blood. But my prayers have been answered and I could not be happier!

Apollo was absolutely hilarious in this book! Well, all of Riordan's books are. If you're familiar, all of his character have incredibly humorous voices, and this was no different. I cracked up multiple times and I had a smile plastered on my face through the entire book. Apollo was such a fun god to read about, I think this series was such a clever move.

I also loved the representation in this book! Apollo was bisexual, his son is gay, it was so great to see LGBT representation in a book that also appeals to Middle Grade readers. It shows them how great diverse books can be!

We get introduced to some new characters, and get to be reunited with others. LIKE MY PRECIOUS BABY LEO I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!  I loved how the old characters were actively involved, but also gave room for the new characters to grow. It was so incredible.

Some people are annoyed that Rick keeps milking this world but honestly if he didn't I wouldn't know what to do with myself. These books were second to Harry Potter for me, and I will never be able to let them go.

Have you read The Hidden Oracle? What did you think?

Emily @ Paperback Princess