Blake Reviews The House of Hades

Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Release Date: 8 October 2013
Format: Nook
Series: The Heroes of Olympus #4
Source: Borroweed

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.

Warning: Possible spoilers if you have not read the other books in this series*

You have no idea how long I have waited for this book to be released. Rick Riordan usually has a nice little conclusion that ties of the end of the Percy Jackson books, but not last time. He never fully completes a story, but the books themselves have a nice ending that allows you to wait patiently for the next one to be released. There was a massive cliffhanger at the end of the last book that left my heart in pieces and my stomach in knots. You can't do that to me! I've become really invested in these characters and their lives. I cannot tell you how many times I have reread the PJ series, so the previous ending killed me.

Thankfully, HoH picks up right where the The Mark of Athena left off. I was able to dive back into the story without any issues, or stressing about what was about to happen. The stressing came later. Riordan is always able to keep me on my toes with these books. The gods are tricky, and Gaea is just plain evil. You never know what they are going to do next. Plus, these books are so complex. A prophecy can be issued in the first book, but you won't fully grasp its meaning, or how it effects the characters, until much later. Riordan's brain must be crazy amazing to keep up with all of those details. He makes everything come together so flawlessly throughout the books.

Also, there is something specific that happens in this book that blew my mind. It's not something you usually see within a middle grade book. I'm curious to see how this newest development will be received by the rest of the world, and the PJ fans.

If this is a series that you have never bothered reading, you don't know what you're missing out on. In the beginning of this series, the characters are just kids and friends. As the books progress, relationships form and develop. You get to grow with them. I love it. I love this series.

Need a second opinion?
Edit: Will update later