Showing posts with label rick riordan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rick riordan. Show all posts

Saturday, December 8, 2018

November Reading Wrap Up + mini reviews


Hey, guys!!

 November has been a whirlwind of school work and actual work. I've barely had the time to read, but I did manage to finish my favorite book of the year during my Thanksgiving break! I'm so freaking excited to have a few weeks to read and catch up on blogging! Stay tuned for a lot more content!
This month I finished 2 books, a novella, and I'm temporarily DNF-ing a book. 

Here are the lovely books I read!

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~ Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo by Rick Riordan


Rating: 3 stars
Page Count: 28 pages
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publishing Date: November 14, 2017
Format: ebook - Kindle app
Where To Find It: Amazon // Goodreads

This wasn't Rick's best short story, but it was a great example to use for one of my creative writing assignments where I had to mimic the style of another author. I loved revisiting Percy and Grover. I love love love their friendship and the mythology that was incorporated into this piece was so much fun. I absolutely adore Rick's writing and I can't wait to catch up with his Apollo and Magnus Chase series. He's a big literary inspiration for me. 

~ Dumplin by Julie Murphy

Rating: 4 stars
Page Count: 384 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publishing Date: September 15, 2015
Format: audiobook via Hoopla / ebook via Hoopla / physical copy via library
Where To Find It: Amazon // Goodreads

I absolutely adored this book. The characters were so well done and the story was so freaking addicting. I love love love Willowdean. She's such a well rounded and realistic character. I loved reading about her growth and struggles. I really loved the secondary characters in this book. I love how Julie incorporates their own personal friendships with Willowdean. It really added a lovely depth to the story that most authors don't accomplish well. In including each character through their different sort of friendship with Willowdean, it just made it so intriguing and fun to see their growth throughout the book. 

Reading this book was so dysfunctional -- only because I made it that way. I started this book via audiobook and got about 40% through that way, then I read it on my phone via ebook, and then my school's library had it on the shelves, so I picked it up physically, and finished it up via ebook. I don't regret it one bit. All three formats were so much fun. I do recommend any of them.

~ {Temporary DNF} Now I Rise by Kiersten White

Rating: temp DNF (@ 25%/ pg. 118)
Page Count: 471 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publishing Date: June 27, 2017
Format: ebook via Kindle
Where To Find It: Amazon // Goodreads

I was originally excited to read Now I Rise after finishing And I Darken, but after reading KOA, I just didn't think it was the right time for me to pick up this book. It was much slower paced than what I wanted and I just wasn't interested. Radu also began to annoy the heck out of me. I know that Whitney (aka WhittyNovels) really really loves these books. I hardcore trust her opinions, so I'm just going to wait and give it another go sometime.

~ Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas



Rating: 5 stars!!!
Page Count: 992 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Publishing Date: October 23, 2018
Format: physical hardback - I BOUGHT 5 COPIES OF THIS BOOK GUYS!
Where To Find It: Amazon // Goodreads

I will be writing a complete review for this book after my last final, but I just want to say that this book completely blew my mind. I absolutely adore adore adore this book! I cannot handle how much I loved this book. I already miss the characters so much and I'm just dying for more of Sarah's work. I can't wait for her 2019 releases to come out.

READ THRONE OF GLASS!


Number of Pages Read: 1,522
Favorite November Read: Kingdom of Ash (duh)

Happy reading, guys!
Olivia
~Liv the Book Nerd~
Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository Affiliate Code


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Tuesday, August 8, 2017

{Review} The Demigod Diaries (Heroes of Olympus Companion) by Rick Riordan

12959086
Page Count: 244
Published on: August 14, 2012
Published by: Disney-Hyperion Books
Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology, YA, Adventure, Short Stories, Middle Grade 
Source: Hardback - personally purchased secondhand
Age Rating: MG/YA
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository
Twitter: @camphalfblood
My Rating: 4 stars



Goodreads synopsis:

 What dangers do runaway demigods Luke and Thalia face on their way to Camp Half-Blood? Are Percy and Annabeth up to the task of rescuing stolen goods from a fire-breathing giant who doesn't take kindly to intruders? How exactly are Leo, Piper, and Jason supposed to find a runaway table, dodge a band of party-loving Maenads (who just might be a little psychotic), and stave off a massive explosion...all in one hour or less? With his trademark wit and creativity, Rick Riordan answers these questions and more in three never-before-seen short stories that provide vital back-story to the Heroes of Olympus and Percy Jackson books. Original art, enlightening character interviews and profiles, puzzles, and a quiz add to the fun in this action-packed collection.
~~~

Hey, guys!

     This was the first book that I read for the booktube-a-thon and it really kick started my reading progress throughout the week. This book was an amazing refresher of the Percy Jackson world. I didn't realize how much I missed the world until I read this collection of short stories. 

      I absolutely adored the short stories in this book. I loved hearing about pre-PJ Luke, Thalia, and Annabeth. It was so interesting to read about what they went through before they made it to Camp Halfblood. 

      Leo's story was just flat-out hilarious. I just love his character so much. After reading Leo's story, I just realized that I really miss the Heroes of Olympus books (and the Percy Jackson books, but LEO AND NICO ARE MY FAVORITES!). I just really need to do a reread of all of the books, but I don't have time! I also have other books I have  to read soon, so that's an issue. I remember last year I planned to do a big reread in August, but it never happened. Oh well. 

I'm rambling...Let's get back to this review! 

     I really enjoyed Percy and Annabeth's story as well. I just adore their relationship and I'd read anything about them... their day-to-day --all of the boring little details in their lives. I want it all. I just love them so much. 

     I think this little paragraph needs to be an appreciation moment for Martha and George. They are probably some of the funniest characters in the Riordan books. I love them and they are perfect. Hermes better appreciate. Give them all the rats. 

     Haley Riordan is such a talented writer. I loved his short story and I expect great books from him someday. I loved his serious tone and the insight that he had on the Mist. Alabaster is such a badass and I really want to know more about his character and how he would affect the series and the world. I think Haley was 16 when he wrote the story, but the internet says he's 22 now. That's so crazy! 

     This was such a great refresher of the Percy Jackson universe. I really need to do a huge binge/reread of the books. If anyone would like to do that in December or something, let me know. I'll need the PJ vibes to get me through finals. 

My Riordan Reviews: 

Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~
Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository @LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino

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Thursday, December 22, 2016

The Hammer of Thor (Magnus Chase & the Gods of Asgard #2) by Rick Riordan

27904311Page Count: 471
Published By: Disney-Hyperion
Published On: October 4, 2016
Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology, Middle Grade, YA, Adventure,
Source: Hardback
Age Rating: PG

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 4.75












Goodreads synopsis:

      Thor's hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon--the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds. But this time the hammer isn't just lost, it has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can't retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants. Ragnarok will begin. The Nine Worlds will burn. Unfortunately, the only person who can broker a deal for the hammer's return is the gods' worst enemy, Loki--and the price he wants is very high.

 ~~~

Hey, guys!

I’ve always been a huge fan of Riordan’s writing, but he really delivered in The Hammer of Thor! The Hammer of Thor is the second book in Riordan’s Magnus Chase series and it was even better than The Sword of Summer. I can’t wait to see where Riordan goes with Magnus’s story. The ending of this book really killed me emotionally. I really cannot wait for the third book. I desperately need that book.

The Hammer of Thor follows Magnus and the gang a couple months after the end of The Sword of Summer. Magnus and his friends are sent on a quest after they get a lead regarding to the missing item that must not be mentioned lest the giants start Ragnarok. In this book, new characters are introduced, older characters develop as people, more Norse mythology baffles the readers mind, and it’s just a great time.

There are multiple occasions throughout this book that make you literally laugh out loud. Riordan has the ability to make his readers feel absolutely immersed in the world that he is weaving as he’s writing. His characters are so hilariously relatable and even though it’s very fictional, it almost seems realistic. Not only are his main characters hilarious and amazing, but the side characters are just so fantastically written and unique. Riordan introduced us to Alex who is gender fluid. You can rarely find any good books with LGBTQA+ characters, not to mention gender fluid. Rick Riordan is always breaking walls when it comes to this series. He’s such a fantastic writer.

The only issue that I had was that I wish that there were more interactions between Hearthstone and Blitzen. I think that they are absolutely adorable, and I need more of their relationship in my life. I can’t wait for book three!

My Riordan Reviews: 

Happy reading and happy holidays!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~
@LivTheBookNerd on Books


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Tuesday, August 16, 2016

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

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Page Count: 376
Published on: May 3, 2016
Published by: Disney-Hyperion
Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology, YA, Middle Grade
Source: Hardback
Age Rating: PG
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon
Twitter: @camphalfblood
My Rating: 5 stars












 Goodreads synopsis:

 How do you punish an immortal?

By making him human.

After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disorientated, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favour.

But Apollo has many enemies - gods, monsters and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go . . . an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.
~~~

Hey, guys!

      I've finally read The Hidden Oracle! Oh my gosh, guys! This book totally lives up to the hype. Rick Riordan has done it once again! The Hidden Oracle follows the Greek god Apollo after he's been cast down to Earth by his father Zeus after the debacle following Blood of Olympus. Because Apollo has been cast down before, he knows that he must find a demigod to pledge his service to. He finds Meg -- a rather unorthodox demigod-- and a bunch of drama ensues and the Trials of Apollo begin. I know that isn't a very great synopsis, but I figured I should include another one.

       I loved this book! This was such a fantastic addition to Riordan's world.  This did indeed feature some of the old gang. Many of our beloved characters made cameos in this novel, but it was all Apollo. Apollo was such a sassy and hilarious individual. His humor and the way he carried himself was "slap your knee, ugly snort laugh" funny. There were many occasions where I would scare whoever I was with my awkward and random spurts of laughter. At first, Apollo refused to accept that he was no immortal, and he just threw a hissy fit when he didn't meet his usual godly standards. He was even more appalled when Meg told him to calm down because he wasn't ugly, he was just "average". That freaked him out even more. When I read that bit I was cracking up. I loved the way he communicated with the demigods and those who he used to consider his underlings. There was a fantastic character arc towards the end of the novel which was fantastic to read. One of the first things that I noticed when I first started the book, were the lovely haikus in the beginning of the chapters (Chapter 15's was my favorite). It added a little something to Apollo's character that made the book even greater.

      I really loved Meg's character. She was so dynamic and not like any other character that I have read. Apollo is another force to be reckoned with when it comes to his drama fits. She didn't take any crap from him and I love her for it. She also teased anyone that she could. I love the little Peaches guy too. I loved his loyalty, and I can't wait to see how Meg's powers are expanded upon. We are just getting into her story when the book ends, so I can't wait to see what happens. I wonder if Uncle Rick will do a dual POV sequel or something...

      I really enjoyed the narration style of this book. That may sound odd, but it was narrated in a way that it was like Apollo was speaking directly to the readers. It was like he knew he was in a book. He was still conscientiously in the book if you know what I mean, but when he was thinking or describing something, it was like he was speaking to the reader. I don't think I've ever encountered a writing style like that. It was so amazing to read!

      I loved that Rick Riordan didn't make a huge fuss about Apollo's sexuality. Apollo, although very spoiled and entitled, has no qualms when it comes to "discovering himself". He knows he is bisexual and knows that he's loved a boy and a girl. It wasn't dramatic or exaggerated, he knew what he liked. I just really liked how Rick Riordan dealt with that issue because it isn't usually touched upon in MG or YA. I also loved how supportive he was of Will & Nico...Solangelo is one of my guilty pleasure OTPs. They are precious beans who must be cherished. 
     
      I also really liked how Rick dealt with the heavy topic of abuse. This topic is really difficult to explain to a younger audience, and I just really like how he did it towards the end of the book. 

      Not only did Rick add some new characters, but he had older campers featured as well. It was really nice to know what happened to some of the supporting characters and main characters from the previous books. While reading, I felt like I got to go to Camp Halfblood with Apollo & Meg which was really nice. Our favorite son of Poseidon made a cameo in this book! I loved his attitude in The Hidden Oracle. He and Annabeth are working to go to college in the fall and Percy is doing everything he can to stay out of trouble and go with Annabeth in the fall. Annabeth, however, does not make an appearance in the book...because...she is in The Sword of Summer! So, basically, The Hidden Oracle & The Sword of Summer take place at the same time! RICK WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO US?!!? 

       I mean it tied up some loose ends from the Blood of Olympus, but the end of The Hidden Oracle was just cruel! How could he do that to us! The way Rick wrote the end was somewhat satisfying in a way that he would answer questions from the beginning of the book, but then he would just keep piling up more questions that need to be answered in the next book...

My Other Riordan Reviews:

 I plan on doing more reviews soon. I want to reread Rick Riordan's books in the next few months and do a full month or Riordan. I may do a full month of Riordan in December. Comment down below if you'd like that!

 I hope you enjoyed this review! I highly recommend this book. I do recommend that you read the other Percy Jackson books before you read this, though. I recommend that you read them in this order:
I have yet to finish The Kane Chronicles (Egyptian mythology), but I plan on reading them very soon. I haven't read the third and final book, but I plan on just re-reading them when I get to them.

The series on Goodreads: The Camp Half-Blood Chronicles doesn't include the Magnus Chase books, but I feel like it adds a little more if you at least read the first book before you read the first book in the Apollo series. :D

Favorite Character: Apollo
Favorite Cameo: Solangelo (Will & Nico)

Happy reading!
Olivia

@LivTheBookNerd on Books



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Thursday, November 12, 2015

The Sword of Summer (Magnus & the Gods Of Asgard #1) by Rick Riordan


Page Count: 527
Published on: October 6, 2015
Published by: Disney Hyperion
Genre(s): YA, Fantasy, Adventure Mythology
Source: Print: Hardback
Age Rating: PG-12
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 5 stars

Twitter: @camphalfblood







Goodreads synopsis:

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .
~~~

Hey guys!

        I have been anticipating The Sword of Summer since Uncle Rick announced it back in September of 2014. I didn't know anything about Norse mythology, and I was so excited to get my hands on Rick Riordan's legendary stories. The Sword of Summer follows Magnus Chase as he's bombarded with dangerous situations, impossible stories, magical creatures, and new friends. Magnus finally discovers the reason for his mother's death, his weirdo uncle, and who is father is. 

        This book was so good! Rick Riordan has done it again! Rick has the capability to immerse his readers into his story, and make you feel like you are there with the characters, experiencing what they're feeling. His characters are always so hilarious and sassy, and Magnus was a sassy and sarcastic little sh*t who made me laugh the whole time. The story is action packed and full of magic and Norse mythology facts. Again, I had no knowledge whatsoever concerning Norse mythology until I had read The Sword of Summer...well I knew of Thor & Loki, but that's about it..haha. 

        I really don't have anything that I didn't like with this book, granted, I'm not sure if I like it as much as the Percy Jackson & The Heroes of Olympus series, and I don't know if it ever good amount to the amazing-ness that is Percy Jackson, but it's pretty darn close! I just hope that Magnus and all of the Norse demi-gods meet the Greek demi-gods, and Percy and Magnus interact...Percy's sass vs. Magnus' sarcasm would be an amazing thing to experience. 

        This book deserves the 5 stars I'm giving it. It's just so hilarious and so weell written. I can't wait for the next book next fall... I need more! Not to mention the new The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo #1) coming out in May of 2016, so not only has Rick Riordan started one new series, but he's starting two new series! He's just the best! I'm so excited!!! I actually consider The Sword of Summer to be a YA series because Magnus is actually 17, and the humor is appropriate for middle grade and young adult audiences. I just get kinda peeved when someone doesn't consider it to be MG, when it could also be YA. 

        Anyway! I highly recommend this book! It's so worth the read! It's a nice hefty book, but it basically feels like a very well thought out movie...It's the bomb! If you've read this book, let me know! Comment below! If you want to discuss The Sword of Summer after you've read it hit me up on Twitter! I love discussing books with y'all! 

Happy reading!
Olivia
~livthebooknerd~
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