The formerly glorious god Apollo, cast down to earth in punishment by Zeus, is now an awkward mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. In order to regain his place on Mount Olympus, Lester must restore five Oracles that have gone dark. But he has to achieve this impossible task without having any godly powers and while being duty-bound to a confounding young daughter of Demeter named Meg. Thanks a lot, Dad.

With the help of some demigod friends, Lester managed to survive his first two trials, one at Camp Half-Blood, and one in Indianapolis, where Meg received the Dark Prophecy. The words she uttered while seated on the Throne of Memory revealed that an evil triumvirate of Roman emperors plans to attack Camp Jupiter. While Leo flies ahead on Festus to warn the Roman camp, Lester and Meg must go through the Labyrinth to find the third emperor—and an Oracle who speaks in word puzzles—somewhere in the American Southwest. There is one glimmer of hope in the gloom-filled prophecy: The cloven guide alone the way does know. They will have a satyr companion, and Meg knows just who to call upon. . . .

I’m still interested in this series even if I’ve completely given up on Magnus Chase. But one false move and I’m out. I’ve also been toying with the idea of rereading Percy Jackson to try and get ahead before my impending move across the country next month. (Finally have the dates pinned down so the middle of May is going to be crazy!) I’ve been meaning to formally review the OG series for years now and I just might get around to it.

Robert

Links

• Rick Riordan’s Official Website
• ROTS Reviews
  • Trials of Apollo; #1 The Hidden Oracle, #2 The Dark Prophecy
  • Magnus Chase; #1 The Sword of Summer, #2 The Hammer of Thor