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The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan

Posted on May 29, 2017September 3, 2017 by Michelle Huss

(4 / 5)

The Trials of Apollo #2
Rick Riordan does not disappoint with The Dark Prophecy. While I don’t think I loved this novel quite as much as The Hidden Oracle, it is still full of great snippets of Apollo’s past, more background on Meg, and fabulous cameos by Leo, Calypso, and Thalia. Filled with plenty of humor and action, I particularly enjoyed how Riordan was able to incorporate characters from his previous series, while still leaving Apollo and Meg in the spotlight.

Apollo’s attitude is much changed in this novel from the first, and I’m beginning to wonder what this will mean for our god at the end of this series (he is becoming more “human” with each passing book). That being said, I don’t feel like our god-turned-human had quite the same character revelations here as he did in The Hidden Oracle, and I have to say I missed that a bit. Apollo’s transformation in the first novel was just so wonderful to read, I had hoped to see more of that. But, with three more books left in the series, I guess he still has a lot of time to grow. As always, I’m looking forward to the next installment!

The Bronze Key by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Posted on April 11, 2017June 18, 2017 by Michelle Huss

(4 / 5)

Magisterium #3
Wow, I’m not sure how to feel about that ending. Definitely not where I was expecting this series to go, but that has held consistent for every book in this series; I always seem to be surprised by the ending! This series has always had a little bit of a dark side, and it turns darker still in this installment. Holly Black tends to write particularly dark stories for the Middle Grade genre, and The Magisterium series is definitely starting to fit this bill.

The pacing felt better in this installment than in Copper Gauntlet, but I still felt a bit of a lack of magical learning for a mage academy (though there was more here than in CG, it still didn’t feel like quite enough). The ending was a bit too quick and abrupt for my liking, but it certainly packed a punch. Really unsure as to where the story goes from here, but I’m looking forward to it.

The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan

Posted on November 6, 2016November 20, 2017 by Michelle Huss

(4.5 / 5)

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #2
I always enjoy Riordan’s work and The Hammer of Thor did not disappoint. Full of action, wit, and fun new characters, I enjoyed this better than The Sword of Summer. With the setting and main character’s already established, it was great to jump right into the plot this time around. The stakes are getting higher and the conclusion of The Hammer of Thor leaves us wide open for a dynamite finale in the next book. And can I say that I can’t get enough of the ties between this and his Greek/Roman series (yay for Annabeth scenes)! I’ll always look forward to Riordan’s mythology and I can’t wait for more.

The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

Posted on May 12, 2016September 3, 2017 by Michelle Huss

(5 / 5)

The Trials of Apollo #1
I loved rejoining Riordan’s greek universe, and what an interesting hero we have in Apollo! With just the right amount of cameo from some of our favorite characters, Apollo’s story was still wholly his own. There is a lot of growth in our favorite god-poet in this one, and I loved seeing the transformation. Whether it will last if and when he returns to godly status is yet to be seen, but I look forward to finding out.

I loved the interaction between Apollo and his kids. Will and Nico are just perfect! All and all, a fresh take on the universe while still leaving me wanting more.

The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Posted on December 27, 2015June 18, 2017 by Michelle Huss

(3 / 5)

Magisterium #2
While I enjoyed this second installment of the Magisterium series, I felt that it lacked a lot of magical learning (how do you have a book about magical school without the school part?). Perhaps there could have been a bit more build up to the kids “out of school” adventure, something that showed more of their development in learning magic. But most of the kid’s time at the school seemed to be glossed over in a montage of walks with Havoc. While I enjoyed the kid’s adventure outside of school, I missed getting to see them in school, learning magic and advancing their craft. I am curious as to where the next book will pick up, since we left off in the middle of the school year and not at the end of it. Hopefully the next story will have a bit more depth, feel less rushed and more like a full story, and expand the world more.