House of Hades

Title: The House of Hades

Author: Rick Riordan

Rating: 5/5

Description: 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.

Review: House of Hades was definitely a book that kept me hooked all throughout and had me on the edge of my seat, unable to wait and see what was going to happen. This is the longest book I have ever read at 597 pages. In House of Hades, unlike the rest of The Heroes of Olympus series, we got to read through everyone’s point of view (although third person) which I loved a lot. And it was a very vivid story. Rick knew how to make Tartarus seem like a living nightmare as it should be. A lot of authors can’t actually put into words or think of a way to make things seem so evil and sinister and it ruins the whole story but Rick Riordan knew what he was doing.

And then we see Calypso with Leo. Oh, Leo. Oblivious, ignorant Leo. I think he started picking up on Calypso’s feelings at the end but too little too late. I totally ship Caleo, though. At first I was skeptical because Leo is one of my favorite characters and I was debating Calypso was really a good fit with Leo but then as their strange relationship started blossoming so did my shipping of them. I’m glad Calypso is back and I hope we see more of them in the next book.

Also, can we just take a minute and talk about Piper. She was never useless really, but I kind of wanted more from her rather than her Charmspeak and DID SHE DELIVER! I loved how she used logic and strength and a little bit of Charmspeak and saved Jason, Hazel, Frank, Coach Hedge, and herself from certain death. It was exactly what I needed from her to really make love her character and how strong she is.

Okay, I’m going to stop going off about little details and just gloss over everything. This book contained funny, sad, scary, and happy themes and I loved it all the way through. There was never a dull moment and I enjoyed the whole ride of reading this book. And, unlike Mark of Athena, I didn’t feel like there was a single dragging moment. I definitely recommend this book!

Audience: I think anyone who loves fantasy or a younger crowd would be perfect for this book. And by younger I just mean if you’re in school. Yes, that also counts college. I would, however, try out even if you are out of school and/or you aren’t into fantasy. I mean, of course start with the first book, but this series is wonderful and teaches you a lot.

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Hello everyone! Update: Sorry I have been absent, I've barely had time for eating between all the reading events I've been going to. Anyhow, recently I went to a Felicia Day book signing so I got a copy of her book, You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost): A Memoir, and got it signed, along with some pictures! So soon I will be doing a review on her book which I just finished.
Also, her book actually really inspired me so soon I should be starting up a booktube account. I have some footage right now that I need to edit but I'm not sure if I'll use it. Anyhow, I thought I should tell you I'll be having videos up soon. Talk to you soon, lovebugs! (Does anyone remember that song? It was my jam back in the day.)

- Nicole