Every Wednesday, the writers at YA Highway ask a reading or writing related question, aptly named Road Trip Wednesday. This week’s question:
What was the best book you read in October?
Well, let me say first I’m blogging as part of Tracey Neithercott’s Fall Book Club, and our reactions to Daughter of Smoke and Bone will be posted on Friday. It wins my fave book of the month award, but I’ll save it for Friday. Instead I’ll talk about my second favorite of the month, The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan.
This is essentially the seventh book in a series, and I loved it just as much as all the others. I love how Riordan explores characters from a mix of races and cultures, and I love that Percy is dyslexic and has ADHD. The characters aren’t perfect; they have flaws and complications, making them realistic and relatable. I also love the slow, complicated build up of the romantic relationships. Riordan manages to entertain and teach history at the same time, and the middle school teacher in me loves that most of all.
In case you’re not familiar with the premise, in the series all the Greek and Roman gods are real, with modern bases are in the United States. These gods have relationships with humans, resulting in demigod children. The first five books are about Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, and his adventures with other Greek demigods. The second set of books introduces the Roman demigods, which brings us to The Son of Neptune.
If you haven’t already jumped on the bandwagon, go back and start at the beginning with The Lightening Thief. You’ll be glad you did!
Until Friday…
Music for today: Punching in a Dream by The Naked and Famous
I've never read these, mostly because I was already out of middle school and working my way through AP classes by the time they came along, but people keep mentioning them, so I think I may have to read them to see what all the buzz is about. It certainly sounds interesting.
I've loved them for years. For me they helped fill the void after the last Harry Potter.
Sounds fabulous! I love Greek and Roman mythology.
Looking forward to discussing Daughter of Smoke and Bone on Friday. 🙂
I totally laughed because I've lost count of how many of us chose Daughter of Smoke & Bone as our #1 but can't talk about it yet. We must be driving people nuts lol 🙂
I loved the original Percy Jackson series, but wasn't overly thrilled with book six. I may now have to check out this book and see if I need to change my mind.
@Jaime- I hope it will bring every one back on Friday!
@Kate- This one is better than book 6. You actually get to meet the Roman demigods, and I love the new leads.
The Lightning Thief was a fun read. My firstborn (nearly 18) wants to read the series, so while I think they're more MG than YA, they certainly have broad appeal.
Characters with flaws are so much more believable and interesting to read about.
I've see the movie The Lightning Thief and thought it was fun, but I haven't read the books. Looks like I'll have to remedy that!
I have until Christmas to read the first Percy Jackson (daughter's orders). I tried one time and found it difficult to get through and eventually stopped at chapter 6. But I also needed three tries on Harry Potter too. And after the first book, I couldn't put them down. So maybe eventually I will read this one. My daughter loves them!
You know I loved the movie but I never did read the books. I think I might have to check them out in the future.
Oh, the books are so much better than the movie. The movie was okay, but I love the books. @Eve- I've been waiting to read your review of The Death Cure because I'm reading it now 🙂
LOL it's okay Laurie I try so so hard not to give anything away lol. But in series books it's so hard. I hope you enjoy the Death Cure as much as I did.