It’s the #1 fact of life that any book set in the Camp Halfblood world CAN DO NO WRONG.
The Dark Prophecy is a completely fabulous sequel to The Hidden Oracle! Although I didn’t like it quite as much because (A) it wasn’t as hilarious, although still funny, and (B) the plot wasn’t as exciting and twisty as the first one. But it was still an entirely winning read for me! And I think I’m half in love with Apollo — who is a dork, narcissist, and delusional god, but what can you do. He’s adorable.
THIS IS A NON-SPOILER REVIEW!
Although may reference things in previous Percy Jackson books but nothing huge or massively spoilery. So you can be safe.
Apollo’s character development is just so fabulous. He’s still full of himself and really surprised when the world doesn’t revolve around him (this happens to the best of us tbh), but he’s also SO LOYAL to his little demigod companions. And he’s utter trash for looking after Meg. And, on occasion, he might even do something self-sacrificial instead of letting everyone else perish in his wake. #lovely
I do hate how they ALWAYS give him a rough time though!! I mean, I get he was a horrible god and gets blamed for everything. But he tries so hard now! And Meg is so mean to him and Calypso and Leo give him 500% of a rough time. Althoooooough. ISN’T THAT WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR. It’s actually surprising that he stays in such good spirits about his own godliness when he’s cleaning toilets and peeling carrots.
I’m still trying to bestir my soul to care about Meg though. I wasn’t really impressed with her in book #1, and she just continues to be a rude little turnip. I suppose it’s meant to be endearing??? I find the actual root vegetable more endearing. I guess I’m a fan of manners and kindness, both of which Meg is allergic to.
- the unexpected; because seriously you have no idea what this book is going to throw at you
- greek gods on facebook
- monsters, murder, and mayhem
- booby traps at the dinner table
- prophecies that nearly kill you
- tofu turkey
- mechanical dragons that are designed like lego
- a house that only shows you the rooms it wants to and expands when requested
- griffins
- a featuring f/f parent couple
- bisexual Apollo
- sass
- WAR AND CALAMITY
- did I mention sass? because multiply that x 6
It’s also hysterically funny!
I think Apollo’s tendency to use “god like speech” but then mesh it with modern pop-culture references and narcissistic haikus is just the best thing since cupcakes were invented. I am such a fan. He’s also got a really different voice to Percy Jackson too, which is GREAT. I love Percy, but it’s nice to have something different. (Considering Magnus Chase is like Percy’s twin.)
Speaking if difference…I also love how the structure of the plot is different in the Apollo books! They’re on an adventure that continually unravels, so it’s not the same-old-same-old plot set up of the PJO books (get a prophecy, assemble a team, go on a quest, nearly die, etc.) #Refreshing
But the real question: do you read the Apollo series if you haven’t read the original Percy Jackson books?
Erm, no. There are spoilers for the Percy books because it all happens chronologically. And you wouldn’t get a lot of references or understand the importance of reoccurring characters.
This was hilariously glorious and a solid sequel!
Maybe it wasn’t as fast moving or exciting as other Halfblood books, and maaaaybe it dragged a bit in the middle. But it was still funny and used many lesser-known Greek myths so I was forced to learn things. How dare it. I‘m definitely a huge fan of Apollo!! 10/10 will recommend giving Apollo a warm pretzel and perhaps a nap because he does try so hard even though he sucks. And it’s absolutely hilarious to read about a Greek God being a mere mortal human.
THANK YOU TO PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE FOR THE REVIEW-COPY. The Dark Prophecy (Trials of Apollo #2) by Rick Riordan was published May, 2017.
★★★★☆
Zeus has punished his son Apollo–god of the sun, music, archery, poetry, and more–by casting him down to earth in the form of a gawky, acne-covered sixteen-year-old mortal named Lester. The only way Apollo can reclaim his rightful place on Mount Olympus is by restoring several Oracles that have gone dark. What is affecting the Oracles, and how can Apollo/Lester do anything about them without his powers? After experiencing a series of dangerous–and frankly, humiliating–trials at Camp Half-Blood, Lester must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America. Fortunately, what he lacks in godly graces he’s gaining in new friendships–with heroes who will be very familiar to fans of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series. Come along for what promises to be a harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride.
\\ click to read reviews //
Confession time: the only Rick Riordin book that I have ever read was The Lightning Theif and I was only, “meh” about it. I have heard that the books significantly improve as they go on. Maybe I need to give them another shot? You convinced me.
Aww, that’s sad! Although I don’t think the first Percy Jackson series is the best??? So like if you get through that one and onto his more YA PJ series, you might enjoy it more?!
I have only read the first book in the series but can’t wait to read the next book. Love Rick Riordan <3 Apollo is so much fun to read about 🙂
He is so totally fun!! And hilarious. WHAT A DORK I LOVE HIM SO.😂
My favourite character is Nico, followed by Reyna, followed by Jason. I’ve read the first one, and I’m REALLY excited about this one. Even though I won’t be able to read it until after I’ve handed all my coursework in. And I still have Hammer of Thor to read from Christmas.
I LOVE it when I recognise the myths. Magnus Chase isn’t the first Norse series I’ve read, and I read the Poetic Edda for my English Language coursework, so I spot all the little references and it makes me so HAPPY! XD I’ve gotten much better with the Greek and Roman ones since I started reading Percy Jackson, but I still don’t recognise all the ones used and that’s fun too!
Are Jason and Reyna in this one (or does that come under the spoiler heading)?
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Yesss I love Nico. <3 I'm lowkey holding out for him to get his own series??!? I mean, it's not TOO much to wish for right??? *fingers crossed*
I do love recognising the myths too!! I actually loved recognising Norse myths in Magnus Chase....thanks to, erm, the Thor movies.😂😂 But hey. At least I'm learning stuff somewhere...
No Jason and Reyna, sadly!
I’M GONNA READ IT FOR LEO. IS MY DARLING OK??? he’s my darling….. but I also ship him with calypso. like, what? I’m confused with myself. XD I wasn’t intending on reading this series, but when I found out that leo was in this book I was like NEVER MIND MOM I HAVE TO READ IT LEO COMES BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!! and mom was like, REALLY?? but she asked me to let her read it first, and then she warned me, and we won’t let my brother read it. he’s 11, as much as he drives me bonkers he does not need to know about this stuff. i was gritting my teeth through most of the first one, and I have a feeling that i will be gritting my teeth in this one too. but first I have to actually get it from the library…….
Most crazily, ~Olive
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LEO IS ADORABLE AND ABSOLUTELY MY FAVOURITE AHHHHHHH. HIM AND FESTUS THO OMG I LOVE THAT MECHANICAL DRAGON.
I KNOW RIGHT??? XD
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I have read The Hidden Oracle, buy not this one yet. The formulaity of Riordan books does trouble me a little bit. I liked Meg, but I just found that she wasn’t very interesting. I like a mix of known and unknown myths (e.g. Tam Lin and Beauty and the Beast in ACOTAR, even though I’m not a huge acotar person) I love Clarisse!
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Yeeeah, I hear you.😂 I actually have ALL the Percy Jackson plots all smushed in my head because they all were too similar and I haven’t a clue which book had what in it.😂 BUT I STILL LIKED THEM. It’s comforting nearly? Like Lemony Snicket!
Clarisse was awesome!! Meg very much less so. 🙈🙊
I thought the same about Magnus Chase!! (But boy, I DO love those books.) I am ashamed to admit that I haven’t read a RR book in a couple of years now — I think the last one I read was the first Magnus Chase book when I was overseas. Also being a Greek-myth nerd, Apollo has always appealed to me & by the sounds of it, RR does a great job with his character. So…yeah. I REALLY need to get onto this series.
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Yes you totally should read this one if you get the chance!! 🎉 I do actually adore Magnus Chase, but he is very similar to Percy Jackson. 😂
You have soldddddd me to this book!! <3 <3 Though, obviously, I already had it on my must-haves list haha. Despite being the same kind of plot recycled for the PJ series, I still love those books and really liked the first book of the series!! Meg was pretty meh for me too, honestly. But APOLLO. <3 Also it's nice to hear the style of the plot is changed up in this one! (I love PJ, but those books definitely followed a very formulaic plot…) I miss my Percy Jackson children so much, it's been foreverrrrrrr! I can't wait to read this, great review Cait!
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YAS I’M SO GLAD. MY WORK HERE IS DONE.😂 I do kind of like the formulaic plot of the PJ books, though, because it’s comforting? But I do agree it’s nice to get it mixed up. 😂 ALSO SO MANY CAMEOS AHHHHH!!!
I DEFINITELY DIDN’T JUST START HYPERVENTILATING WHEN I SAW YOU MENTION CALYPSO AND LEO. NOPE. DEFINETLY NOT.
I started book one of the Apollo trials but stopped a few chapters in. EVIDENTALLY I NEED TO GO BACK AND READ IT BC CALEEOOO
YES YES THERE IS SO MUCH LEO APPRECIATION HERE IT IS ACTUALLY THE BEST THING EVER.
ooooohhhh I want to read this! I read the first book earlier this year, I think *tries to make brain work* *fails*. I really appreciated how HILARIOUS and unique Apollo’s voice is. And I liked Meg… until she did THAT THING. And I kind of don’t get why she wanted to help her ‘father’? EW. And also I want MOAR of Leo and Calypso so I guess I should read this basically.
(PS I like your new butterfly design it’s cool and stuff and like fluffy and wings. Not like your soul I’m sure because no)
shar@Virtually Read recently posted…Dear YA, not everyone is sporty
I actually had a lot of mental blanks on what the first book was about so you’re not alone.😂 I CAN’T REMEMBER ANYTHING IT’S JUST RIDICULOUS. Ahem. And like I do get that Meg’s like psychologically manipulated and stuff…I just can’t really care about her!?? ALL the demigod kids have sucky lives, but she’s allowed to use hers as an excuse to be unpleasant. (I mean, like wasn’t Nico like just abandoned by his family?!? And lots of the other kids had such bad times. SO YEAH.)
LEO IS LIFE. I LOVE LEO.
I like to splatter butterflies and pretty flowers around to distract people from how much I shout about stabby dark books. Trying to maintain the image that I’m nice. 😇 It’s working, yes?
I. WANT. THIS. BOOK.
PJ is like one of my favorite series EVER. I’ve read all of the books so far except the sequel to Magnus Chase. Is it just me, or does Magnus sound a LOT like Percy?
But Apollo’s voice is great, and the quotes you included are literal gold.
I CANNOT WAIT!
Also I really like all retellings in general… but I think I like reading about myths that I actually know. I actually used to read this freaking literature dictionary about mythology haha.. yes I’m a dork.
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YES YOU DO. ABSOLUTELY YOU DO. IT CALLS TO YOU.
Magnus does sound a lot like Percy. 😂 But I don’t mind?! But I do enjoy how different Apollo is.😂
I feel clever when I actually recognise the myths that’s for sure.
I used to be HUGE into greek/roman mythology and took classics courses as electives doing my bachelor of Science. . . So I always enjoy a book the plays with those stories. Glad you answered the “should you read Percy Jackson first?” Question because this review definitely has me intrigued! (And have never read any of these books)
If you enjoy gods being sassy in a modern setting, I really enjoyed “God’s Behaving Badly” by Maries Phillips. A funny and easy read, this review actually makes me want to pick it up for a reread!
Oooh thanks for that rec! I definitely want to check that out, because I love sass and I love mythology. PERFECT COMBINATION HOW NICE.😂 And yes! Read Percy Jackson first and then devour them all because they’re so fun. 😉
Rick Riordan is just so good. I’m still getting around to reading Hammer of Thor – I swear this guy pumps out twenty books a year. And YAY for lego-designed dragons, I didn’t know I wanted that until just now.
I know right?!? I want a career like that. 😂 I swear he does at least 2 books a year, and now he’s like managing/editing the franchise for it. He’s probably in league with the greek gods, let’s be real here.
I’m half way thru the Percy Jackson series & am already convinced that I will need to buy every single thing that Rick Riordan writes lol
I love reworking of myths & such. And I was obsessed with the Greek gods when I was a kid so my inner 11 year old loves these books too 😉
That is the spirit!! EXACTLY HOW IT SHOULD BE! (Although I confess I didn’t like the first Kane Chronicles book. 😂 But everything Camp HalfBlood is GOLDEN.)
I absolutely LOVE the Camp Halfblood universe! I didn’t even know about the new series till seeing this post, though, so now I have to go looking for the first book. Percy is probably my favorite character, but Grover is pretty cool too, and so is Annabeth when she’s not trying to one-up Percy. It’s actually been so long since I read the books I can’t remember all of the characters anymore, although I liked Dedalus when he showed up (whatever name he’s actually using these days), and Hades’ kids too (honestly, did *any* of the Big Three keep their promise? I’m thinking NOT). Tyson is pretty awesome too (I think they left too much out when they did the Sea of Monsters movie though, some of that stuff didn’t make a lot of sense if you hadn’t read the book…kinda like the Harry Potter movies… for the love of all the gods, READ THE BOOKS, PEOPLE!!! Otherwise NOTHING makes sense!!!). I know I’m forgetting a couple characters because it *has* been a while since I read the series, but those are the ones that come to mind. I like how Hermes was trying so hard in the PJO books to connect with Luke, okay he started out being an awful dad to him, but he was so broken up over Luke’s mom it’s like he forgot how to relate anymore, and he really DID try, but Luke didn’t want to hear it. I’m glad Luke finally came to his senses, even if he had to be dying first.
Omg we do NOT talk about the Percy Jackson movies.😂😂😂 They were horrible! haha. Although I do love Luke…a lot.😂 I also love Annabeth and Percy so much!! They are the ultimate ship. <3
Oh how I adored book one! I think I love Apollo even more than Percy Jackson and find the series much funnier. I prefer it to Magnus Chase which is okay, but a little on the boring side. Sad face that it’s not AS funny as the first but it still sounds wonderful and can’t wait to crack it open after A Court of War and Ruin. Brilliant review smushster, super excited! <3 <3
I think I still love Percy Jackson the most…buuuuut APOLLO IS MY 2ND FAVOURITE.😂 He’s such a self-centred dork. So basically I 100% relate.😂
Omg I’m so EXCITED! Rick Riordan is one of my favorite authors EVER, and I enjoyed The Hidden Oracle! Not as much as the original PJ though. *cries* Nothing will be as good as that. And Apollo is great. Love that narcissist little dork. Meg annoys you too??? She irritates me SO MUCH. Like usually I like grumpy + sassy characters, but there’s just something about her… And AGH I DON’T REMEMBER IF LEO AND CALYPSO WERE IN THO — oh wait they were. WELL I STILL CAN’T WAIT TO SEE MORE OF THEM. Plus Percy. Percyyyyyyyyyyy. <3
YES YES RICK RIORDAN IS SO CONTINUALLY AMAZING!! I adore his series so much. Although I’m traitorous and actually prefer the second PJ series. 😉
omg I’m glad I’m not alone with not loving Meg. I actually enjoyed this book a lot because Meg wasn’t in the first quarter haha. Oh dear…
LEO IS MY DARLING.
GAH!!!!!! I love the PJ books and the Heroes of Olympus books and such… although its been a few years since I’ve picked them up. But I still love them 🙂 I’ve been debating picking up Magnus Chase, but it sounds like Apollo is the way to go! Wonderful review, as usual 🙂
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YAYY THAT YOU’RE A FAN TOO!! *flails* Magnus Chase is also completely awesome though, so I think you should basically just read them all.😍
I read all the PJO and HoO series and absolutely loooved them…. The HoO series’ plot and humour was great. I read the hidden oracle as soon as it was released and the book was really great (though i missed Leo and Percy a lot). I liked Meg till she kinda betrayed Apollo. Rick Riordon has voiced Apollo most charmingly. I have already ordered the dark prophecy and am utterly convinced that I’m gonna love it.
I’m sure you’ll adore it too!!! I so love that Leo is featuring in this one too. 😍
I love that Leo’s in it too! His jokes are always hilarious and he always has an interesting insight filled with humour…. I just adore him
I was wondering does Nico or Will show up in this book???
Nope he doesn’t sadly!
Holy shit there’s another PJO spin-off? *hides in fear of the RR TBR threatening to fall on me a lead to my untimely death*
I like the sound of bisexual Apollo though!
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SO MANY SPIN OFFS, JEANN. KEEP UP.😂😂
I. FREAKING. LOVE, UNCLE. RICK’S. WORKS! HE’S SO AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WILL ONLY AGREE WITH YOU HERE.😂
I haven’t been able to read it yet, but I want to read it so badly!!!
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I hope you get a chance soon!!