From the shelf: The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)

Title: The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mythology

Date read: July 2018

Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Magnus Chase has seen his share of trouble. Ever since that terrible night two years ago when his mother told him to run, he has lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, staying one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, Magnus learns that someone else is trying to track him down—his uncle Randolph, a man his mother had always warned him about. When Magnus tries to outmaneuver his uncle, he falls right into his clutches. Randolph starts rambling about Norse history and Magnus's birthright: a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

The more Randolph talks, the more puzzle pieces fall into place. Stories about the gods of Asgard, wolves, and Doomsday bubble up from Magnus's memory. But he doesn't have time to consider it all before a fire giant attacks the city, forcing him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents. . . .

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die.

My Review: (also in goodreads) 

I know that this book came out in 2015 and I was supposed to read each year after it came out but I wanted to binge read this series (says me with the never ending TBR).

This take on Norse mythology is set as a trilogy much like his earlier take on the Egyptian mythology (Kane Chronicles). I admit, I don't know much with regards to the Norse mythology other than Odin, Thor, Loki, Freyr, Freyja, Hel, and Fenris Wolf not to mention Marvel's take on this. So it was refreshing to acquaint myself with the characters. I am more familiar with Greek/Roman mythology and knowing the names in this folklore is too hard for me: the spelling and the pronunciation is akin to an infinite tongue twister.

The story begins when the protagonist dies. A little weird, but that's how the story starts and that's how it grabbed my attention. I often see a bit of Percy Jackson within Magnus Chase, though his humor is a little dry but hilarious nonetheless. Magnus, Sam (a valkyrie) together with Blitzen and Hearthstone go on a quest to stop Ragnarok (the event, not the online game) by tying up Fenris Wolf while fighting a hoard of other valkyries and Surt. Did I spoil anyone? I hope not. But that is the gist of the story. It was nice reading this and seeing Rick Riordan's signature humor written in the stories. This makes his take on mythologies fun, page-turners, and of course educational too.

I love that Magnus Chase connection to the Percy Jackson universe is the fact that he is Annabeth Chase's cousin. After feeling all the feels while reading "The Kane Chronicles" x "Percy Jackson" crossovers on 3 novellas, should it be a stretch to wish for an ultimate crossover series? I'm feeling we'll be having that one in the future. That would be epic.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: The Blood Of Olympus

Title: The Blood of Olympus
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Greek/Roman Mythology
Date read: October 12-15 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen—all of them—and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood—the blood of Olympus—in order to wake.

The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it "might" be able to stop a war between the two camps.

The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over. 

My Review: (also in goodreads)

"Seven half-bloods shall answer the call, 

To storm or fire the world must fall.

An oath to keep with a final breath,

And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death."

Lookback: The Lost Hero, The Son of Neptune, The Mark of Athena, The House of Hades

The last book of the Percy Jackson series. I couldn't explain the sadness I felt as I turn the last page. After all, this has been an amazing ride. Everything has been resolved and though there may be surprises in store especially a certain death. This is what happens when I finish a series. That damn emptiness inside. Now all I have to do is wait for Rick's next series. Oh, and I still am a Nico D Angelo fan.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: The Staff of Serapis (Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles Crossover #2)

Title: The Staff of Serapis (Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles Crossover #2)
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Greek/Roman Mythology
Date read: August 29, 2014

Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

In this adventure, Annabeth encounters more oddities in the subway than usual, including a two-headed monster and a younger blond girl who reminds her a little of herself. This is the story fans have asked for, in which Annabeth Chase teams up with Sadie Kane. The demigod daughter of Athena and the young magician from Brooklyn House take on a larger-than-life foe from the ancient world. Perhaps even more disturbing than the power-hungry god they encounter is the revelation that he is being controlled by someone—someone all too familiar to Sadie. 

My Review: (also in goodreads)

After my heart practically leaped with glee reading The Son of Sobek, Rick surprised fans once again with another crossover. An Annabeth Chase-Sadie Kane epic crossover. This even cemented my dreams of having a trilogy based on a Percy Jackson-Kane Chronicles crossover. This is fanfiction heaven! Annabeth and Sadie has a more friendly relationship compared to Percy and Carter. I want more. Seriously.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: The House of Hades

Title: The House of Hades

Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Greek/Roman Mythology
Date read: October 08-December 31, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

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.

 My Review: (also in goodreads)

"Seven half-bloods shall answer the call, 

To storm or fire the world must fall.

An oath to keep with a final breath,

And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death."

Recap: The Lost Hero, The Son of Neptune, The Mark of Athena

Waited for a year, read in less than a day...after that would wait for another year to see how the conclusion to this second season would turn out. Yes, I'm hopeless that way. Though the waiting would eat me up alive inside, I understand that authors just want the best book to come out. I feel you Rick Riordan. Anyway, I normally don't read this slow but I needed to stretch out a little bit. But I can't...I really can't. This book is such a page turner. So what if Annabeth and Percy got thrown into Tartarus? The group who is left behind could hold a story all on their own. The story getting thrown back and forth from the Argo II and Tartarus is amazing. There are so many revelations in this book....Frank Zhang's metamorphosis is just...wow. And Leo's side story? At least he does have something to hold on to. There is one revelation though that stood out. I mean really made me gasp for air. Okay, so I'm being dramatic. I may be biased or whatnot but I really, really loved this installment. And I don't mind waiting (...sort of) for the last installment in the Heroes of Olympus series entitled 'Blood of Olympus'.

Oh, Rick. You are trolling your readers once again.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Goddess (Starcrossed #3)

Title: Goddess (Starcrossed #3)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology
Date read: September 8-10, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This is the the last installment of the Starcrossed trilogy following Starcrossed and Dreamless. This reveals the consequences regarding the decision of freeing the furies. Betrayal and realization is basically the theme of this trilogy's conclusion. I wanted to slap Matt but he realized that the fates were doing this cycle all over again. It broke my heart to see friends in conflict and families apart in this installment, especially the sudden death of one well-loved character. I liked Hades than Zeus here but I guess its the author's way to prove a point. Every decision made had consequences and even though everything is temporarily halted, there was still the threat of the higher beings clouding above them.

Till the next read..

From the shelf: Dreamless (Starcrossed #2)

Title: Dreamless (Starcrossed #2)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology
Date read: September 8, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

StarHearts, as fans of Josephine Angelini call themselves, will stay up all night reading Dreamless, the second book in the bestselling Starcrossed series. The saga mixes mythology, romance, action, and intrigue in a completely original way.

Dreamless continues the story of Helen Hamilton, a shy girl living on Nantucket Island whose desire for an ordinary life was thwarted when she discovered she is a Scion, a descendant of a Greek god and a mortal. Each Scion has a power, and Helen’s is the ability to travel to Hades.

Helen is determined to use her talent to stop a war amongst the gods and change her destiny, which is to live a life patterned after that of the tragic Helen of Troy. But her quest may cost her Lucas Delios, the boy she loves.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This is the second book of the Starcrossed trilogy. After being bound by Starcrossed, I was compelled to read this especially with my curiosity bothering me. I even thought that this would be a second book slump since trilogies sometimes have bad, confusing sequels but I was wrong. There was more action and a quest that could change the order of things. I read reviews of this and they are suggesting a third party coming along but I didn't see it that way. For me, Orion is like the friend Helen needed that came at the right time. There would be confusion which was natural but I think that it wouldn't be pursued. Hector is one character a reader would love very much. He is like this brother you wanted to have and it was depressing to think that he is an outcast. I also have this itching feeling that Daphne has something planned all along but I guess I have to read the last installment to find out. Whatever the consequences would've made with the united houses, the freeing of the furies and the Olympians would be answered in the third book. I sure hope so.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1)

Title: Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology
Date read: September 3-6, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This was recommended to me as I was scanning available reads on Good Reads. Being someone entranced with mythologies, I decided to give it a try after the series being on my 'to read shelf' for almost a month. At first I thought that this would be another book and since I started I should get through with it but it did really reel me in. Basically by the fact that Helen's true nature peaked my interest. It took me halfway through the book having the question 'why' hanging over my head. I, of course for a fact knew that she was different (of course they all are) that was definitely a 'duh' moment. But what reeled me is the way things were revealed. I also expected the prophecy, they all had one, but I still want to know how everything unfolds in the end. Bound by betrayal, deception and destiny I guess Helen and Lucas have to work everything out on their own.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: The Son of Sobek (Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles Crossover #1)

Title: The Son of Sobek (Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles Crossover #1)
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Greek/Roman Mythology
Date read: July 4, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

In this audio e-book short story narrated by Rick Riordan, Carter Kane is investigating rumored sightings of a monster on Long Island when he runs into something else: a mysterious boy named Percy Jackson. And their meeting isn't exactly friendly. . . . Includes a sneak peek chapter from HOUSE OF HADES, Book Four in the Heroes of Olympus series.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This is why I love Rick Riordan. A Percy Jackson-Carter Kane crossover! The fangirl in me practically leaped with joy. I devoured the 40-page short story in one sitting. Yes, I'm that addicted. This meet-up is everything I ever wanted and call me greedy but I want more! I hope he does a whole crossover book especially with the ending, such a cliffhanger! But yea~ that's what authors do so I should get used to it by now. All I have is to hope that a book will somehow be in the works in the future. *nudges Rick*

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: The Enchantress (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel book 6)

Title: The Enchantress (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel book 6)

Author: Michael Scott

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Mythology

Date read: June 4-5, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

San Francisco:

Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel have one day left to live, and one job left to do. They must defend San Francisco. The monsters gathered on Alcatraz Island have been released and are heading toward the city. If they are not stopped, they will destroy everyone and everything in their path.

But even with the help of two of the greatest warriors from history and myth, will the Sorceress and the legendary Alchemyst be able to defend the city? Or is it the beginning of the end of the human race?

Danu Talis:
Sophie and Josh Newman traveled ten thousand years into the past to Danu Talis when they followed Dr. John Dee and Virginia Dare. And it’s on this legendary island that the battle for the world begins and ends.

Scathach, Prometheus, Palamedes, Shakespeare, Saint-Germain, and Joan of Arc are also on the island. And no one is sure what—or who—the twins will be fighting for.

Today the battle for Danu Talis will be won or lost.

But will the twins of legend stand together?

Or will they stand apart—one to save the world and one to destroy it?

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Finally the conclusion to the Alchemyst series (The Alchemyst, The Magician, The Sorceress, The Necromancer, The Warlock). This is the story that will end and clear all conflicts introduced in the first 5 books. It takes place in two time streams, the past and the present. There would be change of loyalties, revelations and most of all great sacrifices. I was saddened by the amount of deaths of those people who were significant in the series but I guess to make the war more realistic, it had to be done; but I was still heartbroken by the turn of events like the past 5 books, The Enchantress pertains to a significant character and I'm guessing that it is Sophie Newman. I loved (though its sort of cliche) how the author explained the series of events that have transpired and how it circles back to the beginning. All in all, this would be a worthy conclusion to the series and I am mostly satisfied with it. There were some that left me hanging (minor details) but otherwise it was satisfying for me. 

Would I recommend this series? Yes, I would. I know that I often compare this to a series that also uses mythology as basis for story plot but this series has its own flavor, so yes~ I'm recommending it.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: The Warlock (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel book 5)

Title: The Warlock (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel book 5)

Author: Michael Scott

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Mythology

Date read: June 2-3, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

In the fifth installment of this bestselling series, the twins of prophesy have been divided, and the end is finally beginning.

With Scatty, Joan of Arc, Saint Germain, Palamedes, and Shakespeare all in Danu Talis, Sophie is on her own with the ever-weakening Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel. She must depend on Niten to help her find an immortal to teach her Earth Magic. The surprise is that she will find her teacher in the most ordinary of places.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This would be the 2nd to the last book in the alchemyst series (The Alchemyst, The Magician, The Sorceress, The Necromancer). Again, the story line was put together like pieces in a puzzle since the characters were scattered in different places (as for Scatty and the others, in a different era). It also includes the consequences to Josh's decision. What didn't surprise me is that their Aunt Agnes had a significant role in their lives. Aparently, her character is connected to Abraham the Mage (I won't spoil it). In this book, old foes reunite to take care of a common cause and that's defeating John Dee and preventing the dark elders to rise again. I really hate Josh's reasoning here although at the same time I sympathize with him because he too, like his sister, are being pawns of the game. The only difference is that Sophie could see a little bit clearly. 

Compared to the last four books, I can't even guess who the warlock was not until he finally arrived, maybe because my definition of warlock is different to what is being classified in this book. Meanwhile, Scatty and the others are fighting their own battle in the past at Danu Talis where they met Abraham the Mage. Also, I have a new found liking to Machiavelli and Billy the kid. But the greatest shock of them all is the ending part. That's what made me grip my seat and suddenly gave me flashbacks from the last four books. I would've given the book 5 stars but there were filler chapters which I got bored with. But I am definitely anticipating the conclusion to the series.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: The Necromancer (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel book 4)

Title: The Necromancer (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel book 4)

Author: Michael Scott

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Mythology

Date read: June 2, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

San Francisco:
Josh and Sophie Newman are finally home. And they're both more confused than ever about their future. Neither of them has mastered the magics they'll need to protect themselves, they've lost Scatty, and they're still being pursued by Dr. John Dee. Most disturbing of all, however, is that now they must ask themselves, can they trust Nicholas Flamel? Can they trust anyone?

Alcatraz:
Dr. Dee underestimated Perenelle Flamel's power. Alcatraz could not hold her, Nereus was no match for her, and she was able to align herself with the most unlikely of allies. But she wasn't the only one being held on the island. Behind the prison's bars and protective sigils were a menagerie of monsters, and now Machiavelli has come to Alcatraz to loose them on San Francisco.

Perenelle might be powerful, but each day she weakens, and even with Nicholas back at her side, a battle of this size could be too much for her. Nicholas and Perenelle must fight to protect the city, but the effort will probably kill them both.

London:
Having been unable to regain the two final pages of the Codex, Dee has failed his Elder and is now an outlaw.

But the Magician has a plan. With the Codex and the creatures on Alcatraz, he can control the world. All he needs is the help of the Archons. But for his plan to work, he must raise the Mother of the Gods from the dead. For that, he'll have to train a necromancer.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Here comes the 4th book of the seies (The Alchemyst, The Magician, The Sorceress) hours after the event wherein the trio (Nicholas, Josh and Sophie) came back to San Francisco through the leygate of the Stonehenge in London...as well as the reunion of Perenelle and Nicholas. Everyone temporarily went back to their lives but was forced to go back and face the magic when new characters Aoife (Scatty's twin) and Niten went looking for the shadow warrior. Finally, Josh learns the magic of the elemental fire straight from Prometheus. But as long as the Flamels keep a part of the bigger picture from the twins and leave them in the dark, the antagonists could use that against them and it could be the start of their downfall. What's interesting is that whoever was awakened is now connected for life to the elder that awakened them...and that the elders who awakened the twins were once married (that's a shocker). And obviously, the necromancer being pertained is John Dee. 

This book is far more interesting for me compared to the other books. Although the characters aren't together, the flow of the story line wasn't compromised and scattered. There was a hint of the right cliffhanger as the scenes shift to another set of characters (or chapter). More doubts are entertained; and honestly I didn't know if anyone says the truth anymore and for some reason I'm having these thoughts that maybe Josh and Sophie's parents are also involved in the magical world. oh, well...let's see. New characters are being introduced and loyalties are being tested. What I'm really curious at the moment is the identity of the hook-handed man; it seems like he anticipated what was happening and that everything and everyone were pawns to his game. He always had a mark in everyone's past. I don't know where the story goes, I just hope that it clears every cliffhanger and question introduced in the series.

Till the next read...