The Lost Hero Review

Thursday, November 4, 2010


Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper and a best friend named Leo. They’re all students at a boarding school for “bad kids.” What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly?

Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare. Piper doesn’t understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn’t recognize her. When a freak storm hits, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she’s going to find out.

Leo has a way with tools. When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there’s weird stuff, too—like the curse everyone keeps talking about. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist that each of them—including Leo—is related to a god.

Taken from GoodReads.

The Lost Hero is the first book in the new Heroes of Olympus series. Following the story of three new demigods, Jason, Piper, and Leo, it details their struggles and triumphs to discover their true identities and their own selves. Jason doesn't know (or understand) anything that's ever happened to him), Piper has a secret that causes great pain, and Leo is the joker of the group, providing comic relief for the trio. With destinies intertwined and a whole new set of obstacles to face, Jason, Piper, and Leo are about to embark on the adventure of their lives.

Ok, it's so secret that I'm probably the biggest Rick Riordan fan and Percy Jackson nut in the world...ok, maybe not the world...maybe the country...ok, fine...I just really really really love his stories and the worlds he creates. That said, I was really worried about reading The Lost Hero because I was terrified it would butcher the amazing story he had already created. I didn't want to see the story beaten over the head by capitalizing on an already-popular series. That said, I was extremely happy to see that Rick Riordan's writing style - fluid, easy, and engaging - is just as fun and enjoyable as ever.

I'm a little divided in my opinion of the actual story of The Lost Hero, though, and I'll explain why. I was so stoked to see Annabeth re-enter the picture, and then I realized just how different her character was in this book than it was in the previous series. She was, frankly, just snide and nasty, and she didn't appeal to me at all. While I love the introduction of a new satyr, I missed Grover's antics, and while I like the basics of Jason's character, I found him rather tedious. Then, there's Percy. We all love Percy. You can't not love Percy. However, if you're going to introduce him in a new series, develop his character more. I don't want to see him whittled down to a stereotype of what he once was.

I know I sound like I'm ranting about The Lost Hero, but the story, itself, is actually quite enjoyable. Despite a few plot hiccups, I thought it was fun and definitely entertaining. I only dock points because I expected more. I give it a firm 3.5 out of 5, and I really hope to see the series continue to improve upon itself with the next installment. I recommend this to fans of MG, YA, and adult books, as well as those who enjoy fantasy.

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On a quick sidenote, the site is undergoing massive changes, so I apologize if it's wonky in the coming days/week (or two). You'll see I now have a custom domain, and the site is now on facebook, so please become a fan (if you want to, of course)! There's also a new, fun, and fresh layout on the way! Thanks for your patience, guys!

18 comments:

  1. Am I missing out hugely by not having read the Percy Jackson series? I need to get on that bandwagon I think! Really enjoyed reading your thoughts on this one, you always do a fabulous job of outlining the positives and negatives. I see you're reading Crescendo now, I'll be interested to see what you think of that one, like you did with The Lost Hero, I expected a bit more out of it.

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  2. Hmmm, very interesting thoughts! My library is really slow, but I think this book is finally in cataloguing. I can't wait to read it!

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  3. I have seen so much about Riordan, but haven't tried him yet-- I really need to do that :)

    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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  4. Aw, I'm bummed to hear about Annabeth and Percy's characters in the book. I still really need to finish the last two of Percy Jackson, but I'll still be looking forward to this one.

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  5. aww, sorry this one didn't totally live up to your expectations, melissa!! i still need to read the first series!

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  6. It does sounds very nice. I don't read a lot of fantasy, but I should really start! Great review.

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  7. I love your honest and thoughtful reviews--Thanks Melissa!

    Looking forward to seeing your new site, though, I think this one is quite lovely as it is.

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  8. Hm...perhaps I should just read the percy books instead..

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  9. OOo Miss Thang gets more witchy? Good to know!

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  10. I've heard great things about this book, and I loved the Percy Jackson series! I'm a bit disappointed you didn't absolutely love it, but I'm still hoping I like it!

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  11. I loved the Percy Jackson books, so I definitely want to read this new series! Good to hear the writing's just as fun as ever :)

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  12. Nice review! But strangely, it just makes me really want to read the Percy books instead! ;)

    Can't wait to see what the final layout will look like for your blog :D

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  13. I felt very disappointed in the Red Pyramid and have not read this one; I suppose because of that. I love your review though, but I am not that anxious to read this book.

    Can't wait for the new layout.

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  14. Enjoyed your review Melissa :)
    It's a shame when you have high expectations for something, and it doesn't pan out, but there's always the next book...
    Can't wait to see the new layout!

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  15. My son and I really enjoyed the Percy Jackson series, but after reading your review, I think we may skip this one. Thanks for the balanced and honest review.

    http://laughingstars.net

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  16. I haven't read anything by Rick Riordan yet, but I've heard such great things about the Percy Jackson books. I'll probably try those first. I'm not sure if I'll read this one or not, but thanks for the review!

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  17. I have this waiting for me at the library - I LOVE the Percy Jackson series! I am anxious to dive into this and read about the new and old characters. I'm so glad I read your review to give me a heads up :)

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  18. I love Percy too! I was also worried about reading this one that it wouldn't stand up to the Percy books. You know, first in a series never really do it for me, so I think I'll wait on this one until at least one more is released. :)

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