"The Tower of Nero" by Rick Riordan

The Tower of Nero (Oct. 6, 2020) by Rick Riordan.

*This is the final novel in a pentalogy.*

Perhaps the most insulting thing of the past six months for Apollo? Being transformed into a mortal teenager with acne and also the moniker Lester Papadopoulos. Apollo and Meg have traversed the United States freeing ancient Oracles, vanquishing odious monsters and prevailing over two of the Triumvirate’s evil emperors (Commodus and Caligula). They’ve endured grave tragedies, certain of which will take longer to process. And now they’re making their way to Manhattan, ready (well, maybe not truly ready) to confront Nero Claudius Caesar, who triangulates out the Triumvirate. He’s also Meg’s abominable, abusive stepfather. For Meg’s part, she does reunite (not gently or happily or pain-free) with Luguselwa. Lu is a Gaul (“the name that Romans gave to the Celts and their territories”), and her name means beloved of the god Lugus (per Apollo, “Those Celtic deities were a strange, fierce bunch.”). Lu is fierce, and she’s plenty bad, but she’s actually got a conscience, which is lightyears more than I can say for Nero. Beyond overcoming Nero, there is an even more ancient and powerful threat: Apollo’s archnemesis, Python, who’s moved into the sacred Oracle of Delphi like it owns the place. Rude. If Apollo can defeat his enemies, he will become the god Apollo again, and if he doesn’t, well, he’ll be dead. Apollo won’t be alone, though (or not always). There’s Meg, allies from Camp Half-Blood, and let’s not forget the Arrow of Dodona. Oh, and troglodytes. Trogs are “a race of subterranean humanoids who eat lizards and fight bulls.” They also, apparently, really like wearing hats, and they think any human language is the “barbaric language of the crust-dwellers.” They have a habit of referring to mortals as lizards, too, so remember your manners, honor them and, if they don’t eat you, be sure to thank them for not doing so.

            Confession: I had pre-ordered this novel last year, received it on release day and read it right away. Why am I this late in publishing this post? Well, I let the books pile up, this one was always at the bottom of the up-and-down pile, and now we’re here. So, at least it’s finally shining in its own post!

            The final in The Trials of Apollo screams, battles and derides its way through to the end. As it’s from Riordan, it’s no surprise that this middle-grade novel showcases an action-driven plot, constant adventure that often drips with danger and high potential for great bodily harm (and/or death) and familiar characters we’ve so enjoyed traveling through these stories with (and have lamented those that haven’t made it)(still book-grieving over that one death). Monster gore is overshadowed by consistent snark and wit, so I don’t think readers will be too disturbed thataway. For younger readers unaware of the real-life Nero Claudius Caesar, do not worry that any parallels are explained (they are not). Nero’s megalomania in this series is just for this series. Riordan wraps up this series by dishing out just deserts. Sadly, Apollo lets us know that he’s fresh out of unicorns to give as gifts, and I do hope that, just because he’s gained some humility, he doesn’t quit gracing us with his terrible – I mean, terribly rewarding – haikus.

            Book One: The Hidden Oracle (did not review)

            Book Two: The Dark Prophecy (did not review)

            Book Three: The Burning Maze

            Book Four: The Tyrant’s Tomb

"The Last Fallen Star" by Graci Kim

The Last Fallen Star (May 4, 2021) by Graci Kim.

*This is the first novel in a trilogy by a debut author.*

An important time is coming to the Oh family. Riley will soon watch a rite of passage as her older sister, Hattie, is initiated into the Gom clan. For them, Korean mythology isn’t folklore; it’s real life. The Gom are the Healers, one of six Gifted Clans in the Mortalrealm (a.k.a. Earth). Riley wants so badly to be a healer when she turns 13, earning her Gi bracelet so she can cast spells without adult supervision, but she’s a saram (someone not gifted with magic). She is adopted and has no recollection of her birth parents. Then her brave, enthusiastic sister comes up with the idea of casting a spell at her initiation ceremony that will allow her to share half her magic with Riley. It’s temporary, but it’s something. Unfortunately, the plan doesn’t unfold as perfectly as it should, and Riley learns something shocking about herself, something that would have gotten her banished and seen as cursed even as a baby. Hattie hatches another idea and convinces Riley of its practicality. Riley’s best friend, Emmett Harrison (also saram and a masterful baker), comes, too, as does Boris, the “dragon-on-wheels” (the latter courtesy of Noah Noh, who’s totally crushing on Hattie). Hattie’s new idea ends badly, as this next attempt violates the laws of the Godrealm, and now Hattie’s life is fading. To save her, Riley must accomplish the impossible by finding the last fallen star. But what exactly is it? And where is it hiding?

            Did I read this story because I love mythological fantasy adventures? Yes. Did I want to read this story because it showcases Korean mythology, and I identify as both Korean and American? Also yes. Does the story have a very helpful Glossary in the back for anyone unfamiliar with the Korean terms and how to pronounce them? You betcha (and I do love me a well-informed Glossary). Graci Kim’s writing prowess is on full display with this story, which features relatable characters, time-is-of-the-essence adventure, magic and, yes, emotion. Watching Riley grow in the story toward her own self-acceptance and the struggle and emotion that goes along with it is empowering to read, but the story is also tempered with wit, Korean culture staples (like H-Mart and tteokbokki) and Korean mythological creatures (e.g. inmyeonjo, dokkaebi and cheollima). Oh, and one can never forget references to K-pop. According to the author, “All but one of the BTS members are Gumiho. You heard it here first.”

            I can only speak for myself, but I appreciate when the main characters (and even the supporting ones we get to know well) have flaws and struggles. After all, we do as children and adults. To struggle with your identity only adds to how mentally and emotionally wrought that can make any person, no matter the age. The plot is engaging, the mythology is modern, the adventure is rollicking and the potential for calamity calamitous. It is a thrill ride of snappy humor with heartfelt moments not to be forgotten (go “leaky-bladder eyeballs”). For those of you living in gifted homes, please do remember to compliment your house-sins (because no one wants the toilet-sin to make your bathroom breaks uncomfortable).

The Positive Page-turner's Challenge: Take 12

Hello, my fellow readers! What have you been reading this year? Are you meeting your reading goals? I’m back with the 12^th Edition of my Positive Page-turner’s Challenge. I introduced my first Challenge in November of 2016. It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost five years!

            As with all of my previous Challenges, I will donate one package of bar soap for every book that I read, chapter books on up. I have been donating Ivory brand soap, and I only ever get the 10-bar packs. Other brands are welcome, too, but as the soap is most often being donated to women at GoServ Global’s Birthing Center in Haiti and their newborn babies, gentler brands or those soaps marked as being for sensitive skin are ideal. They will not; however, turn away full bar soaps of any brand.

            For the extra feature of my Challenge, instead of donating a one-time amount of money per book, I am going to do something a little different. Including the picture book in the above photo, there are 18 books. With that number in mind, I will be completing a combination totaling 18. This will include individual events (e.g. donating money to an organization, purchasing a material item to support an organization) and donations of time (e.g. packing food). Let’s say that I donate $50 to a local charity and volunteer at the local Humane Society for two hours. This would be 1 event + 2 hours of time = 3 total. So, in that case, I would have 3 of 18 books represented.

            I will be tracking these events and donations of time in the Comments below. It’s not to brag or be prideful, but to hold myself accountable. I don’t know if it’ll take me the rest of the year to complete this or into next year, but it WILL get accomplished! If you support organizations with time and/or financial support, please share which organizations those are and why you support them. Keep spreading love and kindness!