The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, #2)
by Rick Riordan

get it here

BOOK SUMMARY

A perilous quest to complete.
I must become a god again.

I, the god Apollo – cast down to earth in the body of a gawky mortal teen – bravely endured a series of dangerous trials at Camp Half-Blood.

Now, accompanied by Leo Valdez and the sorceress Calypso (also mortal, ha!), I must find the most dangerous Oracle from ancient times, who may hold the answers I need to return to Mount Olympus.

To make things worse, the second member of the evil Triumvirate – a Roman emperor with a disturbing love of bloodshed – stands in our way.

Without my powers (and good looks and singing voice), how does Zeus expect me to overcome the greatest challenge I’ve faced in my four thousand years of existence?

BOOK REVIEW

4 STARS

I never liked Apollo until the end of the first book in this series. A once arrogant, selfish and merciless god (human, since he was in the form of Lester Papadopoulos) had a character development and became someone who was more selfless and actually cared for others. He is still, rather full of himself but it is more tolerable now.

I’ve always been a fan of Riordan’s books. I loved Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Heroes of Olympus and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgards. However, this might be the series that I find the hardest to love. Unlike the aforementioned series, I found it difficult to like the main character. I also couldn’t care less about Meg.

In addition to that, I think this book might be my least favourite by Riordan so far. I am very aware that Riordan loves to include 21st century references into his stories. I am absolutely for it! However, I noticed that it happened way too frequently in this book and instead of finding it amusing or relatable, I felt as if he might be trying way too hard.

On the other hand, I loved that Riordan included the community’s favourite characters as if it was a major throwback to the first two series. Characters like Leo and Calypso, Thalia, Grover and even Coach Hedge were mentioned and it warmed my heart.

Although this book might be my least favourite, I am excited to read the third book in the series, The Burning Maze.