Rick Riordan has done it again with The Lost Hero! He's written another brilliant book that blends mythology with great characters and universal themes. I first got hooked on this author's work when I read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. From books 1-5 I couldn't get enough. Then when The Red Pyramid was published I rushed out to buy it and read it. Book one in the Kane Chronicles was excellent! I learned a great deal about Egyptian mythology. I'm currently reading the book to my 5th grade class. They are really enjoying it! I can't wait for the next installment in the Kane Chroncles!
My students can't wait for us to finish The Red Pyramid so we can start reading The Lost Hero aloud! I will be more than happy to accommodate them. The novel is a spin-off of the Percy Jackson series, but I appreciate the fact that I can share this book with kids who haven't read the previous series and they will still understand.
This novel introduces us to three new demigods, Piper, Leo, and Jason. Jason is a rather mysterious figure. He appears unexpectedly at Wilderness School with Piper and Leo. Piper and Leo believe they've known Jason for months, but really it's a clever trick of the Mist. Mist helps to keep the magical beings/creatures hidden from regular "mortals." Evil wind spirits try to attack and kill the trio on a field trip. Jason, Piper, and Leo, manage to survive the attack, are rescued, whisked off to Camp Half-Blood (a special training camp for demigods), and their adventures are a whirlwind from there.
Each of the young heroes has special powers. Piper, Leo, and Jason find ways to use them as they deal with some nasty characters. The demigods experience evil gods and godesses, giants and monsters, and some of the worst villains and villainesses known to the Underworld.
Jason has the added disadvantage of memory loss and finding his way without knowing anyone. The themes of friendship and loyalty definitely shine out like polished bronze and gold. Jason may feel alone quite a bit of the time, but yet he isn't. He has successfully bridged a gap between two different worlds.
I can't/don't want to say much more, because I don't want to give anything away. This is a wonderful book, I can't sing its praises enough! Oh, if only I had a muse to write like Riordan does. I can't wait for the second book in this new series. I'll be waiting! Once my students read or listen to this book they will be hooked too.
