Vespers Rising (The 39 Clues #11)

Title: Vespers Rising

Authors: Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman, Jude Watson

Pages: 4 discs

Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: The first 10 books were all focused on the strengths of the Cahill Family and the secrets that were uncovered by Gideon Cahill hundreds of years ago. This, the 11th and final book introduces us to the next threat to the Cahills, the Vespers!

My Review: I didn't love this book, it was too much of a filler book for me.  When the authors saw that the book series that they had been working on for the last few years is coming to an end, they brainstormed ways to keep it going and this is the solution.  While the 39 Clues series has now concluded, the groundwork has been laid for the next series.

The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues #1)

Title: The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues Book One)

Author: Rick Riordan

Pages: 220


Genre: Children's Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Just minutes before the wealthy matriarch Grace Cahill died, she made a small change in her will for her heirs.  She left them with a choice, one million dollars or a clue.  The Cahill family is the most powerful family in the world and most of the world's greatest leaders are descendants in the family.  However, the source of the world's power has been lost, but many believe that the clues Grace Cahill has left behind will help someone rediscover this power.  Young Amy and Dan lost their parents at a young age and were close to Grace Cahill.  Now they must decide whether or not to take the money or join the search for the clues.

My Review: This book was chosen as one of the monthly selections in Alison's book club.  While clearly a children's book, I enjoy reading this type of book every once in a while.  In typical Rick Riordan fashion, this book was an enjoyable adventure with the kids figuring things out and having adventures that may be slightly unbelievable.

The Battle of the Labyrinth

Title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians - The Battle of the Labyrinth

Author: Rick Riordan

Pages: 361

Genre: Fiction

Grade: B+

Synopsis: Camp Half-Blood is in a more precarious position than it was even the year before. The Titan Lord is growing stronger and his supporters are utilizing an underground labyrinth designed by the great architect and inventor Daedalus. Whoever is able to figure out how the maze works first will be in the best position to attack the camp or fight off the attackers in the case of the half-bloods.

My Review: I think that this was probably my favorite book of the series so far. There are still a number of corny, juvenile dialogues, but the story as a whole seemed more cohesive. As always, the book was tough to put down and easy to finish in a couple of days.

The Titan's Curse

Title: Percy Jackson & The Olympians - The Titan's Curse

Author: Rick Riordan

Pages: 312

Genre: Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Percy Jackson is sent on a quest to find his friend Annabeth with Thalia, the daughter of Zeus, and two of Artemis' huntresses, Zoe Nightshade and Bianca Di Angelo. They're also trying to locate a dangerous monster that would be able to bring down Olympus before the Titans can find it.

My Review: Just like every other book in this series, some of the dialogue and character interaction in this book is cringeworthy, but the author does a masterful job of tying ancient Greek mythology into today's world. Another easy, enjoyable read.

The Sea of Monsters

Title: The Sea of Monsters

Author: Rick Riordan

Pages: 304

Genre: Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Percy Jackson learns that his good friend Tyson is a cyclops and also his half-brother. Percy also learns that camp Half-Blood has been compromised. Percy, Annabeth and Tyson sneak out on a quest to try and save the camp by obtaining the Golden Fleece by crossing the Sea of Monsters (aka the Bermuda Triangle).

My Review: These books are fairly simple, but I still enjoy how they help bring Greek mythology to modern times. An easy, quick read that wasn't too predictable.

The Lightning Thief

Title: The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Pages: 375

Genre: Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Percy Jackson is a troubled teen that has been kicked out of every boarding school he attends. He begins to notice strange things happening in his life, many of which seem to be strait from his class on Greek mythology. It turns out that Zeus' lightning bolt has been stolen and Percy is Zeus' prime suspect. Percy needs to locate the bolt and return it before Zeus loses his temper.

My Review: I enjoyed how the book helped to bring Greek mythology to life. I don't remember much about Greek mythology and I learned (or re-learned) quite a bit. The story is fairly juvenile and too often unbelievable, but it was an easy, enjoyable read.