A review by erikariehigano22
The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Such a surreal experience to see the growth (physically and mentally wise) of Percy Jackson in comparison when he was in middle school in the very first The Lightning Thief book.

We see the promise of a 3 book series with Percy given the last hurdle of needing 3 letters of recommendations from gods and goddesses who requested his services from quests they bestow to him. In this first book, Percy eventually received his first letter from the cupbearer of the gods-slash-pretty boy Ganymede. I love how Rick did not shy away on the true nature of his story/myth and also with Zeus' podophilic tendencies because who seriously kidnaps a young boy for companionship!? That's right, even Hera cringed when Zeus held Ganymede's wrist during that brunch scene.

We have also seen once more the crude and apathetic nature of the gods when we met the God of Old Age-Geras who reminded readers of the inevitable fate of ageing and death. But Percy has wonderfully reminded us the beauty in ageing and the good things in growing old. Because growing old is only the physical evidence of how we grow up as individuals. When Percy reflected on young Ganymede running on anxiety and nerves that confused young adults usually had on a constant basis as an immortal, Percy thought ageing was the better option for him. That was the profound moment for the reader! Indeed, growing old is a good thing. And with Percy's only wish to pursue university (or college because Americans...) with Annabeth, it was a beautiful thing to see.

As always, we love Grover in this house and he deserved the licorice and the demi-bag of goods.

Even though I was forced to finish this because this is embarrassingly 6 days overdue at my library, I very much enjoyed reading through the new adventures of Percy, Annabeth, and Grover.

Thank goodness my borrowed copy of The Sun and the Star had its loan extended.