Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a must-read for fans of fast-paced adventure, Greek and Roman mythology, and snarky humor. Rick Riordan's signature wit is on full display through Apollo/Lester's hilarious narration and bad haikus, making the story both funny and heartfelt. The book stands out for its deeper character development - especially Apollo’s journey from arrogant god to empathetic hero - and its more mature handling of themes like grief, healing, and friendship. It's an excellent pick for older middle grade readers and anyone who has enjoyed the Percy Jackson universe, but also works for adults who love mythology with a modern twist.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers might not enjoy the darker tone in this installment, especially as it dives into heavier themes and character loss that can be very emotional. If you're hoping for the lighter, more playful adventures of early Percy Jackson books, you may find this one a bit intense. The formulaic structure, familiar from previous Riordan books, might also feel repetitive for those looking for something completely new. And, as always, if you’re not a fan of mythology-based fantasies or sassy first-person narrators, this might not be your jam.
About:
The Burning Maze is the third book in the Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan, following the journey of Apollo, who is cast down to Earth as a mortal teenager by Zeus. Accompanied by his twelve-year-old companion Meg and the satyr Grover, Apollo faces challenges such as battling evil emperors, sorceresses, and navigating through a corrupted Labyrinth. The book is praised for its suspenseful writing, character development, and the emotional connections Apollo makes in the mortal world, all while dealing with the loss of his godly powers.
The plot of The Burning Maze revolves around Apollo and his friends' quest to find the missing Oracles while facing sadistic emperors, Titans, sorceresses, and navigating through dangerous territories corrupted by polluted flames. The book is noted for its engaging storyline, witty humor, and the way Riordan explores themes of grief, sacrifice, and character growth. Readers are drawn into a world filled with action-packed sequences, unexpected twists, and emotional moments that keep them eagerly turning the pages.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include medium levels of trauma related to themes of grief, loss of a beloved character, and abuse.
Has Romance?
The book contains medium-level romantic elements, mainly focused on character relationships and emotional connections.
From The Publisher:
The formerly glorious god Apollo, cast down to earth in punishment by Zeus as an awkward mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos, must restore five Oracles that have gone dark. Duty-bound to a confounding young daughter of Demeter named Meg, Lester managed to survive his first two trials. Now he and Meg must go through the Labyrinth to find the third emperor - and an Oracle who speaks in word puzzles - somewhere in the American Southwest.
Ratings (75)
Incredible (18) | |
Loved It (29) | |
Liked It (16) | |
It Was OK (6) | |
Did Not Like (4) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (145):
Read It (85) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (37) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (20) |
3 comment(s)
I loved this book. I've enjoyed every Rick Riordan book but this one is one of his best. The Hidden Oracle and The Dark Prophecy were both entertaining reads. However, I sincerely believe that this is the best book in the series so far. The characters are amazing and Apollo is still a hilarious narrator. I'm looking forward to the next book and crossing my fingers that nobody else dies.
A 5 star book, but I'm subtracting one star for the heartbreak I feel :(
Grover!! Seeing more of my boy was so good. We also got meg’s past ugh so many tears!!
What can you read after
The Burning Maze?
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