“It’s been my observation" I said, “that you humans are more than the sum of your history. You can choose how much of your ancestry to embrace. You can overcome the expectations of your family and your society. What you cannot do, and should never do, is try to be someone other than yourself–Piper McLean.”

I feel like I've been run over by a truck. What a ride! I haven't read a Riordan book this intense and dark and sad since The Last Olympian. This series is turning out to be more complex and heart-wrenching than I though, although it mantains a lighter, funny tone because Apollo is such a hilarious character. I'm loving his deveolpment throught the books - from the arrogant, self-centered and coward god (which he still is a little and it makes him this vibrant, light character despite the things that are happening), to a more emphatic and, well, human protagonist. Apollo is a good person at heart, but as a god, he's used to being obeyed and having other doing things for him. He's the center of attention and he doesn't always value others - this experience as a mortal is humbling him and he's becoming more and more a hero on it's own, godlike powers or no. I don't like how other characters are still underestimating him or being condescendent towards him, especially since he changed so much already.

I love the new cast of characters, even the secundary ones, and how were revisiting old characters and giving them new roles in this universe. And rewriting mythology really is Riordan's thing, and I like how he twists the greek/roman myths and history into something new. I also learned a lot during this series, because there's a ton of more 'obscure' mythology that he is using here.

As always, Riordan's writing is just delicious to read - he's humorous and light, and the darker scenes have a great impact because he writes things very vividly. I devoured this in one day and a half. The entire book is fast paced and things happening and the last half got me on the edge of my seat. There's a few scenes that led me to actual tears and I can't believe Rick would actually go there, but he did and in a sense it's good (BUT I'M STILL MAD).

Now that everything is gearing up to the finale, I'm excited for the next book (and scared at the same time).