Joshua Bertossi

When I was a middle schooler, my former English teacher recommended "The Lightning Thief" for my growing need. I followed Percy's journey as it was and stayed with him until he nearly destroyed the world because of a bloody nose. I was there when Magnus Chase went to Valhalla and prevented Ragnarok. And I was there for Apollo, every step of the way. The story has always been superb, Rick Riordan is a master of prose, mythology, history... and the way he weaves them all seamlessly is truly breathtaking. My sole critique is that sometimes I feel he goes out of his way for a political jab. The Tower of Nero had that feel many times over— and the entire Trials of Apollo series seemed weaker for it. I persevered anyway because I am loyal to the series. I still enjoyed the series for what it was and take lessons from it in kindness, compassion, and keeping promises made. That said, the ending was remarkable. Breaking the fourth wall is often funky, but the way it was done was absolutely beautiful. Well done, story-teller of the gods.