Percy Jackson and the Bronze Dragon

WHY: Revisiting Riordan's Greek mythological world with my girlfriend before attempting to read the Heroes of Olympus series together.
STORY: This Percy Jackson companion novella includes three short stories, with camper interviews, world-building details and book puzzle games throughout.
The Stolen Chariot adds to the rivalry turned begrudging friendship between Clarisse and Percy as they track the title's namesake from sons of Ares Deimos and Phobos throughout Staten Island Zoo. The Bronze Dragon includes two romantic pairings and is of particular importance to the Heroes of Olympus series, introducing Festus as Beckendorf is trapped in a Myrmekes nest during a Capture the Flag game at camp. The Sword of Hades is definitely the best one, combining every fan's dream of the big three children Thalia, Percy and Nico with a trip into the Underworld featuring angry spirits and the River Lethe.
All three stories are also effective in increasing suspense for the final book in the PJ series, as this is set after the penultimate fourth entry but before The Last Olympian.
WRITING: Classic Rick Riordan humour integrated with just enough detail for a short story format. Whilst there are a few funny bits in the interviews, I found them very skippable (with the exception of Annabeth).
WHO: If you enjoyed the Percy Jackson series you will enjoy this. I'd say it is almost necessary reading if you plan on starting the Heroes of Olympus.

My reactions to this book are...mixed (hence the average rating). First, the short stories. All three of them were excellent, expanding the story universe and giving more insight into the characters and their motivations. They laid the groundwork for some things that come up later in the series (and in the follow-up series) without bogging down the main narrative. The short stories were the reason I picked up this book in the first place.

Second, the interviews with the various campers and the other Camp Half Blood related stuff. I found these mildly entertaining, but not much beyond that. They do give some insight/information into the characters and how the camp works, but in general they feel pretty light.

Third, the puzzles and games. Again, mildly interesting, but also rather simplistic. This is completely understandable, given the target audience for the book, but I wouldn't have been fussed had they been left out entirely. I'm not a huge fan of puzzles in books anyway, since they can create issues if you lend/borrow the book.

Finally, the character depictions...no. Just no. They don't match up with my mental pictures at all. Too cartoony for my tastes, with exaggerated proportions and garish colours. And there's just something off about the eyes in nearly every picture.