The Battle of the Labyrinth

Percy Jackson’s saga continues! I started this series because it was E’s favorite when he was younger, plus there is also a fun podcast bookclub to go along with it. This is definitely my favorite book of the series so far - as with Harry Potter the books get more interesting (to me) as the characters get older and the stakes get higher. I have high hopes for the final book!

When I was reading this series for the first time in high school, I can remember thinking that this book blew the previous ones out of the water in terms of action and plot. Now, reading them again for the first time in years, I can safely say that this still holds true with a genuine threat to Camp Half-Blood, and our heroes being presented with many interesting character arcs and monsters to face.

Easily the best element in this book is the looming threat of Kronos and his army in this novel. For the first time in the series, it feels like there are things at stake here, as Percy, Annabeth, Grover and Tyson all journey into the labyrinth to help find Daedalus and stop Kronos' army from reaching Camp. While it is true that we had the threat to Thalia's Pine Tree in the 2nd book, we had no idea just how large Kronos' army had gotten to that point. Now, due to the events in the third book, we understand that this is a very serious threat that our heroes have to face.

Then there is the multitude of monsters and gods in this book. The monsters were impressive, with the battles between Annabeth and the sphinx, and Percy battling in a Roman-style coliseum to the death. Riordan, once again, does not disappoint when it comes to viewing different gods in a new, modern light. I can remember liking Janus, the God of Choices. The god Hephaestus was also interesting, especially his workshop, how none of the tools were where they were supposed to go, but I bet he knew where they all were, just the same. Easily the best god in this book was us seeing Pan for the first time. I won't spoil anything here , only to say that the message that Pan sent was an excellent one, with our characters having to take on more responsibility that the reader can identify with.

Then there were the arcs and flaws that our characters had to go through here. Annabeth gets a nice display of her fatal flaw, thinking that she should be able to be challenged by the sphinx, even when it could cost her her life, as well as her reaction to needing a mortal girl's help with the labyrinth. Grover gets a nice arc here too, though I still do not like how he turns out by the end of the series. Tyson also shows us how much he has grown by showing us how he overcame his fear of Grover and his realization that even your heroes can let you down. Undoubtedly, though, Nico gets the largest growth in this book, with his realization about his sister, and the reader seeing just how powerful a son of Hades really is.

I think that the only real weakness in this story can depend on if you like love triangles or not. While it isn't as big a deal as, say, Twilight, I think some readers can still find it annoying when Annabeth seems to dig on Rachael for seemingly no reason other than jealousy. Percy, on the other hand, does not know what to think and seems to like both girls. I, for one, didn't really mind it, and just found it to be an excellent drama. It shows that our characters will have conflicts and not always get along, for a variety of reasons. However, your mileage may vary.

Still, These complaints are just ones to be made aware of, and are not ones that I find serious. This book blew the previous books away in terms of action, plot, pacing, and messages. I give it a five out of five. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I feel like Rick steps up his game in this book and develops his action language, which makes the whole novel feel more cohesive then before.