The Ship of the Dead

Look, by now you know what you are getting with a Rick Riordan book. There are no surprises here.

Flawed but likable and noble main hero? Check. Gotta save the world from some deity who was wronged/offended by the other deities? Check. A little bit of romance to keep the characters moving (with some social commentary in this one)? Check. A plucky band of misfit adventurers who have to come together, overcome some differences/personal challenges and work as a team? Check. A slightly subversive take on old mythology? Check.

It's all there and it all goes down nice and smooth. And, for the most part (save a trans character who some might have issue with), it's safe, inoffensive fun. I always enjoy Riordan's stories and style, and this doesn't disappoint. But after so many books I'm getting to the point where it all feels so well trodden that these books just can't get much more than an “I liked it”. Nothing stronger. Quick, light reading that will satisfy if that is what one is going for.

But if you are looking for more depth than that, you'll need to look elsewhere.