In the bliss of a rainy December morning, I'm celebrating the completion of my Goodreads reading challenge: 25 out of 25 books read, thanks to Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan.
Following the story of a now almost fifteenth-year-old Percy Jackson, this book strings along Annabeth's new quest in an enchanted labyrinth that sprawls underground. Full of traps leading to various ancient monsters, the two have to figure out the right way to the maze's heart to navigate it better. Along with Tyson and Grover who is still on the look out for Pan the god of the wild, the group tries their best to compete with the ticking clock and Krono's new armies.
It's an honor to admit that I liked this series the more that I dig into it. The story got darker and more intense, something I was sure I hadn't bothered to appreciate the first time I read it back in high school. But Riordan managed to balance the seriousness well enough that I could still cherish the aspects I loved about middle-grade books: fun adventures, the security of knowing that the main characters would be safe no matter the danger, and curious kids in a mission.
I liked both Percy and Annabeth, but I thought Rachel was more awesome in this book. While the quest inside the labyrinth was the kind of adventure that would keep you excited, some parts were undoubtedly touching. Pages after pages were devoured quickly, and without me realizing it, I had reached the final page with even more spirit of inquiry.
If you haven't read this book yet which I'm pretty sure wouldn't have been the case, please pick it up as soon as you can. I believe the Percy Jackson series is the kind that could be enjoyed by all ages. Except for babies, maybe.
Actual rating: 4.8★
