The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan

The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan

Reviewer: Luka K.

Star Rating: 4

The Burning Maze is the third book in Rick Riordan’s Trials of Apollo series, a series based upon the mythological god Apollo from the Greek myths. Apollo has been cast away by his father Zeus, and must complete a series of quests as a mortal to become a god again. In this book, Apollo must venture into Daedalus’’ labyrinth and try to free his third oracle. With the help of some demigods, he fights his way through angry sorceresses and gods, while his son Nero tries to thwart him at every end.

As always, Rick Riordan delivered another gripping book, with amazing characterization and dialogue that sets it apart from the average fantasy. He is the only well-known author that uses the myth in a way that are not only interesting but also informative. It may be my fondness for his writing, but I honestly found nothing wrong or off-putting in this book.

This book would appeal to lovers of Rick Riordan’s writing, and also fantasy lovers. This is a strictly fantasy book with no other genres. Fans of the Fablehaven series will find this book especially to their taste.

I would rate this book as a 5, but that is a bit biased. I believe an appropriate rating for this book is a 4.5 stars.

Hooper by Geoff Harbach

Book: Hooper by Geoff Herbach

Reviewer: Luka K.

Star Rating: 4

Hooper is a book about Adam Reed, a Polish immigrant in high school whose passion is basketball. He is amazing on the court, but not so off of it. Adam must find a way to balance all the things that come along with moving halfway across the globe. With the help of newfound friends, Adam follows new pathways that lead to new experiences and opportunities.

This is a feel good book, so the characters are especially real and heartwarming. The story feels like it could have happened in real life. One of the most intriguing points was the theme of immigrants and how they are treated here. Adam experienced bullying no matter where he was, but eventually everybody warmed up to him. Another great part about this piece is even though there was no stand out pieces of imagery, the setting was easy to imagine. I kept the pages turning even though this was not a mystery or action book.

The one problem I found in this book was that the plot repeated itself again and again in different settings. It got monotonous after a while. Other than that, this was a solid read. This is a good book for anyone wanting a break from action and fantasy novels, or just a feel good story. I would rate this 3.5 stars, but I feel it deserves more because of the themes it points out. Therefore, I would give Hooper 4 stars.