Name: The Trials of Apollo Book One The Hidden Oracle
Rating: 8.24 (241371 reviews)
Author: Rick Riordan
ISBN: 9781484732748

How do you punish an immortal? By making him human. After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus and lands in a New York City dumpster as a flabby, acne-covered sixteen-year-old named Lester Papadopoulos. Stripped of his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world. But Apollo has made many enemies over the millennia, and they would love nothing more than to see him permanently destroyed in his weakened state.

Now, Apollo needs help, and he knows just where to go: Camp Half-Blood, an enclave for modern demigods. To get there, he must rely on a formidable young demigod named Meg McCaffrey, who claims his service in exchange for her protection. Upon arrival, he discovers the camp is in peril. Campers are mysteriously disappearing into the woods, and the ancient Oracles have fallen silent, severing the connection to prophecy. Apollo's personal quest for redemption is now tied to a much larger threat, forcing the once self-centered god to confront his past and fight for more than just his own return to glory.

Thèmes

Les plus

The book is largely praised for its highly distinctive and humorous narrative voice, delivered by the main character, a formerly powerful god turned mortal. Readers found his snarky, narcissistic, yet ultimately lovable perspective to be a refreshing change and one of the funniest elements the author has created. Many appreciated the departure from the typical quest-driven formula, with the story primarily unfolding in a familiar setting rather than a cross-country journey. The introduction of new supporting characters, alongside the return of beloved figures from previous series, evoked nostalgia and excitement. Furthermore, the book is celebrated for its inclusive representation, featuring a protagonist who is openly bisexual and inclusive relationships that resonated positively with many readers.

Les moins

Despite the positive reception, some reviewers felt the book occasionally fell into repetitive patterns, leading to concerns about the author's continued expansion of this universe. Criticisms included a perceived simplification of the writing style, with some finding the prose and pop culture references to be less sophisticated than earlier works, potentially appealing more to a younger middle-grade audience. A few readers noted that the main character's development felt rushed at times, and that the overarching plot, while having potential, was slow to fully emerge. Minor characters were sometimes described as lacking depth or being overly quirky, and some felt that the book's efforts toward diversity, while valued, could occasionally feel overtly signaled.

Conclusion

Ultimately, "The Hidden Oracle" is generally considered a strong and entertaining beginning to a new series, successfully engaging many readers despite some mixed opinions. It is particularly recommended for existing fans of the author's previous mythological works who enjoy a humorous, character-driven narrative and are open to exploring new perspectives within a familiar world. Readers who appreciate stories with significant character development, a strong comedic element, and inclusive representation will likely find this book appealing. While some long-time followers might desire a more radical departure from the established formula, the book largely succeeds in delivering a fresh and enjoyable experience that sets the stage for future installments.