

This new Nico series has been such a hit with me (yes yes, water is wet). I knew I would really like having that focus on Nico (I mean c'mon hes a gay emo son of Hades), but it was unexpected to me how much I like the combo of Mark Oshiro and Riordan more that just Riordan alone. So far these books have been way less formulaic than previous installments, and have dwelt for longer on more serious emotions. I find Riordan's dad jokes charming in a cringe kind of way, but I think Oshiro tempers that somewhat, which I like.
I really like the themes of redemption, restorative justice, and working through your feelings. Hazel is one of my favs and I loved seeing her here. The characters do do a bit of 'therapy speak' which I have no time for in adult fiction but actually really appreciate in something written for this demographic. Like yeah, kids need to know that big feelings don't have to be your enemy, and that punishment for punishment's sake is bad.
The scene with Hades actually made me tear up.
This new Nico series has been such a hit with me (yes yes, water is wet). I knew I would really like having that focus on Nico (I mean c'mon hes a gay emo son of Hades), but it was unexpected to me how much I like the combo of Mark Oshiro and Riordan more that just Riordan alone. So far these books have been way less formulaic than previous installments, and have dwelt for longer on more serious emotions. I find Riordan's dad jokes charming in a cringe kind of way, but I think Oshiro tempers that somewhat, which I like.
I really like the themes of redemption, restorative justice, and working through your feelings. Hazel is one of my favs and I loved seeing her here. The characters do do a bit of 'therapy speak' which I have no time for in adult fiction but actually really appreciate in something written for this demographic. Like yeah, kids need to know that big feelings don't have to be your enemy, and that punishment for punishment's sake is bad.
The scene with Hades actually made me tear up.