The Battle of the Labyrinth

A kind of return to the classic quests and mostly historical setting of the series following the dark third entry. Whereas the last book was quite focused in its plot, this one had a few storylines running concurrently, diverging and converging whenever appropriate. Percy, Annabeth, Grover, Tyson, Nico, Clarisse, the other campers and supporting Gods each have their own journeys. However instead of a mess, Riordan weaves a mesmerising story that's all about an individual's deeds and the impacts created by them. In a way that reminds me of the Avengers movies, there's something satisfying about seeing these characters after short periods of time and witnessing their interactions and growth, especially now the reader is really attached to them. Teenage romance was also a theme of this book, but didn't overtake the story and development which I appreciated. As usual, the humour was great, and the mystery really led to a “smack-yourself-in-the-forehead” kind of revelation which was entertaining. And I will never forget that cliffhanger ending for the finale.