Percy Jackson takes on senior year in new book

by SOPHIA TOMPKINS

Staff Writer

As a long-time Percy Jackson fan I was excited for this book to come out. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” was a gift in the sixth grade and introduced me to the world of fantasy. This series was an important part of my childhood and the person I became. Being able to return to this series has made me so happy. 

When I picked up this book I expected it to be a good addition to my Percy Jackson collection, a flashback to my childhood. What was unexpected was how this book left me in tears. 

On Sept. 24, Rick Riordan released his newest work of fiction, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Senior Year Adventures: Wrath of the Triple Goddess”—the second book in a trilogy dedicated to Percy Jackson’s final year in high school. 

Percy returns to face the newest adventure of his young demigod life. In this new quest, he is working towards getting into college. Percy must receive three letters of recommendation, but not just any recommendations, they have to come from the gods. 

When Hecate shows up at Percy’s school, Alternative High, he doesn’t expect that his next quest will be pet-sitting at Hecate’s mansion for the week. But when things go wrong Percy and his friends must fix everything before Hecate returns the night of Halloween. 

Anyone who has gone to college can relate to the fear and nerves of application season. The fear of “what if I don’t get in,” mixed with “I’m leaving all my friends and so much more.” 

Riordan’s writing helps convey this through character conversations, Percy’s concern over upcoming deadlines and more. Reading all this happen to the characters I love reminded me of my college search and the stress and anxiety that came along with it. 

Riordan is known for including snappy chapter titles and this newest book did not disappoint. Chapter titles like “Guess what? Weasel Butt” and “I am saved by my own doofus-ness”  never failed to make me laugh.

Along with Percy’s sass and wit, the original trio that introduced us to this world has returned. Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood were a big part of my childhood. Camp Half-Blood was the world I could escape to when life got scary. Being able to return to this world provided comfort while schoolwork picked up. 

While I didn’t know how Riordan would write a whole book just on Percy Jackson’s pet sitting, Riordan did what he does best and created interesting dilemmas for Percy, Annabeth and Grover to overcome. From Grover drinking a strawberry-flavored potion and destroying the house, to Hecate’s pets getting loose in New York City leading old friends to the rescue and so much more. 

As often is the case in many book series, the main character explains what is going on and reminds the readers and what happened in previous books. Since I have read all of Riordan’s books I am pretty well versed in what has happened, and while I did not need a refresher, Riordan’s incorporation of Percy’s sass made me laugh and kept me reading. 

Hecate’s threat of incineration looms over the group as it gets closer to Halloween. Our main trio’s fear and worry rise as they scramble to come up with a plan. As the story progresses and the stakes get higher, Riordan does a good job conveying those stakes to the audience. 

Riordan does a good job conveying Percy’s anxiety to the readers as the story progresses. This has been done well throughout the books. Percy’s fatal flaw is considered to be his loyalty and you can see that through Riordan’s writing. Percy’s immediate concern for his friends and loved ones comes up often. You can feel what Percy is feeling through the writing in the book. 

Percy discovers that his support system will still be there even if he moves across the country. His mom, stepdad and friends at Camp Half-Blood will always come to the rescue. 

The book closes with beautiful advice everyone should hear: “Looking around the table, I know I was where I belonged, and even if we moved across the country, Annabeth and I would always have a home here. We wouldn’t be leaving anything behind. We’d just be spreading out our branches.” 

You can’t be afraid to try new things. Home will always be there, even if you move far away

I fell in love with these characters in sixth grade because they were relatable. They had ADHD and a need to be doing something. Annabeth Chase was smart and pretty, and she gave me the confidence to be myself. Percy Jackson was loyal and cared about his friends and Grover Underwood was the first character in a book I read that had anxiety like me. 

Now, 15 years later, I still find them relatable. Percy struggles to pick a topic for his research paper, Grover just wants his friends to stick around, and Annabeth is determined to find what more is out there for her. I saw a little bit of myself in each of their stories. 

If you find yourself looking for the next book to read or if you want something to pick up for Halloween that is an easy read, pick up “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Senior Year Adventures: Wrath of the Triple Goddess.”