Book Review: The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan

The third instalment in The Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan sees our heroes face the final Roman emperor in the Triumvirate, as well as meeting a large number of dryads in a very hot and desert like California. We’re also joined by Piper and Jason, demigod heroes last seen in The Heroes of Olympus series - and let’s just say they’re on rather fractious terms...

This picks up the action straight away, as we see Apollo, Meg and Grover running for their lives in the Labyrinth while pursed by blood thirsty owls. As usual, there’s a big dollop of humour, mythology and action here - but I also found this a bit darker than the previous instalments. In suddenly feels as though the gang are really at risk of loosing everything, without any help from former allies or Godly powers to save them this time. There’s an overall feeling of anticipation and dread that runs throughout, which I actually found more exciting.

As usual, there’s an eclectic mix of supporting characters. I was particularly drawn to the various desert dryads, such as Prickly Pear and Aloe Vera who seemed to perfectly incorporate their plants nature into their personality. I also liked seeing the development in Apollo, embracing his human nature more (whether he wants to or not) and accepting responsibility for his actions. However, I do miss a little of the old Apollo arrogance and swagger. I hope that hadn’t been lost forever.

The antagonist here is also a lot more intimidating compared to Commodus and Nero. When we finally meet him, he seems to exude an aura of menace and madness that’s unhinged and unpredictable. I’m looking forward to seeing what he brings in the next instalment.

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My only let down was Jason’s death. It felt rather flippant and gratuitous rather than furthering the plot in anyway. I was actually more upset by Money Maker’s death, which managed to be both horrific and touching. I’m hoping that by returning his body to Camp Jupiter, his death will be more fulfilling in the next book, as he’s given a proper Roman burial and his friends will have a chance to grieve.

 - 3 stars