Demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace must endure the terrors of Tartarus to rescue an old friend in this thrilling adventure co-written by New York Times #1 best-selling authors Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro.
Percy Jackson fans, rejoice! Nico and Will have a book of their own!
A Kirkus Reviews' Best Middle Grade Book of 2023
As the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo has been through so much, from the premature deaths of his mother and sister, to being outed against his will, to losing his friend Jason during the trials of Apollo. But there is a ray of sunshine in his life—literally: his boyfriend, Will Solace, the son of Apollo. Together the two demigods can overcome any obstacle or foe. At least, that's been the case so far...
Now Nico is being plagued by a voice calling out to him from Tartarus, the lowest part of the Underworld. He thinks he knows who it is: a reformed Titan named Bob whom Percy and Annabeth had to leave behind when they escaped Hades's realm. Nico's dreams and Rachel Dare's latest prophecy leave little doubt in Nico's mind that Bob is in some kind of trouble. Nico has to go on this quest, whether Mr. D and Chiron like it or not. And of course Will insists on coming with. But can a being made of light survive in the darkest part of the world? and what does the prophecy mean that Nico will have to "leave something of equal value behind?"
Nico will have to face demons both internal and external as his relationship with Will is tested to the core in this standalone adventure featuring two of the most popular characters in the Percy Jackson saga.
*"While the adventure is properly thrilling, the heart of the book lies in the boys' connection. Even those uninterested in romance will appreciate how their relationship reinforces themes of found family and belonging and the way the characters learn to navigate and communicate through their past traumas. The perfect read for fans of Percy Jackson, as well as those who love modern, inclusive takes on classic mythology."--Booklist (starred review)
*"A seamlessly written, action-packed story that's also a sensitive, introspective character study. Fans who've been waiting for more of adorable couple Nico and Will won't be disappointed."--School Library Journal (starred review)
*"This collaborative effort between Riordan and Oshiro maintains earlier Percy Jackson entries' glorious knack for mythical machinations, profoundly sharp conflicts, and contemporary humor. At its core, this stellar tale centers a richly woven love story that shines with ease two boys who are seemingly different from one another. A standout."--Kirkus (starred review)
"Reprising the Greek myth–grounded books’ goofy humor, high-stakes action, and whimsical worldbuilding, the collaborators weave in tender romance and emotionally complex ruminations on change, self-identity, and mental health, balancing adventure with heart and heft."--Publishers Weekly
Rick Riordan (he/him), dubbed “storyteller of the gods” by Publishers Weekly, is the author of five #1 New York Times best-selling middle grade series with millions of copies sold throughout the world, including Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus, and the Trials of Apollo, all based on Greek and Roman mythology. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and two sons. Follow his news on RickRiordan.com.
Mark Oshiro (they/them) is the author of the young adult books Anger Is a Gift, winner of the 2019 Schneider Family Book Award, and Each of Us A Desert, an NPR Best Book of 2020. Their middle grade books include The Insiders, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year; and You Only Live Once, David Bravo. When not writing, they are trying to achieve their life goal of petting every dog in the world. Mark is based in Atlanta, Georgia and their website is MarkOshiro.com.
Demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace must endure the terrors of Tartarus to rescue an old friend in this thrilling adventure co-written by New York Times #1 best-selling authors Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro.
Percy Jackson fans, rejoice! Nico and Will have a book of their own!
A Kirkus Reviews' Best Middle Grade Book of 2023
As the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo has been through so much, from the premature deaths of his mother and sister, to being outed against his will, to losing his friend Jason during the trials of Apollo. But there is a ray of sunshine in his life—literally: his boyfriend, Will Solace, the son of Apollo. Together the two demigods can overcome any obstacle or foe. At least, that's been the case so far...
Now Nico is being plagued by a voice calling out to him from Tartarus, the lowest part of the Underworld. He thinks he knows who it is: a reformed Titan named Bob whom Percy and Annabeth had to leave behind when they escaped Hades's realm. Nico's dreams and Rachel Dare's latest prophecy leave little doubt in Nico's mind that Bob is in some kind of trouble. Nico has to go on this quest, whether Mr. D and Chiron like it or not. And of course Will insists on coming with. But can a being made of light survive in the darkest part of the world? and what does the prophecy mean that Nico will have to "leave something of equal value behind?"
Nico will have to face demons both internal and external as his relationship with Will is tested to the core in this standalone adventure featuring two of the most popular characters in the Percy Jackson saga.
Reviews
*"While the adventure is properly thrilling, the heart of the book lies in the boys' connection. Even those uninterested in romance will appreciate how their relationship reinforces themes of found family and belonging and the way the characters learn to navigate and communicate through their past traumas. The perfect read for fans of Percy Jackson, as well as those who love modern, inclusive takes on classic mythology."--Booklist (starred review)
*"A seamlessly written, action-packed story that's also a sensitive, introspective character study. Fans who've been waiting for more of adorable couple Nico and Will won't be disappointed."--School Library Journal (starred review)
*"This collaborative effort between Riordan and Oshiro maintains earlier Percy Jackson entries' glorious knack for mythical machinations, profoundly sharp conflicts, and contemporary humor. At its core, this stellar tale centers a richly woven love story that shines with ease two boys who are seemingly different from one another. A standout."--Kirkus (starred review)
"Reprising the Greek myth–grounded books’ goofy humor, high-stakes action, and whimsical worldbuilding, the collaborators weave in tender romance and emotionally complex ruminations on change, self-identity, and mental health, balancing adventure with heart and heft."--Publishers Weekly
Author
Rick Riordan (he/him), dubbed “storyteller of the gods” by Publishers Weekly, is the author of five #1 New York Times best-selling middle grade series with millions of copies sold throughout the world, including Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus, and the Trials of Apollo, all based on Greek and Roman mythology. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and two sons. Follow his news on RickRiordan.com.
Mark Oshiro (they/them) is the author of the young adult books Anger Is a Gift, winner of the 2019 Schneider Family Book Award, and Each of Us A Desert, an NPR Best Book of 2020. Their middle grade books include The Insiders, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year; and You Only Live Once, David Bravo. When not writing, they are trying to achieve their life goal of petting every dog in the world. Mark is based in Atlanta, Georgia and their website is MarkOshiro.com.
