About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is navigating the weight of serious expectations or the shock of their first real experience with loss. While it is part of a high-energy fantasy series, this specific installment serves as a profound meditation on the transition from self-centeredness to true empathy. Apollo, once an immortal god, is now an awkward teen forced to face the consequences of his past actions while experiencing the very human pain of losing a friend. This story balances Riordan's signature snarky humor with a much heavier emotional gravity than previous volumes. It is ideal for 10 to 14-year-olds who enjoy mythology but are ready to explore themes of sacrifice, accountability, and the messy process of growing up. Parents can use this book to open doors for conversations about grief and what it means to be a 'hero' when things don't go according to plan.
