Waiting on Wednesday and WWW Wednesday (10/5)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

So, in a little bend of rules, The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan was released on Tuesday, October 3, however, because of various things happening in my own town, I can't attend a signing and I really want to feature this doubtlessly amazing book.
Therefore, this week's can't-wait-to-read publication is:

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan!

"In The Lost Hero, three demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo made their first visit to Camp Half-Blood, where they inherited a blood-chilling quest:

"Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
"To storm or fire the world must fall.
"An oath to keep with a final breath,
"And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

"Who are the other four mentioned in the prophesy? The answer may lie in another camp miles away, where a new camper has shown up and appears to be the son of Neptune, god of the sea. . .

"With an ever-expanding cast of brave-hearted heroes and formidable foes, this second book in The Heroes of Olympus series offers all of the action, pathos, and humor that Rick Riordan fans crave." -summery from Rick Riordan's website

And it's Olympian Week! Here are some amazing pictures of Toga Parties I found online.

And for those of you who, like me, are dying to own a camp half-blood T-shirt,

Are you looking forward to the doubtless to come, Camp Jupiter Tees?

Here is my own short review on The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan: 
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan has been on my TBR list for a while. Sadly, I read the Percy Jackson series (up to The Battle of the Labyrinth) several years ago, and even though I didn't absolutely love them, I really, Really, REALLY liked them. Of course, because it's been so long (and I haven't read some of the recent installments) I was rusty on the characters and plots I knew would be referenced. I picked up The Lost Hero from the library without realizing it was a book about Camp Half-Blood...more The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan has been on my TBR list for a while. Sadly, I read the Percy Jackson series (up to The Battle of the Labyrinth) several years ago, and even though I didn't absolutely love them, I really, Really, REALLY liked them. Of course, because it's been so long (and I haven't read some of the recent installments) I was rusty on the characters and plots I knew would be referenced. I picked up The Lost Hero from the library without realizing it was a book about Camp Half-Blood.
This is definitely a book to add to your TBR list. The major flaws and things I nitpicked on in the Percy Jackson series were corrected. The writing style was much more advanced then I remember, perfectly blending in the first series, moving the plot along quickly, and creating an entire new cast of characters. One of the big things that surprised me about this book was the new way in which the lesser gods were presented. I'd always loathed their personalities and involvement, but this really changed my opinions. I feared when I started this book that it would be inclined to mirror the series it followed, but there was no parallel or symmetry between the two.
I also have to applaud Rick Riordan for the merging of special talents into the full characters so that it didn't seem superficial or unnecessary. The time lapses fit perfectly without seeming awkward and the supporting characters already had full stories to play off of. Jason was a refreshing new point of view, and had a unique taste to finding himself that was distinctly different from Percy's. The story had me blind guessing for its entire length with twists and turns so sharp and unexpected, I couldn't stop reading. Riordan's cliffhanger left me satisfied, amazed, and still at the edge of my seat for the next installment (just not uncomfortably so).
In the Percy Jackson series, I lightly loathed the foreshadowing that often made little or no sense while reading the book and painfully obvious (with a sting) or unrelated after reading the book. The Lost Hero completely changed this for me. Although I rarely ever caught the answers as it was foreshadowed, when I finished I wanted to start all over again to see what I missed. Unfortunately, other review books required me to return it.
I recommend this story for book lovers everywhere, especially those who liked and followed Percy Jackson's early adventures and those who, like me, are dying to read more of this series. ;)

WWW Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

I'm currently reading an ARC copy of Operation Napoleon by Arnaldur Indriðason. I feel super guilty for not getting to this book before it was published although I received it before bookstores. I'll try to do better guys. ;)

I just finished reading Crank by Ellen Hopkins. Ellen Hopkins is a beautiful, powerful author. This novel, frankly, scared me because of it's real approach to this problem but it was stunningly beautiful. I really suggest this novel, and I also would never suggest it. This book, I believe would make each possible target a personal case. A more extensive review should be available on Goodreads tomorrow evening. ;)

I'll probably be reading Blood Persuasion (Immortal Jane Austen #2) by Janet Mullany next in effort to consider giving away this first edition for our Halloween giveaway. 



So what about you? Excited about The Son of Neptune? Dying to share your recent reads? Suggestions for our blog or any other book related thoughts? Leave your thoughts or a link in the comment! I love to hear from you! -C