The Dark Prophecy

The Dark Prophecy is the second installment in Rick Riordan's 'The Trials of Apollo' series, following the disgraced god Apollo as he navigates the mortal world as a sixteen-year-old named Lester. This action-adventure fantasy continues Apollo's quest to restore several Oracles that have gone dark, a task necessary to regain his immortality. The book is packed with Riordan's signature blend of Greco-Roman mythology, humor, and fast-paced action, as Apollo and his companions, including Leo Valdez and Calypso, journey across North America to confront a formidable Roman emperor. While the publisher lists an age range of 4-11, the book's length (464 pages), complex mythological references, and narrative sophistication make it best suited for independent readers aged 9-13, or as a read-aloud for slightly younger but mature listeners. It explores themes of humility, perseverance, friendship, and self-worth.

Zeus has punished his son Apollo--god of the sun, music, archery, poetry, and more--by casting him down to earth in the form of a gawky, acne-covered sixteen-year-old mortal named Lester. The only way Apollo can reclaim his rightful place on Mount Olympus is by restoring several Oracles that have gone dark. What is affecting the Oracles, and how can Apollo/Lester do anything about them without his powers? After experiencing a series of dangerous--and frankly, humiliating--trials at Camp Half-Blood, Lester must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America. Somewhere in the American Midwest, he and his companions must find the most dangerous Oracle from ancient times: a haunted cave that may hold answers for Apollo in his quest to become a god again--if it doesn't kill him or drive him insane first. Standing in Apollo's way is the second member of the evil Triumvirate, a Roman emperor whose love of bloodshed and spectacle makes even Nero look tame. To survive the encounter, Apollo will need the help of son of Hephaestus Leo Valdez, the now-mortal sorceress Calypso, the bronze dragon Festus, and other unexpected allies--some familiar, some new--from the world of demigods. Come along for what promises to be a harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride. . . . Includes the first chapter of The Trials of Apollo Book 3: THE BURNING MAZE, plus the first chapters of two Rick Riordan Presents novels: THE STORM RUNNER by J. C. Cervantes, based on Mayan mythology, and DRAGON PEARL by Yoon Ha Lee, a space opera with elements of Korean mythology.