For the child feeling powerless or facing overwhelming odds, this adventure shows that even a god can learn resilience and humility when stripped of everything.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels powerless or is facing a challenge that seems impossibly large. It’s an ideal story for exploring themes of resilience and humility through a lens of high-stakes adventure and humor. The book follows the once-mighty god Apollo, now trapped in the body of a dorky teenager named Lester Papadopoulos, as he continues his quest to regain his immortality. To do so, he must face another evil Roman Emperor and try to save his friend Meg from her abusive stepfather. For middle graders who love mythology and action, this story offers a powerful message: true strength isn't about having power over others, but about finding courage and compassion when you have no power at all.
Deals directly with a main character's experience of emotional abuse and trauma. A hero dies.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the theme of childhood emotional abuse through Meg's relationship with her stepfather, Nero. Her trauma responses, fear, and conflicted loyalty are central to the plot. The approach is direct, not metaphorical, and while the immediate situation is resolved, the story makes it clear that Meg's healing will be a long process, offering a realistic but hopeful outlook. There is also the significant death of a heroic supporting character, which is handled with genuine grief and pathos.
Ideal Reader
An 11 to 14-year-old who has graduated from the original Percy Jackson series and is ready for more complex emotional stakes. It’s particularly suited for a reader grappling with the idea that adults and authority figures can be flawed or even harmful, or for a child who needs to see a character learn humility and empathy the hard way.
Parent Prep
A parent should be prepared to discuss emotional abuse. The depiction of Meg's trauma is not graphic, but it is psychologically potent. Previewing chapters involving Nero or Commodus can help a parent gauge their child's comfort level. For readers of the Riordanverse, it can be read cold; otherwise, reading the first book, "The Hidden Oracle," is essential. A parent notices their child is struggling with a complex friendship, one where they feel a sense of loyalty to someone who doesn't always treat them well. Or, the child expresses frustration about their own lack of agency, saying things like, "No one listens to me," or "I have no control."
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely focus on the adventure, the monsters, and the humor of Apollo's mortal predicament. An older reader (12-14) is more apt to engage with the sophisticated themes of trauma, the nuances of Apollo's character development, and the moral grayness of some situations.
What Makes It Special
This book's unique strength is its first-person narration by a deeply flawed, formerly all-powerful protagonist forced into vulnerability. This perspective allows for a unique exploration of empathy, consequences, and mortal courage. Unlike many fantasy novels, it directly tackles the topic of an abusive parent-figure within its mythological framework, providing a safe fictional space to explore complex and difficult emotions.
Read plot summary
In this second installment of the Trials of Apollo, the former god, now mortal Lester Papadopoulos, travels to Indianapolis with Leo Valdez and Calypso. Their mission is to secure the next Oracle and prevent it from falling into the hands of the Triumvirate. Their primary antagonist is the second emperor, Commodus, a cruel and formidable foe from Apollo's past. A major focus is Apollo's quest to rescue his demigod master, Meg McCaffrey, from the psychological grip of her abusive stepfather, Emperor Nero. The narrative culminates in a confrontation with Commodus and a difficult choice for Apollo.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Apollo is forced to confront memories of his past cruelty, especially toward Commodus. How does being mortal change his perspective on his actions as a god?
2
Meg feels very loyal to her stepfather, Nero, even though he has hurt her. Why do you think it is so difficult for her to break away from him?
3
Leo and Calypso argue about their powers and their future. What do you think makes their partnership strong enough to overcome these challenges?
4
Emmie and Jo created a safe haven at the Waystation. What makes a place feel safe? What are the most important 'ingredients' for creating a true home or community?
