The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus, Book 4)

"The House of Hades" is the fourth installment in Rick Riordan's "The Heroes of Olympus" series, a middle-grade fantasy action-adventure novel based on Greco-Roman mythology. This book takes a darker, more mature turn as it follows two parallel storylines: Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase's harrowing journey through Tartarus, and the remaining five demigods' quest across Europe to close the Doors of Death. Parents should be aware of the intense peril and scary scenes, particularly in Tartarus, which can be quite vivid. The novel also features significant character development, including a poignant exploration of identity and self-acceptance, notably with Nico di Angelo's personal revelation. It's a long, immersive read, perfect for independent readers aged 9-14 who love mythology, epic quests, and diverse characters, or as a read-aloud for slightly younger but mature listeners.