Rin Aster

Rin AsterI had the amazing opportunity to meet Rick Riordan when I was a child. We lived in Maine and went to the bookstore for a book signing event at the release of The Throne of Fire. He was so kind and wonderful. This book series was a major part of my childhood. He's an amazing author and this series is still highly enjoyable to this day even as an adult. It's funny, exciting, and it really just pulls you in. I believe the series made me sob my little eyes out at one part as well. I only ever owned the first book, so I have fond memories of bartering with my brother to borrow the rest of the series with holiday candy (we had a whole trade system that included borrowing items and using snacks, candy, or other cool things as currency). I have two copies of The Lightning Thief now. I love my signed copy. It's old and it's well loved, but it's one of my greatest treasures. I highly recommend this series to anyone. If you have a kid and think they're too young for it, they're not. I was almost 6 years old when I started reading Percy Jackson. Granted I was also a very advanced reader for my age (we had no access to technology apart from educational games an hour a day so all I did was read and write), but the story itself is okay for younger ages if you're willing to read it to them.

Rin AsterI'm not sure who the target audience for this is, but I adore this book. I'm 21 now, but I would have loved this as a kid as well. I found this book at an overstock store. There was this huge stack of them, so I wasn't too sure it'd be any good. It was only $0.99 though so there's no way I could pass it up. I didn't read the description or anything. I just had a gut feeling. How so many ended up there is a wonder to me. First off, the world building is so well done with intricate detail. It's all underground and there are a lot of imitations of above ground scenes that are so creatively and beautifully written. It really feels like you're there. The main character is very interesting as well. And just the way he writes things is gorgeous and really just draws you in. The plot and the characters are all very unique and memorable. And even with all the detail and word painting the author does, it's not excessive or overwhelming. Instead of dragging you away in rapids you can't keep up with, you flow steadily with the writing. It's very easy to read without lacking anything. It's rare for me to find an author who relies so much on detailing all the senses. Touch, smell, sight, hearing, taste. And it makes you able to imagine it yourself. My only advice when you read this book is to have food on standby. I would highly recommend cheese, fruit, wine (or sparkling juice if you can't have alcohol), nuts or meat (or both), and possibly a bit of chocolate or something sweet to go with this book. If you're anything like me, there are several parts that will make you hungry and you are going to end up craving the foods that are described. Amazing book. One of the best I've ever read.