I referred last week to two books I had read that involved dragons and the Greek gods. The book with the dragons was the new Naomi Novik, due out in July, called Victory of Eagles. It’s the fifth in the Temeraire series. I love this series which marries the Napoleonic wars with dragons. This new entry in the series picks up with the disgrace of Temeraire and Will Laurence after they gave the cure that had been decimating the dragon population worldwide to the French. It adds a surprising level of gravitas to the story. Napoleon has landed in England and everyone is needed for the fight, including the two “traitors”. Another rich adventure which comes out in July, unfortunately in hardcover now. Personally I find it silly that they’re taking a series which has done quite well as paperback originals and now putting them in hardcover. It didn’t stop me from devouring the galley, but I’m lucky. I wonder how many fans will be put off by this.
The Greek gods were in the fourth book of the Percy Jackson series The Battle of the Labyrinth. If you’re unfamiliar with these books, imagine that the Greek gods are real. And Percy Jackson is the son of Poseidon and a mortal woman. He’s one of many half-bloods and as soon as he finds out his heritage, Percy is thrust into a war amongst the gods. The series is funny and exciting. A great read for those who want something after Harry Potter. The fourth one doesn’t disappoint either. This time they have to find a way to prevent Kronos’ army from invading Camp Half-Blood. Percy and his friends set out on a quest through the Labyrinth, built by Daedalus himself. Riordan’s wry humor and gripping plot make this book as good as the last one.