This is mostly three fun short stories from the Percy Jackson universe. I didn't find them any better or worse than the main books; same fun style and feel. Also a few short character interviews and extras that are fun but nothing you have to have. For example, a word search. (The best part of which was the unlisted words to find - almost all the Greek letters (except lambda, upsilon, and omega) were in the puzzle too!) Worth getting from the library once; I wouldn't say it's really worth owning unless you're really into this world. ( )

I really like this little tie in book because it gives me more of some of my favorite characters (Thalia, Nico, and Clarisse). While the stories dont have much of an effect on the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, they do contain events that are vital points of the Heroes of Olympus later on. Its pretty short, so maybe borrow instead of buy, but dont skip it especially if you plan to read the second series. ( )

The annoying thing when a semi-important plot point is integrated into short story extras for the main series. On the plus side I seriously love these characters, and i finally got to see Bob's origin. ( )

I love Rick Riordan's writing style and characterization. I have always enjoyed mythology and he does a great job of bring any and all mytholgy to life in a fresh and new way. I find the characters to be engaging and to feel really real. His characters feel fresh and diverse without feeling like he makes them diverse just to have diversity. He does not belabor the point of their diversity it just is a fact of who they are and yet anyone who reads his books can feel included in representation. I love how he weaves the mythology into modern times so you feel like you are learning something as you are being entertained. ( )

Finally a story in which Beckendorf isn't described as the African-American and nobody else is called European-American or Caucasian-American.
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If only so. That's such a pet peeve of me and it drives me bonkers that Rick Riordan uses it again and again. And for people who don't get why? Go educate yourself. ( )