'The House of Hades' (The Heroes of Olympus #4)

The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4)
By Rick Riordan
Published: Oct. 8, 2013
Read: March 2014
Format: Hardcover

Rating: B

"Love is no game! It is no flowery softness! It is hard work—it demands everything from you—especially the truth. Only then does it yield results."

A synopsis for this book is difficult since it is the fourth in a series. And really, the story goes even farther back because it is a companion to the five-part Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

The Heroes of Olympus series follows seven demigods (half-human, half-god): Percy, Annabeth, Jason, Leo, Piper, Frank and Hazel. The group is on a mission to stop an ancient evil god, Gaea, from rising and ending the world as they know it. They journey overseas to Italy and Greece to complete their quest. Here is the publisher's synopsis:

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

I've really liked all of the books in these two series, and The House of Hades was no exception. Once again, the narration duties are shared between all seven demigods. Though this has the potential to make the book feel disjointed, it doesn't. It still flows as we read from different characters, and I appreciate getting different perspectives. Annabeth and Percy's journey through Tartarus was probably my favorite to read because it was so tense and full of adventure. But I enjoyed reading about the other demigod's journey to the House of Hades as well. 

Though I was disappointed when I heard that Riordan decided not to make this the conclusion and instead add another book, I'm looking forward to reading that. I was a little frustrated that I didn't get to find out what happens in the end, but at least there's more Percy, Annabeth and the others to look forward to.