The Burning Maze (Trials of Apollo #3)

Description: With the help of some demigod friends, Lester managed to survive his first two trials, one at Camp Half-Blood, and one in Indianapolis, where Meg received the Dark Prophecy. The words she uttered while seated on the Throne of Memory revealed that an evil triumvirate of Roman emperors plans to attack Camp Jupiter. While Leo flies ahead on Festus to warn the Roman camp, Lester and Meg must go through the Labyrinth to find the third emperor—and an Oracle who speaks in word puzzles—somewhere in the American Southwest. There is one glimmer of hope in the gloom-filled prophecy: The cloven guide alone the way does know. They will have a satyr companion, and Meg knows just who to call upon.

Review: The Burning Maze is another enjoyable installment of the Trials of Apollo series.  Old favorite characters from both the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series and the Heroes of Olympians series make an appearance in the story. It is highly recommended to read those series first before reading the Trials of Apollo as they all connect. This time Apollo, Meg, and Grover find themselves in the smoldering ruins of Palm Springs. Fires and drought are putting the dryads in danger, and Apollo knows that the only way to restore the rightful order is to free the oracle hidden below ground in a dangerous labyrinth. The stakes are higher in this book and the villain is vicious, savoring any and all opportunity for cruelty. There are new developments in this new book. Apollo experiences loss and sacrifice firsthand as a mortal, the god loses some of his ego and begins to suspect his punishment is more than a consequence of Zeus’ short temper. We also learn more of Meg's secret past.
  While the tone is much darker in The Burning Maze, there is plenty of Riordan's trademark snarky banter and comedy mixed to balance the story. There is of course a cliffhanger ending which will make me eager for Apollo's next adventure.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong violence and disturbing images in the story. Recommended for Grades 5 and up.

If you like this book try: The Tryant's Tomb by Rick Riordan (Trials of Apollo #4) coming Fall 2019, Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan, Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan, The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan, Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series by Rick Riordan, and The Serpent's Secret by Sayantani DasGupta