"Percy Jackson Wrath of the Triple Goddess" By Rick Riordan

Spoilers! Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Wrath of the Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan

Review by Victoria Ward

Intro:

The original “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series has just gotten even better with the release of Book Seven! Uncle Rick has knocked it out of the park again with an awesome story that spins out of what seems like everyday tasks. In “Wrath of the Triple Goddess,” Percy sets off on a quest to snag three reference letters to get into New Rome University at Camp Jupiter. It starts with him pet-sitting for a goddess, which sounds like an easy gig, but things go sideways pretty fast. When chaos unfolds, you know it's about to get real.

With Grover, Annabeth, and a few other surprise guests tagging along, we dive back into Percy’s world, bringing back the same vibes from the earlier books. We get to chill with the classic crew—Percy, Grover, and Annabeth—enjoying their typical sass, sarcasm, and attitude that made the original series so fun.

1. Nostalgia

The original trio is back for an exciting new adventure, bringing back all those great memories and friendships! It’s awesome to see Percy, Annabeth, and Grover together again after everything they went through in the “Heroes of Olympus” series. I mean, Percy and Annabeth literally fell into Tartarus, and Grover was off looking for Pan by himself! Plus, poor Percy had his memory wiped by a goddess who really had it coming! So much happened over those ten books! Now, it’s like the good old days, but this time they’re just pet-sitting for Hecate.

There are fun callbacks to previous books, making it a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Every book gets a shout-out in just a few hundred pages! Every time they referenced something from the past, it made me grin like an idiot. One of my favorite parts was when Grover mentioned that he still had the wedding dress from when he pretended to be a Cyclops bride in “Sea of Monsters”—hilarious!

We have to talk about Percabeth! I love that Uncle Rick brought this dynamic duo back! I've been waiting forever for a new Percy Jackson story just to dive back into their relationship. I’ll dig deeper into their relationship later on.

Uncle Rick knows how to take us on a nostalgic ride while mixing in some fresh stuff. The humor is on point with fast-paced banter from everyone, ensuring plenty of laughs. You can't have a Percy Jackson story without Seaweed Brain’s sarcasm, Wise Girl’s clever remarks, and now Alley Boy getting in on the fun too!

2. Relationships

Percy and Annabeth:

It’s essential to highlight Percy and Annabeth before we delve into other relationships in this book. As I mentioned earlier, these two have endured a lot together, and one of their most heart-wrenching experiences was when they fell into Tartarus. Tartarus is a swirling chaos of darkness, and Annabeth and Percy have to battle fierce monsters, navigate deathly gas, and face numerous other dangers to find their way out. Their journeys were perilous, but both characters persevered through pain, determined to protect one another.

This strong bond and commitment to each other is evident in “The Wrath of the Triple Goddess.” We know they push each other's buttons, have flaws, and constantly rely on one another for support. There’s a mutual understanding between Percy and Annabeth: despite their imperfections, failures, or Percy’s sometimes clumsy footwork, they will always have each other's backs. It delights me to see how deeply in love they are. Percy is fighting for their future in New Rome, so he and Annabeth can stay together.

Percy and Grover:

In the vibrant world of Young Adult literature, Percy Jackson and Grover Underwood stand out as my favorite best friend duo. Their extraordinary adventure began amidst the ivy-covered walls of Yancy Academy, where Grover was entrusted with the crucial task of protecting Percy, a boy grappling with the challenges of dyslexia and ADHD. At first, Grover's quirky demeanor and unconventional behavior seemed peculiar to those around them, yet he became an unwavering source of camaraderie and understanding for Percy, who often felt isolated and socially awkward in a world that misunderstood him.

As their journey unfolded, the bond between the two boys deepened, evolving into a profound found family that offered both support and solace. In "The Wrath of the Triple Goddess," Grover grapples with a profound sense of guilt stemming from an incident at Hecate's mansion, where he feels he has let both Percy and Annabeth down. Overwhelmed by these emotions, he seeks solace in the embrace of nature, allowing himself to blend into the wilderness around him, even contemplating a dramatic disappearance into the very earth he cherishes. This heart-wrenching moment resonates deeply with me, as it underscores Grover's struggle, despite the unwavering love and support from his friends.

Yet, in a tender moment of reassurance, Percy reminds Grover that he could never disappoint them. His words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and friendship, emphasizing the need to forgive oneself and not become trapped by past missteps. Their friendship beautifully illustrates the vital significance of uplifting one another during life’s trials, celebrating the unbreakable bond they share as they navigate the trials of their extraordinary lives together.

Percy and Sally:

Sally Jackson exemplifies what it means to be a great mother, embodying unwavering love and support for her son, Percy. Aware of his hardships, Sally approaches the challenges of raising a demigod with tenderness and strength. She understands that navigating a world filled with gods, mythical creatures, and constant peril is daunting, and she strives to prepare Percy for the dangers that lie ahead. Despite the ever-present risks of his quests, Sally’s faith in her son's abilities never wavers, and their bond radiates a profound depth of understanding and compassion.

Their relationship stands out in the Young Adult genre as a testament to the power of maternal love, resonating with anyone who has experienced the protective embrace of a caring parent. Sally's guidance and nurturing spirit empower Percy and remind readers of the significance of family amidst life's uncertainties.

Percy and Eudora:

Eudora is Percy's guidance counselor and also a water nymph. She appears to be at the top of her game, but when someone poses a threat to her, she can literally transform into water. Eudora takes her job very seriously, ensuring that Percy’s father, Poseidon, believes she is doing her best to help Percy obtain the recommendation letters he needs. Percy becomes upset when he learns that Eudora kept certain quests from him, only allowing him to take on those that would present a real challenge.

Eudora is yet another woman in the Percy Jackson universe who wants to help, protect, and guide Percy as he navigates his journey as a demigod and a young adult. This teacher-to-student relationship expresses how having more than one female influence makes a young man stronger than he realizes.

Percy with Gale, Hecate, and Hecuba:

First, Let’s address the rather odorous situation at hand: Gale the Polecat, not a ferret has a unique relationship with Percy Jackson in "The Wrath of the Triple Goddess." While she is not one of the main characters like Annabeth or Grover, she still plays an important role in Percy’s journey. Once a witch who angered Hecate resulted in her transformation into this sassy creature. Her charming personality and her frequent flatulence certainly make her presence unforgettable! Being a magical creature adds an interesting part to the story and brings humor, showing the fun side of the world Rick Riordan created.

Gale and Percy often interact in ways that highlight his bravery and kindness. He deals with challenges while responding to her playful behavior. Their friendship shows that even unexpected characters can help each other in adventures. Overall, Gale contributes to the fun and excitement of Percy's journey, making the story enjoyable and entertaining.

Next, Hecate is a powerful goddess linked to magic and choices. She helps people at important crossroads in their lives. Often shown with three heads, she represents the different paths we can take. Hecate has a bold personality that makes her stand out. She protects those who explore the mysteries of life and guides them with her wisdom. Many people admire her for her ability to help them use magic and make their own choices.

Percy respects Hecate's power, but he knows he must be careful when dealing with her because she can be unpredictable. Their dynamic adds tension to the story. Hecate’s role becomes important as she causes chaos that challenges Percy and tests his strength.

Given Percy’s past experiences with gods, his relationship with Hecate shows how much he has grown as a hero. He learns to respect her authority while following his moral beliefs. Although Percy is wary of Hecate, he also understands her importance in the story, making their relationship an interesting part of the plot.

Finally, Hecuba, Hecate’s Hellhound, is notable for her strong personality and loyalty. She becomes more than just a pet, symbolizing companionship and the bonds between demigods and their magical allies. Percy’s interactions with her highlight themes of friendship and the challenges they both face. Her character adds depth to the story and reinforces the connections Percy has with others in his adventures.

All four characters demonstrate resilience in the face of change. Gale embodies the unpredictable forces of nature. Hecate emphasizes the mystical aspect of transformation. Hecuba’s struggles and sacrifices highlight the personal costs associated with change. Percy’s journey illustrates his growth as he confronts various challenges. Each character portrays how they navigate their environments and the difficulties that shape their lives.

What's next?:

Rick Riordan's remarkable talent for character development shines throughout the Percy Jackson series, which began as a bedtime story for his son in 2005. Amazingly, characters like Percy, Annabeth, and Grover have captivated readers for almost twenty years. The new characters we meet outside of the orginal series also bring intriguing perspectives to the series. As the twelfth book in the series unfolds, many might expect it to pale in comparison to its predecessors, but in my view, it stands out as the best yet.

I’m thrilled to anticipate what comes next in the series. One intriguing potential plot twist is the news that Percy's mom, Sally, is expecting a baby. I can't help but wonder whether this child will inherit any magical powers, especially given Sally's witch heritage. I’m also curious about her family background—specifically, which of her parents is a witch.

Moreover, Percy has received letters of recommendation from Ganymede and now Hecate. This raises the question of which god might summon him next and what outrageous task he’ll be assigned. Regardless of the challenges ahead, Percy knows he can count on his friends and family for support, courage, and protection.

Finally, I’m left wondering about whom the gang might help next—a question that sparks so much excitement for the possibilities to come! Will there be another strawberry armageddon?

Who knows; we’ll just have to wait to see what happens in the next installment of Percy Jackson and the Search for Godly Recommendation Letters!

See you later Demigods!