The Battle of the Labyrinth

The Battle of the Labyrinth
by Rick Riordan
YA fantasy. 361 pp.
Hyperion. 2008.

flap copy:

Percy Jackson isn't expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. But when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse.

In this latest installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth—a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn. Full of humor and heart-pounding action, this latest book promises to be their most thrilling adventure yet.

Hmm. I'm surprised I haven't written about this book yet (read May 9, because I got this for me for my birthday). Because I love it. Lots and lots and heaps and heaps. Basically, this is one of my favorite series. And I really like where Riordan has taken it. I find the way in which he has given the Labyrinth life and character to be intriguing. I like that Percy is still an utterly likable character. I like that he's being put in positions where he has to make difficult decisions. And I like the end and how Percy has chosen to relate to the characters around him. I'm anxious for the next (perhaps closing?) volume in the series.

Of course, in looking up other reviews, I have come across some very distressing information: apparently they are in pre-production of a movie adaptation of The Lightning Thief (tentatively slated for November 2009). This in and of itself isn't terribly distressing. What is terribly distressing is that Chris Columbus is helming the project. You know, the man who butchered and destroyed Harry Potter. *sigh* I weep.

Other reviews:
Vagabond Voice
Becky's Book Reviews
Book Bits