The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo, Book 1)
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The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo, Book 1)

Rick Riordan2016
How do you punish an immortal? By making him human. After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disoriented, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favor. But Apollo has many enemies-gods, monsters, and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go . . . an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.
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Reviews

Photo of Stella
Stella@els
4 stars
Nov 1, 2024

i loved learning about things that happened in the other series plus solangalo and leo coming back

Photo of ang
ang @angslibraryy
4 stars
Jul 29, 2024

i wanna be lester papadopoulos when i grow up (we are the same age)

Photo of Kat
Kat @idkimgay
4 stars
Jun 26, 2024

Apollo and Meg bro☹️

Apollo and his children too😭😭

Pjo Apollo is such a mood istg

Photo of Christine
Christine@definitelynotskittles
4 stars
Apr 2, 2024

I read this at 3 in the morning and for some reason I found it absolutely hysterical. I don't even want to question myself

Photo of Christine Frisbie
Christine Frisbie@frisbie
4 stars
Feb 24, 2024

I really enjoyed the pacing of this book and the way that Rick handled the characters' emotions and development. It contains his trademark humor and wit, yet also introduces more of Apollo's background and some stories we've never heard before. He also did a marvelous job of managing to tie together the events of both the series preceding this one in the Percy Jackson world, which really impressed me. I also found the haikus at the beginning of each chapter quite humorous.

Photo of Leah Diaz
Leah Diaz @leah_diaz
4.5 stars
Feb 12, 2024

I wasn’t feeling this book in the beginning but I ended up liking it a lot. Love nico and will.

+3
Photo of julia
julia@odtjj
4 stars
Jan 21, 2024

apollo finding his home in camp half blood 😭😭 i loved this book i loved all characters

Photo of nina
nina @ninaisreading
5 stars
Jan 10, 2024

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!! Apollo's character development was so good. Things that made me really happy: (view spoiler)[ 1. Percy Jackson is going to have a little sister!!! 2. Solangelo!! 3. Apollo and his children 4. LEO's RETURN!!!


Also I love how we are told about things that occurred back in PJO and never found out, how this group was behind Luke Castellan's rebellion and orchestrated Gaia's war. (hide spoiler)]

Photo of Ally
Ally@allygatr
5 stars
Jan 10, 2024

this was refreshing to read. there were fresh sentences and funny moments (aka the rick classic). would've been better if I actually remembered the percy jackson series

Photo of hilda ☆
hilda ☆@tangerines
3 stars
Jan 8, 2024

the things i’ll force myself to read for my little gay son nico di angelo 😞

Photo of gie
gie@evajacks
4 stars
Jan 7, 2024

3.5/5 hubiera sido 5 si yo no hubiera leido nico first but that’s on me. anyway apollo es so silly

Photo of Sara
Sara@katniss
5 stars
Dec 15, 2023

Absolutely loved apollo on this! Can't wait to read the next one!

Photo of Hannah Yang
Hannah Yang@hannahyang
3 stars
Sep 18, 2023

My Instagram algorithm has been recommending a lot of PJO content to me recently, so that is my excuse for starting this series. Searching in the children's section of the library for this book got me some weird looks, but anyways. I had forgotten how fun the Riordanverse was! There is something addictively readable about his books, and I admire Riordan's creativity in imagining how mythology could be woven into our every day (I'm kind of delighted by the idea of Roman emperors are driving capitalism/the military industrial complex). Admittedly, The Hidden Oracle felt much more middle-grade than I remember the rest of the series being (how did we get from the angst and maturity of Percabeth's relationship, especially in Tartarus, to Apollo defeating a statue of himself with hayfever?), but there is some good groundwork here for addressing things like child abuse (with Meg/Nero) and accountability (with Apollo's reflections on his previous disregard for human life, etc). I do think that in contrast to what I remember about previous PJO books, The Hidden Oracle felt too much like a set-up for the rest of the series than a plot that stands on its own. Will that stop me from finishing the series? Probably not, this nostalgic read sparked a lot of joy.

Photo of Selene Esper
Selene Esper@seleneesper
5 stars
Aug 26, 2023

This was an amazing book to read. The plot in its entirety was somewhat serious, but there were comedic factors here and there that really lightened the mood. Apart from the humour, there were tons of parts where you just had to shut the book, stare at the wall, and think about what you just read; possibly shed a few tears. But all in all, this book was an amazing journey to go through and I'd gladly do it again.

Photo of alexandra
alexandra@twirlingpages
1 star
May 14, 2023

oof the only good things about this book was nico and will, percy, and (SPOILER!!!!!) leo (OKAY END SPOILER). i couldn’t stand apollo as a character and physically couldn’t bring myself to read the book after a few chapters. i put it off for a few years, and with each new release i’m like, “but it’s rick riordan & i love the pjo world!!!” so i decided to force myself to read it with the audiobook. conclusion: i still can’t stand apollo. i’m a character-driven reader and if i don’t like the mc, it’s reaaaally hard for me to enjoy the book. the other lead, meg, was better but not the pjo-hoo material i was expecting. the plot wasn’t enough to cover apollo’s annoying-ness, or maybe it was simply the way he was narrated. although apollo does change and get BETTER through time, he’s still ://// ugh. the best parts were definitely when old characters came back :’)). not sure if i’ll continue this series. i’m conflicted bc i love nearly EVERYONE ELSE except apollo, but this is the trials of apollo ;——;

Photo of Camille Carso
Camille Carso@camcarso
4 stars
Feb 5, 2023

I wanted to read this series after rereading Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus series. Apollo is an unlikeable narrator. However, he is meant to be this way. Even within the first book we are able to see his growth. I really didn’t like the character of Meg. Also the relationship between Will and Nico is so precious and beautiful. I’m excited to see how that grows.

Photo of wren
wren@beachfuneral
4 stars
Jan 23, 2023

** spoiler alert ** LEO VALDEZ.

Photo of Alexander Aguirre
Alexander Aguirre@alecsolace
5 stars
Jan 17, 2023

I have so many things to share about this book. This review contains some spoilers, please read under your own responsibility. (view spoiler)[ Now, let's start with the good stuff. First thought about the book is a bad feedback, but a feedback anyway. Rick Riordan tried too hard to include LGBT characters, as a gay reader I do appreciate it but like not that hard man, make it more soft, more easy, not like, chapter one, gay chapter 2, gay and like it helps the plot, but kind of forces it (My opinion tho). This leads us to.... Thought number two: #Solangelo. What do I have to say about this? Well, like the 19366 character I have left would not be enough, I will need to summarize. Too rushed, too beautiful... I know, I know, those thoughts should not be together, is just I don't really know how to feel about Solangelo because, I mean, it was my OTP since The Blood of Olympus I was like O M G. But as a true shipper I expected more slow progress, I know it has been 6 months, but I really wanted to see Nico sweating in the Cabin 7 door with some flowers asking Will for a date. I guess I'll have to survive with Fanfictions But I loved so much the way Will is so sweet and Nico is so "Significant annoyance, in your case" I just loved it and hated it so I think it must be love. Third thought! My father Apollo, in case it is not obvious in the perfectness of my body OMG if I was not in love with this God now I am... Just kidding I was. The way uncle Rick put Apollo on the book is so f*cking The Titan's Curse I mean, like Gods! He's human, he must have like 1000000000 enemies and he is like "My midriff was covered with a floral pattern of bruises from my fall into the Dumpster and my subsequent kicking. But even worse, I had flab! See what I mean? I completely loved it, completely loved the fact he has not forgiven himself for Hyacinthus and Daphne. I completely love how he accepts he's not a good father, but beyond that, I love the fact he looks forward to have it resolved even if we know Olympians are not allowed to interfere in the mortal life. Loved how he's not afraid of screaming and cursing Zeus, like who in the nine worlds would curse the big bad guy? Percy and Apollo. Which reminds me... Thought number FOUR! it is number 4 right? Perseus Jackson. Am I the only one who sees Percy is ending like Luke? Like on The Heroes of Olympus says repeatedly he is tired of doing the Gods work and his first words to Apollo were "Why" which indicates he is getting even more tired, he did not even really help on the quest. (hide spoiler)] This is pretty much what I think about this gorgeous book. Rick please go and get you a beer, you deserve it.

Photo of Stef
Stef@faninos
3 stars
Jan 2, 2023

Buku pertama dari Rick Riordan yang di baca tahun ini. Hampir satu bulan buat nyelesain buku ini, premis nya masih sama soal dewa-dewi yunani dan kali ini yang jadi lead chracternya dewa apollo yang di kutuk menjadi fana dan menjalani misi untuk mengembalikan status dewanya. Well, dari segi karakter kurang suka sama apollo ini. Karakternnya sedikit annoying dan ngga bikin aku yang baca simpati sama dia. Dan karena sifat karakternya yang begitu yang buat bikin lama bacanya. Meskipun apollo nya bukan likeable karakter, plot dan beberapa jokes nya masih oke dan bikin tahan untuk nyelesain bukunya. Masih bakal lanjut baca buku keduanya, semoga apollo less-annoying :)

Photo of Nicole Sonja
Nicole Sonja@nicolesonja
5 stars
Dec 10, 2022

I can't tell you how exciting this is. I'm finally reading a book just after it was published. This book was hilarious and made me look like a hyena. All the same, hyenas are cool and make people laugh about nothing in particular. So, I didn't mind.

Photo of Laura Webster
Laura Webster@abookloverslife
5 stars
Nov 10, 2022

This book was so good!

Photo of Azaura A
Azaura A@az
5 stars
Oct 31, 2022

Leoooo! Leo's back! Leo Leo Leo Leo! I'm sorry, in this moment I can't think in everything else!

Photo of Anna
Anna@anbrs
2 stars
Oct 30, 2022

Bon pour l’instant je suis septique. Pas un coup de cœur il ne se passe quasiment rien dans ce premier tome. Mais je sais que la suite va être incroyable comme toujours. Pour moi ce tome c’est une mise en place du contexte de cette nouvelle quête ! J’ai hâte de lire la suite pour retrouver définitivement l’univers des demi dieux !!!

Photo of Ariel Johnson
Ariel Johnson@ariel790
3.5 stars
Oct 1, 2022

Pros:
- Apollo's personality is well done. He's a bit cocky, with a flair for the dramatic. It was easy to see Rick Riordan's version as fitting with the well known version from mythology.
- Meg has depth. She knew what she liked, and who she is. I felt she was seriously underappreciated most of the book.
- The mythology is well researched, as always it's fun and interesting to see what elements Rick did tie together.

Cons:
- Parts of the story became preachy. I hated that the author felt he needed to justify some of his choices. Rick, you're not wrong to make certain characters feel or act a certain way, they are YOUR characters.
- Too many characters to keep track of. I kept getting confused who was who that wasn't the main cast.
- Percy Jackson felt like he was thrown in as fan service. Taking over for Apollo at times where Apollo should have and could have shined.
- Plot like was too similar to the first books of the original Percy Jackson series. Made it very easy on what to expect, and took a lot of the suspense out of the story for me.

+2

Highlights

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

“and quite possibly fatal." "Exactly," Leo said. "Fun.”

Page 359

I missed leo

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

“The line starts to the left! Orderly queue, guys!" "Is this really necessary?" Leo asked.

Page 350

Not them lining up to hot Leo so relatable

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

I followed his gaze. Spiraling down from the clouds was a large winged creature that glinted of Celestial bronze. On its back were two human-size figures. Their descent was silent, but in my mind a joyous fan- fare of Valdezinator music proclaimed the good news. Leo had returned.

Page 350

I’m not crying you are….

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

The weekend was here. Percy Jackson had arrived.

Page 330

Weekend= Percy Jackson got it

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

“and after that shadow-travel, Nico is going to pass out any second." No, I'm not," Nico complained, then passed out.

Page 326
Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

"Will, Kayla, Austin," I said, "come with me." "And Nico," said Nico. "I have a doctor's note."

Page 322

Someone is a bit obsessed with his doctor but I get it so it’s fine

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

It takes a Village People to protect your mind "YM.C.A." Yeah

Page 289

Okay so now how does this make sense at all?

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

You see, Apollo, Meg brought you here, just as I asked her to. Well done, my sweet.”

Page 275

Can’t say I’m suprised

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

But what does Athena know?

Page 120

Oh probably nothing as the goddess of wisdom

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

The woods can’t be that bad.

—-

The woods were that bad.

Page 74
Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

I turned and fled, running face-first into a tree.

Page 59

This god is going to kill me this is so funny

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

But I suppose he and his friends had undergone a few minor hardships.

Page 34

Yeah Leo died just a minor hardship

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

I am much too selfaware to be egotistical.

Page 33

Sure definitely

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

Standing behind the kitchen counter, making a smoothie, was a strikingly attractive mortal woman of about forty.

Page 29

Someone has mommy issues

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

“Besides, he likes me. I taught him everything he knows."

Page 26

Yeah sure Mhm keep telling yourself that

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

"As you wish," I said. Let's find Percy Jackson."

Page 19

Uhhh yay

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

A girl from nowhere

Completes my embarrassment

Stupid bananas

Page 10

Yeah makes sense those stupid bananas

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

Zeus needed someone to blame, so of course he'd picked the handsomest, most talented, most popular god in the pantheon: me.

Page 5

Did I ever mention how much I love Apollo he is hilarious

Photo of Pia
Pia @pia04

MY NAME IS APOLLO. I used to be a god.

Page 3

Ey cool

Photo of Paige
Paige@paige_256

"You see, Meg?" I wagged a finger at the emperor. It's never a good sign when someone starts referring to himself in the third person. Zeus used to scold me about that constantly!”

Page 280

even when about to die apollo still makes me laugh

This highlight contains a spoiler
Photo of Paige
Paige@paige_256

Will turned to me. "I apologize for my boyfriend.” Nico rolled his eyes. "Could you not—“ "Would you prefer special guy?"" Will asked. "Or significant other?" “significant annoyance,in your case” Nico grumbled.

Page 89

<3

This highlight contains a spoiler
Photo of Paige
Paige@paige_256

I sighed miserably. It was going to be a very long servitude. "As you wish," I said. "Let's find Percy Jackson."

Page 17

PERCY YAYYYY

Photo of Julia Rutgers
Julia Rutgers@juul

Oh. Perhaps some of you are wondering how I felt seeing him with a boyfriend rather than a girlfriend. If that's the case, please. We gods are not hung up about such things. I myself have had . . . let's see, thirty-three mortal girlfriends and eleven mortal boyfriends? I've lost count. My two greatest loves were, of course, Daphne and Hyacinthus, but when you're a god as popular as I am -

Page 92

Hell yeah, queer Apollo. Saw it coming but still love it. Love seeing queer gods