Review of The Sun and the Star (The Nico di Angelo Adventures #1)
As a lifelong fan of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, I approached The Sun and the Star with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Nico di Angelo, a character I’ve followed since I was twelve, is finally getting his own adventure! Co-authored by Mark Oshiro, this book promised to dive deep into Nico’s complexities, exploring themes of identity, love, and darkness. However, my journey through Tartarus alongside Nico and Will was riddled with disappointments and confusing moments.
The Plot and Characters
The central plot revolves around Nico hearing a voice from Tartarus, leading him to believe that his old friend Bob is in danger. Along with Will Solace, they embark on a journey that feels both thrilling and entirely misguided. With decisions that seem rushed and poorly thought out, the duo’s plan to descend into the depths of hell without proper precautions made me question the characters’ judgment. Why didn’t they consult Percy and Annabeth earlier? Why take such a monumental risk based on cryptic dreams? These plot holes felt less like intentional suspense-building and more like the consequence of a shaky narrative structure.
Nico’s character development was both a highlight and a disappointment. The exploration of his struggles with identity and inner demons offered a glimpse into his psyche, yet it often felt overshadowed by a distractingly romantic subplot. Will, on the other hand, came off as one-dimensional—a stark contrast to Nico’s depth. Their interactions, while sweet, sometimes felt forced and out of character, leading to moments of frustration for a longtime reader like myself.
Writing Style and Themes
Oshiro and Riordan’s collaborative writing style maintains a light, humorous tone, but at times, this felt misplaced against the backdrop of Tartarus—one of the scariest places in Greek mythology. While the book includes the clever banter we expect, the light-heartedness feels jarring when juxtaposed with themes of trauma and grief. The pacing was another issue; too much time was spent meandering through minor adventures that contributed little to the character arcs or the overarching plot.
One memorable highlight was the incorporation of mythological beings like Nyx and Bob, but ultimately, even the most mythical elements felt underdeveloped. It was disappointing to see potentially fascinating characters reduced to caricatures, especially the primordial goddess Nyx, whose motivations seemed muddled and weak. Instead of an intimidating presence, she felt more like a cartoon villain—far from the powerful entity she should embody.
Concluding Thoughts
While The Sun and the Star has its moments of charm and humor, it falters under the weight of poorly paced storytelling and character decisions that lack the depth and foresight readers expect from Riordan. Fans who cherish the original series might find joy in revisiting familiar faces, but others may struggle to connect with the characterizations or plot developments.
Ultimately, this book will resonate with those who appreciate romance in their fantasy, as well as readers looking for representation in LGBTQ+ narratives. However, those who seek the intricate plots and character growth that defined earlier books might leave feeling disheartened. As for me, I’ll continue to cherish the original series while hoping for a future tale of adventures that does justice to beloved characters like Nico di Angelo.
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