4.5 stars

While it still made my favorites shelf, I think this is the first Rick Riordan book to ever get less than 5 stars from me. And to be quite honest, I can't entirely identify what, exactly, made me lower my rating. I loved this book to pieces, I really did. But there were a handful of times (3-4?) where I wasn't fully invested in the story. They never lasted long, but they were there regardless. Maybe I didn't think the story needed quite so many pages. I loved the direction the story took, but I think it was just a liiiittle too dragged out for my tastes, from time to time.

Nonetheless, as I've made clear, I did love it. The characters were all epic. Magnus had snark, Sam had sass, and Alex, Blitz, and Hearth were just so likable. The gods in this book were great too, particularly Thor, Heimdall, and Vidar. Amir, Annabeth (the very same), and Stanley (the 8-legged flying horse) all deserve an honorable mention. The cast of characters was just awesome, and you couldn't help becoming attached. Another thing I loved was how diverse the group was, and that it was never a big deal. Like in the last book, Sam was a Muslim girl and a freaking epic Valkyrie, and Hearth was deaf and mute. Alex, a new character, was gender-fluid. It was mentioned almost right after he/she was introduced, and just so casually. I loved his/her attitude about it, too. (If I'm using incorrect pronouns, please let me know! I'm pretty sure Alex said that he/she preferred pronouns based on how he/she felt that day rather than "they," but I could be wrong.)

I loved the Nine Worlds. It's definitely the largest world Rick has tackled, and the most challenging to memorize, but I accepted the challenge and went along with the ride. I don't regret it. So far I only have four down (Asgard = gods, Midgard = humans, Jotunheim = giants, & Alfheim = elves), but I loved learning about them all. I loved the Bifrost Bridge too, and the descriptions were a perfect blend of honesty and sarcastic humor. (You'll get what I mean if you've read it.)

And other than having slower moments, I really liked the story too. In the first book, it was stopping the Fenris Wolf from wreaking havoc, and here it was simultaneously stopping a doomed wedding and Loki breaking free. There was also the goal of finding Thor's hammer that totally wasn't missing and returning it to him before the giants realized that he totally did have it. (You know, Thor logic. He never admits that he lost his hammer, ever. It's kind of amusing.) For the most part, this book was full of action and had its share of surprising twists, with an interesting hint of mystery too. And those last few chapters! Wow! (Warning: it's almost as bad as The Mark of Athena, just in a different way.)

So even though I had a slight issue with it, I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel and I can't wait for the final book! :)

"Jack spiraled out of view, flying after the goat-killer while singing his own version of "Shake It Off." (I have never been able to convince him that the line isn't cheese graters gonna grate, grate, grate, grate, grate.)"
Can we just appreciate this line? It's hilarious. Jack is amazing.

After reading all of his books up to this point, I should know that Rick doesn't make things easy for his characters or his readers. Ever. But I was hoping for it. I was hoping so much that something would happen and Loki would remain imprisoned. BUT NO. I can kiiiiind of understand, because then I don't know what the point of the third book would be, but I mostly don't. ONE OF YOUR SERIES NEEDS TO GIVE YOUR CHARACTERS A BREAK, RICK. :'D

I have high hopes for Magnus, Sam, Alex, Blitz, and Hearth to respectively kick a bunch of butt on any and all quests they have, and take Loki down in a huge epic battle together. Also, no one is allowed to die. Okay? Okay. (Please tell me people still get that...)

ALSO. How can it end like it did? Magnus went to Annabeth for tips on surviving a sure-to-be-dangerous sea voyage and Annabeth tells him Percy can help. She says it's time for the two of them to meet, and I got SO EXCITED. I turn the page and there's the glossary, staring at me. Percy and Magnus meeting would be hilarious and so full of sass and sarcasm. NOW I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL OCTOBER 3. NOT FAIR RICK.