Simply knowing that Rick Riordan continues to write new books, even beyond our beloved world of PJO, makes me so happy I'm literally crying.
I want to put Uncle Rick's books in the hands of everyone, especially younger teens for whom these books are primarily aimed at.
You know it's going to be fast paced, funny, full of action and with a super diverse cast of lovely characters.
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THIS BOOK SHOWS A TEEN GIRL TAKING OVER A SHIP WHILE DEALING WITH MENSTRUAL PAIN (as well as grief and other issues but PERIODS ARE ACTUALLY A THING IN A BOOK FOR TEENS OMG YES THANK YOU).
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The representation is as amazing as ever for a middle grade book. Indian American MC, black Mormon SC, autistic SC, animals, intelligent mechanical creatures, and A SIDE CHARACTER NAMED ELOISE OMGomgomg.
The greatest thing about all of these characters was how their relationships made me melt they were so perfect. THE FRIENDSHIPS IN THIS BOOK!!!! Help me I'm crying.
I even though we'd have a romance but NO! It's a girl-biy friendship!!!
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Now I don't know too much about 20000 leagues under the sea but this story clearly told us what we needed to know in order to understand the stakes.
I can't say I cared as much as I feel I should have for the whole school rivalry and historical plot... And honestly the whole school system felt so much like Harry Potter houses meets Divergent and a little eye roll worthy (where's the originally in that, Rick?).
But as it was a fast paced story with really interesting developments, I stayed hooked.
It was a really enjoyable read.
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In conclusion:
Plot: 3/5
Storytelling: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Rick Riordan: GOAT