*takes a deep breath*
*screams*
SOLANGELO FOR LIFEEE!!!!!!!!! (That’s just how much I love them)
*******
“‘Tell me about the two of you,’ she said.
‘I remember when I realized … when I knew that this was more than a friendship.’
That made Nico smile despite himself. ‘I remember my moment, too.’
Will’s eyes filled with tears. ‘I think mine is different than yours.’
‘But I know mine happened first,’ Nico said.
‘Tell me,’ Gorgyra said, moving closer to Nico and Will. ‘Tell me one more story.’”
*SPOILERS, Like A Lot of Spoilers!* This will be a very long review.
Omg! This book is, like, so amazing. I totally love it! This book is seriously beautiful. I was totally swooning at the end because of the love between Will and Nico. And, if you’ve been on this blog for a while, you know I’m into ships, but swooning? Not my usual vibe. But this book totally changed that. Firstly, it made me swoon. Secondly, in the book, Nico and Will make it through Tartarus. Which, let me tell you, is a seriously scary place. If you’ve read The House of Hades, you know that Percy and Annabeth barely got through alive.
It’s heartwarming to see the depth of Nico and Will’s affection for each other. Their love is truly remarkable. Nico’s concern for Will’s well-being in Tartarus is touching, especially considering that as a child of Apollo, being in a place without the sun could affect his health. While reading about Nico’s story about his impromptu coming-out party to Gorgyra, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. It was so amusing that even my best friend noticed and expressed genuine concern for me. I frown upon the use of the word “genuinely,” in this instance.
“‘There cannot be light without darkness, nor darkness without light. You must have the contrast for both to exist.’”
The authors were keenly aware of the fans’ thirst for the raw, unfiltered moments of attraction – the electric first realization, the tantalizing first kiss, the nerve-wracking first date, the heart-pounding first confession, and the tender first tokens of affection. There’s so many firsts in this book. These stories were artfully scattered throughout the book, leaving readers hungry for more.
I’m delighted that we had the opportunity to explore both Will and Nico’s perspectives. By delving into Will’s point of view, we uncovered Nico’s frustration with Will’s lack of open-mindedness. Similarly, exploring Nico’s perspective revealed the depth of Will’s care for Nico. This dual insight truly enriches the story.
Will and Nico have been through a lot since their battlefield arguments in the Blood of Olympus book. In the Trials of Apollo, it’s clear that there’s something going on between them, but I don’t think we know exactly what. There are some super sappy moments that I absolutely adored in the book. Like when Nico realizes that Will’s getting better because of the stories. It’s like Nico’s love is healing Will. It’s so cool when Will gets all glowy while Nico was being haunted by nightmares. (that’s where Will earned the name ‘Demigod Care Bear’)
Nico was totally crushed when Jason died. Jason was the only one who really got Nico. If you’ve read The House of Hades, you probably remember when Cupid basically forced Nico to come out. That was so not cool. Nico should have been the one to decide when to come out. And then he believed he didn’t deserve Will’s love. He thought Will was way too good for him. Nico was carrying so much guilt, thinking Will was perfect and he was just a mess. But he eventually worked through that guilt and fear. He changed. And that’s why Nyx can’t stand him. He represents everything she hates, like really really hates. He symbolizes Change. Renewal.
“It was a constant pattern for Nico: find some sort of solace and comfort, only to have it ripped away.
Now here was Solace in his lap, sleeping like a baby. What would come and tear him away?”
The quote above is like… I can’t even… It’s like, Will Solace is the right name. It adds this funny, yet deep vibe to the quote. It’s beautiful, you know? That’s just one part where we realize Nico’s been through … a lot. But now he’s got something – someone – who’s the sunshine in Nico’s life. Literally.
“Will had heard love described in so many dramatic, bizarre ways over the years, but no one had described it like this:
It’s like drifting down a river of pain and knowing you are safe.
It’s like holding a person in your arms and realizing they are an interlocking piece of a puzzle you hadn’t known how to assemble.
It’s like staring into a dark and treacherous expanse, unsure of what awaits you but finding comfort in the fact that you won’t have to face it alone.
It was a son of Apollo falling for a son of Hades.
It was this.”
I never thought Nico was the type to share, and he’s not. But when he’s with Will, Nico shows raw emotion. Will just brings it out of him.
“‘I don’t,’ Will said. ‘But maybe I need to do a better job of figuring out how to take care of you, rather than assuming you’re just like everyone else.’ He took Nico’s hands, which were cool to the touch. ‘Because you’re not like anyone I’ve ever met.’
He pulled Nico close, and this time they kissed longer. Fuller. They only stopped because Bob’s sobbing was now impossible to ignore.
‘I am perfectly fine,’ Bob said, wiping at his face. ‘I am crying tears of happiness for my sun and my star.’”
In “The House of Hades”, when Annabeth and Percy were leaving, Bob told them to say hello to the sun and the stars for him. But now, the sun and the star are here. They are in front of him. The sun and the star. Will and Nico. It’s so cool. I love Bob. He’s an amazing character. He also represents change. He’s a reformed Titan. The only good Titan. I just love him beyond words. And it’s not love in the same way Will loves Nico, it’s like, Bob is my best friend. I was really bummed that we didn’t get anything about him after the Blood of Olympus. I mean Rick Riordan ties up loose ends with Calypso and Leo, but what about Bob? What happened to him?
There was also a lot of nicknames – ‘Noble McSacrifice’, ‘Demigod Care Bear’, ‘Night Light, ‘Death Boy’, ‘My grumpy ball of darkness’ – that are truly adorable. I loved how they continuously reminded each other that they love each other.
“‘I got you,’ he breathed into Will’s ear. ‘I got you.’”
The ending was amazing. But there wasn’t much reward except for Bob. I guess this is just one of those examples, where ‘it’s about the journey – not the destination.’
“You are the ghost king, a voice said.
I am, Nico thought.
This is where you belong.
Looked at the other two passengers. Will, whose face was strained as he reached down with a shaking hand to grab at him. Nico took it, gripped his boyfriend’s hand tight, and thought, No. This is where I belong.”
Because seeing Nico’s journey to self-healing, letting go of his past and the pains that led him to where he was, embracing himself for who he was because he knew in his heart, that he was loved as he was definitely made up for it. He was proud of who he was.
“‘The more you live life, the more your life sort of grows around the hole in your heart. And sometimes a person comes along and helps you build a whole new room in your heart, and you get to fill that with love and memories.’”
So true, Nico. So true.
Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, thank you, thank you, thank you so much! Thank you for giving this to us. Thank you for bringing this masterpiece into the world.
I’d like to end this review by saying how important Uncle Rick’s works are to me. I started Percy Jackson and the Olympians when I was 7 years old. I grew up with Percy Jackson, Nico Di Angelo, Annabeth Chase, and all the other Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter friends. They mean the world to me. But the one who means the most to me was, and always will be, Nico Di Angelo. (After Percy and Annabet) As soon as this little ten year old was introduced in book three of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, I was hooked. I immediately adopted him as my own. And I just fell more in love with his character as the story progressed. I don’t know what would have happened if we didn’t meet Nico. Well, first off, I wouldn’t have known that ‘Holding a grudge’ is a fatal flaw. That’s probably mine too. Or was mine.
So a book like this, that had Nico coming into his own. Facing his past and his future; his relationships; his grief, guilt, sadness, anger. This book was everything I wanted and more.
For a long time, Nico had assumed he himself did not have a heart. He was the son of Hades, after all. Love didn’t find people like him.
But then came . . . Will. Will, who could melt Nico’s iciness with a smile.
Nico and Will’s relationship already stole my heart before, but this book was just… wow. I finally got to hear about when they fell for each other, how they started dating, and their first kiss, and guys, seriously, it was too cute. Way too adorable.
“Three words.
A promise of hope.
The words tingled in Will’s ear.
They ignited his heart.
“I love you.”
And they fell.”
One of the things I loved about their relationship was that it wasn’t perfect. They had those adorable, mushy moments that made me grin, but they also faced their fair share of struggles. I mean, come on, two kids who’ve been through three wars and enough trauma to last a lifetime? It’s no walk in the park. Throughout the book, they each had their own issues. Will was kind of closed-minded about Nico’s life, which obviously caused some tension. But you know what? They always worked it out in the end. Will started being more open-minded about the Underworld, and I get why Nico was upset. The Underworld is like a second home to him, after all.
But this was the first time in Nico’s entire life that a certain sensation filled his whole body, stitched itself to his bones, and buried itself in his heart.
Nico smiled.
The future held hope.
And he clung to it.
Will is incredibly expressive, pouring his heart and soul into encouraging Nico and sparing no effort to ease his worries. Even though he was unwell from lack of sunlight, he hid it, or at least tried to. But, he didn’t shy away from admitting his fears when they arose.
“Do you know how many others have felt comfortable coming into their own because of you, Nico?”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“Paolo. Malcolm Pace. Jake Mason. And it’s not just in Camp Half-Blood! Piper is just as thankful for you as the others. None of them would have been able to be out if you hadn’t gone first.”
As a huge Percy Jackson and the Olympians fan, this part of The Sun and The Star totally warmed my heart. Nico and Will just openly chat about their coming out stories, and it’s just so amazing to see Nico becoming a role model for other members of Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter. Whether it was intentional or not, it feels like a little nod to what Nico Di Angelo means to his fans. So like, Nico, you’ve been a huge source of courage and strength for so many readers. Keep shining bright!
I mean, seriously, let’s take a moment to appreciate some of the other characters in this book, because they are just too good to pass up! First off, Mr. D, please never change, you’re a riot. Chiron is like the ultimate dad figure, I mean, come on, it’s just too hilarious. And Rachel Dare, don’t even get me started, she’s like the epitome of an oracle, obviously. Then there’s Sally Jackson… I mean, come on, she’s an amazing woman, am I right? And talk about being happy to help Nico and Will. Bob, my favorite Titan, I need to give you a hug, you’re precious. And let’s not forget about Piper, I’m so glad she’s getting it together after Jason. And can we just appreciate that she’s doing amazing with her girlfriend, Shel? Come on, Uncle Rick, we need more deets on Piper and her girlfriend pronto! And then there’s Percy and Annabeth, I mean, come on, they’re finally in college! This is huge, people! Percy, my dude, who struggled through all those different schools just wants a slice of that normal life, and now he’s finally at college. Major congrats to Percy and Annabeth, love you guys!
I guess Camp Half-Blood is basically one big super-dysfunctional family.
True, Nico. So very true. CHB is my family. My wonderfully dangerous, utterly bizarre family. They’ve guided me through those awkward pre-teen years, and I will continue to hold them dear until I’m an old lady. All I’ll be able to do then is weave tales of my deep affection for Percy, Annabeth, Grover (I crave more of Grover and Juniper, Uncle Rick!), Rachel, Leo, and the two central figures: Nico and Will.
And now, I’ll leave you all with the wise words of Uncle Rick and Mark’s dedication, because it is… (I feel like I’ve said this word too much) truly beautiful.
“To all the Nicos, Wills, Pipers, and everyone in between: this is for you.
May you shine as bright as the sun and the stars.”
Aaradhyaa.blog 