Books & Baking – The Lightning Thief

Hi, lovelies! I chose to do a rather easy one for this installment of Books & Baking just to keep the momentum going for this feature. I tend to forget about things if I don’t do them regularly. So, I think this one will be a fan favorite (because it’s a very beloved book). For this edition, I’ve decided to bake something from The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. I’ve always wanted to make a blue food for this blog feature since I first had the idea.

Book: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Read my full review here!

If you don’t know what the Percy Jackson series is about, you must be living under a rock. We follow Percy as he finds out that he’s actually a Demi-god. Lots of wild antics and quests ensue. I really enjoyed this book, and the rest of the series. I love Percy and Annabeth and Grover. I love all of the characters we meet. And I love the representation this story gives.

“Even strength must bow to wisdom sometimes.”

“It’s funny how humans can wrap their mind around things and fit them into their version of reality.”

“Look, I didnt want to be a half-blood. If you’re reading this because you think you might be one, my advice is: close this book right now. Believe whatever lie your mom and dad told you about your birth, and try to lead a normal life. Being a half-blood is dangerous. It’s scary. Most of the time, it gets you killed in painful nasty ways. If you’re a normal kid, reading this because you think it’s fiction, great. Read on. I envy you for being able to believe none of this ever happened. But if you recognize yourself in these pages-if you feel something stirring inside- stop reading immediately. You might be one of us. And once you know that, it’s only a matter of time before THEY sense it too, and they’ll come for you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Baking: Chocolate Chip Cookies (but they’re blue!)

So, for this one I actually used my mother-in-laws recipe for chocolate chip cookies and I’m actually not going to share that with you all.

“I guess I should explain the blue food. See, Gabe had once told my mom there was no such thing. They had this fight, which seemed like a really small thing at the time. But ever since, my mom went out of her way to eat blue. She baked blue birthday cakes. She mixed blueberry smoothies. She bought blue-corn tortilla chips and brought home blue candy from the shop. ”

Okay, so here is where I’d usually put the ingredients and baking instructions. But as I said above, I’m not sharing my MIL’s recipe. So, find a chocolate chip cookie recipe of your choice and literally, all I did was add blue food coloring to the dough once it was all mixed together. I’m just going to add some more pictures I took in place of the usual ingredients and instructions.

I got some pictures when they came right out of the oven that really show how blue they are. It seemed when they cooled they lost a bit of the color. But they were not good pictures so I will not be adding them here. I also just have to say that I think these are the best batch I’ve made and I think it’s because of a brown sugar issue where I had to make my own. Have you ever made any blue food in honor of Percy Jackson? Let me know in the comments!

Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

GoodReads Summary:
Annabeth is terrified. Just when she’s about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon figurehead, Leo’s fantastical creation doesn’t appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.
And that’s only one of her worries. In her pocket, Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving command: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?
Annabeth’s biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he’s now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader—but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side
Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare. . . .
Review:
Book three in The Heroes of Olympus was a wild ride. Part of me felt like it was nonstop action and another part of me felt like it was a little slow. I know this doesn’t make any sense. But there was always something going on and all the characters have such big feelings that even when the action is slow the story is not.
I don’t really feel like getting into each of the characters, but overall, they all continue to grow. A few things I do want to mention are the weirdness between Leo, frank, and hazel. I loved this connection. I thought it was such an interesting twist within the story.
The mystery about Annabeth’s mission to follow the mark of Athena was another compelling part of the story. I like that some of the characters knew little bits that helped Annabeth. I enjoyed this side quest that was ongoing alongside the ultimate goal of stopping Gia.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I liked the romance with hazel and frank. I loved getting to see more of Percy and Annabeth. Piper and Leo were also enjoyable. The action was exciting. We got to meet new (and old) gods and goddesses which is always interesting. As with my other reviews, I’m currently listening to book four while typing this review on my phone. I just cannot get enough of this series.

Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

GoodReads Summary:
Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn’t know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn’t ring any bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth.
Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn’t do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem—when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her “gift” for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn’t say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wishes she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.
Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn’t see it. He doesn’t even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery—although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely—enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.
Beginning at the “other” camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.
Review:
In this second installment, we get to see what Percy Jackson is up to again, along with two new characters hazel and frank. I liked these characters, but honestly, I missed Leo, piper, and Jason. I found myself liking Hazel and Frank’s chapters more than Percy’s. He wasn’t the main event in this book and I’m not totally mad about that. I still like him and I wanted him to regain his memories, but I was rooting mostly for frank and hazel.
Percys lost all his memories, so we know more than he does. I think this is why I didn’t care that much about his chapters. They were filled with him wondering what was going on and the next steps of the newest quest.
Hazel was really interesting. She’s been brought back from the dead with all the nonsense going on thanks to Mother Earth. I really liked the connections to the character we’ve already met. I also thought her curse was really interesting. I’m intrigued to see where her story goes, especially since I’m already a bit into the next book and there are some mysterious things going on. I liked that hazel gains confidence and makes peace with her past. She really grew throughout this story.
Then there’s frank. I really liked Frank. He’s been told he could be anything his whole life but he still doesn’t have much confidence in himself. He’s seen as a goofy kid when he’s really so much more. He has a lot of growth too and I really enjoyed learning more about him and his abilities.
I think my favorite thing about this book was finally getting a peek inside the Roman demigod camp. It was so different from the camp half-blood we already know and love. It was fascinating to see how different things were for the gods during Roman times and how the Roman demigods have thrived in that culture.
Overall, I enjoyed these characters and their adventures. But mostly I just wanted them to meet up with the gang from the first book. There wasn’t as much mystery or questions in this book because we learned so much in book one. I’m super excited to continue the series now that all seven that the prophecy speaks of have come together.

Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

GoodReads Summary:
Jason has a problem.
He doesn’t remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper, and a best friend named Leo. They’re all students at a boarding school for “bad kids.” What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly?
Piper has a secret.
Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare about his being in trouble. Piper doesn’t understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn’t recognize her. When a freak storm hits during the school trip, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she’s going to find out.
Leo has a way with tools.
When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there’s weird stuff, too—like the curse everyone keeps talking about, and some camper who’s gone missing. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist that each of them—including Leo—is related to a god. Does this have anything to do with Jason’s amnesia, or the fact that Leo keeps seeing ghosts?
Review:
I was honestly so excited to get back into the world of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. This new series is one I’ve been excited for since reading the first, but even more so after finishing The Lost Hero. As I type this review (on my phone) I’m listening to the first chapter of the second book. There’s just something so fun about these stories and their characters.
Let’s jump into the characters. I absolutely adore Piper and Leo. They’re great best friends to Jason. We follow Jason at first, who has no memories and has somehow ended up on a school bus. Jason, despite not knowing literally anything, manages the challenges they face really well. I liked his natural leadership and his growing friendship with Leo and Piper.
Piper was probably my favorite. She’s torn between saving her dad, which means betraying her friends or being a hero. I thought this was such a complex inner battle. I loved how her story turned out. I also really loved seeing her grow and gain confidence, which as a daughter of Aphrodite is important with her ability to charm speak as it’s based on confidence.
Leo was adorable. He is the son of Hephaestus. He also has a rare fire ability. So, he’s learning how to control his ability and also trying to make himself believe that he is just as important to the team as the others. I thought he was great, the comedic relief but also a character with substance.
I really like the godly interactions. We get to see Hera quite a bit and though she isn’t well-liked, I could understand her feelings. I really loved Piper and Leo both getting to talk to their godly parents. I thought those interactions came at just the right times.
Overall, I loved this. As I mentioned I’m currently already listening to book two and it’s giving me all of the answers I still wanted from book one. There are so many questions were still left with, but were also given many answers. Riordan writes the story in the perfect way where were given enough information to be kept interested, but not too much we feel like everything is over. I also had a few things figured out but not all the details. Any mythology lovers are going to adore this series for sure.
Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Summary:
All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos’s army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan’s power only grows.
While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it’s up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time.
In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.
Review:
This final book in the Percy Jackson series was everything I wanted and more. Though I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending, I’m alright with it because I know there are more books with the characters I’ve come to love so much.
My feelings on Percy haven’t changed. I still admire and adore him. His bravery is like no other. The same goes for Annabeth. I adore her so much. She’s clever and loyal. She never backs down from a fight. I’m so happy their relationship finally developed further and it’s not a minute too soon. Grover has grown so much and I love that too. He’s fulfilled his dreams and continues to work hard and help as much as he can. I love the whole cast. I loved seeing them all work together and save the world.
I cannot say enough how much I really enjoy the way Riordan brings the mythology alive and into the modern world. I think he does it so well. He gives these characters life and history and I enjoy reading about them so much.
Overall, I was happy with this final book. I didn’t love the ending because it didn’t really give closure. It left kind of open ended as if there was just going to be the next book in the series. I know there is more books following these characters, but I thought there would be a little bit more closure of the series. I still enjoyed reading it. I’m so glad I finally managed to read this series.

Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.

The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan

Summary:
When Percy Jackson receives an urgent distress call from his friend Grover, he immediately prepares for battle. He knows he’ll need his powerful demigod allies, Annabeth and Thalia, at his side; his trusty bronze sword, Riptide; and…a ride from his mom.
The demigods race to the rescue, to find that Grover has made an important discovery: two new powerful half-bloods whose parentage is unknown. But that’s not all that awaits them. The Titan lord, Kronos, has set up his most devious trap yet, and the young heroes have just fallen prey.
Hilarious and action-packed, this third adventure in the series finds Percy faced with his most dangerous challenge so far: the chilling prophecy of Titan’s curse.
Review:
I am sad to say that this has been my least favorite of the series so far. While I enjoyed the story, as per usual, the characters just annoyed me. The Titan’s Curse was fast paced and exciting. We got to see new gods and other various mythological creatures and players. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story. I love the way Riordan teaches about mythology and makes it fun. Some myths can be so dry and boring, but Riordan makes it interesting and exciting.
As for the characters, I loved all the usual ones. Percy was the same lovable doofus as always. He’s brave and loyal, caring and thoughtful. He’s such a great hero. Grover was also the same as usual. Helpful and underrated. He’s the best friend Percy could ask for. Annabeth was sadly missing for most of the story and honestly, that’s probably why I didn’t like this one as much as the others. She’s definitely my favorite character in this series. Then there’s Thalia. I was so excited when she turned back into a person, but she was really rude to Percy and I did not like that at all. I really wanted to like her but she was so mean and I just couldn’t. I really hope she changes in the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I cannot wait to get into the next in the series. Rick Riordan really knows how to make me love some characters and how to send them on some wild adventures.

Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

GoodReads Summary:
The heroic son of Poseidon makes an action-packed comeback in the second must-read installment of Rick Riordan’s amazing young readers series. Starring Percy Jackson, a “half-blood​” whose mother is human and whose father is the God of the Sea, Riordan’s series combines cliffhanger adventure and Greek mythology lessons that results in true page-turners that get better with each installment.
In this episode, The Sea of Monsters, Percy sets out to retrieve the Golden Fleece before his summer camp is destroyed, surpassing the first book’s drama and setting the stage for more thrills to come.
Review:
I don’t know how Riordan does it. I adored this story. Even during the times that I thought Percy was annoying and was doing/saying things I didn’t like I was still so interested and invested in the story. There is so much done right by this author that I don’t know I’ll remember to cover it all.
The characters are interesting and entertaining and learn things during​ their adventures. I loved Percy, even when I didn’t like him. I still love Annabeth. She’s smart and clever and manages to get them out of trouble even when it seems like the worst may happen. I loved Grover’s part in this story. I thought it was super funny. I even kind of liked Clarise. She’s basically the literal worst, but Riordan still managed to make me care about her and root for her to succeed. The only one I don’t like is Luke. He’s annoying and I just want Percy to beat him already.
The story was fun. These characters get into such wild messes and it’s always an exciting time when they try to get out of them. I loved the sea of monsters and the mythological aspects of the story. I thought seeing Circe was so interesting.
I listened to the audiobook for this story and I couldn’t stop listening. I just enjoyed the whole story so much. I’m sad that I didn’t read these when I was growing up because I​ know they would easily have become an absolute favorite of mine. I’m anxious to see what will happen next in the cards for these characters so I will be reading the third sooner rather than later.

Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.

 

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Summary:
Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school…again. And that’s the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he’s angered a few dozen of them. Zeus’s master lightning bold has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.
Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus’s stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.
Review:
I have been planning to read The Lightning Thief for so freaking long that part of me is relieved to finally have done it just for the fact that I can now say I’ve read it. But I’m also glad I read it. It was such a fun story that held so many different kinds of people. I’m sure so many kids have read this and finally found themselves to be represented in a book, finally been able to really relate to a main character in a book. I’m so glad that this story exists.
I thought Percy was a fun main character. He was excited and full of adventure. He knew right from wrong and stood up for what he believed in. I really appreciated that about him.
Annabel was my favorite of course. If I were a demigod, I would definitely be one of Athena’s children. She was funny and smart. She never hesitated to call Percy out when she thought he was being dumb. She almost always had a plan. I love what she brought to the story. She went out of her way to help Percy even though they weren’t supposed to get along because of their parents.
I loved the mythological aspects of the story. I adore the way that Rick Riordan told this story with the Gods and the different parts they played. I loved the politics that he added. It wasn’t hard for me to get fully immersed in the world.
Overall, I had a good time reading this story. There were great lessons within told by believable, loveable, and entertaining characters. I can’t wait to see what other wild antics these characters will get up to in the next books.

Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.