Trials of Apollo Review by Rishi Sharma

 Trials of Apollo is a book written by Rick Riordan. There are 5 books in the series. However, I have only read the first 3 books. The main plot of the series up until the point I read is a group called Triumvirate Holdings. Their main goal is to create a new powerful empire that succeeds the Roman Empire. The series follows Apollo, the Greek God of archery and music. However, he disobeyed Zeus and lost all his powers. He is now a normal human. In the first book, he and friends take on Nero, the emperor that sat and watched Rome burn while playing his fiddle. In the second book, Apollo took on Commodus, an emperor known for executing a lot of people and watching gladiator games in the Colosseum. In the third book, they deal with Caligula, one of the most depraved emperors who named his horse consul. Throughout the series, there is a theme of Apollo's hubris clouding his judgement as he still believes he is a god. He has to learn to overcome his hubris and become a team player.

I enjoyed the books. I found them interesting with the Greek mythology clashing with Roman history. The pacing was good and enjoyable. There were barely any slow chapters. There both serious and comedic moments. However, Riordan never let a cheap joke ruin a serious moment. The dynamic of Apollo thinking he's a god when he's not is funny. I enjoyed these books a lot. I would give them an 8/10.