The Battle of the Labyrinth
LC Class PZ7.R4829 Bat 2008[1] | | |
Preceded by | The Titan's Curse | |
---|---|---|
Followed by | The Last Olympian |
The Battle of the Labyrinth is an American
The book follows the adventures of modern-day fourteen-year-old demigod
The Battle of the Labyrinth received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising the storyline, humor and action present in the novel. The novel was on the Amazon Children's bestseller list and Publishers Weekly Facts and Figures bestseller list. It was also the runner-up for the 2010 Indian Paintbrush Book Award.
Plot
Percy Jackson attends freshman orientation at Goode High School, where he sees Rachel Elizabeth Dare, a mortal girl who can see through the Mist. She helps him fight two empousai and escape. Percy travels to Camp Half-Blood, where he learns Grover is in trouble with the Council of Cloven Elders for not having found Pan. Annabeth Chase and Percy accidentally find an entrance into the Labyrinth, which presents a possible invasion route for Luke Castellan. Annabeth is given leadership of a quest to find Daedalus and convince him not to give Ariadne's string to Luke, which would help him navigate the Labyrinth. She chooses Grover, Percy, and Tyson to accompany her. Before leaving, Percy learns that Nico di Angelo plans to bring back his late sister, Bianca (with help from King Minos) by exchanging her soul for someone who has cheated death – like Percy. In the maze, Percy and his friends face a number of trials, including meeting Briares and Janus, before arriving at the ranch of Geryon and meeting Nico. Nico is not happy to see Percy again, but the spirit of Bianca manages to convince him to trust Percy. So that Nico can be safe, he remains at the ranch whilst Percy and the others return to the labyrinth. They seek out Hephaestus' help. After speaking to him, they part ways; Tyson and Grover search for Pan, while Annabeth and Percy go to the God's forge in the volcano Mount St. Helens.
In the forge, Percy is almost killed by
The quartet later discover the Titan fortress at
Characters
- Percy Jackson is the 14-year-old son of Poseidon. He is the series' narrator. He joins Annabeth in her quest to go into the Labyrinth to find Daedalus' workshop.
- Annabeth Chase is the 14-year-old daughter of Athena, and one of Percy's closest friends. She gets the quest to navigate the Labyrinth. Her feelings for Percy start to show, but she is confused because of her lingering feelings towards Luke.
- Rachel Elizabeth Dare is a mortal who can see through the Mist. Her father is a wealthy businessman who buys the undeveloped land of the wild and builds developments upon it. Percy had previously met her at the Hoover Dam in The Titan's Curse, where she helped him get away from undead warriors.
- Carlsbad Caverns along with some extinct animals. He gave all of them except Nico words of wisdom, and then died. When he died, his essence entered all the characters' mouths (except Nico), meaning a piece of the wild remained in their hearts. He gave Grover the famous battle cry, Panic, which Grover used to scare off the intruders in Camp Half-Blood. The word Panic is named after Pan because in the Titan war, he let out a horrible cry that drove away all their enemies.
- cyclopshalf-brother. He now works for his father in Poseidon's palace, under the oceans, in the Cyclopes' forge. Tyson enjoys forging, and nicknaming mythical creatures they come across. He joins Percy and his friends in the Labyrinth.
- Stygianiron.
- Luke Castellan is a 22-year-old son of Hermes and a traitor to the Olympians. His body becomes possessed by the spirit of Kronos.
- Daedalus/Quintus was the creator of the Labyrinth and son of Athena, and has made a total of five automatons in order to cheat death. He becomes the new swordsman at Camp Half-Blood under the name Quintus, but only to see if Camp Half-Blood is worth saving. During the intrusion of Camp Half-Blood, he is stabbed, but instead of blood coming out of the wound, golden oil leaks from his automaton body. He has a murderer's mark on his neck (a partridge), a brand that appears on all of his bodies as a curse from Athena because he killed his nephew, Perdix. He owns a hellhound named Mrs. O'Leary. After his death, he was assigned to build overpasses and bridges to help control traffic in the Underworld and according to Nico, he is happy with this job. Before he dies, he gives Annabeth a laptop containing all the works he never had time to complete, as well as many of his ideas and theories.
Composition and marketing
The Battle of the Labyrinth was initially referred to as Percy 4 until the title was officially revealed.[5] The novel was teased by Rick Riordan behind the pages of its predecessor, The Titan's Curse.[6] It was based on the Greek myth of the labyrinth, where the Minotaur was supposedly kept. In his book, Riordan made the labyrinth grow to cover the entire undergrowth of the United States.[7]
On 4 October 2007, Publishers Weekly revealed the book's title along with the cover art by John Rocco.[8] A preview of the book was read out for children to judge, and the reactions were "unbelievable", according to the author.[7] Riordan went on a tour to promote the book.[9][7] He revealed that he would read a sneak peek of the first chapter at Barnes & Noble, Utah.[10] In January 2008, he read a sneak peek of the first chapter.[11][12]
A trailer video was also uploaded on YouTube.[13] In February 2008, an advertisement video was officially released.[14] Riordan was bothered with the previous novel's plot leaking out due to advance reader copies (ARC) and as a result, the novel had no ARC prints.[15] A month before the novel's release, Riordan revealed his tour plans.[16] Shortly after the book's publication, Riordan spoke at the 30 May Evening with Children's Booksellers, as part of the 2008 BookExpo America.[17][18] At this time, the Percy Jackson series was the third bestselling children's book series in America, behind the Twilight Saga and The Clique series, according to Publishers Weekly.[19]
Release
The Battle of the Labyrinth was first published as a hardcover in the United States on 6 May 2008 by Hyperion Books for Children, an imprint of Disney Publishing Worldwide, and had a first printing of about one million copies.[2][20] On 13 May 2008, a ten-hour and 32-minute audiobook version of The Battle of the Labyrinth, read by actor Jesse Bernstein, who also read the audiobooks of the previous 3 books in the series, was published worldwide by Listening Library.[21][22][23]
The novel was also on the Amazon Children's bestseller list and the Publishers Weekly Facts and Figures bestseller list, having sold nearly 105,000 copies in 2010 since its release in 2008.[24][25] It was released in the United Kingdom with new covers.[26]
Since its release, The Battle of the Labyrinth has been translated into
The book received a Lexile score of 590L, making it appropriate for the average 10-13-year-old.[28] Scholastic suggests the book for grades 8–10.[29] VOYA recommended the novel for children in grades 7–12.[30]
Reception
The Battle of the Labyrinth received mostly positive reviews. It has been praised as an excellent continuation to the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, as well as an excellent novel in its own right.
Other reviews focused more on the novel as a continuation to the series. Anita Burkam of
Matt Berman of Common Sense Media was one of few reviewers to mention the differences between this book and the ones preceding in the series. He highlights The Battle of the Labyrinth's darker tone, more mature themes, and increased discussion of what it philosophically means for the characters to follow and support the Greek gods and Titans. He concludes, "Up until now the series has been great fun, but little more. Now as it begins to grow, like the Labyrinth, larger and deeper and more complex, it's even more fun."[37]
Despite the overall praise, some reviewers were more critical. School Library Journal wrote that "[l]ike many series, the "Percy Jackson" books are beginning to show the strain of familiarity and repetition."[38] The BBC Children Newsround praised the novel for its smart ideas, but said, "none of it will make sense if you haven't read any of the other books."[39] Nelda Brangwin of Library Media Connection wrote, "If this is the only book read in the series, readers may be confused by the storyline and profusion of mythological creatures. It reads well on its own if readers are familiar with mythology, but is best if the other three books are in the library collection."[40] The Guardian commented that, the book "is funny and scary at moments and makes you want to read more".[41]
The audiobook was also well received. AudioFile magazine praised the audiobook, raving, "Speedy introductions of familiar and new characters and previous plot summaries may briefly confuse a new listener, but fans will savor them," adding "Jesse Bernstein is on target whether he's narrating blow-by-blow accounts of Percy's sword fights or inventing cameos for various other characters: Hephaestus, who repairs a Toyota; an aged Daedalus; and Grover, Percy's slow-witted sidekick. Bernstein is just as skillful at wringing humor from the witty dialogue and from the contrasts between the modern and ancient worlds."[42] Booklist similarly praised Bernstein's familiarity with the series and ability to realistically portray its teenaged protagonists, commenting, "His portrayal of Percy stands out as he manages to sound just like a 15-year-old boy."[43] The work's review in The School Library Journal was also favorable, praising Bernstein for "[doing] a good job voicing Percy and his Cyclops half-brother" and "successfully [conveying] Annabeth's emotions". He attempts a number of different accents for the gods, demigods, and mortals in the story with varying levels of success."[44]
The Battle of the Labyrinth was nominated for the 2010 Indian Paintbrush Book Award, earning the second position.[45]
Sequel
The sequel to The Battle of the Labyrinth is titled The Last Olympian and was released 5 May 2009. It is the final novel in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.[46] The Last Olympian was No. 1 on the USA Today bestseller list.[47]
References
- ^ a b c "The battle of the labyrinth" Archived 6 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine (first edition). LC Online Catalog. Library of Congress (lccn.loc.gov). Retrieved 2015-11-05.
- ^ ISSN 1948-7428.
- ^ ISBN 9781423101468.
- ^ "The Battle of the Labyrinth — "Percy Jackson and the Olympians"". Plugged In. Focus on the Family. Archived from the original on 11 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ^ "One Week Until Percy 4's Title is Unveiled - Rick Riordan". rickriordan.com. 27 September 2007. Archived from the original on 26 May 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
- ISBN 978-0-545-05704-2.
- ^ a b c "Transcript from an interview with Rick Riordan - Interviews with Top Young Adult Authors". Adolescent Literacy. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017.
- ^ "Prepare for Battle . . . - Rick Riordan". rickriordan.com. 4 October 2007. Archived from the original on 9 June 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
- ^ "Tour Dates Posted - Rick Riordan". rickriordan.com. 24 April 2008. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017.
- ^ "A Shout-out to Utah - Rick Riordan". rickriordan.com. 16 January 2008. Archived from the original on 26 May 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
- ^ "The Battle of the Labyrinth: A Sneak Peak! - Rick Riordan". rickriordan.com. 20 January 2008. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017.
- ^ CampHalfBlood (20 January 2008). "Battle of the Labyrinth, part 1". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016 – via YouTube.
- ^ CampHalfBlood (31 January 2008). "Percy Jackson IV, The Battle of the Labyrinth". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Battle of the Labyrinth trailer - Rick Riordan". rickriordan.com. 4 February 2008. Archived from the original on 27 May 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
- ^ "Raiders of the Lost ARCs - Rick Riordan". rickriordan.com. 19 January 2008. Archived from the original on 26 November 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
- ^ "One Month Countdown - Rick Riordan". rickriordan.com. 6 April 2008. Archived from the original on 26 May 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
- ^ Riordan, Rick (31 May 2008). "BEA Report". Rick Riordan. Archived from the original on 11 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ^ "For Children's Booksellers: Day of Education Sessions, Author Events & More". American Booksellers Association. 28 April 2008. Archived from the original on 11 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ISSN 0000-0019.
- ^ "The News from Italy - Rick Riordan". rickriordan.com. 3 April 2008. Archived from the original on 26 May 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
- ^ The Battle of the Labyrinth: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4 (Unabridged). audible.com. Retrieved 27 January 2010.
- ^ "The Battle of the Labyrinth Audiobook". Random House. Archived from the original on 2 April 2010. Retrieved 27 January 2010.
- ISBN 978-0739364741.
- ^ "The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4)". Frontlist. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017.
- ^ "Facts & Figures 2010: Franchises Flying High". Publishers Weekly. 21 March 2011. Archived from the original on 4 May 2017.
- ^ "Tour Dates Posted - Rick Riordan". rickriordan.com. 24 April 2008. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
- ^ a b "Editions of The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan". Goodreads. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017.
- ^ "The Battle of the Labyrinth - Lexile® Find a Book - MetaMetrics Inc". fab.lexile.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017.
- ^ "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth". shop.scholastic.com. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
- ^ ISSN 0160-4201.
- ^ "The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series #4)". Barnes & Noble. Archived from the original on 10 December 2011. Retrieved 9 April 2009.
- ISSN 0018-5078.
- ISSN 0000-0019.
- ^ "Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Four: Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan". www.publishersweekly.com. 1 May 2008. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
- Kidsreads.com. Archivedfrom the original on 27 November 2010. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
- ^ Hamilton, Denise (18 May 2008). "Paging Daedalus". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 23 November 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
- ^ Berman, Matt. "The Battle of the Labyrinth: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4". Common Sense Media. Archived from the original on 11 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ISSN 0362-8930.
- ^ "Book Review:Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth". BBC. 16 September 2008. Archived from the original on 24 September 2008.
- ISSN 1542-4715.
- ^ mine-zizou (30 October 2015). "Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan - review". the Guardian. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
- ^ "THE BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH : Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4". AudioFile Magazine. August 2008. Archived from the original on 10 June 2011. Retrieved 27 January 2010.
- ISSN 0006-7385.
- ISSN 0362-8930.
- ^ "Indian Paintbrush Award by Year: 1986–2011" (PDF). Indian Paintbrush Award. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
- ^ "'Percy Jackson' children's book series ending next year". The Seattle Times. 5 September 2008. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
- ^ "USA Today Best-Selling Books list". USA Today. 14 May 2009. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
External links
- Rick Riordan Myth Master at publisher Penguin Books (UK)
- Rick Riordan at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database