Dark Prophecy, Hardcover, #2

Apollo, a magnificent god transformed into an awkward mortal, embarks on a journey across North America with his demigod friends in Book Two of the Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan. This uproarious adventure follows Apollo's quest to regain Zeus's favor. It's a clash of mythic intrigues intertwined with centuries of pop culture references that will thrill both die-hard fans and newcomers alike, as praised by Kirkus Reviews.

Rick Riordan, known as the storyteller of the gods, presents his fifth #1 New York Times bestselling series, which is based on mythology. While continuing the Percy Jackson saga, this book also stands alone. It offers a fresh perspective on Greek and Roman mythology through the eyes of a fallen god. The story brings back beloved demigod characters from the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series and introduces new demigods. The villains are based on Roman emperors, making for an intriguing read.

The book features a diverse cast of characters from various backgrounds and lifestyles, making it perfect for middle schoolers. However, older readers can also enjoy this captivating tale. Zeus has punished his son Apollo by turning him into a gawky, acne-covered sixteen-year-old mortal named Lester. To regain his place on Mount Olympus, Apollo must restore several Oracles that have gone dark. Without his powers, he faces the challenge of figuring out what is affecting the Oracles and how he can overcome the obstacles.

After enduring a series of dangerous and humiliating trials at Camp Half-Blood, Lester must venture out of the relative safety of the demigod training ground. He embarks on a hair-raising journey across North America, accompanied by his companions. Their ultimate goal is to find the most dangerous Oracle from ancient times, a haunted cave that may hold answers for Apollo's quest to become a god again. However, the path ahead is fraught with peril and Apollo must face the second member of the evil Triumvirate, a Roman emperor known for his love of bloodshed and spectacle.

To survive this encounter, Apollo relies on the help of Leo Valdez, son of Hephaestus, the now-mortal sorceress Calypso, the bronze dragon Festus, and other unexpected allies from the world of demigods. Some allies will be familiar, while others are new additions to the story. Join Apollo on this harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride through the Trials of Apollo series.