The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

"The Hidden Oracle" by Rick Riordan. This book is published by Puffin in 2016 and has 432 pages. This is Book 1 of 'The trials of Apollo', a new series on Greek mythology. 

Apollo, God of music, poetry, art, oracles, archery, plague, medicine, sun, light and knowledge, finds himself transformed into Lester Pappadopolus, a 16 year old youngster and to his horror, a mortal. 

Why has he become a mortal? What did he do? What trails await him? Can he survive without his Godly powers?

After dabbling in Egyptian (Kane chronicles) and Norse mythology (Magnus Chase series), Rick is back to his favourite Greek mythology. He has already written two series on Greek mythology, both featuring Percy Jackson. Percy Jackson makes an appearance at the start and towards the end of this book. Here he is in supporting role rather than being the protagonist.

In the first series Cronus was the villain, in second Gia was the villain. In this series, Roman emperor Nero and the Python are the villains. Both have come back from dead.

Apollo and Calypso have acquired a mortal form. Leo is missing after battle with Gia. There are all sort of wierd and fascinating characters like Diaper wearing Peach demon, Gyser God asking to fill customer satisfaction surveys, a demigod who can weaponize garbage, Apollo who had fallen from being a God to a mortal, 100 feet statue turned automaton, talking trees etc. He blends mythology with modern day things seamlessly. He continues with his peculiar and crisp narration and maintains your interest. 

Some of the Heros from previous books make an appearance and come back. However the protagonist is Apollo. Apollo, a big headed and self-important God, starts to identify with human traits like affection for family, responsibility and sacrifice.

The story of this book is weak. If it is to be developed into a full series, there should be more to it. Let's hope that author pulls his socks. Book 1 ends with a prophecy and Book 2 will start with the quest. 

Read only if you intend to read the series.