The burning maze by Rick Riordan

"The burning maze" by Rick Riordan -  Death of a demigod!

This book was published by Penguin UK in 2018 and has 448 pages. This is Book 3 of Trials of Apollo series. 

Apollo (in his mortal avatar of Lester Papadopoulos) has rescued two oracles in previous books. Now, strange fires are killing dryads and cedars. Apollo must find the source of fires and rescue third Oracle 'Sibyl of Erythraea' from centre of burning maze in the labyrinth. But it could be a trap. Third Emperor of the Triumvirate has a specific goal in mind.

Is the maze a trap? Does Apollo uncover identity of the third Roman Emperor of the Triumvirate? Who is he? What is his ultimate goal? What roles will Grover, Jason and Piper play?

Grover Underwood, the Cedar, and Meg McCaffrey were already in the equation with Apollo. In this book Demigods, Jason Grace and Piper McLean, make an entrance and play their part. Trend of this series is that Apollo gets help of Demigod/s (from previous books of author) in each book of this series. The said demigod/s do not continue in subsequent books. Looks like author is still capitalising on the goodwill of previous series to prop up this series.

After emperors Commodus and Nero it's Caligula. Apollo's new adversary and most powerful of the three. He also has a specific motive. He summons Helios, the Titan of Sun. Real Caligula ruled Rome mere four to five years (AD37 to AD41) before he was assassinated. I was expecting some Roman Emperor more illustrious than Commodus and Nero, but author chose a relatively unknown name. 

Author retains his style of narration. Humorous and witty. He exploits Greek and Roman mythology and History to create the story and humor. Although the story is not profound, it's laced with humour and action and just about ensures reader interest. Apollo starts to understand human feelings and emotions. Will he remember them when his Godhood is eventually restored?

This book too has mythical creatures. Strix are giant owl birds, extremely fierce, night creatures who can't be killed because any one who kills a strix will be cursed. Pandii are demi humans with dish antenna size ears, from India. (Never heard of these creatures in Indian mythology). They can fly flapping their ears, have an exceptional sense of hearing, are master of all weapons and are best mercenaries in the world. Insitatus, the taking horse of Caligula.

In this book Lester starts to show some intelligence, rather than being a pathetic, bumbling, pimply teenager. His quest will continue for the rescue of fourth Oracle in subsequent book. 

Author has successfully milked the tried and tested formula to ensure minimum quality requirements. But he doesn't outdo himself. Although this series is decent, it's definitely not in the league of first two series. 

Why did I read this book? Have read first two.

What did I like? Author's humorous narration and use of Greek and Roman mythology and history.   

What I didn't like? Borrowed demigods.

Read, if you are reading the series.