The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson’s third adventure begins with the rescue of two mysterious half-bloods, Nico and Bianca. During the mission, however, they lose Annabeth, and Percy is determined to find her. Worse, with Chiron gone, the camp now has a new director-a man named Tantalus who cannot eat or drink. With monsters everywhere and a dangerous enemy on the rise, Percy and friends must join forces with the Hunters for a chance at victory.

Not only are the new characters wonderful, they prove to be very surprising. In the book Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse, by Rick Riordan, especially, we get some great character moments where we find out truly shocking facts about them-things that you only realize were obvious after they happen. I do wish Bianca and Zoe, along with the other hunters, got more character development. They definitely don’t get enough time for us to appreciate them; just long enough so you become emotionally attached. However, they’re still really amazing in the moments they do get, and I really recommend you read it.

Reviewed by Griselda E, Grade 9

Casa Verdugo Library

Hikaru No Go, by Yumi Hotta

Hikaru No Go, by Yumi Hotta, follows the life of Hikaru Shindo, who's life gets flipped upside down as he becomes bound to the spirit of a long dead Go master who taught and trained the Emperor of Japan the art of playing Go. Hikaru now trained by dead Go master, Fujiwara-no-Sai, set of to make Hikaru a better Go player so that he may have a chance of playing the Divine Move. Hikaru meets friends and rivals such as Go prodigy, Akira Toya as he makes his debut in the Go community and even catching the interest of professional Go player, Koyo Toya.

The story is actually very interesting, it takes the real world beard game Go, and implements real life strategies, rules, and trivia on the game which has sparked global interest in it. This manga is a great story if you want to relax and read while learning something new, even if you don't put that much effort into learning it you will still passively learn through the events of the story. It is a semi realistic manga with the only real fantasy related element being the ghost of Sai guiding Hikaru, that sheds some light on a game not many know about in the US while giving us likable characters as you watch them grow and excel.

Reviewed by Wes, Grade 9
Pacific Park Library