Showing posts with label Heroes of Olympus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heroes of Olympus. Show all posts

Friday, July 24, 2026

Riordanverse Reading Schedule


As we got near the end of reading Animorphs together, it didn't take long for Russell and I to decide on another franchise to read and discuss. If you're a fan of the books by Rick Riordan, that's where we're headed next. We didn’t get any followers chiming in for Animorphs, but if the world of Percy Jackson intrigues you, we’d love to have you reading along with us. 

I wasn’t going to post this list until September, but Russell and I are well under way with our reading (I finished “Sea of Monsters” this week). Send any comments to our email, social media accounts, or Discord. Check back here for any changes to the reading schedule, especially since the new Camp Half-Blood books will released in the middle of this series  


Part 1 - Release in October 2026

The Diary of Luke Castellan (The Demigod Diaries)

The Lightning Thief

The Sea of Monsters

The Stolen Chariot (The Demigod Files)


Part 2 - Release in November 2026

The Titan's Curse

The Battle of the Labyrinth 

The Sword of Hades (The Demigod Files)



Part 3 - Release in December 2026

The Red Pyramid

The Throne of Fire


Part 4 - Release in January 2027

The Bronze Dragon (The Demigod Files)

The Last Olympian

Percy Jackson's Greek Gods



Part 5 - Release in February 2027

The Staff of Hermes (The Demigod Diaries)

The Singer of Apollo (Short Story)

The Lost Hero

The Quest for Buford (The Demigod Diaries)

The Son of Magic (The Demigod Diaries)


Part 6 - Release in March 2027

The Serpent's Shadow

The Son of Neptune


Part 7 - Release in April 2027

The Mark of Athena

The House of Hades



Part 8 - Release in May 2027

The Blood of Olympus 

Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes


Part 9 - Release in June 2027

Demigods and Magicians

The Chalice of the Gods

Wrath of the Triple Goddess
Brooklyn House Magician's Manual



Part 10 - Release in July 2027

The Sword of Summer

The Hidden Oracle


Part 11 - Release August 2027

Camp Jupiter Classified

Camp Half-Blood Confidential

Hotel Valhalla: Guide to the Norse Worlds

The Hammer of Thor 

The Dark Prophecy             



Part 12 - Release September 2027

The Burning Maze

The Tyrant's Tomb


Part 13 - Release October 2027

The Ship of the Dead

9 From the Nine Worlds

The Tower of Nero



Part 14 - Release November 2027

The Sun and the Star

The Court of the Dead


Friday, February 13, 2026

Love is All You Need (in Tartarus)

As you may have noticed, I’ve developed a love for Rick Riordan’s universe of gods and heroes. After finishing the last short stories and audiobooks of the series, I’m taking a break from it before re-reading (currently re-reading Harry Potter, in addition to our ongoing Animorphs podcast project). But for Valentine’s Day I decided to revisit a portion of Heroes of Olympus. Just some thoughts I had about love while reading “The House of Hades” last summer. 

A little refresher for those who haven’t read Heroes of Olympus lately: At the end of “The Mark of Athena” our power couple Percy and Annabeth fell into the pit and spent the subsequent book walking through literal hell. They made a couple friends while trying to escape, while even the air of Tartarus tried to kill them both body and soul. 


Nico had recently escaped the pit after it nearly destroyed him. When Percy and Annabeth crash landed, things weren’t exactly hopeful. After all, even the son of Hades barely survived. The air itself was poisonous and only drinking from a fiery river kept them alive. 

One trial that particularly struck me early on their journey was the influence of the River Cocytus. Its powers fed them despair, regrets, and grief. Even being near the river was depressing. What struck me was how their physical contact with each other kept them anchored. 


I know not everyone’s love language is touch, but it’s high on my list. There’s something comforting for me about a hug when my anxiety or depression flare up. A physical anchor. Heck, I remember one night that my anxiety flared up after my wife and I went to bed. Not wanting to wake her, I gently let my hand rest against her back. That little connection helped me calm down even before she had the chance to roll over and check in. 

Whether it’s physical contact or something else, there’s something powerful about knowing you’re not alone. It was this journey that impressed me about anchoring myself in connection (not too different from anchoring myself in a positive memory when producing a Patronus). Everyone need someone who can be a safe place. Something like that can’t be manufactured; that trust must be developed and earned. 


This kind of safety is not limited to romantic relationships. Everyone needs a friend (or a few) with whom they can share their heart. I’m blessed to have friends who have helped me through Tartarus in the past. And definitely thankful for my wife who helps to ground me in reality when the Cocytus wants to drown me in despair. 

Monday, May 26, 2025

LDS Geeks Podcast #42: Animorphs Re-Read (1)


Russell and I feel like we've been talking about this Animorphs re-read for forever. We've finally started! First episode in this series covers the first four books of the series.

--Spencer


Listen to Episode 42 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on SpotifyApple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here



Show Notes:

    Follow along: Animorphs Book Club Reading Schedule

    LDS Geeks Podcast #30: Animorphs Overview

        Show Notes: click here

        Spotify: click here

        Apple Podcasts: click here

    Spencer's Recommendation: Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan

    Russell's Recommendation: “Sea Shanty Medley” by Home Free

    #1 - The Invasion

    #2 - The Visitor

    #3 - The Encounter

    #4 - The Message