The novel “The Sun And The Star” by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, is mythological fiction and, though it isn’t a series, chronologically comes after Rick Riordan’s other books, The Trials of Apollo. This novel portrays the journey of two 15-year-old boyfriends; Nico and Will. The two of them are the embodiment of light and darkness. Will is a child of the god of the sun, Apollo. He is a healer and thinks that his boyfriend’s trauma is something he can fix. Nico is a child of Hades, the god of the underworld. He finds it easier to be constantly depressed. He thinks his trauma is something that won’t ever get better. Some thematic concepts included struggling with identity and labels, and working through personal trauma. The book begins with the two main characters at summer camp, receiving nightmares and prophecies. A reformed titan from the underworld is crying out for help. Thus begins their treacherous journey to rescue Bob the titan from the clutches of a primordial goddess. I found it to be a balanced amount of grim adventure and hardship as well as romance and feel-good qualities. Its perspective on overcoming trauma was impactful and filled with hope for the characters and the reader. Nico and Will’s thoughts and feelings towards the trauma they’ve been through are changed and they are better off for it. They are able to understand each other better. The book explores how any one person isn’t only darkness or only light. Though the majority of the book was filled with pain, Nico and Will going through it together and being there for each other was heartwarming. Not only that, but this book included frog-like creatures in cheese hats, bloodthirsty pigeons, and glowing skeleton cats. So with all of these concepts and perspectives I give it 5/5 stars. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure with a subplot of romance. As well as anyone in need of a book with topics such as dealing with trauma and discovering identity.
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