The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues, #1)

  Amy and Dan Cahill have the craziest, meanest family. Their parents died years ago, putting them into their Aunt Beatrice's care (who only took them in due to family obligation. Otherwise they'd be in foster care). The only Cahill who doesn't bully Amy and Dan is their grandmother Grace, and sadly, she's gone.
   But only in certain aspects. At Grace's funeral Amy and Dan, along with several other relatives, are told that their family has a secret--a dangerous secret that can only be found by finding and following 39 clues. Thus begins the most dangerous, life-changing journey of Amy and Dan's lives.

   While these books may be a little below my reading level, they are just as enjoyable as any of Rick Riordan's works. I loved the characteristics and uniqueness of the Cahill family, I loved the relationship between Amy and Dan, and I can definitely relate to Amy's love of libraries. The only thing I didn't like was the unresolved ending; it leaves you begging for more, that's for sure!

The House of Hades

In the fourth book of The Heroes of Olympus, things are only getting harder for the seven demigods. *spoiler alert* Percy and Annabeth are in Tartarus and the rest of the crew is trying to save them. But a demigod's journey is never that simple.

  I've liked this spin-off of the Percy Jackson series a lot more than I liked the Percy Jackson books. Don't get me wrong, I loved those too, but these are much better in my opinion. 

   House of Hades was, well, depressing. Although in a good way. I enjoyed it tremendously and the character development was incredible. Jason was addressed for being "perfect" and I like him a lot more now. 

   As for Nico...I won't spoil anything, though I found him way more relatable in this book. He hid his feelings for fear of being teased. That I can definitely understand. He is quiet because he doesn't think the others will accept him,  which is how I was when I first moved to Ohio (and it's been in the last two years or so that that's changed.) So although it may sound strange, that is honestly how I feel. (Tease me all you want, it'll only prove my point.) ;)