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The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two) — Content Guide for Parents

By Rick RiordanDisney-Hyperion2018-10-02ISBN 9781484780640464 pages
The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two)

Themes present

Violence
Religious themes
Profanity
Sexual identity
Gender roles
LGBTQ+ themes

Not found

Scary contentRacial/cultural contentClimate change

Content themes

Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

Zeus has punished his son Apollo--god of the sun, music, archery, poetry, and more--by casting him down to earth in the form of a gawky, acne-covered sixteen-year-old mortal named Lester. The only way Apollo can reclaim his rightful place on Mount Olympus is by restoring several Oracles that have gone dark. What is affecting the Oracles, and how can Apollo/Lester do anything about them without his powers? After experiencing a series of dangerous--and frankly, humiliating--trials at Camp Half-Blood, Lester must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America. Somewhere in the American Midwest, he and his companions must find the most dangerous Oracle from ancient times: a haunted cave that may hold answers for Apollo in his quest to become a god again--if it doesn't kill him or drive him insane first. Standing in Apollo's way is the second member of the evil Triumvirate, a Roman emperor whose love of bloodshed and spectacle makes even Nero look tame. To survive the encounter, Apollo will need the help of son of Hephaestus Leo Valdez, the now-mortal sorceress Calypso, the bronze dragon Festus, and other unexpected allies--some familiar, some new--from the world of demigods. Come along for what promises to be a harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride. . . . Includes the first chapter of The Trials of Apollo Book 3: THE BURNING MAZE, plus the first chapters of two Rick Riordan Presents novels: THE STORM RUNNER by J. C. Cervantes, based on Mayan mythology, and DRAGON PEARL by Yoon Ha Lee, a space opera with elements of Korean mythology.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two) appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    The book contains scenes of arena fighting involving exotic and tortured animals, as well as the use of various weapons, leading to injuries. This depiction of violence is significant within the action-oriented narrative. While the book contains action and some intense moments, there is no genuinely frightening content that would cause fear or distress. The tone remains adventurous and suitable for its target audience.

  • Does The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two) have violence?

    The book contains scenes of arena fighting involving exotic and tortured animals, as well as the use of various weapons, leading to injuries. This depiction of violence is significant within the action-oriented narrative.

  • Does The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two) have scary content?

    While the book contains action and some intense moments, there is no genuinely frightening content that would cause fear or distress. The tone remains adventurous and suitable for its target audience.

  • Does The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two) have religious themes?

    The story incorporates elements of Greco-Roman mythology, with Apollo, a Greek god, as the narrator. This includes references to various mythological themes and characters, showcasing a blend of ancient mythology with modern storytelling.

  • Does The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two) have racial/cultural content?

    The book features a diverse cast of characters, but race is not a central theme or plot element. The narrative includes characters of various backgrounds without focusing on racial issues.

  • Does The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two) have profanity?

    The characters occasionally use mild profanities and substitute curse words with names of Greek gods and places. This includes phrases like 'what the Hades' and some name-calling, which is typical for the tone of the series.

  • Does The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two) have climate change?

    There are no themes related to climate activism or environmentalism present in the book. The narrative focuses primarily on mythology and character development.

  • Does The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two) have sexual identity?

    The narrative explores Apollo's bisexuality, including his attractions to both male and female characters. This aspect of his character is woven into the plot and contributes to the development of relationships within the story.

  • Does The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two) have gender roles?

    The book normalizes LGBTQ+ identities and presents a variety of relationships without traditional gender expectations. Apollo's bisexuality is integrated into the story without stigma, promoting a modern view of gender and sexuality.

  • Does The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, Book Two) have lgbtq+ themes?

    The book features several LGBTQ+ characters, including Emmie and Jo, who are both lesbians, and Apollo, who is bisexual. The narrative normalizes these identities without drawing excessive attention to them, presenting a diverse representation of sexuality.