Critique and Suggestions for Rick Riordan's Series: A Detailed Analysis

Rick Riordan's writing has captured the hearts of many with his engaging and imaginative series, such as Percy Jackson, The Heroes of Olympus, and the Trials of Apollo. However, despite the enchantment these stories bring, there are certain aspects that leave room for improvement and offer valuable insights for future writers and authors.

Impersonal Hero Endings

One of the recurring criticisms of Rick Riordan's series, particularly in The Lightning Thief and The Titan's Curse, is that key heroes, most notably Percy Jackson, do not fulfill their destiny or the prophecy as expected. Percy, as the protagonist, often finds himself outside of the main plot in the third book of each series, feeling somewhat left out. This is evidenced in The Titan's Curse, where Percy does not play a significant role in the conflict and thus, does not live up to his status as the hero of the first book. While the twist in the first series where the prophecy does not come true for Percy was a surprise and recognized his bravery, it doesn't completely satisfy readers who were looking for a more central narrative role for Percy in the concluding chapters.

Plot Holes and Discrepancies

Another common critique is the presence of plot holes, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. One example is the inconsistency between what Hera/Juno warns Jason in the Lost Hero and the resolution in The Burning Maze. Hera warns Jason that Medea will kill him, yet in the third book, it is Caligula who ends Jason's life. For the narrative to remain consistent, it would have made more sense if Medea had played a critical role, aligning with her deeply rooted hatred of Jason. Furthermore, the development of Jason and Piper's relationship, drawing parallels to Jason and Medea, was lost in the subsequent books. While the readers could anticipate the outcome based on Argonautica, the execution in Rick Riordan's series lacks the depth expected from such a comparison.

Character Portrayals and Inconsistencies

The portrayal of certain characters, such as Piper McLean, has also been a subject of criticism. Piper, while Cherokee, is often stereotypically depicted in a way that detracts from her character's depth. Her name is derived from her grandfather due to her strong voice and the expectation that she would learn to sing Cherokee songs. However, her connection to snakes, a key aspect of her cultural heritage, remains underrepresented. She is introduced to the Snake King ruler of Athens, but she never sings any Cherokee songs, and her role in these interactions is limited. Additionally, her charmspeak ability, often seen as a powerful and unique trait, seems exaggerated and impractical, especially since it is said to be ineffective against gods and immortal beings, yet something as mundane as shouting at Earth proves effective.

Faster Character Development vs. Training and Progress

Characters in Riordan's series, such as Piper, Hazel Levesque, and Hazel's curse, exhibit rapid improvement in their abilities. Piper, for instance, quickly gains proficiency in sword fighting with little to no initial training, which is inconsistent with the expected progress of a character in a fantasy setting. Hazel, though revered for her musical abilities, does not seem to be trained as much as expected for a character who should be a skilled warrior. This inconsistency can disrupt the reader's suspension of disbelief and may leave the narrative feeling rushed and unearned.

Conclusion

Rick Riordan's works are undoubtedly imaginative and entertaining, providing a rich tapestry of Greek and Roman mythology through the lens of modern pop culture. However, the presence of plot holes, inconsistencies in character development, and the distant hero endings can be improved upon. Future works in the genre, particularly those by subsequent authors, can benefit from a more thorough and consistent storyline, deeper character development, and more significant roles for protagonists. These improvements would not only enhance the overall reading experience but also provide a richer, more engaging narrative for readers.