The Trials of Apollo #3: The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan

My name is Apollo, and the Burning Maze is destroying the lands all across California. Of course, my quest will require this flabby human body of mine (thanks Zeus!) to enter the maze in order to free one of my oracles. A vision told me the rescue is a trap set by Caligula, and he wants to capture what's left of my godly powers to become the new sun god. Not gonna happen! Meg and I have been joined by Grover, Piper, and Jason, but I know our success will depend on my bravery and sacrifice. The path through the underground Burning Maze can only be found by stealing Caligula's special shoes. Unfortunately, his fleet of yachts is being guarded by an army of mercenaries and magical creatures. And, a prophecy has foretold that one of us will die during the mission.

I recommend you read the previous books in the series, although it's not necessary to enjoy The Burning Maze. It features the same exciting adventures and action found in Riordan's other books. The premise established in book one of the series is that Apollo is being punished by Zeus who has changed him into a pimply-faced teenage boy. Apollo doesn't have any godly powers except for a magical ukulele. He doesn't complain about his situation as much this time and starts to appreciate the lives of humans. Meg is a wonderful character, as her insecurities blend with her anger and amazing fighting skills. In a twist of circumstances, she is Apollo's boss and can force him to obey any of her orders. They've become close companions, but their interactions are still amusing. Apollo's comments supply most of the book's humor and are a highlight of its entertainment. However, the plot includes some sadness, as a major character doesn't survive the dangerous events. This adds to Apollo's empathy for others, and he promises to remember his time as a human when (if?) he becomes a god again. The book ends with Apollo and Meg heading off on the next quest found in book four.