Clearly part of a long series, this book requires more context than the amount we arrived with, and doesn't quite deliver a self-contained punchline. Also, its incorporation of gods felt a bit like fan service to the Edith Hamilton + Star Trek fanboy contingent. That said, for a read aloud for the purpose of hearing a voice, it worked extremely well, and we will probably start on the first book next and work our way through in order. (On a side note, I was impressed by the forward-thinking nature of the plot and characters given the publication date. Maybe I just underestimate the past. Or maybe I want to think the best of the motivations of the 1990s giver of this book.)

Would not recommend starting here, but it felt like a solid installation in one of those series that is designed to speak to fans' need for installations in their addiction. ( )