The Sun and the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure

Gr 3-7–This exciting standalone fantasy adventure features Nico di Angelo, son of Hades, and his boyfriend Will Solace, son of Apollo. In The Tower of Nero, the final book of “The Trials of Apollo” series, Bob the Titian sacrificed himself to save several demigods. Since then, Nico’s been hearing Bob’s voice from the Underworld begging for his help. In this book, Nico’s determined to rescue him. Despite Nico’s worry for Will’s safety, he accompanies Nico on this dangerous quest to Nico’s home and source of his pain. As an exhausted Nico and injured Will are in Tartarus telling old nymph Gorgyra their stories in exchange for her help, flashbacks from both of their points of view describe the obstacles they’ve encountered so far. Constantly beset by disturbing nightmares, Nico and Will struggle to not let the Underworld overwhelm them or make them doubt themselves or each other. Chapters end on cliffhangers as Nico and Will try to defeat Nyx, a primordial goddess of darkness, and her monster children, who are trying to prevent them from freeing Bob. Amid the grimness, there’s lightness and humorous banter, as Will calls Nico “My grumpy little ball of darkness” and Nico calls Will his “Night Light” because he glows in the dark. Besides Nico and Will, there’s other LGBTQIA+ and diverse representation in the supporting cast.