Which demigods would you like to see more?
"The Dark Prophecy", the second book in "The Trials of Apollo" series, will be out on May 2, 2017. Expect recurring characters from the "Percy Jackson & the Olympians" and "The Heroes of Olympus". Rick Riordan had introduced too many demigods, some of whom the readers won't recall anymore. But they could describe their favorite chapter or two. It would involve a particular demigod.
Some demigods would make fine supporting players to Apollo's melodrama while some gods are indispensable to their children. Let's try to imagine their part in the series:
Thalia Grace. She joined the hunters of Artemis, which saved her from the doomed prophecy (involving a certain demigod). And Riordan didn't write about her anymore. She was the one who deserved more pages, as she was the daughter of Zeus. And Apollo would have conflicting feelings towards her. It was Zeus who punished the god of the sun (by turning him into a mortal), but Artemis happened to be his twin sister. It would be a testy relationship, which may turn into an amusing banter. Readers would be reminded of Carter and Sadie.
Clarisse La Rue. The daughter of Ares made a bad impression on "The Sea of Monsters", but Apollo would fancy her. Although Apollo beat Ares in a boxing match, the two could get along. (They could be vengeful deities.) Some might not like Clarisse's assertive nature, which would define the children of Ares. But they could warm to anyone. Ask Percy.
Reyna Avila RamÃrez-Arellano. Apollo could tease her about her lack of suitor. And he might end up falling for her. It seemed to be a preposterous idea but think again. Reyna is the younger sister of Hylla, the current queen of the Amazons. Past queens included Penthesilea and Hippolyta. They were daughters of Ares. Moreover, the daughter of Bellona could help Apollo in his quest to unmask the identity of the evil triumvirate, which was led by Nero. This praetor knew too well.
Jason Grace. If Thalia would tear Apollo's feelings, then Jason would turn the god of sun into an angry bird. (Pun intended.) He's the son of Jupiter, and Apollo doesn't see any difference at all. The succeeding books would see Apollo traveling to the West Coast, as he searches for the other oracles. And it won't be impossible to see Jason as a member of his (ragtag) team. He's the other praetor at Camp Jupiter, who could be included in that other grim prophecy. Readers will learn the details in the next book.
Demeter. She made a brief appearance in "The Last Olympian", and not a few readers would suspect that she might be a major character in "The Trials of Apollo". After all, she's the mother of Meg McCaffrey. And Apollo and Meg have unfinished business.
As for the villains, it might take some time. Not one is less memorable than the other. Python and Apollo will face each other. One more time. But the god of sun has lots of misadventures (and near deaths) to deal with. How will he react to Hades' Undead Army? It won't be an issue if Nico is around. He might find himself in the labyrinth again, where he'll witness the wrath of the Sphinx. (She couldn't get over a test, where she got a failing mark.) And he could encounter Meg in the company of the karpoi. Exciting, isn't it? Have to wait for next spring, though.
