Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/17/2023 Gr 5 Up—Percy Jackson has made it to senior year in high school, a feat for a demigod. Things are looking pretty good with his mom happy with Paul, he and Annabeth together, and going to go off to college at New Rome University next year. Well, perhaps it's not so easy because of course, the gods cannot leave him alone, and after a very uncomfortable meeting with his school counselor/Poseidon's lackey Eudora, Percy is told he cannot go to college without three recommendations from gods. How does one get said recommendations? By going on quests, of course! Without a break to breathe, Percy runs into Ganyamede on the Subway and suddenly has the quest of finding the chalice used to serve the gods in Olympus. With the trio of Annabeth, Grover, and Percy back together, they travel through the ages into Brooklyn and run into a few problems. With the expected sarcastic narration and high adventure, Riordan continues this series while still making it relatable (who doesn't dread asking people for recommendation letters?). While anyone who knows the premise of the "Percy Jackson" series can follow this book, it is much better to read the first five in order to fully understand the characters. The one drawback of this story is that while its appeal spans ages, the writing style didn't mature with Percy. Some teens might find it simplistic if they want to continue the series they loved at younger ages; but it does make it accessible to current middle grade readers. VERDICT Recommended highly for all collections; readers will want to get their hands on the newest installment in this eternally popular series.—Clare A. Dombrowski - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.