Great Riddles from the Hobbit

So in keeping with The Hobbit theme that I've really started to enjoy lately. I stumbled across the official site for the movie. Remember that amazing scene in the book where Gollum and Bilbo have the riddle competition, they've put up those riddles and there's also few user submitted riddles on the site. So check it out if you want; but I've selected a few of the better ones for you here.

Imagine having to answer riddles asked by Gollum

Riddles from the book: The Hobbit 
1) What has roots as nobody sees, 
    Is taller than trees
   Up, up it goes,
   And yet never grows?

2) Thirty white horses on a red hill,
    First the champ,
    Then they stamp,
    Then they stand still

3) Voiceless it cries,
     Wingless flutters,
     Toothless bites,
     Mouthless mutters

4) It cannot be seen, cannot be felt
    Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt.
    It lies behind stars and under hills, 
    And empty holes it fills.
    It comes first and follows after,
    Ends life, kills laughter.

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien book review

An unexpected hero quests to recover stolen treasure guarded by a ferocious dragon whilst undergoing dramatic self discovery during an epic adventure; getting more difficult as the hero progresses further from home. This brief synopsis might sound so predictable to us in the modern world, but told by the pen of Tolkien, who has influenced modern fantasy so remarkably that his basic plot structure present in the Hobbit has become the go-to for many subsequent works.

Why did I decide to write about the Hobbit:
Well unless you've been living in Hobbiton, in a hobbit hole then you should know that The Hobbit (published in 1937) has been released as a movie! My anticipation to see it has reached fever pitch and thus, I have decided to use some of that inspiration to wright this review. If you are new to Tolkien's fantasy world, The Hobbit is perhaps the ideal place to start as it introduces many aspects as well as some background to the Lord of the Rings series that will follow. Tolkien wrote this book for his children and it is therefore an easy read for younger children while also showing of its literary genius for adults.

Alright, to the book itself:
The book starts in a village where a race of people, known as hobbits, small in height, with hairy feet and no beard dwell. They don't welcome adventure and prefer the solidity and comfort of their community. Anyway, one hobbit, Bilbo Baggins is visited by Gandalf, a wizard, who seeks 'someone to share in an adventure with'. Bilbo is unwilling to get involved in an adventure of any sort (since adventures make one late for dinner).

The Mark of Athena review

The Mark of Athena is the 3rd book in the 'Heroes of Olympus' series and is Rick Riordan's 8th book that chronicles the adventures of demigod teens descended from either Greek or Roman gods. Riordan's projection of mythology into his quirky, amiable characters have been a major characteristic in all his novels.

Like the previous two books in the Heroes of Olympus, the Mark of Athena is written in alternating 3rd person narrative, giving the reader a view of each character's thoughts on different situations.

US cover

Summary: (don't worry, hardly any spoilers)
The prophecy:

Wisdom's daughter walks alone,
The Mark of Athena burns through Rome.
Twins snuff out the angels breath,
Who holds the key to endless death.
Giants bane stands gold and pale,
Won through pain from a woven jail.


Like all Riordan's books, the central plot focuses on the character's trying to fulfill a prophecy to save the world. In this book, seven powerful demigods team up to stop the resurrection of the evil titan, Gaia.

Perhaps for many, Percy and Annabeth's reunion is a major event and subsequently their relationship and feelings towards each other is shown continuously by both characters. When the two camps, the Greek Camp Half-Blood and the Roman Camp Jupiter meet, things don't go according to plan. As was foreshadowed extensively by Riordan's constant reminder that Greeks and Romans do not get along.

Subsequently, the greek-demigods Annabeth, Percy, Leo and Piper team up with the roman demigods, Jason, Frank and Hazel. Percy and Jason have knowledge of both camps as was detailed in the previous two books.

Annabeth is perhaps the most centralised character in this book as it is her path alone to fulfill the task given to her by her mother, Athena, to follow the Mark of Athena and restore Athena's pride.

My Rating: 6.5/10

UK cover

Since I have read all Riordan's previous books and have grown up with his writing, I can notice the apparent similarities present in all his work. It is indeed getting a tad repetitive and I would enjoy a change up in basic plot structure. Riordan should remember that the children that read his first few books have grown up over the years and he should perhaps in turn, write in a more developed manner.

Personally, I got the feeling while reading this books that it has become very commercialised and that publisher might be trying to milk an extremely profitable series. The character's dialogue felt very forced and grossly cliched. Considering how many pages are in the book, I was disappointed that the plot only progressed as far as Rome.

Overall, Riordan's writing is above average, easy to read and enjoyable. This books saving grace is its amiable characters and Riordan's fantastic ability to introduce ancient mythology to a young generation. A definite must read if you've read the Percy Jackson series or you are looking for a light holiday read.