Three months after their harrowing journey through Tartarus in “The Sun and The Star,” demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace return in Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro’s “The Court of the Dead”, published September 23, 2025. This time, the couple travels to Camp Jupiter to help Nico’s half-sister, Hazel Lavesque, assist a group of monsters in assimilating into the Roman demigod camp. However, eerie disappearances and unsettling visions turn their visit into a chilling mystery.
For those unfamiliar with Riordan’s sprawling mythological universe, Nico, son of Hades, has long struggled with grief and a sense of belonging. Will, son of Apollo, embodies warmth and light—his compassion steadies Nico’s darkness. Hazel, daughter of Pluto, is a brave, kind leader burdened by her own complex past. Together, the three anchor the story in an emotional tug-of-war between life and death, hope and despair.
When Nico and Will arrive at Camp Jupiter, they’re greeted not by celebration but by chaos. A group of reformed monsters, now calling themselves “mythics,” has sought refuge at the Roman demigod camp. Inspired by Nico and Will’s journey in Tartarus, these creatures hope to change, to live peacefully rather than embrace their destructive nature. But soon, the mythics begin vanishing. Whispers spread of a vengeful “Court of the Dead,” a mysterious force punishing any monster that dares to break free from its purpose.
As the mystery unfolds, Nico, Will, and Hazel discover that the Court’s leader—a bitter soul trapped in the Fields of Asphodel—has a far more dangerous plan. Convinced that Hades’ judgments are flawed, he intends to overthrow the god of the Underworld and seize control himself. What follows is a tense, supernatural race to stop him.
“The Court of the Dead” earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars rating. The book’s spooky atmosphere is one of its biggest strengths. The disappearances, eerie visions, and encounters with restless spirits create a chilling sense of tension that lingers even during Riordan’s trademark bursts of humor. This installment has a darker vibe than previous entries, adding shadows and suspense without losing the warmth and excitement that fans expect.
That warmth comes from the characters. Nico and Will’s relationship continues to shine with tenderness and humor, offering moments of relief amidst darkness. Hazel’s bond with Nico adds another emotional layer; the two siblings share a quiet understanding of loss that feels deeply human. A standout addition is Savannah, a grieving girl Nico meets at the camp. Through helping her heal, Nico confronts his own trauma, showing just how far he’s come since his early days as the lonely son of Hades.
Thematically, “The Court of the Dead” explores mature topics such as grief, redemption, and the courage to change—subjects that aren’t always central in Riordan’s earlier books. The mythics represent the misunderstood and marginalized, challenging the idea that anyone—or anything—is purely good or evil. The story’s message is simple but powerful: change is possible, even for those thought to be beyond saving.
Still, the novel isn’t flawless. Riordan’s trademark humor and mythological creativity remain intact, but the writing feels less sharp than in his earlier series, like “The Heroes of Olympus”. While “The Court of the Dead” is clearly aimed at younger readers—similar to his other series, “Percy Jackson” and “Heroes of Olympus”—it leans more juvenile and sometimes cringeworthy than even his previous books, which managed to balance accessibility with wit and edge. This softening may be partly due to the addition of co-author Mark Oshiro, a bestselling author and prominent voice in LGBTQ+ young adult literature, who collaborates with Riordan to bring an authentic LGBTQ+ perspective, emotional depth, and a distinct storytelling voice to Nico di Angelo’s gay and Will Solace’s bisexual journey. However, a similar lack of maturity is also evident in Riordan’s other recent solo titles. Despite these flaws, the story’s emotional resonance remains strong, particularly in scenes of love, loss, and forgiveness.
By the climactic finale, as Nico and his friends race to prevent a divine overthrow, “The Court of the Dead” hits its stride. It’s both spooky and heartfelt, weaving myth with meaning in a way that feels nostalgic yet fresh.
Ultimately, the book demonstrates that even after a decade, Riordan can still surprise readers. It may not have the same edge as his early works, but it offers something different—a story about healing, empathy, and the light that can grow even in the darkest corners of the Underworld.
