The Chalice of the Gods – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Chalice of the Gods

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2023

91%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Percy Jackson is back, and this time the monster he’s fighting is the college admissions process. Relatable.

The Chalice of the Gods

book

2023

91%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Percy Jackson is back, and this time the monster he’s fighting is the college admissions process. Relatable.

4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is pure comfort food for readers. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel or save the entire world from a Titan—it’s just a fun, well-paced story about a kid trying to graduate high school while doing favors for difficult gods.

It’s safe, funny, and keeps the mythology interesting without feeling like a textbook. Some might call it a bit of a victory lap for Riordan, but when the writing is this snappy and the characters are this well-loved, who cares? If your kid liked the original series, this is a total no-brainer.

Age Fit

This is the sweet spot for 9 to 14-year-olds, but since it's a nostalgia trip for the original generation of fans, don't be surprised if your college-aged kid wants to read it too.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The core of the book is the rock-solid friendship between Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. It models loyalty and cooperation without being preachy, and the 'cruelty-free' approach to some quests keeps the tone light and emotionally healthy.

Imaginative

Riordan’s signature move of blending ancient Greek myths with mundane modern life (like Ganymede losing his cup) remains clever. It’s familiar territory for fans, but the execution of demigods navigating high school senior year is a fun twist.

Safe

Extremely safe for its target audience. The stakes are lower than the previous world-ending series, and reviews specifically note that many monsters aren't even killed, making it a gentler read than some earlier installments.

Enriching

Beyond the Greek mythology lessons, the book deals with the anxiety of major life transitions—specifically the jump from high school to college—and the importance of staying true to oneself under pressure.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The original trio (Percy, Annabeth, Grover) is back together, and their chemistry is as snappy as ever.
It’s a 'low stakes' adventure—perfect for a kid who wants a fun read without the stress of a global apocalypse.
Riordan’s sarcasm is in top form, making it genuinely funny for both kids and the parents who might be reading along.
It makes classical mythology feel relevant and accessible rather than like a dusty history lesson.

⚠

What to Watch For

Classic Percy sass—if your kid starts giving you witty backtalk, you know where they got it.
Mild fantasy peril, though it's significantly toned down compared to the 'Heroes of Olympus' series.

Conversation Starters

"If you had to get a recommendation letter from a Greek god, who would you ask and why?"
"Percy is choosing a 'normal' life over being a hero. Do you think that’s a smart move or a waste of his powers?"
"How does the friendship between Percy, Annabeth, and Grover change as they get older?"
"Which of the three tasks in the book sounded the most annoying to do in real life?"

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