The Sun and The Star, co-written by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, is not just another installment in the Percy Jackson universe. It's something more profound: a heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and growth through the lens of two beloved characters—Nico di Angelo and Will Solace. As a long-time fan of the Riordanverse, I can confidently say that this book has quickly become my favorite in the entire series. But beyond just the story itself, The Sun and The Star represents a huge moment in terms of queer representation, not only in Rick Riordan's work but in young adult fantasy literature as a whole.
A Heartfelt Exploration of Nico and Will
For fans of the Percy Jackson books, Nico di Angelo and Will Solace are familiar faces. Nico, the son of Hades, has always been a character marked by his isolation and darkness. Will, the son of Apollo, is a beacon of warmth and light. Their relationship, which blossomed over the course of The Trials of Apollo series, was always a slow burn—a tender development that hinted at something more without fully diving into it. The Sun and The Star changes that. It’s their story, fully realized, where Nico and Will finally take center stage, navigating both their growing feelings for each other and their personal struggles. But what makes this book stand out, and what resonated with me the most, is how authentically it captures the complexities of their relationship, particularly through the lens of their queer identities.
A Queer Experience That Feels Authentic
One of the book's most significant strengths lies in its exploration of Nico and Will's relationship through a lens that feels fresh, honest, and deeply real. This is due in large part to Rick Riordan's decision to partner with queer writer Mark Oshiro, whose experience and expertise in writing queer narratives breathe life into the portrayal of Nico and Will's relationship. Nico and Will’s romance is not just a plot point or a token inclusion. It’s a central focus of the story, and it’s handled with the care, nuance, and respect that queer representation deserves. As someone who has followed Nico’s journey since his first appearance in The Titan’s Curse, seeing his story unfold in a way that reflects his internal struggles and eventual acceptance of his love for Will is incredibly moving. It’s rare to see a character like Nico, who has dealt with so much pain and isolation, experience such a tender, honest relationship. Will, on the other hand, brings light to Nico’s darkness, helping him to open up and heal, not just emotionally but also in understanding his own identity. The emotional depth of their bond is captured in a way that feels true to life, reflecting the complexities of growing up queer, dealing with feelings of shame or doubt, and ultimately finding acceptance, both from others and from within. The book shows us the vulnerabilities and struggles of being a queer person, particularly in a world that’s not always kind or understanding, but it also shows the power of love, acceptance, and community.
A Personal Connection: Jake Mason’s Queer Identity
As someone who is deeply involved in the Riordanverse fandom, particularly through cosplay, The Sun and The Star spoke to me in ways that I wasn’t expecting. I’ve long been an active cosplayer of Jake Mason, the former head counselor of Cabin 9 (Hephaestus) at Camp Half-Blood, who, in this book, is revealed to be queer. As one of the few, if not the only, cosplayers who has taken on the role of Jake Mason, this was a revelation that resonated deeply with me. Jake has always been an interesting, somewhat underexplored character in the Riordanverse. His inclusion in The Sun and The Star as a queer character felt like a validation of something I had already sensed in my own portrayal of him. As a cosplayer, I’ve always seen Jake as someone who could have a more complex, layered identity than the books initially suggested. The revelation of his queerness in this story added a rich, meaningful dimension to his character, one that not only enhanced my connection to him but also reinforced the idea that everyone in the Riordanverse has a place in the queer spectrum. Jake’s quiet, understated journey to embracing his own queerness feels like a mirror to the larger themes of the book: the importance of seeing yourself reflected in the stories you love and knowing that no matter how small or overlooked you might seem, your identity is valid. This moment—this small but powerful nod to queer representation—was not just an Easter egg for long-time fans but a statement of inclusivity and growth in the Riordanverse.
Nico and Will’s Romantic Journey: The Picnic Gone Wild
One of the most delightful surprises of The Sun and The Star was the way Nico, the normally reserved and brooding character, takes the initiative in his relationship with Will. I absolutely loved finding out that Nico was the one who asked Will out. The moment was such a beautiful subversion of the usual dynamics we see in stories, where it’s often the "sunshine" character who makes the first move. Nico, in his own shy and earnest way, decides to take the plunge—and he does it in the most Nico way possible. And then, of course, there’s the hilariously chaotic aftermath of Nico’s attempt to plan a private picnic for the two of them. In true demigod fashion, things quickly spiral out of control, turning what was supposed to be a quiet, intimate moment into a full-fledged party complete with Camp Half-Blood’s typical pandemonium. The miscommunication is not only funny but also feels so true to who Nico and Will are as people: Nico’s awkwardness, Will’s desire to help, and the inevitable way their personalities clash in the best possible way. The entire situation—Nico’s earnest attempt to plan something special only for it to get wildly out of hand—adds a layer of charm to their relationship. It’s messy, imperfect, and totally endearing. For me, this moment encapsulated the joy of their love story: it’s not always perfect, but it’s genuine, fun, and full of heart. It’s a perfect reflection of how Nico and Will’s dynamic has always been about balance: Will’s brightness helping Nico emerge from his darkness, and Nico’s thoughtful, sometimes awkward nature grounding Will’s more spontaneous tendencies.
A Reckoning With Rick Riordan's Past Shortcomings
It's impossible to talk about the positive steps forward in The Sun and The Star without acknowledging Rick Riordan's past missteps in queer representation—and the importance of addressing these issues head-on. While Rick has been an outspoken ally for many marginalized communities, there have been moments in his past works that have sparked valid criticism, particularly regarding the portrayal of queer characters. Nico's forced outing by Cupid in The Heroes of Olympus, for example, was a deeply troubling moment. It reflected an unfortunate pattern of queer characters being forced out of the closet in a way that felt more like a plot device than a respectful part of their journey. Additionally, the Magnus Chase series, with its portrayal of Alex Fierro as a gender-fluid character, while groundbreaking, also included some moments of poor or even triggering representation that didn’t feel fully fleshed out or sensitive to the complexities of gender identity. In light of this history, Rick's decision to collaborate with Mark Oshiro on The Sun and The Star was, in my opinion, one of the best decisions he’s ever made. Mark, a queer writer with a deep understanding of the nuances and intricacies of queer identity, brought an authenticity to this book that had been lacking in previous works. The portrayal of Nico and Will’s relationship—and, by extension, their personal queer journeys—feels thoughtful, respectful, and, most importantly, real. It’s worth noting that Rick’s response to the backlash over his past shortcomings wasn’t always perfect. At times, his attempts to explain himself were clumsy, and his initial responses to criticism sometimes felt defensive or lacking in the kind of self-reflection necessary to truly grow. But as a queer individual myself, I can appreciate his efforts to learn from his mistakes and make real strides in doing better. His willingness to address these issues, to partner with Mark, and to create a narrative that centers on the love story of two queer characters feels like a direct acknowledgment of past missteps and a sincere attempt to improve. As readers, we know that no one is perfect. Rick has made mistakes, but the difference between a person who is truly committed to growth and one who isn’t is how they respond to those mistakes. Rick has shown that he is willing to evolve, and in doing so, he has given us a queer love story that feels authentic, empowering, and worthy of celebration.
An Immersive and Captivating Adventure
Beyond the love story, The Sun and The Star remains a thrilling adventure. The stakes are high, with Nico and Will embarking on a quest to save the world while facing personal demons, both literal and figurative. The narrative balances the larger-than-life adventure with the quieter, more intimate moments between the characters, making for a story that’s both epic and deeply personal. The world-building and mythology are, as always, a highlight in Rick Riordan’s work. But in this book, the mythological elements also serve as a backdrop to Nico and Will’s personal journey. As the two of them navigate challenges, both external and internal, their relationship is tested in ways that force them to confront their own fears and desires. It’s also worth noting that the story is not just about Nico and Will’s romantic relationship. It’s about their individual growth as people. Nico, who has often struggled with his place in the world, especially as a queer person, finds peace in his relationship with Will but also in learning to be true to himself. Will, who has always been the sunshine to Nico’s storm, faces his own emotional struggles, realizing that it’s okay to not always be “the hero” and that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
Final Thoughts: A Story That Will Stay With You
Ultimately, The Sun and The Star is a book that transcends the Riordanverse for me. While I’ve enjoyed many of the books in this universe, this one holds a special place in my heart. It’s a beautiful, emotionally rich story that captures the essence of what it means to love, to grow, and to find your place in the world. It’s a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong or struggled with their own identity—whether that’s in a queer context or otherwise. The partnership between Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro is a brilliant one, bringing new layers of depth and authenticity to a beloved world. The Sun and The Star is not just a queer romance. It’s a story about bravery, acceptance, and the power of love, and it’s a story that, for me, will be hard to top in the Riordanverse. I’m grateful for this book, for the characters, and for the steps Rick is taking to ensure that queer readers are seen, heard, and celebrated.