We know you’re all chomping at the bit for the third adventure in the Trials of Apollo series, The Burning Maze. Well, this morning Entertainment Weekly revealed the cover and gave us an excerpt, along with an exclusive Q&A with Uncle Rick. Here are some things we learned.

1. The cover is AMAZING.

Spooky branches, ominous wings, scary talons, and is that a light at the end of the tunnel, or a fire? Oh right, it’s a maze. A BURNING MAZE.

2. Lester is as crabby as ever.

And with good reason. How would you feel if you were the god Apollo stuck in the body of some kid named Lester Papadopoulos, being bossed around by pushy demigod Meg McCaffrey?

3. The first chapter has us itching for more.

We have so many questions. When do we catch up with Leo? Will Meg use her golden scimitars? Will Lester get his cronuts?

4. There is impromptu gardening.

And it is delightful. Trust us on this one.

5. The book wastes NO time.

We’re always so stunned at how quickly he throws us into the action. I mean, when Lester and company are through the Labyrinth, being chased by. . . You know what?

Pre-order your very own copy of The Burning Maze here.