Title: The Son of Neptune, The Heroes of Olympus Book Two
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy-Adventure
Synopsis: Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa tol him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth
Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over he mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.
Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.
Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven. (from Goodreads)
Why did I pick it up?: I am a fan of Greek and Roman mythology and I love Percy Jackson. I devour Riordan's books like they were blue chocolate chip cookies.
Favorite Line: "Then Frank and Percy burst into the open and began to massacre every source of fiber they could find."
My Review: First, can I just say how much I missed Percy? The first book of this series, The Lost Hero, follows Jason Grace at Camp Half-Blood. While the camp and most of the characters are familiar in The Lost Hero, I kept waiting for my favorite demigod to show up. Finally, in The Son of Neptune, he does. Only now he is at the Roman, Camp Jupiter.
At the beginning of the book, Percy has no memory of his life except that he is a demigod. He battles gorgons as he works his way to Camp Jupiter where he befriends Hazel and Frank. Both of whom have their own secret histories. This book seemed to have a lot more popular culture references. I think that is because of Hazel, who was born 70 years ago and is amazed at all the technology. Seriously though how can you not love that the Amazon warriors are the ones who run Amazon.com? It's so simple it's genius.
The book was a fast, fun read as all Riordan's books are. The ending surprised me with some twists which I did not see coming, Then it ended with a cliffhanger. Now I have to wait a year to get the next installment, The Mark of Athena, which I imagine has Annabeth as a main pov character. Can't wait!
Recommendation: This book is really for those who have read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and The Lost Hero. Riordan explains enough of the back story that it could be read as a stand alone, but it would not be as entertaining.
Next Week: The Magician King by Lev Grossman
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