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 told 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 any 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 her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wishes 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.
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 told 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 any 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 her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wishes 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.
Audiobook
Full-length novel
Alternating first person: Percy, Frank and Hazel.
Technically no. You don't need to have read book one to follow this as it's set with different characters at a different camp BUT I'd definitely read/listen to the first book of the series before this.
No, the overarching adventure is just beginning but this book wraps up it's own little arc.
Mild, fantasy, violence.
OMG! I loved this!
Seriously loved. All the loves.
I loved The Lost Hero (book one in this series) but no matter how much I loved it, it was missing the person I loved most in Riordan's world: Percy.
Percy is freaking awesome.
I've loved his character since reading The Lightning Thief and my love of him has grown book on book. He is one awesome demi-god and seeing him grow into the kick-ass, smart-ass, fierce, loyal and downright wonderful guy he has become has been an absolute joy.
I knew he'd make a splash - no pun intended - when he was thrown into the world of Roman demi-gods and I was right! Percy may not have much in the way of his memories but he's still 100% Percy.
From the opening scenes through to the end, The Son of Neptune is a fast-paced ride of Percy demi-god greatness.
But it is more! So much more!
For this isn't just the Percy show. Oh no, you get to meet Hazel and Frank too!
Plus, Camp Jupiter! You get to meet the Romans!
And Ella! Ella the harpy made me laugh more than any sane person should every time she appeared.
Anyway...
Hazel is a daughter of Pluto.
She's strong, steady, and level-headed. She has a heart-breaking past and a fierce yearning to right a wrong and just live her life. Learning her backstory and getting to know her was an absolute pleasure.
Frank is a son of Mars.
However, he's the most unlikely son of Mars there is! He's not angry, aggressive or warlike. He's slightly bumbling, sweet, and self-conscious but with a brilliant grasp of battle tactics and a host of hidden talents that he has to learn and master throughout the story.
Frank's past was another one that broke my heart... That seems to be a theme with this new batch of heroes: Tragedy.
The dynamic between the three of them was fantastic and I think questing with Percy really brought out the absolute best in Hazel and Frank.
Their journey was amazing. The ending breath-taking.
I seriously am about to expire with excitement for book three - The Mark of Athena - as we finally get to see the two groups of demi-gods unite and the Prophecy of The Seven really take off!
For the first time in a very long time, I like the US version of the cover much better than the UK one.
It actually captures a key point of the story.
“Life is only precious because it ends, kid. Take it from a god. You mortals don't know how lucky you are."
💬
“Because I know you, Percy Jackson. In many ways, you are impulsive, but when it comes to your friends, you are as constant as a compass needle. You are unswervingly loyal, and you inspire loyalty. You are the glue that will unite the seven.”
💬
“Death has more in common with Love than you might imagine.”
💬
“Nobody welcomes a war - not if they're smart. But war finds everyone sooner or later. It's inevitable.”
I've never felt led to pick up anything by Riordan but I have several friends who inhale everything he writes. I'm glad this one was such a total hit for you! :)
ReplyDeleteThey're so addictive!
Delete*squeals* YASSS!!! This series was so much fun after finishing the PJO series!!
ReplyDelete*high five & happy dancing*
DeleteI haven't read this author but this sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThey're very different from my usual book fayre but I LOVE them!
DeleteI need to catch up with these. I read the original series but not all the spin offs.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
They're amazing! In so many ways, even better than PJO.
DeleteWow, a perfect 5 star read! Haven't read anything from Riordan for quite a while now. My, I think I need to start reading again soon hehe. Awesome review ;)
ReplyDeletexx
Vanessa
www.blushinggeek.com
Definitely!
DeleteI LOVE Rick Riordan books!
ReplyDelete*high five!*
DeleteThe Percy Jackson series looks like a fun series! I can tell you love these books! I'm glad you enjoyed The Son of Neptune, despite Percy not being completely Percy. All of these characters sound wonderful. Especially, Percy of course, and Hazel and Frank. Great Review Nicci!
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
I have not read this author. Awesome it was a hit for you and Percy was in it.
ReplyDeleteHe's a great writer.
Delete