Source: Purchased.
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.
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 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.
My Thoughts:
This is a really fun second book in the Heroes of Olympus series. It is true to Riordan's style of fun, mystery and adventure with humour and mythology. I read it to my son and he was riveted, often laughing so hard we had to stop and re-read parts.
Like the last book in this series, there's both Greek and Roman mythology. I love how Riordan incorporates both, staying true to the spirit of each.
And Percy Jackson fans will be happy to have Percy back. It is great to see him again, but I like how he shares the spotlight with Hazel and Frank, kids from Camp Jupiter, the Roman demigod camp. They are great additions, they have complications of their own, but this only makes us feel for them even more.
There are also some great tensions set up between some of the characters and not all of the mysteries are solved, leaving the way for the rest of the series. I know when we finished, my son made me look up when the next book is coming out - he can hardly wait until the fall.
These are such great books for kids, they hit on so many of the things they like wacky funny parts, suspenseful adventure, and they are true to ancient mythology while being relevant and fresh. They are also challenging and engaging enough for younger readers and entertaining enough for older readers.
How to find out more:
Author's Website
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I agree, this book is a great way to entertain yourself. It makes you want to read the next book because, who knows what's next unless you read the next book. I love how he makes the gods into Roman gods. Now they all have names for people to learn.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was really neat when Percy forgot everything, except for Annabeth. I also thought it was strange that he put people from past books in the story. You would think that they would help him but, instead they have other ideas.
I liked how Riordan shared the past about Hazel & Frank. It was creepy that Hazel's mom was possessed by the godess that they are now trying to stop about 60 years later. I also liked that Pluto found a way to keep Hazel young for about 50 years. As for Frank, I thought it was nice that he lived with his grandma until he came to camp.
I would recommend this book to anyone 10-100. I can't wait to read the next book!
This one was so intriging. It was a great book!
I know, I loved this book. I've just started The Mark of Athena with my kids and we are all loving that one too.
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