Book Shelf: The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus #2) by Rick Riordan

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.

Blurb from Goodreads....


Review: (Warning: Contains spoilers)

Percy Jackson is back!!! The Son of Neptune is the 2nd book in the Heroes of Olympus and marks the return of our favourite demigod! I thought that the end of the Percy Jackson series was the end of Percy Jackson as our main character, but that seems to not be the case with Percy back front and centre, along with two demigods from the Roman camp. Having the chance to focus on Percy Jackson again is a lot like coming home. That comfort, that happiness of being with the character you love is impossible to ignore with this book even as we begin a new and exciting adventure.

What can I say??? It’s PERCY JACKSON! Anyone who loved the last series is going to go ape focusing on Percy again. I know I did! After The Lost Hero, I must admit I was actually looking forward to focusing on new characters and seeing new things in this series, but the moment Percy was back in the picture I was gone. Absolutely gone. He appeared and suddenly I was as addicted to him as I was to him in the Percy Jackson books. Percy is brave, and loyal and smart mouthed. He adores his friends and would do anything for them. He has an incredible sense of honour and is completely loyal to those in his life. It was interesting seeing him have no memory of who he was, but I loved watching him piece it all together and yet still be the same great Percy while he was doing it.

Rick Riordan has an incredible way of creating characters that you can’t help but love. They’re so brave, yet flawed at the same time, with awesome personalities to match. It was great seeing old friends in this book; Tyson, Mrs. O’Leary and even Nico too, along with new ones. As always the characters our hero’s meet during their journey are colourful and so full of life. They jump of the page. I loved Ella! She was such a sweet harpy and she has a crush on Tyson! How cute!

As for Frank and Hazel, well, I love these guys too.
Hazel was an interesting one, that’s for sure. With her history and being the child of Hades (or Pluto in the Roman aspect) she was always going to be someone associated with death. And yet she wasn’t dark—not at all. Riordan has given her such life and character; the girl is full of courage and she’s a great addition to the Seven. Hazel is wise beyond her years and a fantastic fighter and loyal friend.
Frank is a really complicated one. The son of Ares (or Mars as a Roman) he’s got a heritage that mixes Greek, Roman and Chinese and it all comes together to create a somewhat clumsy, very human boy who has a strength that he doesn’t always see and a bravery worthy of being one of the seven. I love all his abilities and the curse he carries is interesting too; as is Hazel’s---I can’t wait to see what happens with both of them.

They’re much more romance in this series already. As PJ fans will know we had to wait until the last book for Percy and Annabeth to act on the feelings we all saw for so long, but in this series the characters are already beginning to act on their feelings or at least acknowledge them. Jason and Piper, Frank and Hazel; they’ll all very adorable and it does without saying that I want them both to be couples. Well, duh.....

As always this book was a non-stop action ride. It’s adventure extraordinaire and nothing is ever dull with one of Riordan’s books. At this point we have our seven heroes; Percy, Frank, Hazel, Jason, Piper, Leo and....Annabeth. The ending of this book has me hanging out for the next one already. It’s really not fair. Rick Riordan is such a meanie; ending his books the way he does and then making us wait. I cannot wait for the next book; for Percy’s reunion with Annabeth and everyone at Camp Half-Blood and for the next phase of this series! Bring it on!

Rating:
Source: I bought
Format: Paperback
Recommend: Yes, yes, yes....
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy
Cover: Awesome!
Read sequel/continue with series: Definitely!

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