| Title | : | The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1423140591 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781423140597 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 521 |
| Publication | : | First published October 4, 2011 |
| Awards | : | Buckeye Children's Book Award 6-8 (2012), Goodreads Choice Award Middle Grade & Children's and Nominee for Favorite Book (2011) |
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.
The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus, #2) Reviews
-
4.5/5
Great book! Slowish start but really picked up in the middle and had an EPIC ending! -
(A-) 83% | Very Good
Notes: Wherein boundaries matter, and transgressive misfits find strength and self in demon lands beyond the borderlines. -
I need this book. UGH. WHY AM I SO IMPATIENT??? I JUST WAITED FOR MOCKINGJAY AND THE RED PYRAMID AND THE LOST HERO AND THE SON OF NEPTUNE???????? I HATE WAITING!!!!!!! This book is going to be so epic! (i hope!)
Please, PLEASE be good!!! I LOVED Percy Jackson, and it really would be a shame if this book is anything like The Red Pyramid, which I was so excited about and it fell a little short. Hurry up, October!!!!!!! =P
I heard somewhere that this was going to be a FIVE book series like Percy Jackson. Does anyone know for sure??
When is the OFFICIAL COVER GOING TO BE RELEASED??? I REALLY WANT TO SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!!!!! =)
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Wow. The cover is amazing. It makes me even more excited about this book!!!! I also read the first chapter, and although it was kind of weird at first because it was written in third person, it was from Percy's view! I can't wait to see what adventures are in store!!
================================================================
Aw, this is so cool, I first started writing this a whole year ago! Now I have finally read it, yay!
First off, I missed Leo!!! One reason was because he brought so much comic relief, which you need in a book like this! Son of Neptune was a lot more serious than the Lost Hero and all the Percy Jackson books. I liked seeing Nico but I wanted more of him! Same with Thalia and ANNABETH.
What did I think of the three main characters?
Hazel. Right away I loved her. She was such a three dimensional character that was easy to read about.
Frank. Eh...I'm still not quite sure. By the end of the book, I was thinking, "I don't like him because he outshines my Percy!" Now though I guess he's okay. I like him and he is slowing growing on me.
Percy. Of course, I missed him!!! I loved his chapters!!!!
All in all though, the book was pretty good. I will probably be adding things to this review as I remember them.
Now I just have to wait a excruciating long year for MARK OF ATHENA, yes Annabeth!! -
"The Five Habits of Highly Aggressive Women."
"Welcome to Alaska. We're Beyond the held of the gods."
Percy is back! It's time for the Team Rome to do their part and Percy teams up with two Roman demigods to carryout the next phase of the quest. The Lost Hero ended with revealing what had happened to Percy and Jason at the beginning, and we're continuing along the same plot. And things are back to being great: I like this a lot more than the first.
"I can always smell demigods."
Though Jason-Piper-Leo trio was fun, I felt the new team is more interesting. The first book's dialogs felt a little corny at times, (something I didn't see in PJO) but return of Percy appears to have fixed that. We have a better adventure overall with events happening at an excellent pace. And Ella - hilarious addition.
"I'm afraid we're fresh out of oracles."
"And you, boy - you smell like a Greek sewer. Haven't your had a bath?"
Though the story was somewhat predictable from start, mainly because of the similarities it shares with The Lost Hero, author still succeeds in having the reader guessing for more than three quarters of the story. And the final, action-packed quarter makes up for the lack of mysteriousness in my opinion. As I'm well familiar with Riordan's cliffhangers by now, I had The Mark of Athena all-ready to start as soon as I finished this one. Hadn't I had done so... that would've been a terrible place to wait for the next book.
"greediest wishes cause the greatest sorrows."
"Yours in demigodishness, and all that. Peace out." -
3.5/5
This was my least favorite of the Percy Jackson books so far. I think that the story is definitely heading in an interesting direction, but I just wasn't feeling it in this one. It has taken me several tries over the months to even get through it. I thought that, except for Percy, the characters were a little bland and I didn't care as much about the Roman camp and their mythology as much as the Greek. I'm not saying that it was bad, I loved Percy and his sass and all of the jokes, just not my favorite compared to the previous books. -
Absolutely adored this book! SO much better than the Lost Hero. I felt more connected to the characters, and PERCY!!! He was in the book. I was seriously missing him! All of his wit and snarky comments were back, along with a whole bunch of ADORABLE thoughts about Annabeth, as he regains his memory. Definately one of my favorites!! Now I need the MArk of Athena!
-
Frank noticed that one person wasn’t kneeling. Percy Jackson, his sword still in hand, was glaring at the giant soldier.
“You’re Ares,” Percy said. “What do you want?”
Percy Jackson defying the gods since 2005! *lol* But seriously, I MISSED MY BOY!!! XD I really enjoyed “The Lost Hero” but I’m afraid nothing is better than Percy and Nico packed into a book. Sorry guys! It is like it is! Can’t help it! Those two boys just rock my world and no matter how much I love Leo Valdez (And I really do!! <333) Piper McLean and Jason Grace were only half as entertaining as Frank Zhang and Hazel Levesque. Those two were just great and caused me to enjoy every second of “The Son of Neptune”. Okay, this said let’s talk about the book!
”Also, he was reluctant to share his one clear memory: Annabeth’s face, her blonde hair and grey eyes, the way she laughed, threw her arms around him and gave him a kiss whenever he did something stupid.
She must have kissed me a lot, Percy thought.”
As we all figured out at the end of “The Lost Hero” Hera sort of forced Percy and Jason to swap places and erased their memories. They are supposed to build a bridge between the two camps and I think that might actually work. Well, at least Percy didn’t get killed the moment he stepped into the new camp, right? *lol* I count that as a win! Also can we appreciate his adorable dorkiness!? I can’t remember how often Percy and Annabeth kissed but if you ask me it wasn’t nearly enough! XD Just my humble opinion though. So anyway! While Percy is trying to deal with his goddess induced amnesia, saving the world, fighting off monsters and all that usual jazz, Hazel and Frank have their own kind of problems to take care of. For instance the usual teenage DENIAL!
”Sure he was a good friend – one of the only people at camp who didn’t treat her as if she had a contagious disease. But she didn’t like him in that way.”
Suuure, Hazel! Whatever you say, girl! ;-P We all know those two are going to be a couple, no need to deny it! Before that they are expected to save the world though and since both of them have some secrets they have to trust each other and to become a team first. Their journey starts at Camp Jupiter and let me tell you this: This is no holiday! When it comes down to explaining the difference between Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter I’d say that the latter is more serious. I mean of course it’s always life or death at Camp Half-Blood too but they don’t take things as seriously as the other camp. Which is part of their nature if you ask me. The Romans were always very orderly, had rules and laws to abide to, they have a military structure and they are just more... I dunno: Strict, maybe? They are more cunning and scheming as well, especially Octavian. I trust that boy as far as I can throw him which is probably a few centimetres at best. *lol* I mean he’s killing stuffed animals to read “the signs”. That’s pure evil and no one can persuade me otherwise! XD Never trust a teddy bear killer! It’s like, a rule! *lol*
”So you do have a plan?” Octavian asked sceptically.
Percy looked at his teammates. “We go to Alaska as fast as possible...”
“And we improvise,” Hazel said.
“A lot,” Frank added.
But all the plush toys in the world can’t keep our heroes from going on a quest! So this is exactly what they do. Even though their plans are more than just a little sketchy. Well, we all know Percy though and he always takes things in stride and makes the best of them. ;-) This said their way to Alaska turns out to be quite dangerous and of course they meet a lot of monsters on their way. Not all of them are bad company though. For instance I loved Ella the harpy and I hope we’ll see more of her in the next few books and I absolutely adored Arion the cussing horse!! *LOL* Uncle Rick has the best ideas! ;-P
”You think it’s okay that we’re eating Rudolph?”
“Dude,” Percy said, “I could eat Prancer and Blitzen, too. I’m hungry.”
But back to the main story! Invigorated by one last hearty meal our heroes set out to save the day and what a day it turns out to be! XD So here comes the moment when I freak out about the level of badassery this trio has attained. I mean OMG!!! I loved all three of them so much and boy I can’t wait to see even more of them! They are amazing!! And Percy? Well, he reached an entirely new level of amazingness! <333
”He’d perfected his wolf stare over the last few months – a look that said: However bad you think you are, I’m worse.”
All told I really enjoyed “The Son of Neptune” and just to see Percy and Nico again made me so damn happy! I can’t even! XD Plus I loved all the new characters that were introduced and for some reason I liked Mars more than Ares. I definitely need to read book three soon because I’m so ready for those two groups to meet! I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of action and yes, there’s also going to be war. >_< To say it with Mars’s wise words:
”Nobody welcomes war – not if they’re smart. But war finds everyone sooner or later. It’s inevitable.”
_______________________________
Is it just me or do those books get better and better?
The heroes are all so badass and Percy is ... well Percy is chef’s kiss!
I really like Hazel and Frank too! <3
But I’m still so worried about what is going to happen.
All those prophecies, they don’t sound good.
Full RTC soon! Stay tuned! This was a fun ride! =))
___________________________________
I wanted to read this ever since I finished “The Lost Hero” and I can’t believe it took me two freaking months to get to this! *lol*
I’m here now though and I’ll make sure to read this before my library reclaims it again.
Because... well because PERCY!!! <333
I can’t wait to see him again!! I missed my sarcastic boy so much! XD
Give me all that sassy Percy snark I’ve been dying to read! ;-P
I think this is going to be a lot of fun! =))
Also I'm super curious about the Roman Camp! 🤩 -
Does the title mean we get to hear Percy telling the story again. PLEASE be so!
Edit May 28: PERCY!!!!! *Girl writing this tackles Percy in a hug* I love you! I'm so happy your back! And you remember Annabeth! That's my favorite demigod hero! And already fighting those monsters. You are so much better than Jason! I love you PERCY!!!
Actual Book Review: October 4th
So I had this totally awesome book review, but Goodreads timed out when I tried to save it. Hera or Gaea are being really mean. They don't want you to read this book. Hera because she loves Jason more than Percy, and Gaea because she's evil, and vice versa.
BUT DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE EVIL PEOPLE!!! PERCY IS THE TOTALLY AWESOMEST DEMIGOD EVA'!!!! JASON STINKS!!!
Though Leo's hot...
Anyway, like I said before Hera messed with Goodreads, Rick Riordan may have lost his marbles when he wrote "The Lost Hero." I mean, come on, there is no way he can start a series with an arrogent amnesiac who everyone claims is the best thing since Pac Man to be as well loved as Percy. Percy's a better amnesiac, and this is a much better book than the first one.
One reason is each of the characters get a set of four chapters instead of two. This settles the pacing down and gives us a real chance to get to know the two newbies, Frank and Hazel. Poor Jason and Piper didn't really stand a chance with the two chapter formula. In this book, Frank and Hazel really get a lot of spotlight, and they grow on you, each with a pretty cool background history (Hazel especially) and great character growth (Frank especially).
Also, this book didn't follow some kind of obvious plot path that the first one did. The first one was like you could clearly see where Rick had wrote his plot web. This one didn't have you seeing who was going to be the main hero where. Well, not too much anyway. Oh, and the battles where totally original, unlike "The Lost Hero", which seemed to borrow (steal) all it's battle ideas from the Percy Jackson series.
I'm going to wrap this up now by saying that this book has restored my faith in Rick Riordan. I was afraid that he had totally lost his mind, but, even though he seems in love with Jason now, I don't think this series will be soooo bad.
Especially since Percy's back and we now have the Amazing Flaming Valdez ;)
BTW, I totally love everyone who's liked or commented on my review. It made me feel special. HUGS FOR EVERYONE!!!!! -
Rick Riordan has completely taken control over my mind! In such a way that even if I want to read another book, I can't. Just can't! I have been reading PJ books in row for almost two month. I am supposed to get bored. But NO!
It's pretty obvious by the title we will get Percy back in this one. When I first saw this book and didn't know a thing about greek or roman mythologies, I thought "Planet has a son?! How interesting!" 😂
OVERVIEW
Without any past memories and being chased by two invincible monsters, Percy finds Juno who leads him to the Camp-Jupiter, demi-god camp for romans. There he makes new friends, Frank and Hazel. During a game, war god Mars appears and assigns them a quest of freeing the Death from the clutches of a giant in Alaska, where gods can't do anything.
RANDOM THOUGHTS
=> You know what? I was very afraid of reading this book. I thought Percy would forget Annabeth. Like Jason forgot Reyna and ended up with Piper in the previous book. Thank God that didn't happen. Percy forgot everything but Annabeth. I think Rick Riordan did that on purpose. It was a good decision. Otherwise I couldn't bear that. Percy and Annabeth is the BEST!
=> Hazel and Frank, both are new main characters. Both have pretty sad background and Frank is sooooooooooooooo cute. I liked both of them.
=> This is the great thing in the series that Gaea, the antagonist, is controlling everyone. Even though she is not awoken. I wonder what will happen if she will finally awake.
Mark of Athena, I am coming!!!!
September 11, 2017 -
i’m actually such rick riordan trash… it’s embarrassing.
his books are basically a middle grade version of
friends: absolutely hilarious with charming protagonists, and adorable ships.
this book introduces some of the best characters we’ve seen from him so far - they’re flawed and honest, but best of all: so. much. development.
source:
officialclarkkent on tumblr
a (long and) spoilery list of things to love about this book:
● a summary of this 521 page book in one sentence: “I'm fine!" Percy yelled out as he ran by, followed by a giant screaming bloody murder.
● nico di angelo my precious son
● annabeth being the only thing percy remembers for his life
● frank zhang aka the four year old on steroids
● THE AMAZON WOMEN
● anyway they’re badass female warriors who live in the forest
● sign me up
● i mean,,, roman hunters of artemis HELL YES
● mars being nice to percy
● REYNA IN THE SEA OF MONSTERS
● reyna’s story where percy is a guinea pig
● leo valdez cameo
● SAMMY
● nico“Percy scowled. "I-I know you.”
● don the faun
Nico raised his eyebrows. "Do you?”
● that one ghost who calls frank The Probatio
● gorgons
● juno the hippie goat lady
● those wheat grains that got mad
● iris the rainbow goddess
● percy dreaming of a future with annabeth
● persassy @ octavian
“But why do more? Why tempt fate?”
● this little shit manages to rile up the second most powerful person in camp jupiter
“I’m glad you asked.” Percy stood, taking the question as an opening.
Octavian stammered, “I wasn’t—”
“—part of the quest,” Percy said. “Yes, I know. And you’re wise to let me explain, since I was.”
● everyone underestimates percy but he’s actually so damn smart he knows how to play with words as well as swords
● he outsmarted phineas, one of the most powerful sons of neptune who came back from the dead and can tell the future
● everyone @ percy: whenever he does something: that was either the bravest thing I’ve ever seen, or the stupidest
● tyson: “his groin is sensitive”
● ella the harpy
● hazel levesque
● ghost girl
● her friendship with sammy is so precious
● i want a book on 1940s hazel and sammy being cute tbh
● the birthday cupcake picnic!! rip my heart into tiny little pieces won’t you
source:
minuiko on tumblr
● when nico came looking down for bianca and found hazel instead,, i almost cried
● and he took her out anyway even though she wasn’t his real sister
● he took her in he gave her a home
● he related to her
● two 1940s Pluto kids
● he took her hand and led her out
source:
taratjah on tumblr
● if that’s not friendship then idk what is man
● i need me a nico please
● that scene in the beginning of the book when nico and hazel sit on the rooftop of Pluto’s shrine kills me everytime ok
● she confides in him
● he’s the only one who understands
● "you're my sister too"
● and then comes the Quest
● i love how she goes from a scared lowly legionnaire to a fucking queen
● as she starts letting frank and percy in, she stops being afraid of herself and that’s beautiful
● frank zhang
source:
vithcytries on tumblr
● the nicest canadian you’ll ever meet
● nerd with a huge crush
● he’s adorable
● i used to hate him but now he’s my favourite character
Do what you want, not what they want you to do.
● he trips over literally everything
● he’s a big klutz but hazel loves him
● probably the most powerful of them all
● #relatableaf
● his life depends on a LITERAL STICK
tldr; don't talk to me if you're not riordan trash pls go do yourself a favour and start pjo -
4.5 Golden Stars
*might have spoilers about
The Lost Hero*
Finally Percy!
& Fun begins with the first sentence!
it was funny we know something from his life & he actually didn't & struggling to remember it.
we entered the camp Jupiter with him. (which was awesome, but not as awesome as Camp Half-Blood!) which was very well-organized & also very strict! We are knowing the Roman life of gods (& demigods.)
a few familiar faces, who I had internally screaming (fangirling) moment when I saw him for the first time!
Frank & Hazel are so sweet & friendly characters, also so cute together!
Reyna is such a strong female leader. I like her.
in my first read, I liked this book better than first one, probably because we had Percy again (& he brings more fun & excitements) & we were one step closer to be united & the epic parts is going to begin.
but now (2020, 4th read) I think despite of being amazing, it's my least favourite. probably because much Hazel's backstory. (Hazel is good of course, but she's probably my least favourite among the 7) so it remains 4, while the first earned 5 stars.
brilliant end of the quest, the icy snowy scenes were great too. (yeah I have a problem with snowy scenes. probably because I feel cold myself... weird I know)
-
World building: ★★★★/5
camp Jupiter is dryly strict.
but New Rome is fabulous.
snowy environments, cold but one of the bests actually. with all the fun.
-
Characters: ★★★★/5
again, camp Jupiter.
& Terminus!
-
Written style: ★★★★★/5
like always, PERFECT.
-
Plot: ★★★★/5
excitement flowed all over the pages with fun.
-
General idea: ★★★★★/5 -
PERCY!!! YOU GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE RIGHT NOW OR GAEA WILL BE THE LEAST OF YOUR PROBLEMS
-
THIS BOOK WAS FANTAAAAAAASTIC. I thought The Lost Hero was amazing, but it doesn't even hold a candle to The Son of Neptune!!
This book's crew, Percy, Hazel and Frank stole my heart from page one and made me love them unconditionally. They are all so selfless and so beautifully flawed, it's almost impossible not to love them. Did I mention they're one of (if not the) the bravest characters I've ever gotten to read about? I just love them and admire them all, okay? If I had to choose between this trio and the other, I would definitely choose Percy, Hazel and Frank over and over again (I'd miss Leo terribly though...)
I also can't wait for Percy to reunite with Annabeth, WE WAITED SO LONG FOR THEM TO BE TOGETHER, and now they're not??? Rick Riordan c'mon! Give us Percabeth shippers a break!
Regarding the book's plot, it was so gripping I was curled up in my bed for most of my days crying, laughing and raging at the story. I missed Percy's sense of humor so much, my stomach hurt from laughing throughout the whole book ;D THE PROPHECIES ELLA KEEPS SPOUTING OUT THOUGH. THE FORESHADOWING. IT'S KILLING ME. WHAT'S HAPPENING? I NEED MARK OF ATHENA NOOW OH MY GOOOOOODS
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Highlight of this book: PERCY HAS RETURNED
(s)
- He’s kinda mopey and sad and confused in this book
- But hes still Percy my son and baby
- This precious kid is going through some memory issues atm (bc someone just had to make it hard for everyoneee)
- But despite his fuzzy memories, the only think solid is his image of ANNABETH
- YOU HEARD IT RIGHT KIDS
- THIS SHIP WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME gahhh
So Percy is in loads of trouble and he meets up with these other demigod kids and they go on adventures together and be the sassy little French fries that they were born to be
“Um...is that thing tame?" Frank said.
The horse whinnied angrily.
"I don't think so," Percy guessed. "He just said, 'I will trample you to death, silly Chinese Canadian baby man'.”
This book, just like the other Rick Roirdan books, is filled with hilarity, action, friendship, young love, and lots and lots of mythology.
“Her name badge read: Hello! My name is DIE, DEMIGOD SCUM!”
There are new characters introduced in this book and honestly they were just as precious as my Camp Half-Blood children
Frank Zhang
(s)
- Oh my god this kid is adorable
- Hes like a literal cupcake
- And hes CANADIAN
- :’) ive never been so proud to have my country represented by a silly Chinese Canadian baby man
- And he’s got a really complicated life
- And confusing powers
- But hes a good kid
- He tries his best even when everything around his is failing badly
This book is just so so sososososoosososo FANTASTIC and im literally trash for this series, I can’t wait to keep going with it
“Life is only precious because it ends, kid.”
4.5 stars!!
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buddy read with
sour skittles -
Finished doing my re-read of this! I'm trying to go through the whole series before the last book comes out in the fall. I'll write a new review at some point.
Old review under spoiler below. -
5/5 stars.
Much better than the first book. Percy, Hazel and frank have formed such an amazing friendship, and I love the three of them. The plot got me bored at times but nothing that made me stop reading.
I need some Percabeth, so I’l continue to the third book.
Full review to come. -
April 1 2013
Wow! Yay! I finished it! I feel like it has been a long time since I read something fictional(is that the right word?) since I've been really busy with school and stuff and I switched to watching movies instead of reading books to fight stress and boredom at times.
I picked this one up just to go back to my old bookworm self thinking hey it's Percy Jackson it's fun, juvenile, nothing serious I'll definitely finish it and not watch another movie...and yeah I was right. It's still the old Riordan, the story is still interesting and a lot of fun. There are new roman gods and demigods and I especially like the god with an OCD.
That's pretty much it. I loved it and I'm going to read the next one after my brother return my nook since he's not yet finish reading Catching Fire. :)
Thoughts before reading
10.2011
*screams then cover mouth*
Can't wait, can't wait
OH MY GODS I REALLY NEED THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!!!
Rick Riordan writes faster please please please!!!
My Speculations (SPOILER ALERT)
(scroll down)
[image error] -
“There!” Mars finished writing and threw the scroll at Octavian. “A prophecy. You can add it to your books, engrave it on your floor, whatever.”
Octavian read the scroll. “This says, ‘Go to Alaska. Find Thanatos and free him. Come back by sundown on June twenty-fourth or die.’”
The Son of Neptune is the second book in the spin-off series by Rick. The second book focuses on three different characters than the first novel. We finally get Percy, who is suffering from amnesia just as Jason was in the first book.
It's always slightly annoying to be retold everything. Having learnt about the Greek world in the original series I got a tad annoyed at Percy's inner monologue at the beginning. Though, that soon passed as I did get absorbed into the world of the Roman camp. I was sucked in despite already having read the book. I think because of the first book in the spinoff and this one it's possible not to have read the original series before diving in. Of course you'll be spoiled but just in case you weren't interested in the first series but this one it's possible to read!
“So you do have a plan?” Octavian asked skeptically.
Percy looked at his teammates. “We go to Alaska as fast as possible...”
“And we improvise,” Hazel said.
"A lot," Frank added.”
During this book we get to learn about the Roman gods and how they are in fact different from the Greeks. We get to learn about the different personalities they took on when changing cultures and how there are some different gods mingled in as well. It was really interesting to read about, even if it was the second time for me.
To me it doesn't seem like Rick recycled his main character formula for the characters. Of course two of the characters become a couple, but it wasn't so closely connected to the personalities that were presented in Percy Jackson.
Percy is our token son of Poseidon/Neptune in which we've already been introduced to. Percy is the character we know and love throughout the book. He clings to a single memory of Annabeth, one of the only things he remembers. He asks stupid questions, misinterprets things but is also sassy as hell and quick to pick up things. Though, I guess you would if you were dating a daughter of Athena.
Hazel a daughter of Pluto/Hades. She's a person of colour, which I found nice to have in the book despite it very rarely being mentioned. Hazel has a secret, however. A secret that is pretty intense and honestly I love it.
Frank a son of Mars/Ares. Frank is a lactose intolerant demigod. Not an important fact, but I just found it amusing since I'm also lactose intolerant. I'm going to claim being a demigod now, thank you very much for Frank. He also adds another aspect of diversity to the characters as he's Chinese and Canadian. Frank himself also has a secret, because why not?!
Likes
- Reyna
- War games
- Amazons having the company Amazon? Genius
- Franks grandma
- The Amazons
- The battles
Dislikes
- "Cinnamon toast coloured hair" I'm honestly not even sure what this means just don't like it
- Octavian I mean dude is hardcore evil and also anyone who destroys stuff animals is in my bad books
- The battle at Camp Jupiter was way too short for my liking
Overall, definitely a stellar book. I absolutely recommend this series to people who have read the Percy Jackson or are purely interested in Rick's writing but don't want to read about a younger protagonist. Also, if things in the review don't make sense it's because I wrote it while sitting at a bus stop waiting for my mum to pick me up after travelling on two buses and a train already. Happy reading everyone! -
After taking a gander at the other reviews, I realize I may have wandered into the wrong part of the playground. I hereby promise to use no hearts or exclamation points when reviewing this book.
Super-quick synopsis: amnesiac demigod Percy is fleeing the Gorgons from Bargain-Mart when he discovers a camp for Roman demigods. He is adopted by misfits Hazel, daughter of Pluto, and Frank, of the unknown father, into their Legion cohort. Camp politics occur, a quest is given, and the three set-off to the "land beyond the gods," Alaska (and don't you just wonder what Riordan was insinuating there??). Along the way they encounter antagonistic wild grain (as opposed to cereal grains), R.O.F.L. ("Rainbow Organic Foods and Lifestyles"), Phineas and the harpies, the Amazons who run Amazon (and how Riordan slipped that one past Legal, I'll never know), and a horse with a penchant for swearing ("'Dude,' Percy told the horse, 'I've gotten suspended for saying less than that'"). Character growth ensues.
Overall, a fun and quick read that improves significantly once the heroes leave on their quest. I give Riordan credit for integrating so much information about Roman culture in a mostly natural way, through the device of Percy experiencing the camp for the first time. A number of flashbacks for both Hazel, the female lead, and Frank, the other male lead, don't encourage forward plot motion. Although I can't say I like it, Riordan doesn't pull punches on selfish behavior, and I admire the way the teens in the book can be as self-interested, manipulative and as driven as adults.
The main reasons I continue to read this series is its focus on mythology and the swiftly moving plot. I found myths to be integrated well, in an entirely different way from the first book. I appreciate having my memory jogged about Roman mythology, and it was interesting when Percy has a bit of a meltdown realizing that the benevolence of certain beings like fauns, centaurs and cyclops is different depending on your mythological background. Luckily, Isis has some green tea to fix him right up.
One criticism is that I was a little annoyed that the female lead is being set up with a shameful secret again--can we forget the duplicitous female as a character option? I guess because we are talking Greek and Roman here, maybe not, as their favorite goddesses seemed to be the virginal ones like Athena and Artemis. I suppose the male, Frank, has a shameful secret, but his shame has more to do with self-esteem than with morality. Still, it leads me to wonder if shame/embarrassment is used overmuch as a characterization tool. Only our lead 'heroes' in his books, Jason and Percy, are without shameful pasts (that they know).
Character award goes to Ella, book-loving but vocabulary-challenged, in the best harpy appearance ever. She should get together with the wyvern from
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making: "Now she was resting comfortably in the stern, nibbling bits of jerky and reciting random lines from Charles Dickens and 50 Tricks to Teach Your Dog."
Lots of humorous lines, only occasionally at the possible expense of story, "'You seem to be clean,' Terminus decided. 'Do you have anything to declare?' 'Yes,' Percy said. 'I declare this is stupid.'"
The scene meeting Isis, the rainbow goddess, was priceless, and done well enough to avoid being a farce. She touched on all those things young conforming teens hate most--glueten-free foods, tea, non-aggression, and man-satchels. But she was allowed a very nice speech about self-definition:
"I've been reading about Buddhism. And Taoism. I haven't decided between them."
"But..." Hazel looked mystified. "Aren't you a Greek goddess?"
Iris crossed her arms. "Don't try to put me in a box, demigod. I'm not defined by my past."
Overall, enjoyable. Like classic Muppets, Riordan integrates enough references to keep adults entertained. Nice balance of humor and seriousness, examining issues of identity and belonging. Three and a half stars.
Cross posted at my permanent home:
http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/1... -
8:20 a.m, December, 2010
I haven't read it, but still gave five stars, 'cause I know so.
The Son of Neptune is going to be a big hit.
When it came out, I will buy it and read *out loud* ( maybe <3)
9:34 P.M - May, 26th, 2011
OH mY GOSH... THE COVER HAS CAME OUT.... OH MY!!!
LOL... PERCY HOLDING A CHICKEN STICK...
I can't believe it, okay, I am going to search for chapter 1`
9:53 P.M - May, 26th, 2011 (the time in Asia, not in America)
Is it necessary to put every details about me reading the son of Neptune... yes, yes it is. I have just read chapter 1 of the book. OMG, it was Percy point of view... He seems tougher, stronger and poor him... be annoyed by the Gorgons. I thought that Percy is the son of Neptune. I've think they mention him is a child of Roman, I couldn't understand why, he is obviously a child of the Greek.
But luckily, he remembers Annabeth!
Yes, don't worry my friends, I hope he will not love another person!
Hope so!
THE SON OF NEPTUNE!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Comments from my friends from a group :)
Connor: Also, The Son of Neptune's cover was first seen in public during the webcast, and it was a great cover (entitled "Percy holding a chicken-on-a-stick". LOL!)!
Ellie: OH MY GOSH!!! THE SON OF NEPTUNE'S COVER WAS ACTUALLY RELEASED?!? OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO CHECK!!!! IS HE GOING TO POST IT!?!?!?!?
me: OH MY GOSH..... I AM DYING.... I DON'T KNOW WHY BUT I CAN'T WATCH THAT LIVE.... GASP... FAINT... I am dying...AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! is the cover really about pj holding a chicken on a stick?
Connor: Anyone know CPR?!?!?! Z
Sam: I DO BUT I WOULD RATHER NOT USE IT IN THIS CURRENT SITUATION SEEING AS TO HOW WE ARE ON COMPUTERS: IT WILL JUST LOOK WIERD.
Connor: Then does anyone know Inter-CPR?!?!?!
me: LOL, I don't know, don't worry... i am breathing
Connor: ZOk. Good. We don't want to have to sue Rick for killing one of his readers by making them wait SO LONG!!! -
Okay, so that was cool. Sure, it took me literally forever but it was fun. I had two and a half major issues with this book, but besides that, I really enjoyed it.
This book is the second book in the Heroes of Olympus series and it marks the point in the series where I thought to myself, "okay, this is just sad. I have to stop spoiling series for myself". I mean seriously. There were so many elements of foreshadowing for the next book that I would have enjoyed so much more if it wasn't for the fact that I go on TikTok and Pinterest way too often. Something I'd like us all to appreciate is the fact that Rick Riordan is a literal god. The way he created this whole series to interweave...and all the mythological research that must have gone into it...
This book also helped me change my ranking of Percy Jackson characters. Frank is amazing...loyal, caring, misunderstood, family-oriented, and needing to find his strength. Hazel is amazing...loving, concerned, innocent, old-fashioned (obviously), and powerful. Her backstory is also so interesting to read about. They are both easily some new favorites, right after Percy and Annabeth. This book also helped me to realize how much I love Tyson (hell, I cried when he came into play) and how much I love the found family trope. Another amazing and fun character was Ella. She was so adorable and funny and aghhh.
The recurring jokes in this book were great. I've heard the humor gets stale farther on in the book, but in this book, I actually laughed aloud a number of times. I mean, maybe I just have a shit sense of humor, but the humor helped make this book what it is.
I've learned to appreciate the third-person narrative as well. I do miss Percy's sassy way of narrating (a lot though, Percy come back!), but I'm glad I can get a somewhat perspective of all the characters, even if the writing does seem a bit cheesy or comical sometimes.
Let's get into some ✨issues✨ I had with this book.
1.) The pacing. This book was not fast-paced whatsoever. The story did not seem to move along with the action at all. It might be the fault of the third-person narrative and I think the issue could be better solved if the characters themselves were actually the ones narrating. When I wanted to binge read, it kind of hurt my brain a little, almost like I was working too hard to get through it.
2.) The plot convenience. If you've read some of my other reviews, you may have picked up on the fact that plot convenience is a mini pet peeve of mine. I feel like a lot of conflicts in this book were resolved rather lazily, with a character all of a sudden going: "ooh yay I randomly think I know what to do!" or "okay we're going to take a risk that has a 99% chance of failing oh look it worked". Issues could have been resolved in better ways than that.
3.) The Romans. Now, don't get me wrong, the Romans were cool and all, but I am a diehard Greek mythology fan, so when the Roman characters kept hating on the Greeks it made me a little uninterested. I also got worried that Percy wasn't going to return to Camp Half Blood when he became praetor, and that he would leave his found family there behind...and I'm still a bit worried about that. So hopefully that's not the case and Camp Half-Blood can still be his go-to.
I cried during this book, which is kind of embarrassing since there was nothing to really cry about. It's just, when Tyson came in and hugged Percy and then they found out the ship was coming, I thought, Percy will see Annabeth again, and he is with his brother, and he can be happy again. Also, when Frank and Hazel were finally accepted by the campers at Camp Jupiter...that made me tear up. They got the recognition they deserved.
At this point, I am unsure about this book. I don't know which I liked better, The Lost Hero or this one. I'd appreciate if someone could help me out in the comments and maybe read my review of The Lost Hero so you can help me compare reviews...I don't know, I just need help.
Overall, I enjoyed this book! It was flawed, but I liked it. I am beyond excited for Mark of Athena, because I've heard there's an Annabeth focus and I love Annabeth. So make sure to watch out for my next review! Ciao!
P.S. So...I just finished all of Heroes of Olympus and now that I can put it all in perspective, this book was my least favorite of the series. I really enjoyed it, but looking at it relatively, it was my least favorite. -
part 2 of my give in to childhood nostalgia and relive the multiple experiences of pain Rick Riordan series reread!
// buddy reread with sunny st. james lovebot (tag later)
-
Peter Johnson is back!!!!!!
Oh, how I missed this dork. His sarcasm was the one thing lacking in the first book.
Not an ardent shipper, but I am super excited for Percy's reunion with Annabeth. I feel like something huge is gonna happen.
Ugh, my Mark of Athena copy still hasn't arrived. 😭 -
Why do happy endings make me CRY?!
-
3.5 stars
“[...] You’re the glue that will unite the seven.”
“Great,” Percy said. “I always wanted to be the glue.”
I missed Percy so much! And I always love reading about quests. I especially love when the demigods meet weird people (Phineas, Stheno and Euryale, Terminus) that are so ridiculous and funny af.
I wish this book was less dense and slow and long though. I didn’t like Hazel and Frank as much as I wanted to and I kept looking ahead to see how many pages till I got to read Percy’s pov again. Their backstories were too much detailed sometimes that reading felt like moving through quicksands (or Alaskan mudflats if we want to be specific haha!).
So far I prefer the first series to this one. I don’t know, the style of that one fitted better the characters, world and mythology. But I still enjoy reading about the camps and the various adventures. Finally this amnesia plot is over so I guess the next book will be better. -
4.5*
I did enjoy this, I really did, I just don't like the way the series is going. Like I don't like reading about different characters every book. I understand it will all come together in the end, I just don't like that I have to wait a few books for it. -
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4 of 5 stars (Please read my rating system further below). I'm so glad Percy is back! Percy and Annabeth reuniting was the highlight of the book for me. Of course (:
My rating system: (I do use half stars.)
5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect.
4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.)
3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less.
2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it.
1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it.... -
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The Lost Hero ★★★ 3/4
The Son of Neptune ★★★★
The Son of Neptune is the second book of Rick’s second series. It was a bit of a weird experience because the book follows Percy and two other new characters from the Roman camp. It has the same concept as the first book but we see the other side, that made it kind of easier to follow.
I have to mention that I was enjoying this but my read was hampered by a bad pneumonia which made me stop reading for two days and then try to find my way back into the book again. It is a Riordan book and I think I am the latest guy to the party so I don’t know what my review can provide that hasn’t already been said. It is a Riordan book so that means the writing was simple mixed with humor and well-researched mythology inspirations here and there.
Percy is the protagonist of the PJ series which is the first series I ever finished and it was surreal meeting him and other characters from the first series after all this time. The new characters are definitely nice too but it took some time to convince myself that the characters from the first book won’t be appearing here or they will be very minor which was the case. It is obvious that they’re all gonna meet in the next books so let’s wait and see what the future hides.
The plot is interesting and I found myself flying through the book when I did read. One thing that bothered me a bit is that “Secrets” are used very much in this series, like every character has a secret they don’t want to share and then we gradually get to know them but as a writing device, I felt it was overused and a bit weak because there were other ways that could have introduced these things into the story. I just hope the next books have less secrets!
The world-building is awesome, I mean it is a mix of Greek and Roman mythology and I am a sucker for all mythologies so I find myself really immersed in these stories. I heard it keeps getting better so I will patiently wait for that!
Summary: There were a few weird things for me in the book like the sudden change in main characters but which I can understand. I wasn’t in the best health when I read this but I hope the next books will be better! -
5 stars from me. Though I'm a bit biased considering its one of my favourite series and my love for Percy Jackson.
My thoughts on this one stay consistent as well, it's much better than the Lost Hero. The characters have more depth, more development, much more likable and the battle at Camp Jupiter was amazing. The trio that Rick Riordan presents us with works really well. What I especially liked is how Percy didn't overshadow Frank and Hazel.
I'll not get into Percy's character, he's just perfect. But I still don't get why he had to lose the mark.
Frank and Hazel are really likable characters. They're considerate and can we talk about how awesome their powers are?! Their back stories keep the readers invested. Compared to Piper and Leo, their character development was great in their first book and their chemistry is so good.
Reyna is a total badass woman and I love it. In my opinion she didn't need to hit on Percy, she alone radiates enough power.
Apart from that, we see Nico, Tyson, Mrs. O'Leary back. I like how the empathy link between Grover and Percy stayed intact. (But the Achilles mark had to go...smh, that just doesn't make sense).
Ahh, I can't wait to re-read Mark of Athena and get my heart broken (if you know you know), it's going to be awesome. -
Another Percy Jackson book - here we go again...
There's a real pattern I'm seeing with plots in Riordan's books and unfortunately he doesn't ever seem to stray very far from his one blueprint. It's always like this: unlikely heroes with secrets from the past go on an impossible quest with a super short time limit; they manage to hit a new mythological threat everywhere they stop, but barely make it past; secrets come out, generally with 0 consequences for anyone involved; they conveniently complete the quest right in time with enormously good luck. The Son of Neptune fits the same pattern all over again, I have to say I'm getting bored with the repetition.
Riordan occasionally tries to insert a little commentary about our own world into his books, kind of like this:"True, we hoped to awaken Gaea during World War II. That would have been glorious. But really, the world is in almost as bad a shape now."
But overall, Rick Riordan doesn't leave himself much room to be creative because of his well-rehearsed rigid plot structure.
I also need to complain about the romance between Hazel and Frank because there was no chemistry to be found. Their love story was the kind where a boy and a girl realize they're both straight and happen to have an individual of the opposite gender nearby, so they think, "Hey, why not? Let's get together." There was no tension or strong emotion built up between them, Hazel and Frank just kind of ended up together without good reason. Very unimpressive.
I do commend Rick Riordan on the big steps he's made towards diversifying the Percy Jackson books.
We now have a gay necromancer, a latino pyromaniac, an African American psychic's daughter, and a Chinese warrior joining the cast of demigods in the series. I definitely enjoyed the journey away from typical US East Coast folk, for once.
Despite problems with the book, I still enjoyed it as a whole. I love the teenage snark in every chapter and the ridiculous situations in which our heroes inadvertently find themselves again and again. Perfec example:"I'm fine!" Percy yelled as he ran by, followed by a giant screaming bloody murder.
Those kids really grow on me, faults and all.
I've already started Mark of Athena since I'm doing a full series read-through this month.
