Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Book: Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1)
Author: Jennifer Estep
# of Pages: 217 (ebook)
Challenge: 2015 TBR Pile Reading Challenge
Rating: 3.5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy; a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why; especially since I should have been the one who died... 

My Thoughts:

While I did find this to be a very interesting book, I had mixed feelings about it.

For the first half or so of the book the protagonist, Gwen, seriously annoyed me to the point where I just wanted to shake her. She kept going on and on and on about how she didn't have any friends. She must have said it at least sixty times! It was so frustrating having to read it over and over again. There were a lot of other things that were repeated throughout the story as well.

I did like the concept of the story, as well as Mythos Academy itself with all the various mythological warriors who attend it. I really liked Daphne. There were times when I kind of wished she was the protagonist instead of Gwen. The love interest, Logan, is amusing, mysterious, and has secrets. I am very curious to learn more about him.

I am hoping that as the series continues, I will like Gwen more.

The Mark of Athena by Rick RIordan

Book: The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3)
Author: Rick Riordan
# of Pages: 574 (Hardcover)
Challenge: September is for Sequesls Challenge
Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare....

My Thoughts:

I just love reading Rick Riodan's books. This one is narrated by four characters: Percy, Annabeth, Leo, and Piper.

I was so happy that we finally get to see things from Annabeth's perspective. Her mother sets her the task of following the Mark of Athena which is not only dangerous but Annabeth must complete it alone. Percy is used to being the leader on quests learns to rely on and work with his friends as a team. I've liked Leo from the beginning. His ability to create gadgets on the spot is awesome. And Piper is cleverer than she gives herself credit for. 

Even though the Greeks and Romans are enemies, I was impressed by how well the demigods got along. We meet new gods, goddesses, and creatures. And the demigods experience some pretty memorable mini adventures along their journey to the Ancient Lands.

Overall, The Mark of Athena was a fun, action-packed read with a cliffhanger ending that will leave you with your mouth hanging open. I'm so glad the sequel comes out next week!