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!

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Book: The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus #2)
Author: Rick Riordan
# of Pages: 513 (Hardcover)
Challenge: 2012 TBR Book Challenge
Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads Summary
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 her 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 infront 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: Percy Jackson is back! He has lost his memory, but thankfully he still remembers Annabeth. He ends up at Camp Jupiter where descendants of the Roman gods dwell. There he meets Hazel and Frank, who are both harboring secrets. Percy and his new friends embark on a quest to free Death and must return to camp before the Roman demigods are attacked by an army of monsters.

I did like getting to know Hazel and Frank, but I half wish the whole story would have been told from Percy's POV. There were a few places where the story dragged a bit. I thought the Roman mythology was very interesting. And I like how we get to see what life in Camp Jupiter is like compared to life in Camp Half Blood.

Overall, I liked this book a lot more than The Lost Hero, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

A Whirlwind of Pages

I seem to have fallen into the pattern of reading series this year. It was truly unintentional. I have a list of all books I wanted to read and somewhere along the way I added more.

I guess it all started when my friend gave me The Lightning Thief for my birthday. As soon as I finished it, I just HAD to know what happened next. Naturally, I went and bought the rest of the series as soon as I could. All five books were great! I actually couldn't believe that I hadn't read it sooner. But I am glad that I did. I enjoyed learning about Greek mythology. I wish I had had the opportunity to take a class on it.

I also have become, well not obsessed, but greatly fascinated by the writings of James Patterson. His Michael Bennett series is amazing. It is tension-building  and even funny at times. I just could not put the books down. I finished all four of them in two weeks, which is pretty fast for my standards. 

I would definitely recommend both of these series. They are well worth the read :)

I am currently reading Patterson's Women's Murder Club series. I am only on the 7th book out of 10, but I am hoping to finish them by the end of the month.

So, until next time, I bid you all happy reading!