I’m a Rick Riordan fan. He is simply a great storyteller. The “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series was one of the best series I’ve ever read. When he started the “Heroes of Olympus” series, a spin-off from the Percy Jackson series, my book nerves went wild again! When I read “The Lost Hero”, I realized that the world of mythology is endless. You can come up with stories and plots without being redundant. So when the “Son of Neptune” came out early this month, I knew that I’ll be off to a great adventure again. 🙂
Prophecy of Seven
This new series is anchored on the Prophecy of Seven: 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. The seven demigods will have to work with the gods to defeat the earth goddess Gaea, who vows to destroy the gods; and close the Doors of Death. The demigods who will fulfil this prophecy will be a mix of Greek and Roman half-bloods. The first three were introduced in “The Lost Hero”.
The Swap
Another vital background one needs to know is Juno’s (Hera) major role in this story. Juno wants to unite Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter in order to defeat Gaea. In order to do that, she needed to take Jason from the Roman camp and Percy from the Greek camp and send them to their respective counterparts to earn each camp’s trust and reconcile them. The Roman and Greek demigods have been at war with each other for the longest time. However, they need to work together to prevent the destruction of the gods and the mortal world.
Percy Jackson is back!
I’ve grown to love the character of Percy Jackson. Reading about his adventures again made me feel like being reunited with a good buddy. 🙂 Just like Jason Grace in the first book, Percy Jackson also lost his memory. The book starts with Percy battling monsters who refuse to die then carrying a heavy old lady who happens to be the goddess Juno (Hera) then eventually seeking refuge at Camp Jupiter—a Roman half-blood camp. Percy was welcomed by Hazel, daughter of Pluto (Hades) and Frank, son of Mars (Ares). Both of whom became his best friends as the story progressed.
Percy joins the underdog 5th cohort of Hazel and Frank and leads them to victory in the capture-the-flag war game. He surprised the camp with his unconventional warfare skills (mainly because it’s Greek) and gained their respect as the son of Neptune (Poseidon). Mars appears after the game and claims Frank as his son. He also gives a quest that requires Frank to go to Alaska—the land beyond the gods, free Thanatos (Death), and go back to the camp before the Feast of Fortuna. Souls are escaping from the Underworld and death is losing its hold on mortals and monsters since Thanatos is held captive. Frank chose Percy and Hazel to join him in the quest and together they went to Alaska to face the giants awaiting them.
Hands down, yet again
Rick Riordan wrote another gripping page-turner with “Son of Neptune”. Filled with facts on Greek and Roman mythology, Riordan’s natural knack for witty humor made the story all the more engaging. He revealed the different facets of each of the characters at the most opportune time. Being the daughter of Pluto, Hazel’s life and power are filled with darkness and mystery. Being the first Asian character in Riordan’s novels, Frank’s life revealed bits and pieces of Eastern culture and tradition. Discovering his gift is one of the highlights of the novel. Being the ever famous son of Neptune, Percy showed once again his obstinate loyalty even to this new camp. He always used his powers to the advantage of his friends. The comeback of other familiar characters is like seeing your childhood friends in action again. 🙂
With the involvement of the Amazons, animated harpies, blue-skinned giants, grain spirits, and ghost armies, the “Son of Neptune” will continue to keep your interest, pique your curiosity, and challenge your knowledge on mythology to the very end. 🙂
The Book Vineyard 