Okay, so in my review of The Son of Neptune, I said The Mark of Athena was my favorite of the Heroes of Olympus series, and that’s not quite true. The end of this book is phenomenal, but I found the first half to be a bit slow. It’s fun to have the seven demigods together, and I liked the story with Narcissus and Echo, but mostly I couldn’t wait for them to leave the United States. Once they did, the real fun began!
Annabeth is the center of this story, and rightfully so, since she’s been absent throughout the previous two books. I’m so in love with her character, and how her heroism is based on intelligence instead of brute force. Her plot line seeking the Athena Parthenos and outwitting Arachne is so good! If only Riordan would create an entire series from her point of view. Or a girl in general! He’s really very good at writing from a female perspective, so I’m anxiously awaiting the…hm…Chinese mythology starring a girl demigod? Bring it, Riordan!
The rest of the characters are interesting, and it’s always fun to see how they interact with each other in new ways. But for me, The Mark of Athena is all about Annabeth, so this review will be the same.
Book Jacket
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 theArgo 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….
Release Date: October 2012
It Is Trish 