From the shelf: The Mark of Athena

Title: The Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Greek/Roman Mythology
Date read: February 11-14, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

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 Review: (also in goodreads)

"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."

Just when I thought the second book in the series was downright oozing with awesomeness, Rick Riordan outshone himself once again. And yes, I imagined a dramatic reunion between Annabeth and Percy. That scene definitely didn't fail me. The Lost Hero introduced us to new characters in the form of Piper and Leo plus got me curious on the mystery that is Jason. The Son of Neptune reunites us with long lost Percy and introduced us to a world beyond the Greek Camp Half-Blood, the Roman counterpart named Camp Jupiter with new found friends Frank and Hazel. Add Annabeth into the mix plus more action and adventures and you get The Mark of Athena. The prophecy of seven, the wheel of fate started to turn once everyone's paths crossed. Together...Jason and Percy, leaders and decision-makers; Annabeth, brain and strategy-maker; Leo, captain of Argo II and navigator; Hazel and Piper, defense and conscience; and naive, brave Frank plus Coach Hedge the chaperon...they face Gaea's forces and it couldn't be any better. The mix of everyone's personalities amused me to no end, the awesome adventures plus the switching of thoughts and it made reading this installment to the Heroes of Olympus worthwhile. The ending is a sure-fire cliffhanger. The 4th installment (The House of Hades) will be out on October and I'll be counting the days...I don't know how could I survive the 8 month wait.

The Mark of Athena prophecy:

"Wisdom's daughter walks alone;

The Mark of Athena burns through Rome.

Twins snuff out the angel's breath,

Who holds the key to endless death.

Giant's bane stands cold and pale,

Won through pain from a woven jail."

Till the next read...