From the shelf: The Son of Neptune

Title: The Son of Neptune
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Greek/Roman Mythology
Date read: February 10-11, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

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 any 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 an 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 Prophecy of Seven.

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."

Finally after wondering where the hell Percy is after the events of "The Lost Hero" and after knowing that Hera/Juno took the greatest risk to plan "the exchange of leaders", I could finally see Percy's side of the story. Apparently, his events weren't parallel to Jason's quest. He was hibernating and was awoken only on the timeline of Camp Half-blood building Argo II. Like Jason, he lost his memories and had to build on Camp Jupiter's trust. There was just one person who wasn't in favor in all of this and it's Octavian, though he is the least of their worries. Like Jason he had two new friends in Frank and Hazel, 2 demigods with a dark past (don't worry I won't spoil). So with no memories of his former life and just one name -- Annabeth, Percy needs to rebuild his life and find out about the Roman camp all by himself. Much more than the first book, call me biased or whatnot, but this book was better. Maybe because of the familiar face amidst the new characters being introduced or maybe I was more biased and leaning towards Percy (given me reading the first five books prior to this) but this book did build up the hype. As usual, Rick Riordan didn't fail. The story was full of adventure and wit that I couldn't even put the book down. Now, I'm really anticipating the third book where Percy, Hazel and Frank finally meets Annabeth, Jason, Leo and Piper...that would be fun! Oh, and I love the part where Percy wanted to wring Nico's neck for pretending not to know him earlier..not to mention the Death god Thanatos having an iPad to check for recent deaths and skyping with Hades....that made me laugh.

The Son of Neptune prophecy:

"To the north, beyond the gods;

lies the legion's crown.

Falling from the ice,

the son of Neptune shall drown."

Till the next read...