Title: The Son of Neptune

Author: Rick Riordan

Pub. Date: October 4, 2011

Pages: 513

Pub: Disney-Hyperion

Genre: YA Fantasy Mythology

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

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.

This will be a spoiler free review. I listened to the audiobook via Audible. I highly recommend it.

If you’re interested in my review for the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Reviews – you can find them here. If you’re interested in my review for The Lost Hero – you can find it here.

I liked this book so much more than The Lost Hero – mainly because it featured Percy and to be honest – it’s what I’m here for. I spent most of the PJO series not really being a fan of Percy, but teenager Percy is so much fun. He’s full of sass, snark and just has a great personality. His character is fantastic, and you just have to root for him. I also loved that seemingly because he’s Percy, he remembered more. His whole past was still reachable to him, and even though he doesn’t remember everything, important things shine through. I also loved that he didn’t lose his “badass-ness” – he was still Percy Jackson, Chosen One.

I did like the merging of Roman and Greek mythology even more in this book. I do prefer the Greek Mythology over the Roman, but it is interesting to see the combination. Honestly, this book is just *better* (in my opinion) than The Lost Hero simply because of Percy. I’m a sucker for Percy, okay? And with these books having been out for so long now – yes, I’m behind – I know bits and pieces of what happens. I was the epicness of Percabeth – can you blame me?

Like with The Lost Hero – some new characters were introduced, and I really liked them. Even more so than Leo and Piper in the first book. I don’t know, Frank and Hazel were just enjoyable. I also liked how Frank’s family history tied in more lore and mythology. I thought that was so cool, and just to see how civilizations have influenced each other…I loved it. Rick Riordan is a genius. And don’t get me started on Hazel! Her backstory…and Nico! I was so invested. How it all ties together…again, Rick Riordan is a genius.

I feel like I know truly understand why people love these books – love his books. Up until this point I’d been enjoying, wishing I’d read them earlier and not at 26, but his plots, his characterizations, his ability to craft a story that emotionally draws you in – to tell it so vividly that it comes to life right in your mind…

I could totally fully believe that there are demigods out there fighting battles and waging wars on behalf of humanity. Is it bad that I kind of wish it were true?

Then there’s the ending of this book and I’m actually really looking forward to listening to the next one when I go back to work after this break. So much happened in this book, and it was epic. The journey never lagged, the pace was perfect and the emotional turmoil that Hazel, Percy and Frank had to go through made them stronger. I love how they claimed each other and became a family.

Swapping Percy and Jason to unite the Roman and Greek Demigods was perfect. The fate of the world hangs in the balance and I cannot wait to see what the seven heroes will have to go through to save everyone. It’ll probably break me, but let’s go. I’m ready.