Friday, October 26, 2012

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Title: The Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication date:  October 2, 2012
Pages:  608 
Source/format: Borrowed from the library, hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis  (from 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 Thoughts:

At the end of the Son of Neptune, Ella recites the following:

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.
The Giants' bane stands gold and pale,
Won through pain from a woven jail.


Well, first of all, who doesn't like books by Rick Riordan? The Mark of Athena is the fourth book in the Heroes of Olympus series which is the spin off of the Percy Jackson series. I absolutely loved this book. It's my favorite so far out of the whole series, especially since Annabeth is my favorite character. Annabeth's journey through her quest was amazing. Seeing Annabeth's strengths and weaknesses makes her a real person.

The alternating POVs are nicely paced. Even though the book is about Annabeth's quest, we see how the other demigods are growing in strength through the battles they have to fight. The Mark of Athena brings together all 7 demigods and gives a chance for both Greeks and Romans to build a relationship.

I love seeing the relationship between Percy and Annabeth blossom. With every book I read, their love grows. They are my favorite couple Rick Riordan's books. I was on edge of my seat when I read the end of the book. The ending is such a cliff hanger involving Percy and Annabeth. I seriously cannot wait into the next installment of this series.


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