By: Rick Riordan
Heroes of Olympus bk 3
Percy and Annabeth are finally reunited and Jason returns to Camp Jupiter. The first steps are tentative but the fragile peace is quickly shattered. It is in this precarious environment that the seven start out on their new quest. They have to find Nico di Angelo, who is being held by twin giants, if they are to have a chance at preventing the rise of Gaia.
The quest takes them across the path of those determined to stop them, they cannot be assisted by most of the gods as many of them have their own issues to do with split personalities. The greeks and the romans learn to work together in the face of enemies, time restraints and a coming war between their two camps.
Concurrent to the overriding quest Annabeth has a very personal journey to go on. Her mother has commissioned her to follow the Mark of Athena and correct an ancient wrong. This is a task she will have to face on her own, a task all those sent before her have failed to fulfil.
This is a welcome return to the world of Jason and Percy. The combination of these two characters is very interesting, two guys who are used to leading now trying to work together, the frustrations and feelings of inadequacy give their moments a great depth (as much as an action story can have depth).
Every character gets the chance to excel, they all get the chance you use their particular abilities to further the quest. This quest only continues because they find a way to work together, even when things are a little confusing.
In some ways Leo has the hardest time of it because he is the only one of the seven who isn’t with a partner, the other six are all couples. His story arc is interesting in a different way and the connection he has with Hazel gives that part of the story an different feel.
All the characters have important parts to play and in particular Annabeth who finally gets a solo quest. This story has developed into a great ensemble piece which gives you the chance to explore all the characters. The relationships between the couples add tension as they struggle to find just a few moments to be normal teenagers.
As always Riordan transports you to a place full of gods and monsters, it seems totally surreal and yet you are totally willing to be swept along for the ride. The action is fast paced, the plot skips along at a wonderful pace that ensures you are unwilling to put the book down for very long. The problem I have with these books is the wait between them. The Mark of Athena didn’t disappoint.
Highly recommended.
Publisher: Puffin Books
Published: 02 October 2012
Format: Paperback 528 pages
Categories: Mythology, Fantasy, Action
ISBN 13: 9780141335759
Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page
TheKylieVerse 
Leave a Reply