Walking On Water

Published: October 4th, 2011
The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus #2)
By: Rick Riordan
Hyperion Book CH
ISBN-13: 9781423140597

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.

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 and 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 Prophesy of Seven.

Review

   Percy Jackson has gone missing from Camp Half-Blood, but that might not be the biggest problem.  He barely remembers his own name, has no clue he's a half-blood anymore and can only recall Annabeth's name - nothing else.  He manages to fight his way to Camp Jupiter, a haven for Roman demigods.  Percy is seen as a bad omen because he is a son of Neptune and is treated with distrust.  But Mars decides that Percy, klutzy demigod Frank and mysterious Hazel have to go on a quest to free Thanatos (Death) from Alaska, the land beyond the reach of the Gods.  Will they make it in time or will all be lost?  Is Hazel who she claims to be or is she hiding something, and what does Nico D'Angelo have to do with it?  I honestly loved this book!  I was supper excited that Percy was back in the game after not being part of The Lost Hero, although I really liked Jason, Piper and Leo a lot.  This book was so mutli-layered that it honestly made me an even bigger fan of Riordan's writing.  I thought Hazel's back story was awesome - I won't say anything more than that for fear of causing spoilers for those who haven't read the book yet.  I really liked Frank, who in the end proved to be great person and exhibited some major change.  The quest was fun, but it made me miss Annabeth and Grover.  I really hope that the next book unites everyone and manages to keep up the pace.  Also, I hope Riordan doesn't drag the series out too much.  I love Percy and his friends, but I don't want this to go the way of other series that don't quit while they're ahead and end in the most mediocre ways ever.  All in all, a wonderful thrill-ride of a book.  Highly recommended for fans of the first book in the new series and if you haven't read ANY of the Percy Jackson books, what the heck are you waiting for????? :)

VERDICT:  4.25/5  Stars

*No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book is now available in stores and online.*