Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Read from October 3 2012
to October 12, 2012 

Book: The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3) by Rick Riordan
Publication Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Hyperion

Number of Pages: 586

Genre/s: Young Adult, Mythology

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... - From Goodreads

"Being a hero doesn't mean you're invincible. It just means that you're brave enough to stand up and do what's needed."

Rick Riordan did it again, folks. He did it again.

I don't know how he does it. I don't know how he keeps coming up with these kind of stories. He keeps on going, churning, cracking; I'm afraid he's never going to stop. My poor, poor emotions. *sniffs*

In this latest installment, seven demigods must accomplished a seemingly impossible task to save Rome from the evil awakening of Gaea and follow the mark of Athena. But it wasn't going to be easy. As always, they have to faced gazillions of monsters, trick creepy and sinister gods, and withstand deadly plots left and right.

These demigods coming from two opposing camps must work together in order to decode the prophecy and survive what it entails. Working together? Sounds peachy, right? But if there's anything peachy in The Mark of Athena, it would've only come out of Piper's cornucopia. First of all, their adventure didn't get off to the right start. The plan was to come to the Roman camp, make peace, and ask for their assistance in the upcoming confrontation with the forces of Gaea but it was a disaster. Now aside from running away from tracking eagles and angry Roman demigods, they must now discover a way to amend the old quarrel that's deeply rooted between the Romans and the Greeks as well as defeat their ultimate foe.

What I liked most about The Mark of Athena is the growing friendship between the demigods from different camps. It's good to see the group start to become more. At first their relationships were a little bit rusty; they're only allies and they only help each other to survive another challenge. But little by little, secrets were shared and trusts were gained.

It's also so endearing to see how the characters came to terms with their limitations and how they have to be extra resourceful to outwit their crazy, easily distracted enemies. It was a test of character in the most grueling of situations. These "monsterly" and "godly" circumstances weren't the only things they have to face because the real challenge was from within. They have to overcome their inner fears, doubts and vulnerabilities. In the process, they discovered more about themselves and realized where their strengths lay and what it truly meant. Seeing these seemingly indestructible demigods go through this made what they're going through more realistic and relatable.

The Mark of Athena was a bit on the romantic side, too, what with everyone pairing off. Also, the little stand-off between Percy and Jason was very cool to watch. Both are leaders and carry great responsibilities but we were made more aware of their stark differences. I've always been Team Percy basically because he's way cooler (oops! sorry to Jason shippers). Jason is a little uptight, quiet, and broody. Percy has this unwavering knack in scoffing at monsters that showed both his boldness and foolishness. The "spark of friendship" between the two of them while expected was a surprise to see. 

True to his way of writing, Riordan didn't fail to disappoint. Riordan's carefree, comical writing was like a breath of fresh sea air. It was a welcome deviation from the books I'm currently into now. Without a doubt, most of the funny moments came from Percy and Leo.

In The Mark of Athena, Percy, Annabeth, Leo, Jason, Piper, Hazel and Frank will embark in their most adventurous journey yet. This is another epic installment coming from one of my most favorite author in the world. I salute you, Riordan. Now please go work on the next installment. I shall hibernate until Fall 2013.

Cupid's Verdict:

4 1/2 Cupids