The Mark of Athena - Rick Riordan

[This is the third book in The Heroes of Olympus series. If you haven't read this series, you can check out my review of The Lost Hero (Book 1) or The Son of Neptune (Book 2).]

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
Series: Heroes of Olympus #3
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Source/Format: Bought || hardcover

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)

I'm pretty sure that I've said this at some point in the past, but I don't see the harm in saying it again: Rick Riordan is a master. I've always admired his ability to weave mythological elements into a contemporary story, and with each successive series (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles and now, The Heroes of Olympus), it's gotten better and better. The Mark of Athena is the latest installment in the series, and it's far superior to its predecessors (which are already pretty darn fabulous). Riordan has totally brought more epic adventure and more mystery into this novel, and it ends on a note that has me begging that House of Hades comes out sooner rather than later.

What I love most about the book is that it has two separate focuses - the journey of the seven demigods to the Ancient Land, and Annabeth's individual journey to follow the mark of Athena. The combination of these two things makes for a most interesting adventure indeed.

I loved reading about the seven demigods and their journey to Rome. Honestly, based on the past books, it was expected that there was bound to be some kind of conflict between the ones from Rome (Jason, Hazel and Frank) and Greece (Leo, Piper, Annabeth and Percy). But what I wasn't expecting was how well everyone would end up working together. They had their fits and starts, and there was definitely open animosity and competition between some of them, but in the end, everyone was family. They knew they would never let one of the crew be left behind to fight alone, they knew that everyone had different, but equally useful abilities and I loved that. I loved how Riordan managed to turn them all into a little family, including Coach Hedge (their adult chaperone) and Festus (the dragon/ship).  It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and I was certainly rooting for them to succeed in their quest.

They faced a lot of danger along the way, as they were constantly trying to be thwarted by Gaea and by the gods/goddesses/mythological creatures that were suffering as a result of Gaea's plan to rise again. Plus, it didn't help that the Roman legion were out to get them as well! There were a lot of pretty epic battle scenes in this book, surprisingly, and I enjoyed them all. It's fairly noticeable that in each fight, someone different pulls the big move that ends it, and I love that Riordan each gave them their moment to shine, if you will.

Plus, they got to visit quite a few places - Topeka (Kansas), Atlanta, Charleston (South Carolina) and of course, Rome. I thought it was cool that they were able to cover so much ground, and in such varied places too. I think I also completely fangirled over the fact that they visited the aquarium in Atlanta because I DID TOO. 

Anyway.

Annabeth's journey was the only one she had to experience solo - and it was scary. I admired her bravery and courage and determination to succeed, even when the path seemed uncertain or when she felt like she wanted to turn back. Her intelligence was really what saved her in the end, and I love that Riordan was able to showcase her common sense and her ability to think on her feet. I was always a huge Annabeth fan, but this book completely cemented my love for her.

One other thing I was extremely happy about was Annabeth and Percy's relationship. They'd been apart for the last two books, so to see them have the chance to finally be together and just enjoy that (in spite of all that they faced) was wonderful. I'm always going to be a fan of this particular relationship, up until the (has to be happy, please!) end.

I can't finish this review without discussing the ending. Oh, that ending! I have no idea what I was expecting, but I don't think it was that. I literally finished it with my mouth hanging open - it was so epic. I'm itching to find a copy of House of Hades now to soothe my worries and fears and curiosity.

The Mark of Athena was another epic installment in the Heroes of Olympus series. I love how our favorite demigods were all finally brought together to bring the prophecy to life, and all the adventures they encounter (even though I was worried sick about them half the time). Rick Riordan has done it again with this fantastic novel, and I can't wait to read House of Hades when it's out this year!