Review: The Mark of Athena

Title: The Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Heroes of Olympus #3
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Date Published: October 2nd 2012
Get Your Copy: Amazon
Rating:

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....

Finally! I have been waiting for this book forever! Once again, we witness the adventures of our great heroes, with the Greek demigods and the Roman demigods expected to fight side by side to be able to defeat Gaea's giants and prevent her from rising to power again. However, something goes awry, which lead the Romans to believe that the Greeks are not a worthy ally.

The book was a real page turner --- fast paced and action packed. Narrated by four different characters, namely Annabeth, Percy, Leo and Piper, we get the chance to know our heroes better. Each hero seem to evolve throughout the series. Our self-assured Annabeth learns something great about humility, Percy and Jason both alpha characters learn the value of working together, Piper discovers her heroin qualities, Leo finds himself a great contributing factor in the fruition of their quest, and Frank and Hazel both discover something more about themselves.

Their quest this time involves Annabeth following the mark of Athena to find a certain statue (the Athena Parthenon) that will resolve the millenia-old dispute between the Greeks and the Romans; defeating the twin giants; and rescuing Nico di Angelo. But, of course, the quest does not end there. We'll have to read the next book where our heroes need to close the doors of death from the mortal world and from Tartarus. Let's just hope that goes well.

As for the romantic interests, ie. Annabeth and Percy, and Piper and Jason, both the couples' relationships have matured. They seem to put their quests ahead of their personal interests, however, it is very obvious to the reader that they do care for each other. In the end if it were a matter of the other surviving while the other dies, Annabeth and Percy would gladly die together than be apart for one more moment. Piper and Jason, on the other hand, are just really made for each other. If the other got injured the other rushes to the rescue in the blink of an eye, even in the middle of battle! Really, it amazes me how many times Piper have nursed Jason's injury and vice versa.

Now, what's the deal with Leo looking like Sammy? What is there between Hazel and Leo? Is there anything to even consider in the romantic front? I wouldn't like to bring up spoilers here. However, there is a reason they had to meet ... an unfinished business if you may.

All in all, this book is a fantastic read. It encompasses the true nature of heroism, that is --- brawn is not all you need but brains as well and most importantly, the courage to face all adversaries toward your goal.