The Mark Of Athena

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

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....


Okay, so this little story grabbed me from the beginning. Once I was able to get past the teenage angst, I was immediately drawn back into the inner mind of Rick. It never seems to amaze me how much detail is put into these stories. In every book, you meet several new characters that you never expected. This was no different. The most intriguing character was Hercules.

The major change in this story is the amazing blend of Greek and Roman history. Unlike the last two books, this one combined each demigod and histories together.

The story takes us from the unlikely demise of the truce between the Greeks and Romans to the depths of Tartarus. You will not be disappointed. This is the seventh books of an amazing story. I cannot wait to see what adventure awaits us in the Underworld.

See ya...

Jay