The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus, #2)

by Rick Riordan

[nitzan_schwarz]

To read this review and more check out my blog, Drugs Called Books

It took me much longer than it should've to read this book. Not because there is some kind of problem with it, but because I have been busy and tired and found barely any time to read this week.
I also find it kind of hard to review this book, but I'm going to give it my best shot, okay?

The Cover
I'd like to start with some easy stuff; I love the cover! It's so pretty and well drawn! Don't you just adore it? Because I know I do!

The Writing
Son of Neptune is written from three different POVs, in third-person. We get 4 chapters in a row from each point of view.
I felt this book was written a bit differently than the others, or maybe it's just me having read the last book over a year ago. But we saw a lot of flashbacks in this, straight from the beginning We also had to have a lot explained to us since we found ourselves in a completely new camp, so perhaps that's the reason.
As always, the writing does not disappoint. Riordan is a master at what he does.
What did bother me was the amount of references this book sort of requires a re-read of the entire Percy Jackson series. I've read that a long time ago, and I had to rack my mind to remember some of the references, and some I never figured out.
I loved how Rick intertwined some events from Percy Jackson with this story, such as Reyna and her sister, and all those.

And I miss the awesome chapter names from the Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles series! ~cries~

The Roman Camp
Well, one of the biggest differences between the last book and this one is that it happens on the Roman side, and their camp is... ~cough cough~ different.
You see, the roman camp is a safe heaven for demigods to have families and live their lives. They've got a city for retired demigods, with schools and malls and jobs... It's quite incredible.
Demigods on the roman side live to be adults.
They also have descended from Demigods in their ranks; children and grandchildren of. We learn that those children sometimes hold powers of their own.
I've always wondered what happens to demigods' children. Now I know, and I'm loving it.
And, well, I'm sorry camp half blood, but you've just been bested! they may have more bloodthirsty methods about them, but they raise families. I'd totally rather be there.

The Characters
This book we see Percy again (yay!) and meet two new heroes: Hazel and Frank.

Percy: well, we all know and love Percy from when he was still staring on the Percy Jackson series, and this book doesn't change that. If anything, it makes us see what a freakin' wonderful boyfriend he is - without once seeing Annabeth in this book! god, he was so sweet with all his thoughts about Annabeth! He's also as kick ass as before, and as loyal as ever.

Hazel - I love her name, ever if I'm not sure I'm pronouncing it correctly. She was a nice addition to the book, and I found it interesting to see the difference between how others saw her and how she really was. I can't say I love her like I do Percy, but she was nice. Interesting powers, and an interesting back story.

Frank - He's got a horrible name for a hero in my opinion, but I like the guy. He's kind of cute. He's also got an interesting past and I like how he's described. I could not believe who his father was, so uncharacteristic! I found his "special powers" a bit unsatisfying though. It seems like the change happens too easily. I would have liked it to be describe more.

Some of out favorite characters from the Percy Jackson series return!

Hooray, we've got Nico and Tyson this book! I loved Nico in the Percy Jackson series, and I love him now. I was really happy to see him again.

Also, what's the deal with Leo/Sammy? I get they're probably related, but is Leo Sammy's reincarnation Because relations shouldn't have the look so alike. Did something about it was mentioned in The Lost Hero? I can't remember!

The Romance
Percy Jackson has grown, and so have Riordan's books. They're not little kids anymore, and love plays a part of the story.
I've already said Percy's been the sweetest boyfriend ever in this book. I need to read the Percy/Annabeth reunion now!
But we also had Frank and Hazel, and they were sweet and cute. Both like each other, each fearing the other will hate them if they knew the truth... I find myself wondering, as Percy had, if they're a couple now. Guess we'll find out in Mark of Athena!

In Conclusion
I know this is not my best review, I find it difficult to review this book. But I loved it and greatly recommend it, and I'm dying to read the next book!