Book Review for: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan #bookreview

Book Review for: The Mark of Athena

Written by: Rick Riordan

ISBN: 978-142314060-3

Avail as: an ebook and in print

5 Stars

The Mark of Athena is an adrenaline rush that promises more heat than Leo's fingertips. Annabeth, Jason, Piper and Leo meet up with Percy, Hazel, and Frank. The quest is on! Unfortunately, the assembled demigods face one challenge after another on their trek to find the Mark of Athena.

The story opens with Annabeth, Jason, Piper, and Leo finding Camp Jupiter. Sadly, the Roman camp is attacked. Percy and his friends flee in the Argo II with the Romans hot on their trail.

The novel focuses on Annabeth and her quest to follow the Mark of Athena. The mark will lead her to the Athena Parthenos which will unite the Roman and Greek demigods. This is necessary to take on Gaea and her minions who are threatening to take over the world.

While not physically as strong as Jason and Percy, Annabeth finds her cunning and wits put to the test. She must figure out the map that leads to the Parthenos and retrieve the statue from its hiding place on her own. Meanwhile her friends battle Eidolons, sea creatures, and Gaea's minions, while on a mission to free Nico di Angelo from the grotesque giants, Otis and Ephialtes. Can Percy and his friends save the day and put Gaea's plans on the rocks?

Riordan's writing is easy to read. In fact, I had to remind myself to slow down so I didn't miss anything. He's a master at making Greek and Roman myths interesting to young readers. His characters are compelling – each layered with flaws and doubts that make them wonderfully human.

 

Alternate Cover 

The pacing was perfect. The story opens with an exciting battle and breathless chase, slowing down in just the right places to let the reader catch their breath before picking up again. And let's not forget there's an ending that leaves you biting your nails.

"The Mark of Athena" is geared for a young adult audience, nine-years-old and above. I highly recommend it. The story is an exciting read that will leave you breathless.