Heroes of Olympus: The Mark of Athena BOOK REVIEW

The Mark of Athena

Heroes of Olympus Book 3. Rick Riordan, Originally published through Hyperion Books New York on October 2, 2012. 586pp. www.rickriordan.com. www.disneyhyperionbooks.com. USA $12.00.

New York Times best-selling author Rick Riordan is back again with another book of his Heroes of Olympus series, The Mark of Athena. The story is told through the viewpoints of the Greek demigods Annabeth Chase, Piper McLean, Leo Valdez and Percy Jackson whose godly parents are from the authentic classical mythology. This book is made with a remarkable control of the classics in fusion with modern life. After publishing eight physical books, five from The Percy Jackson series and two from The Gods of Olympus series, Rick Riordan might have already exhausted himself but with every freshly-published book, the plot just keeps getting better and better.

The story starts up with Annabeth’s venture in pursuit of finding her long lost boyfriend, Percy, who happened to have been separated from her for six months already, in the Roman Camp. Flying all the way from Camp-Half Blood to Camp Jupiter, they casted off through the Argo II, a highly equipped floating Greek ship which was created by Leo, the son of the god of the blacksmiths, Hephaestus. As they reached the top of the Roman soil, the Romans can’t help but think that the ship itself is a Greek weapon but with the presence of Jason Grace on deck, Annabeth continues to hope that the Romans will discern their short-coming as one peaceful approach. Carrying the gift of her mother, Athena, she was constantly reminded of its daunting demand and it is to: follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. She feels like all the burden of the world is weighing her down and is nerve-rackingly tearing her mind. She knew that the quest would lead them to the Doors of Death - a place where no single demigod should ever be wandering off. The thought of it is terrifying, what more if they are already there?

Although faced with so much encumbrances, what she fears the most is that Percy might have already turned out different from how she knew him. Maybe, for so long, he already got tied to roman customs. Percy, on the other hand, is pleased to grab two of his newfound friends, Hazel Levesque and Frank Zhang as he sets free of Rome to plunder and encounter unspeakable terrors along the way of their expedition through different dangerous lands.

The seven chosen demigods will give it all their shot to defeat the goddess of the earth, Gaea, all her children and reach Rome before everything gets completely destroyed.

The book’s cover shows Percy Jackson and Jason Grace fighting with their horses, Blackjack and Tempest. In the middle is a close look of an eagle which symbolizes Athena. Chapter headings are of the character’s point of view and is clearly based on Roman and Greek Mythology. The elements of the story that Riordan used in this book highlights a lot of the story line so that particular events, especially the main ones, could successfully stand out and essentially be acknowledged in sequential order. There are a lot suspense and foreshadowing in the book which could give a lot of possible results to pop up for what is really about to come. For the word choice, the author used some equivocal terms through similes and metaphors in giving description to what emotion and feeling the characters portray in a specific event or scene. Lastly, the author based his writing to his audience. He knew too well how most teenagers would like a story to go on. His style in writing magnifies more appeal to the book since it gives the readers a deep interpretation to the different point of views of the characters.

With a classification of adventure and a little mix of teenage love, this book will intensely make you savor up the world of gods, goddesses, demigods and other Greek and Roman mythological creatures. Written with lots of fun and tension-filled roller coaster rides, this book will surely not just entertain but will also take you to a mystical place from far down your imagination. Astonishing discoveries, sufferings and outrages are waiting. So what are you waiting for? Come aboard now and sail across the ancient lands with the prophecy of seven!

Waheed, A. (2015, December 3) Prezi. The Mark of Athena: Book Review. Retrieved from: https://prezi.com/2qrpf1959e_p/the-mark-of-athena-book-report/

Dalzell, Z. (2017) Scholastic. Book Review: Heroes of Olympus Book 3: Mark of Athena. Retrieved from: http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3757756