Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus #2) by Rick Riordan

Son of Neptune is the second book in the Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan and it follows Percy Jackson in the time prior to the arrival of the Argo 2 at Camp Jupiter.  Please note that I am going to assume that you've read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians books as well as The Lost Hero.  If you've not read those yet- SHAME ON YOU- please read those first otherwise this review will spoil those books for you!  Here is the Goodreads blurb:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa tol him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over he mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven

So, I should have been tipped off by the title and the cover (which has a picture of Percy) that this book would flash to where ever the heck Percy has been traded to while Jason is hanging out with the Camp Half Blood kids.  However, I did not get the OBVIOUS hint.  I really enjoyed Leo from The Lost Hero so I was sad to see only a tiny cameo from him in this book.  However, we do get two new heroes for Percy to team up with.  Frank is a pretty wicked guy once he really gets comfortable in his own skin and Hazel is connected with my all time favorite character from the PJO books ( he also has a sizable part to play in this book).  Both are interesting characters who are not your typical heroes.  I really enjoyed this book overall and it was nice to hear from Percy again.  His humorous narration is always tons of fun.  I was both really confused and really intrigued by the set up of Camp Jupiter.  Ancient Rome is much more my husband's thing.  (He's spent the last year or more listening to the History of Rome podcasts for FUN!)  But I did enjoy learning about Rome and the way that the two camps differ.  I still like the Greek versions of the Gods best though!  I am worried about how the next books in the series will read now that there are so many characters narrating.  In The Lost Hero and The Son of Neptune, the narrator rotated between the main characters.  I wonder if they will all narrate the coming books.

Favorite line:  "Cinnamon is good for harpies.  Not cheese."

This series is appropriate for middle grades readers but many younger and older readers enjoy them as well.  You can find out more about the series on Rick Riordan's website.  You can also follow Rick on Twitter.  You can also click here to add any of Rick Riordan's books on Goodreads! Rick Riordan also writes the Kane Chronicles books.

Son of Neptune earns 5 Fairies from me for some funny Percy, a cinnamon loving harpy and a pinch of Leo Valdez.