Waiting on Wednesday (7)

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Expected Publication: October 2nd, 2012

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. . . . -GoodReads

WHY WE'RE WAITING THIS WEDNESDAY

Tsk, tsk, yes, we're pretty cliche. But who ISN'T waiting for The Mark of Athena?!?!?! Someone who's been living under a rock, because I am pumped up and ready to get my hands on that first hot-off the presses copy. Annabeth has always been my favorite character, and not only has she got some brains, but that girl rocks the invisible baseball cap. (Plus, more Percabeth action!) 

So what are you waiting on this Wednesday? Let us know and leave a link-we love to hear from you! 

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

Release Date: October 4th, 2011
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 513
Age Group: Middle Grade
Source: Bought at Target
Summary: 


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 od Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven

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I am OBSESSED with this series. 

As in the Lost Hero, Rick Riordan leaves me with ANOTHER cliffhanger, and this one even more tempting than the last. Why does he DO this? It almost makes me want to tear out my hair. (Almost.) 

This book continues a few months after The Lost Hero ends, and it is revealed that Percy Jackson is barely alive (being chased by hideous sisters of Medusa really runs some people down) and that he has no idea who he is. A few other characters are revealed in this sequel-Frank Zhang, a Chinese Canadian who's good with a bow but feels awkward in his body and Hazel Levesque, who has a few dirty secrets in her very distant past. 

I must admit I don't like this series as much as the Percy Jackson series. Maybe because its not told in Percy's point of view anymore-but maybe not. Maybe its because I'm getting older and Percy Jackson really isn't. Either way, I still enjoy the continuation of the plot-it's entertaining, to say the least- but just not as much. 

The thing that really gets me is the mesh of all the story lines. I love it when that happens-don't you? While reading the Throne of Fire, I was so frustrated that he wouldn't introduce the darn Olympian gods already into the book! He makes me want to scream the same way with The Son of Neptune-the meeting of the Greek and Romans is just making me ecstatic. 

I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THE SEQUEL!!!!! Please, Rick Riordan, write fast. Write really fast!!