The Mark of Athena: The Heroes of Olympus, Book 3

Gr 5–8—In the third book (Hyperion, 2012) in Riordan's "The Heroes of Olympus" series, Annabeth is finally reunited with Percy in Camp Jupiter, where the crew of the Argo II has arrived with the hope of convincing the Roman demigod community to join forces with them. Just as Annabeth seems to be making headway with the camp's Praetor, Leo, possessed by an Eidolon, opens fire on the camp. The crew of the Argo II, joined by Percy, Hazel, and Frank, must pursue their quest with the Romans in hot pursuit. Their peace mission failed, it's up to Annabeth to recover the Athena Parthenos in hopes of finally uniting the Greek and Roman gods. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew is racing to Rome to save Hazel's brother, Nico, who may know the location of the Doors of Death. The ultimate goal of the seven demigods is to prevent Gaea from rising and destroying humanity. The demigods are waylaid by gods and a myriad of mythological creatures, many in league with Gaea and intent on killing them. Joshua Swanson keeps up the frantic pace of this non-stop cliffhanger adventure, smoothly switching voices for the large and varied cast of characters. Fans will anxiously await the next installment.—Cary Frostick, Mary Riley Stiles Public Library, Falls Church, VA