The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3) by Rick Riordan

 

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...

• Genre: fantasy,mythology,magic,urban fantasy
• Age: young adult
• Source: owned ebook
• Read from October 24 to 26, 2013

FINAL RATING: ★★★★★/★★★★★

"We're staying together," he promised. "You're not getting away from me. Never again."
Only then did she understand what would happen. A one-way trip. A very hard fall.
"As long as we're together," she said.

First things first: this series IS SO MUCH better than PJ series (well at least to me). What i really love about this change of writing style and multiply POVs is that every character is alive. They are not similar, they are all different. And yes, this series is darker and definitely more angsty and more emotional then the previous series. Which is what i really love about it.

I don't think i need to write what happens in the story since the book's description says everything you need to know. Well, almost everything - their quest also includes following Mark of the Athena, the quest only Annabeth is burdened with, while everyone else have to rescue Nico, son of Hades, from dying slowly in the hands of two giants.

SOME SPOILERS: Nico dying in that bronze jar broke my heart, especially how they all doubted in him, and questioned where his loyalities are... And Leo being blamed for everything (for starting the war even though he was possessed and so much more. This book was just roller coaster of feels)

I have to say, i think i started to love ALL of them (some of them earlier felt like two dimensional characters) but i was wrong. Now all of them are just great and i can't help but love all these idiots.

I also have to say - prepare for nasty cliffhanger (it was the one of a kind cliffie - which i hope you don't know or it will ruin your feels mwaahahahahha).

OVERALL:

This series is just amazing. Our heroes will face many life threatening trials and all they can do is hope that all of them will survive in the end. I just freaking love this series. End of the story.

MY REVIEW ON GOODREADS