The Mark of Athena

The Mark of Athena is the third book in The Heroes of Olympus Series by Rick Riordan.   The first being The Heroes of Olympus, which was really an introduction to Jason (who appears with no memory of his past), Piper and Leo, but also included Annabeth.  The second book, The Son of Neptune returned to Percy who was now at  Camp Jupiter among the Romans, with no recollection of who he is.  In book two, we are introduced to Hazel and Frank and the "Great Prophecy"  is revealed,
"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."  Book three opens with all of the Demigods being reunited and the Harpy Ella reveals a prophecy, "Wisdom's daughter walks alone.  The Mark of Athena burns through Rome.  Twins snuff out the angel's breath, Who holds the key to endless death.  Giants' bane stands gold and pale, won through pain from a woven jail."  Thus begins the quest for each of the Demigods.   This story is really about each of the Demigods overcoming obstacles and using their powers to help each other.  They each take on the role of leader as they try to find Nico de Angelo, but come to see that none can succeed without the assistance of each others skills.  Most of what I love about Riordan's books are how the chapters are told in alternating point of views among the various characters.  He does a remarkable job of keeping the plot exciting with the various twists and turns and I really got a sense for what the various Demigods talents are in this book.  Its nice to see that everyone had their moment to shine during the story.  Seeing as this is book three out of a five book series, it ends on a cliff hanger with the next book The House of Hades scheduled to be released on October 2, 2013.  Overall a five out of five book for me.   My copy came from the Public Library.