Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Percy Jackson and the sea of monsters by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the sea of monsters is the second book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series so this review contains ***SPOILERS*** if you have not read the first book in the series.  This is one of those series where it really pays to read them in order so if you have not already read Percy Jackson and the lightning thief then I suggest you do so before reading anymore of this review!


Percy Jackson has nearly made it through a whole school year without being attacked by monsters or getting expelled - something of a new record.  He is really looking forward to getting back to Camp Half-Blood so he can spend time with the other demigods and pretty much not feel like too much of a freak - but his mother is being a little cagey about the summer which is not helpful.  Being the son of the one of the "big three" makes Percy something of an anomaly even among the half bloods, and his little adventure the previous summer has left him a little at odds with the children of Ares.  It could be a very uncomfortable summer at Camp Half-Blood - but he has to make it there first!

When he is attacked at the school it seems as though Percy has been blessed with more of his unique brand of luck, but it is only the start of another adventure.  Camp Half-Blood is in danger, the mystical borders that have protected the camp for years are starting to fail and the children of the gods are in danger.  Percy seems to be the only one who can help, but the forces of evil (or at least the forces in control of the camp) seem determined to keep Percy off the case.  In a race against time Percy, Annabeth, and his new friend Tyson must find the only thing that might be able to save the camp - breaking the rules by leaving camp is just the start of another twisted adventure for Percy and his friends.

I have really been enjoying the adventures of Percy Jackson and his friends for so many reasons that I have been quietly kicking myself for not picking them up earlier.  Percy is the perfect anti-hero - he has a temper, he has dyslexia, and he is too quick to jump to some conclusions.  He is also fiercely loyal to his friends, will do almost anything to protect his mother, and there is something about him that just calls out to the reader.  As with Percy Jackson and the lightning thief, I saw the movie version before reading the book and I have to say that once again the book just blows the movie out of the water in terms of enjoyment and entertainment.  Riordan has a gift for making the characters and action come alive that just seems to loose something in translation between the page and the big screen - or maybe it is just that the movies are a little too "Hollywood" for my taste.

This series just goes from strength to strength and is one of those rare series that screams "read me" rather than "I'm for boys" or "I'm for girls".  This is a fabulous series that needs to be discovered by readers of all ages and is one of those magical series that will have the whole family entertained - not to mention providing lots of material for book related discussions.  Fans of Greek mythology will find a lot to like here, and it was something of a relief to find a use for all my classical studies and ancient history studies at school and university!  Hugely entertaining and nearly impossible to put down - you must read this series!

If you like this book then try:

Reviewed by Brilla

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