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dorothysbookshelf 's review for:
The Son of Neptune
by Rick Riordan
I recently read the second instalment in the "Heroes of Olympus" series: "The Son of Neptune", and I thought I'd document my thoughts on it as a review. I'll also be comparing some of the elements to the first book in the series "The Lost Hero", to which I did not enjoy that much.
I enjoyed this book much more than I enjoyed its predecessor, “The Lost Hero”, as I couldn’t fully connect with the characters in it, and I felt the plot kept running in circles and dragging on slowly. But I felt exactly the opposite during “The Son Of Neptune”! I felt instantly connected to Hazel and Frank, and was already connected to Percy, due to his role in the “Percy Jackson” series. And, the novel’s pacing was a perfect steady medium-ground, not to fast, not to slow. This made it so easy to read this 52 chapter book (the chapter number and page number originally terrified me before starting, but felt like a breeze when reading.)
I also felt that “The Son of Neptune” was a more enjoyable read than “The Lost Hero”. I always hate when the plot relies on the characters’ inability to communicate, especially in books with multiple POVs, so I think that’s what put me off “The Lost Hero”. However, in “The Son of Neptune” Percy, Frank and Hazel communicate really well, although secrets aren’t always told straight alway.
I do have to admit that the relationship between Frank and Hazel wasn’t the best move on Riodran’s part, due to Frank being 16 and Hazel being 13. I understand that Hazel was dead for 80-odd years before coming back, but it doesn’t stop the fact that she is 13, and the age gap between the two young characters seemed creepy and made me uncomfortable. Keeping them as purely best friends would have been nicer. On top of that, I don’t think everyone in the Riodranverse needs a romantic partner/ love interest, especially considering some of the characters young ages (looping back to the fact the Hazel is 13! 13!!)
Overall, I’d rate the book around 4 stars, as it was an enjoyable read I’d be happy to re-read, but it lost one star for the creepy age difference between Frank and Hazel. I’ll also definitely be reading the sequel: “The Mark of Athena”, especially considering I have heard that the series improves in quality as you get closer to the end.
I enjoyed this book much more than I enjoyed its predecessor, “The Lost Hero”, as I couldn’t fully connect with the characters in it, and I felt the plot kept running in circles and dragging on slowly. But I felt exactly the opposite during “The Son Of Neptune”! I felt instantly connected to Hazel and Frank, and was already connected to Percy, due to his role in the “Percy Jackson” series. And, the novel’s pacing was a perfect steady medium-ground, not to fast, not to slow. This made it so easy to read this 52 chapter book (the chapter number and page number originally terrified me before starting, but felt like a breeze when reading.)
I also felt that “The Son of Neptune” was a more enjoyable read than “The Lost Hero”. I always hate when the plot relies on the characters’ inability to communicate, especially in books with multiple POVs, so I think that’s what put me off “The Lost Hero”. However, in “The Son of Neptune” Percy, Frank and Hazel communicate really well, although secrets aren’t always told straight alway.
I do have to admit that the relationship between Frank and Hazel wasn’t the best move on Riodran’s part, due to Frank being 16 and Hazel being 13. I understand that Hazel was dead for 80-odd years before coming back, but it doesn’t stop the fact that she is 13, and the age gap between the two young characters seemed creepy and made me uncomfortable. Keeping them as purely best friends would have been nicer. On top of that, I don’t think everyone in the Riodranverse needs a romantic partner/ love interest, especially considering some of the characters young ages (looping back to the fact the Hazel is 13! 13!!)
Overall, I’d rate the book around 4 stars, as it was an enjoyable read I’d be happy to re-read, but it lost one star for the creepy age difference between Frank and Hazel. I’ll also definitely be reading the sequel: “The Mark of Athena”, especially considering I have heard that the series improves in quality as you get closer to the end.