The quest for the Prophecy of Seven continues. But Percy and Annabeth are trapped in Tartarus, the Argo II has run into trouble and the clock is ticking until Gaia fully awakens. 

This book seems to me to be more introspective than the others, with each character facing circumstances which cause them to consider their strengths, weaknesses and where they fit in the world. That's not to say the book isn't action packed and just as full of Gods and monsters as the others, but it does feel like a bit of a change of pace, and certainly wasn't what I was expecting from the penultimate story in the series.

They all have touching moments, but my particular notables are Leo's time on Ogygia, Frank's transformation into the leader he can be, and most of all Nico's admission. However, for such beautiful transitions, they are far too brief. I am hoping that Nico especially gets his moment in the spotlight during the final book, because he deserves so much more than what he's had so far! I know he has his own book now, but even so...

The aging up of the characters continues to delight and frustrate me in equal measure. Percy talking about kids and a long life with Annabeth... it's so sweet and well written, and I know that war always causes people to grow up faster and speed along decisions, but I have to keep reminding myself he's just sixteen! It does make me see a little more perhaps why they chose to case an older boy in the Percy Jackson films (sacrilegious though they might be) - if they'd got this far, the older actor would have come across as more of the 'right' age for this sort of discussion to make sense to viewers.

I like the point the author uses that, even amongst the darkest of creatures, there will always be one 'good' one. Again, this is something I hope comes back within the final story, as I have visions of all of the 'odd-ones-out' changing sides and fighting alongside Camps Half-Blood and Jupiter. And I do hope we get to see more of Bob and Small Bob! That was a lovely lite story arc.

I didn't actually care that much about the action that was going on in this book - it definitely works, but it felt like quite a lot of effort for quite a small pay off. There was no real jeopardy - I was never entirely worried that something outrageous was going to happen, so while I'm not saying it was a predictable story, at no point did I exclaim 'plot twist!!!'. I almost feel like it needed one of the heroes to die, or some other shocking event that makes you worry that the ending might not be all sunshine and roses. It all just felt very much like a set up for the finale, rather than a strong standalone tale as the others in the series have.

I really did enjoy it, just not in the way I was expecting or hoping for.