Maybe it’s just because we returned to Percy’s POV, but The Son of Neptune felt like a better fit with the original Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series. It also seemed to feature more of Riordan’s signature wit and humor. I felt like this book was harkening back to the Lightning Thief with Percy’s sudden arrival at camp before being immediately sent off on a dangerous quest. Although, Percy was more confident in his abilities to complete the quest than he was when he was twelve, so good for him.

There’s an interesting contrast between New Rome/Camp Jupiter and Camp Half-Blood. Of course, both are separate from mortal society, however their level of involvement is very different. I would have thought New Rome would be the one spilling out into society, given how far the Roman empire had spread. Instead, it’s the Greek campers that go onto incorporate themselves into the mortal world and New Rome remains concealed in it’s single, mountain city. There’s also a major difference in the strictness of the camps. Camp Half-blood felt like it appeared, like a summer camp, but Camp Jupiter was a war camp. It is not a place where Mr. D could be so unconcerned or where the Stolls could pull off their pranks. Camp Half-Blood made you feel safe, but Camp Jupiter made you feel anxious for a fight you knew was coming.

As a fascinating result, though, older demigods weren’t scattered to the wind. While Camp Half-Blood no doubt taught the kids how to survive, we didn’t actually see it. It gave readers (and Percy) the knowledge not all demigods die a gruesome, young death at the hands of monsters. It also opens up an interesting line of thought about what were to happen if two demigods have children. As all Percabeth shippers will tell you, this is not a new idea, but it takes it from speculation to something concrete in the text. Personally, I would like to see if they get claimed or have any sort of godly affinity. Even though Camp Jupiter did not house families together like the Cabins of Camp Half-Blood, godly parents still seem to play a large part in the identities of those in New Rome.  

While we return to a familiar character in The Son of Neptune, we also get introduced to several new ones. I was thrilled by these new faces despite Riordan drawing some parallels between the friends back at Camp Half-Blood and the folks we meet in Camp Jupiter.

To start with a new face I did not like, Octavian was slimy. I saw a similarity between him and Clarisse in how they treated Percy upon arrival, but at least Clarisse was honest. I have a feeling my dislike of him will only grow over the series.

However, I really enjoyed meeting Hazel and Frank. In comparison to Piper and Leo, I’d say I think this pair were more my favorite. Hazel is young, but has a mature perception of the world, and “hits the Percy-shaped nail on the head,” according to my notes, when she makes a mental note not to underestimate the goofy boy she took Percy for when she first met him. As for Frank, I immediately gravitated toward him. People didn’t take him seriously and he doesn’t seem comfortable with himself, but I have a feeling he’s going to have a very interesting story-arch.  

While I have a lot to say about the new characters, I don’t have much to say about the actual plot of The Son of Neptune. Perhaps it’s because it felt so similar to Percy’s original adventures or because it felt like more set up for the series like The Lost Hero.

Because of the introduction to new characters and a new quest with only minimal ties to The Lost Hero, The Son of Neptune felt like another first book in the series. I know it’s what happens next chronologically, but I sort of doubt if it would matter which one you read first. Also, due to the similarities to the original Percy Jackson and the Olympians plot lines, I found myself more attracted to learning about the new characters and new camp than what actually happened in the book. While I can’t say I’m jazzed about it, it does excite me for what Riordan has in store for the rest of the series.