The Mark of Athena Paperback – Big Book, 8 April 2014

My daughter (age 10) LOVES Rick Riordan books - and the Heroes of Olympus series is one of her favourites. Happy to complete her set with a couple of his titles at a reasonable price off Amazon.

Just when you think that the series can't get any better The Mark of Athena runs in. The whole book is just like the others, adventure after adventure, action after action but this one has an underlining quality of seriousness that brings the book to a whole new level. Not saying that the other two weren't serious but with this one you feel it more. It is the middle book, the middle of the big quest and you can really feel the danger that is about to happen.I loved the fact that Annabeth and Percy were reunited, in fact I kept re-reading that scene over and over again because it was just too perfect. Plus the whole group of demigods finally meeting and starting the quest was also perfect. I simply just loved it.All in all this book screamed intense action and perfect characters. It seemed to me that everything just clicked into place and we were finally seeing the dangers of what this quest and prophecy actually holds. It was just a brilliant book in a fantastic series.

I really enjoy the Rick Riordan books, I've read all of the Percy Jackson series, and all up to present of the Heroes of Olympus series. This book, although not quite as entertaining action-wise as the other books, it does give an insight into some of the other characters, and involves Annabeth more. I've almost finished the book, within a couple of weeks, although I've made it last as previously I've read the previous books in the series in one goIf you are into Greek Mythology, or even if you aren't and want an entertaining book, I recommend this, and the other books in the series. They have all re-ignited my interest in Gods and Monsters.UPDATE 30/01/2013: Just got around to finishing this book, and although I still think its brilliantly written, I wasn't keen on the ending - it was only a "kind-of" cliff-hanger with not enough tension. The slight downside on the ending wasn't enough to knock it down a star though.

For fans of Percy Jackson and anyone who has the slightest interest in Greek and Roman Civilisations or mythological masterpieces of fiction.Truly an Epic set of stories from the First to the Last!!!From Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson Books 1-5 plus two more extra books on the Greek Gods and Demigods) and continuing all the way through (Heroes of Olympus Books 1-5).To end with The Blood of Olympus. An Epic story all the way through, a great coming of age story in beautiful and rich environments full of danger and mystery. A thoroughly cracking read. I loved it so much, I read it twice through. Wonderful.

It has been a long time since I have been addicted in reading a book. The Mark of Athena deserves to be called a page/turner. I really enjoyed how Riordan has made all 7 demigods work together in great unison, combining their demigod powers (or intense wit in terms of Annabeth) that can still make you read in awe, but ofcourse there is still the occassional humour especially now Leo is back!I find it remarkable how Riordan manages to write a book that focus on all 7 characters equally. It is not like the Percy Jackson series where it is mainly Percy that gets the spotlight, in here all demigod are seen equally as they are all individuals that are fun to learn more about and would play an important role to their quest in their own very unique ways. In here they are a TEAM - which makes it all the more fun to read! The plentiful of interactions between characters (and not just monsters) makes this book really interesting to read. Lastly, the ability of Riordan to make us learn morr about the ancient civilisations whilst at the same time enjoying yourself, still does not diminish. I have never been more interested to learn about Greek mythology, and now Roman history until I've encountered these great books of his.I recomment to all Rick Riordan fans, especially those who followed through Percy Jackson's journey. He and his friends' wonderful adventures are not finished yet.

I loved the percy jackson series and this olympus series is equal in its ast-paced adventure and surprises that Rick Riordan has created through exploring the Greek and Roman legends of the Gods and Goddesses. This book especially is brilliant as it brings together many characters who for a time, have been seperated, and for a good cause! But now that the 7 heroes are together and facing many challenges, it is a book I wouldn't hesitate to recommend, though it is ideal to read the first 2 books first, and also before that, the 5 books in the PJ series. Also I would like to add, both series are not just for teenagers... the knowledge learnt through the interesting pages has made me aware of the depth of the greek and roman gods, which has made me fascinated and wanting to learn more. To everyone, from 8 to 108, I urge to read this book: you WILL be blown away!