The Sea of Monsters

November 1, 2013

Gr 4-8-In this adaptation of Riordan's novel (Hyperion, 2006), Camp Half-Blood's borders have been poisoned, and Percy is off on a quest to find the healing Golden Fleece. The detailed, realistic art in full, rich color will appeal to fans of superhero comics: it is perfectly suited to the story's many action and fight scenes, none of which depict graphic violence. Fans of George O'Connor's "Olympians" series (First Second) may enjoy this similarly irreverent, action-packed view of Greek mythology. The text is succinct and witty, and there are many wordless scenes, including a few stunning pages in which Percy's friend Annabeth encounters the Sirens. Both high in quality and sure to be popular, this is a first purchase.-Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2014
In this fourth in Riordan's series pitting Roman and Greek demigods against an awakening goddess Gaea, Percy and Annabeth trek through Tartarus to escape through the Doors of Death, while their friends fight their way to the Doors' mortal side to rescue them. The wisecracking teens reveal emotional depths while overcoming monsters and personal obstacles in this high velocity continuation of the gripping franchise. Glos.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from April 24, 2006
In a feat worthy of his heroic subjects, Riordan crafts a sequel stronger than his compelling debut in this second adventure in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. After a group of Laistrygonians (giant cannibals) infiltrate the dodgeball game at Percy's alternative Manhattan school, and his friend Annabeth (a daughter of Athena, introduced in the first book) comes to the rescue, the two take the homeless scholarship student Tyson with them to Camp Half-Blood, where trouble is brewing. Percy soon realizes that Tyson is a Cyclops (meaning they're half-brothers and possibly enemies—both sons of Poseidon) and learns that someone poisoned the sacred Thalia's tree, which protects the "magic borders" of the demigod camp. Riordan catches readers up seamlessly on this world in which gods still reign; he builds on existing subplots and rivalries, and introduces harrowing new challenges as Percy and Annabeth set off across the Sea of Monsters on a quest to find the Golden Fleece, which will heal Thalia's tree. Percy's relationship with Tyson and their battle against the Cyclops guarding the Fleece (Polyphemus) brings up probing questions about shame, family and loyalty. With humor, intelligence and expert pacing, the author uses this tale of believable teens and their high-stakes struggle to bring the mythical lore up to date (e.g., Hermes, appropriately, invented the Internet). A cliffhanger imparts new meaning to the prophesy (mentioned in the first book) and leaves no question that Percy's high-stakes battle for Western Civilization will continue to surprise even himself. Ages 10-up.