At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy's instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea's forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors from both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape? They have no choice. If the demigods don't succeed, Gaea's armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.
About the Author:
Rick Riordan grew up in Texas and spent many years teaching middle school English and history before writing became his full-time work. His background in the classroom shaped his sense of pacing, humor, and character—he wrote for the students he knew, especially those who struggled to find books that felt alive to them. His breakthrough came with the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, inspired in part by bedtime stories he invented to help his son connect with mythology.
Before fantasy took over his career, Riordan wrote award-winning mysteries for adults, and that early discipline shows in his plotting: clear stakes, tight structure, and a storyteller’s instinct for momentum. As he expanded into Norse, Egyptian, and other mythological frameworks, he kept his signature blend of accessibility, wit, and heartfelt character work. He continues to support emerging writers and works closely with educators, always aiming to keep myth, imagination, and adventure within reach of young readers.
Description:
At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy's instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea's forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors from both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape? They have no choice. If the demigods don't succeed, Gaea's armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.
About the Author:
Rick Riordan grew up in Texas and spent many years teaching middle school English and history before writing became his full-time work. His background in the classroom shaped his sense of pacing, humor, and character—he wrote for the students he knew, especially those who struggled to find books that felt alive to them. His breakthrough came with the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, inspired in part by bedtime stories he invented to help his son connect with mythology.
Before fantasy took over his career, Riordan wrote award-winning mysteries for adults, and that early discipline shows in his plotting: clear stakes, tight structure, and a storyteller’s instinct for momentum. As he expanded into Norse, Egyptian, and other mythological frameworks, he kept his signature blend of accessibility, wit, and heartfelt character work. He continues to support emerging writers and works closely with educators, always aiming to keep myth, imagination, and adventure within reach of young readers.