Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen-all of them-and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood-the blood of Olympus-in order to wake.
The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it might be able to stop a war between the two camps.
The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo IIwill go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.
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:
Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen-all of them-and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood-the blood of Olympus-in order to wake.
The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it might be able to stop a war between the two camps.
The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo IIwill go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.
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.