Sea of Monsters

Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Citation:

Riordan, R. (2006). Sea of Monsters. New York : Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children. 


Plot:

Percy was back at home, back in school, and trying to live a normal life despite being the son of Greek sea God Poseidon. However, at the end of the year, this becomes impossible when a team of laestrygonians (cannibalistic cyclops giants) invade his school. On top of that? Percy is told he can't return to camp half-blood because it has been under attack as well (apparently the protection around the camp has been failing). Percy returns to the camp that is under siege with Annabeth, his friend. Percy begins having nightmares about Grover, his satyr friend, and feels pulled to venture out and save him. Percy and Annabeth venture out on a quest that could not only save Grover, but also save camp half blood (by retrieving the golden fleece). Where is Grover? Do they succeed? Read Sea of Monsters to venture out with Percy and find out.

Review:

I think the Percy Jackson series is awesome. The way it ties in modern day life with Greek mythology is amazing. The best part? Students don't have to understand all of the mythology to understand the book. But by reading it, they will be introduced to key myths and historical figures, making their 9th grade reading of The Iliad and The Odyssey much more entertaining. Riordan makes an educational topic entertaining and engaging, which warms the cockles of my English teacher heart.  

Reading Level: 11 and up

Similar Titles: The Lightning Thief, Harry Potter

Character Descriptions:

Percy: Half-God, half-mortal, young Percy Jackson is the twelve year old son of the sea God, Poseidon. Percy shouldn't have been born, as Poseidon was not supposed to sire any more children, and now he must live up to the Gods' standards. In the first novel the twelve-year old Percy must go on a quest to find and return Zeus' master bolt, a large quest for such a young boy. Not to mention, Percy is also trying to save his mother and avoid monsters along the way.

Grover: Grover is a satyr that protects Percy, accompanies him on his journey, and hoped to someday become a 'seeker' such that he can find the God Pan.

Annabeth: Annabeth is Athena's (Greek Goddess of war) daughter. She has family issues with her mortal father and has lived at camp 'half-blood' most of her life. She accompanies Percy on his quest, having always wanted to prove herself in the field. She is strong, cunning, and the reader can't help but hope that she ends up kissing Percy at some point.

Personal Thoughts:  

I can admit it: I totally plan to finish this series when I have time.