The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2)

Although Rick Riordan's young fans don't know it, they're getting something of a classical education while they're reading his Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The stories are set in today's world, with side trips into pure fantasy, but they're told in a simple, down-to-earth way that has won Riordan readers throughout the world. Greek gods walk through the pages of Riordan's novels for juvenile readers, and they bring with them all the old stories from Greek mythology. I read the first volume of the projected five-book series to my nine year old and we had a blast with it. He was amazed at how I always knew the stories behind the stories and knew so much about the gods themselves. I explained to him that I read a lot of Greek mythology when I was in third grade. Since getting his interest piqued, he had me buy him a compendium of Greek myths and has been reading constantly. His knowledge has surpassed mine at this point. That's the power of Riordan's storytelling. Percy Jackson is a great hero for the series. He's an average kid for the most part - ADHD, video game junkie, pop culture freak - except that he has extra problems: he never gets to stay in the same school because some weird thing happens, he gets blamed for it, and then he's expelled. The weird thing that happens is usually some god or monster tries to kill him. Thanks to the Mist, the mystical spell that keeps mere mortals from seeing the gods or their creatures, everyone believes Percy did something. In the first book, THE LIGHTNING THIEF, Percy finds out he's the son of Poseidon, the god of the seas. He also finds out he has a lot of cool powers while in the water - like being able to breathe underwater and swim superfast. Percy's character, and his pals Annabeth and Grover, are true highlights of the series. I also enjoy the adults as well, Percy's mom, Chiron, the centaur mentor, and Mr. Dionysius, the camp director. Every summer, Percy goes to Camp Half-Blood, where the half-gods go hang out to learn how to fight and be champions, and where they learn their powers and go on quests. I also like how Riordan is incorporating his own world-building into the myths of the Greek gods. He borrows a lot from the original mythology, but he changes it and warps it to fit the modern world as well. That's important because his young readers get to see how dysfunctional the Greek gods were and how their problems might apply to their own families. That's just one of the lessons that become apparent throughout the books. THE SEA OF MONSTERS starts out with Percy getting in trouble at school again. He's become friends with a new kid, Tyson, that no one likes, and he's become a target for school bullies that turn out to be monsters in disguise. Their grudge dodgeball match literally destroys the school and it isn't long before it's just a memory and a burning ruin. And the battle will leave most readers laughing their heads off, even though they might be worried about Percy at the same time. Tyson ends up having secrets of his own. Pursued by the monsters, Percy beats a fast retreat to Camp Half-Blood with Annabeth and Tyson in tow. As soon as he gets there, though, he knows trouble has broken out all over. Thalia's tree, the one that protects Camp Half-Blood, has been poisoned and is dying. The blame has been placed squarely on Chiron. The tree is important, not only because it protects the camp, but because Zeus turned his daughter Thalia into it as she lay dying. So a lot of bad things are about to start happening. This whole plot point shows how good Riordan's storytelling and world-building is. I knew about the tree and the history from the first book, and now all of that is menaced. You can't help but be drawn in. Furthermore, to see Chiron take the fall for someone else's evil is just wrong. I couldn't wait for Percy to undertake a quest to figure out exactly what was going on. But Riordan had some surprises to unveil first. The biggest one is that Percy has a half-brother, and it's a person that Percy would never have guessed. Not only that, but his half-brother is someone no one else at the camp likes. So Percy is shunned by everyone at camp and is more mad at Poseidon than ever. The second surprise is that Grover, the satyr that has been Percy's friend the longest, is in BIG trouble. He's masqueraded himself as a girl by stealing a wedding dress and has been taken by a Cyclops that plans on marrying him. And if Grover lets the monster find out that he's a satyr and not female, the Cyclops will eat him. Just as Percy's getting ready to go to Grover's rescue, he also finds out that the Cyclops has the Golden Fleece, and that it can be used to heal Thalia's tree. From that point on, my son and I were swept up in a whirlwind of adventures that placed us on the sea in a ship, shanghaied by zombie pirates, trapped between Scylla and Charybdis (monsters that Jason and the Argonauts and Odysseus had to face in their respective adventures), aboard Blackbeard's pirate ship, and face-to-face with Luke, Percy's archenemy from the first book. Riordan's Percy Jackson novels are great reads. They're filled with incredible adventures, lots of dialogue and jokes, magic and monsters, and real-life stories that kids (and adults!) can enjoy. We've got the third book in hand, THE TITAN'S CURSE, and are anxiously awaiting Book 4: THE BATTLE IN THE LABYRINTH. I recommend reading the series in order, but there's enough explanation that you can jump on anywhere. Kids who love fantasy novels and haven't yet found these will thank you forever.

"The Sea of Monsters" is an absolute masterpiece that captivates from the first page to the last. Rick Riordan's storytelling prowess shines through in this thrilling adventure, seamlessly blending Greek mythology with modern-day twists. The protagonist, Percy Jackson, continues to be a relatable and endearing character whose growth and development are a joy to witness. His journey alongside friends like Annabeth and Grover is filled with heart-pounding action, witty humor, and unexpected plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. Riordan's world-building is exceptional, vividly bringing to life the dangers and wonders of the mythical realm. From the treacherous Sea of Monsters to the unpredictable antics of gods and monsters, every chapter is a delightfully immersive experience. What truly sets this book apart is its themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery. Through Percy's adventures, readers are reminded of the power of loyalty, courage, and embracing one's strengths and weaknesses. "The Sea of Monsters" is not just a book; it's an enchanting journey that sparks imagination and leaves a lasting impact. Whether you're a fan of mythology, adventure, or simply a great story, this book is a must-read that will leave you eagerly reaching for the next installment in the series.

This book started out too similar to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with the evil new activities director who has a thing against our hero and constantly twists things to work against Percy. Even the kids see him as an outcast and a glory hog (being the claimed son of one of the "big three"). Plus Percy's favorite teacher is forced to leave because of his past and its possible link to a mysterious poison that leaves the camps defenses at risk for protecting those within its boundaries (Harry Potter character, Lupin, similarity there with the teacher and his mysterious past, which causes this teacher to be dismissed from the school/camp). Thankfully, things started to get much better as the quest began. We get to meet new mythological characters and journey into the Bermuda Triangle in search of a piece of legend, the Golden Fleece. I think the second half of the book which focused more on the relationships between Percy, Annabeth, and his brother (while of course, trying to save the world) was much better than the first half. Unlike Harry Potter though, the world not is as rich and full of detail. The books are very plot/quest focused, so there's not a lot of camp games and activities we get to partake in or other campers that we get to know outside of the main ones. So these books do not have that extra charm that Harry Potter and Hogwarts presented to the reader. These books are still enjoyable albeit a little more dire and action focused, which is a good thing too. Its fast paced and enjoyable. With all the HP similarities in the Percy Jackson books, though, you notice the contrasts between the two series. Though we do get a taste of chariot racing which was fun! For future books though, I keep hoping for more delving into Greek god life as well as demigod life and their environment. Riordin does a good job, but I am left wanting more with the world Percy lives in with other demigods. Each book gives you more about the world, and I cannot wait to make these discoveries. That is why people love books like this one, to get wrapped up in a world more magical than our own. The ending was excellent and a surprise, so I do look forward to starting the 3rd in the series. I did rate this 4/5 because of the good surprise ending and the exciting quest and discoveries along the way even though I did enjoy the first book more. I enjoyed the story and the adventure, I just do not want to feel Harry Potter in the pages. This is a new world that should stand alone on its own and has the potential to. I am eager for the next book.

Love the book series

Riordan pens a story stuffed with action, adventure, and myths with "Sea of Monsters." When the tree that guards Camp Half Blood is poisoned and Chiron accused of the deed, Percy and his friends must find the golden fleece to save the camp, but will Luke stand in their way? The story opens with Percy having a decent year at school, but as summer approaches, Percy finds himself befriending Tyson, an odd teenager to say the least. After Percy is attacked at school, he learns that Tyson is a cyclops and Camp Half Blood is under siege. Thalia, the tree that guards the camp is dying. Chiron is blamed and banished. Percy makes it back to the camp where he discovers the golden fleece can save the camp, but unfortunately, Percy's friend, Grover, is being held captive by the cyclops that guards the fleece. Percy demands to go on a quest. Can he recover the golden fleece in time to save the camp? Riodan's writing is crisp and easy to read. The plot flows well. Riodan uses a good economy of words to paint vivid pictures without lingering. The dialogue adds a nice authenticity to the story. What I enjoyed about the story was how Riodan has made the Greek myths and heroes appealing to today's younger audience. Percy and his friends have incredible powers, yet they move easily within the modern world. Heck, even Hermes has updated his looks with a jogging suit. The most rewarding part was the characterization. Percy shows a burgeoning maturity as he comes to care and protect Tyson. Tyson's loyalty is admirable and Annabeth, as well as Clarisse, show true strength and courage. Riodan takes the reader on Percy's adventures through the sea of monsters and leaves them biting their nails. The ending had me on the edge of my seat, wanting more. "Sea of Monsters" is a fine sequel to "The Lightning Thief." I highly recommend it for young readers in 4th grade on up. The story's sense of adventure will resonate with readers long after they finish.

So good! If you were to read this book and never read the first book, you can still understand what is happening and what happened in the first book.( I did read the.first book though. I devoted 3 hours of my time just to read this book and it was SOOO worth it!!!!!!!! I love Percy Jackson! #1 fan!!!

So ready for the third. This is my second time reading the book again and I’m so glad I did. There was a lot that I missed before or that I didn’t remember. This is a series you won’t want to miss.

I bought these for my oldest son for Christmas. He was very happy! He's 25, but these are some of his FAVORITE books!!😊