The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan Summary

The Son of Neptune is the second book in Rick Riordan's Heroes of Olympus series, following Percy Jackson who awakens with complete amnesia except for one name—Annabeth. The story chronicles Percy's journey to Camp Jupiter, a Roman demigod training camp, where he teams up with Hazel Levesque and Frank Zhang on a quest to free Thanatos, the god of death, from captivity. The trio must succeed before the Feast of Fortuna or face the destruction of both Greek and Roman demigod camps.

Rick Riordan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author born June 5, 1964, in San Antonio, Texas, who taught middle school English for fifteen years before writing full-time. He created the Percy Jackson series after telling bedtime stories to his son about a boy who was half-human and half-god living in modern America. Riordan wrote The Son of Neptune to expand the Percy Jackson universe by blending Greek and Roman mythology, answering his students' requests for more engaging young adult fantasy.

The Son of Neptune is ideal for middle-grade and young adult readers aged 10-16 who enjoy action-packed fantasy adventures rooted in mythology. Fans of the original Percy Jackson series will appreciate Percy's return, while new readers interested in Roman mythology, quest narratives, and diverse characters like Hazel and Frank will find it engaging. The book also appeals to reluctant readers who prefer fast-paced storytelling with humor and relatable demigod characters navigating friendship, loyalty, and identity.

The Son of Neptune delivers an engaging continuation of Rick Riordan's Heroes of Olympus series with Percy Jackson's compelling amnesia storyline and the introduction of strong new protagonists in Hazel and Frank. The book successfully blends Roman and Greek mythology while maintaining Riordan's signature humor and action-packed quest format. For Percy Jackson fans, it's essential reading that bridges the gap between the Greek and Roman worlds, though some readers may find the memory loss plotline temporarily frustrating given their attachment to the original character.

Percy Jackson begins The Son of Neptune with complete amnesia, remembering only Annabeth's name after the goddess Juno (Hera) stole eight months of his memories. He retains his demigod powers and instincts but cannot recall his past adventures, friends from Camp Half-Blood, or why he's being chased by Gorgon sisters. When Percy carries Juno across the Little Tiber river to Camp Jupiter, he loses his Curse of Achilles invincibility but gradually begins recovering fragmented memories throughout the quest.

Hazel Levesque is a daughter of Pluto with the power to summon precious metals from the earth, though anyone who takes her gems experiences cursed bad luck. She died in 1942 after betraying the goddess Gaea but was resurrected by her half-brother Nico di Angelo, causing her to experience periodic blackouts into past memories. Frank Zhang is a son of Mars who carries a magical stick connected to his life force and struggles with self-confidence despite possessing crucial abilities for the Prophecy of the Seven.

Camp Jupiter is the Roman counterpart to Camp Half-Blood, where demigod children of Roman gods train as legionnaires in military-style cohorts. Unlike the more informal Greek camp, Camp Jupiter emphasizes discipline, honor, and Roman military tactics, led by praetors like Reyna who recognize Percy despite his amnesia. The camp includes an auger named Octavian who reads prophecies from stuffed animal entrails and maintains strict traditions separating it from Greek demigod culture.

The central quest in The Son of Neptune requires Percy Jackson, Frank Zhang, and Hazel Levesque to travel to Alaska and free Thanatos, the god of death, from captivity by the giant Alcyoneus. The prophecy demands they "go to Alaska, find Thanatos and free him, come back by sundown on June twenty-fourth or die". Their mission is critical because without Death functioning properly, monsters cannot be permanently killed and continue to reform, threatening the destruction of Camp Jupiter during the Feast of Fortuna.

The Son of Neptune takes place exactly six months after The Lost Hero and bridges Rick Riordan's original Percy Jackson & the Olympians series with the Heroes of Olympus series. The book references Percy's past adventures, including his defeat of Medusa, while introducing the Roman perspective on Greek mythology that Percy previously knew. Nico di Angelo appears as a connecting character who knows Percy's identity but must keep secrets, and the Prophecy of the Seven links both Greek and Roman demigods in an upcoming war.

The Prophecy of the Seven is an ancient prediction stating that seven demigods must unite to battle their way to the Doors of Death to prevent Gaea's rise. Percy Jackson partially recognizes this prophecy written on Camp Jupiter's temple floor despite his amnesia, suggesting his destined role in the upcoming conflict. Mars reveals that each of the seven demigods possesses unique skills and fatal flaws essential to the prophecy's success, with Percy's fatal flaw being his unwavering loyalty.

The Son of Neptune explores identity and memory as Percy struggles to piece together who he is without his past experiences guiding him. The book examines loyalty through Percy's determination to help others despite not remembering why he cares, and friendship as three outsiders—Percy, Hazel, and Frank—form bonds while undertaking an impossible quest. Additional themes include:

• Redemption through Hazel's second chance at life
• Self-confidence as Frank learns to embrace his differences
• The power of choice when facing prophecy versus free will

While The Son of Neptune works as a standalone adventure with Percy Jackson, reading The Lost Hero first provides important context about the Heroes of Olympus series and the Greek-Roman divide. The Lost Hero introduces Jason Grace, Piper McLean, and Leo Valdez, whose story runs parallel to Percy's journey and will eventually converge. However, Rick Riordan designed The Son of Neptune with Percy's amnesia as a narrative device that allows new readers to enter the series, though understanding references to Camp Half-Blood and Percy's previous adventures enhances the reading experience.