The Mark of Athena

by Rick Riordan

"Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare...."

~~~~~~The following review contains spoilers!~~~~~~

That ending!
I'd been warned about a cliffhanger - I didn't expect a literal one. Though Percabeth did fall, which made it all even worse. But I'm confident the other demigods, with Nico's help, will be able to get them back.

I really enjoyed the Mark of Athena, especially because it was written from my four favorite characters out of the seven: Percy, Piper, Annabeth, and Leo. The Narcissus episode was awesome, and Arachne was terrifying yet pitiful. Rick Riordan is able to mix action and humor seamlessly, and that factor was one of the strong points of this book.
The series will definitely take a dark turn in the next book, as the Doors of Death are searched for, and I can't wait for its release!