Heroes of Olympus (The Mark of Athena) (Rick Riordan) [paperback]

The Mark of Athena is the third book in The Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan. The story follows the journey of demigods from both Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter as they unite to stop the awakening of the Earth goddess, Gaea. The narrative primarily focuses on four main characters: Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Hazel Levesque, and Frank Zhang, who embark on a quest aboard the Argo II, a flying ship built by their friend Leo Valdez.

The central plot revolves around Annabeth's quest to find the lost statue of Athena Parthenos, which is crucial for ensuring the safety of both camps and preventing a war between Greek and Roman demigods. As they travel, the demigods encounter various mythological creatures and challenges that test their loyalty and strength.

Throughout their journey, Annabeth must confront her fears and insecurities, particularly related to her family legacy and her role as a leader. The book explores themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of teamwork, as the characters learn to overcome their differences and work together against a common enemy.

The Mark of Athena blends humor, action, and mythology, deepening the overarching narrative of the series and setting the stage for the epic battles to come as Gaea’s forces rise against the demigods.