2012
WISE Score
Amazon
Seven demigods on a flying boat trying not to start a civil war—plus the cliffhanger that basically defined a generation's childhood trauma.
4.8
4.8View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This is Riordan at the top of his game. It’s the point in the series where everything clicks—the two casts of characters finally merge, the stakes get global, and the humor stays sharp.
It’s not 'brain rot' fantasy; it’s well-constructed, emotionally resonant storytelling that actually respects the intelligence of its readers. Just be prepared to have the next book, The House of Hades, ready immediately, because that ending is a killer.
Perfect for the 10-14 crowd. If they've made it through the first two Heroes of Olympus books, they're ready for the stakes to ramp up here.
Riordan nails the 'found family' dynamic. Even when the Greek and Roman demigods are literally at each other's throats, the core focus is on loyalty, overcoming prejudice, and working together despite massive cultural differences.
The Argo II is a mechanical masterpiece, and the way Riordan weaves Roman history into modern-day locations is top-tier. It turns a trip to Rome into a scavenger hunt for ancient secrets.
It's middle-grade fantasy, so expect plenty of sword-fighting and monster-dusting. The ending is a massive emotional gut-punch (the cliffhanger is legendary), but there's nothing here that's inappropriate for a 10-year-old who has read the previous books.
It’s a masterclass in making mythology feel relevant. Kids will accidentally learn more about Roman architecture and Greek gods than they ever would from a textbook, all while exploring themes of leadership and fear.
Get a personalized guide on any topic
