The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus Book 2) – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus Book 2)

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2011Kindle eBooks, Children's eBooks

92%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Percy’s back with amnesia and a new Roman crew. It’s basically 'The Bourne Identity' but for 11-year-olds with magic swords.

The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus Book 2)

book

2011, Kindle eBooks, Children's eBooks

92%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Percy’s back with amnesia and a new Roman crew. It’s basically 'The Bourne Identity' but for 11-year-olds with magic swords.

4.8

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4.8

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if your kid is into Rick Riordan, you’ve already won the 'how do I get them to read' lottery. The Son of Neptune is arguably one of the strongest entries in the entire 15+ book saga.

It avoids the sequel slump by introducing a totally different culture (the Romans) and two new leads who aren't just clones of Annabeth and Grover. It’s smart, it’s fast, and it actually teaches them something about history while they think they're just reading about giants getting hit in the face with shields.

It's a high-quality, high-entertainment pick that respects the reader's intelligence.

Age Fit

While the publisher says 10+, savvy 9-year-olds who have finished the original Percy Jackson series will handle this just fine. It’s a great 'forever book' that even high schoolers (and parents) find genuinely funny.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The core of the story is built on trust and loyalty between three outsiders. It handles Hazel’s heavy backstory regarding her 'curse' and previous life with a level of emotional maturity that rewards young readers without being depressing.

Imaginative

Riordan’s ability to map Roman mythology onto modern American geography is top-tier. New Rome is a vivid, functional society that feels distinct from the Greek camp, and the quest to Alaska adds a fresh, desolate atmosphere to the series.

Safe

It's a book about demigods, so expect sword fights and monsters. However, the violence is mythological—monsters dissolve into dust rather than bleeding. There is zero profanity and the 'romance' is limited to innocent crushes and hand-holding.

Enriching

It’s a stealth history lesson. Kids will accidentally learn the difference between Greek and Roman gods, how a Roman legion is structured, and bits of Latin. It also handles neurodiversity (ADHD/Dyslexia) as a superpower rather than a disability.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Hazel and Frank are two of the most well-developed characters in the entire Riordanverse, bringing real stakes and diversity to the trio.
The Roman vs. Greek dynamic adds a layer of complexity that keeps the world-building from feeling repetitive.
Percy remains the gold standard for relatable, funny protagonists who don't take themselves too seriously.
The pacing is relentless—perfect for kids who usually find reading a chore.

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What to Watch For

The book deals with the concept of death and the underworld quite a bit, which might be spooky for more sensitive 8 or 9-year-olds.
The 'just one more chapter' effect is real here; prepare for some bedtime negotiation battles.

Conversation Starters

"If you had to choose between Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter, which one would you pick and why?"
"Hazel feels like her 'gift' is a curse. Have you ever felt like something that makes you different is a bad thing, even if it’s actually a strength?"
"Frank is constantly worried about his family legacy. Do you think we are defined by what our parents or grandparents did, or do we start fresh?"
"Why do you think the Roman versions of the gods are so much more 'serious' and warlike than the Greek versions?"

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