The Sea of Monsters is the second part of the Percy Jackson & The Olympians book series. You can read my review of the first book The Lightning Thief for more background on these books.
Very minor spoilers ahead. Knowing them won’t ruin your reading.
The Sea of Monsters (US edition) - My Paperback Copy
In this sequel, Percy sees in a dream his goat friend Grover being held in prison by a monster. Time is running out so he has to decide quickly if the dream is real or is just a trap laid out by those who plan to overthrow the gods. As if that isn’t enough pressure, Percy is also forced to deal with a new family member which, much to his dismay, isn’t human and is detested by everyone in the camp. Although this is the second book, important plot points are frequently recalled here so it’s not required that you read the previous book before jumping to this. But for maximum pleasure, it’s better if you read that one first.
I thought I already knew everything about Greek mythology but I was stunned to discover here many backstories that I didn’t know. Also, there are more funny lines and I’m very happy for that because it’s one of my few gripes about the first book. Seriously, there were even moments when I had tears in my eyes from laughing!
It’s not a secret that I love young adult books but this was the first time that I found it really hard to ignore the similarities to Harry Potter. A male sidekick often used for comic relief and a female know-it-all friend? Check. A character that punishes himself like Dobby the house-elf? Check. An item worn for invisibility? Check. A camp (read: school) for training unusual kids that also protects its inhabitants through magical defenses? Check. A villain who is trying to reform his body with the help of an assistant so he’ll live again? Check! There’s even a game for the campers (read: students) although it is less tame and definitely more dangerous than Quidditch. Not that these points take away the fun out of reading the story but they do bother me a bit. Sometimes.
Unlike Harry Potter though, this series doesn’t seem too interested in pairings. I don’t know if it’s just the hopeless romantic in me but my favorite part is chapter 13: Annabeth Tries to Swim Home. I hope I’m not just waiting for nothing here and that the next books would get the *ahem* romance moving. And don’t give me that excuse that they are just kids because that didn’t stop J. K. Rowling from writing mushy scenes, right?
The UK covers are so cool!
The first book will be adapted for the big screen next year. Lightning Thief has some good action but Sea of Monsters just blows it out of the water (no pun intended!) when it comes to the action set pieces. There’s a gym destroyed by giant monsters, a race track for chariot battles, an island spa resort and a hill with a not-so-friendly flock of sheep. No less than 3 ships were rigged by the main characters here with one that sailed right through a maelstrom! It is amazing how a 279-page novel can pack so much action with even shorter chapters. Surely not all of these will be in the movie but I’m still excited to see what they do show.
I used to read books like this just for fun. But as I grow older, I notice the moral issues more in young adult books. Intended or not by the author, they are unquestionably existent in the books. In this book, we are taught to be more accepting of people (especially family) for who they really are. And as with most books in this genre, the value of friendship is greatly emphasized. It also sets a good example of getting together with your rivals for a common goal. Political issues, if you like, can also be deduced with characters like Luke.
The plot definitely thickens in this sequel. The ending for one will surely leave readers wanting to pick up the next book. In my previous review, I was wishing this series to be my next Harry Potter. Now that I have read the second book, I have decided that I will buy this whole series in hardcover format. I believe that this is a book series really worth investing into. Besides, I can already imagine how my paperback copies will be like a year from now. It would be a pity not to have good editions in my shelf of such great books.
Great review, and now I know more or less what to expect from the book – So thanks!
I loved this book but at the same time I think Rick could have improved it a bit. I didn’t get the ship part in a clear image. I had to read the chapter like 5 times to understand it. But other than that it was great. I love Annabeth and her personality. The book was so fascinating and in the end there was such an awesome twist. The twist is that… oh wait I don’t wana spoil the book for everyone. My friend spoiled the ending for me so I was really surprised but I loved the book so much I had to read it.
Havent tried this yet, waiting for a copy to come up on bookmooch. I love The 39 Clues though — Riordan wrote the first and developed the overall story arc, but he isnt my favorite among the writers of that series.
This series is starting to get really popular now. I used to see several copies of all 5 books in stores. Now, you’d be hardpressed to find the complete series in just one bookstore. The first book is almost always out of stock now. You’re so lucky that you can mooch books!
so do you liek the book. I loved it. Are you reading the son of Neptune yet? I loved it so much i had to read it twice. And btw I am a person that never reads a book twice exept this book and the 39 clues book 1. Anyways, I hope you are reading the squel to the series. Good luck and have a gr8 time reading!
Thanks Sarah! I have yet to get my copy of Son of Neptune. I have a good feeling I’ll love the new series more than Percy’s 5 books.
Hi, Patrick! I just love hardbacks! Lately, I’ve purchased mostly hardbacks. Even though they’re a bit weighty, they come in larger typefaces which make them easier to read.
I actually enjoyed this series more than HP (gasp!). I found it amusing how Riordan incorporated mythological elements into the narrative.
Oh yeah, you’re so lucky you’re done with this series! Book 3 will have to wait because I don’t have the funds yet to buy a hardcover edition.
About purchasing hardbacks, I only buy it for books which I really love. I wish I could buy hardbacks for all my books but it would be too expensive.