User blog comment:Darkcloud1111/''The Mark of Athena'' Plot Holes/@comment-24.176.109.85-20121018123548

All plot holes are entirely intentional. Remember, the Greek myths were nothing but plot holes. In nearly all of them there is no real sense of time. What Riordan is doing here with all the time-related messups is reflecting the fact that Greek myths do not adhere to any real sort of chronology.

In regards to any and all other plot holes: Riordan is just sticking true to the Greek myths he uses as sources. The myths are filled with inconsistency, so it should be quite obvious that Riordan simply wants to stick with that tradition in his books.

Or it could just be the same kind of thing that all authors have to deal with: so many ideas and concepts swirling around in one's head that it is difficult to stay consistent while keeping things fresh. Of course, not-that-diligent editors and the desire to finish a book quickly so that you can begin work on something else always is prevalent.

As far as the cover art goes, my view is that it is an artistic rendition of the scene in the book. And artistic renditions are never meant to be exact, rather, they are meant to be flashy and eye-catching, which the cover of course is. No need to read to much into it.

Anyway, just the opinions (sarcastic and otherwise) of an Anon.