User blog comment:SayuriDarling/The Mark of Athena Official Discussion/@comment-3566131-20121004023215

Alright, first official review:

The Plot: Pretty much what everyone expected:the 7 join up, CJ starts war with CHB, they fight a bunch of awesome monsters, Percy and Jason rock out. I give it an 8.5.

The Characters:

Jason: Honestly, I don't know why people keep ripping on him. Yeah yeah, I know he's in love with the most obsessive, selfish and disgusting character in the series, but I like him.I mean, he's had his memories ripped out, sword exploded, and seperated from his sister for almost the entire franchise. I feel bad for him.

Percy:Plain old percy, wisecracker, son of Poseiden, obtuse navigator. I love him. (I'm a boy, I mean love as in HE'S FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Annabeth: I feel a little bit disappointed with Annabeth in this one. She's seems a bit too melty, not like the Annabeth we had in 1-5. I love when she judo throws Percy though, that's great.

Piper: Bringing up her very name sparks controversy. I'm just going to say she's obsessive and has fawning problems, and leave it at that.

Reyna: I think what Himeyuka said holds true, R.R. might as well have gotten her stabbed in the thigh. She's shouldering the enormous task of carrying a camp on her back without a partner to help her, which is probably the reason I don't like Jason. As for her personality, she's cool, and represents everything Rome stood for: Conquest, Justice, and defense of the homeland. Like a 10x supergirl.

Nico Di Angelo: I like how R.R. expanded his power more. Not much to say, I hope he gets a POV in the next book.

Hazel/Frank/Leo:I'm putting these three together because of the love triangle. I don't know how R.R going to resolve this, because it seems like he dug himself in a hole without one openly confessing love/non love for the other, which is the only way a triangle is broken.

The Monsters: Really love how Rick got Keto into the mix, I always read about her and wanted to see her in action. The giants are just giants, basic copies of Enceladus and Alyceuones. I give it a 5.5.

The Ending: I'm excited the Nico's going to lead the next arm of the journey, and I can't wait to see Taratus. Really sad though, I was sobbing when they let go.

Overall, I give it a 7. Great, but mildly depressing.