The Titan's Curse

Man, it is snowing in NYC and things are getting worse across America as Kronos ramps up his master plan to take out the Olympians. On re-read, this book stood out even more than the first time (probably because I was originally hurtling to get to the ending), but this book seriously ups the ante from The Sea of Monsters which, arguably and in retrospect, seemed to play things safely compared to the original Lightning Thief.

I loved how the Greek Gods were sprinkled in more frequently as well, lending weight to the oppressive theme running through the book that things are getting serious - with an emotional death to pack the punch (no spoilers, it was headlined in the prophecy). Placing Percy again as an outsider who is challenged by both Thalia and Zoe in terms of skill and experience is a really smart way to keep him from seeming overpowered, and Riordan really makes it clear that the girls aren't to be messed with. The character development across the board was so rich, in both the new characters and certain people established earlier in the series by either name or appearance. These were especially surprising, and added a lot of depth to both the series's themes of vain Gods, expendable Heroes and parenthood/family.

Nico and Blackjack were awesome and I can't wait to retread their stories in the sequels. The cliffhanger ending should have been as big as The Sea of Monsters, but Riordan ensures that the reader knows from here on, Percy is the star of the show.