Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #3
The Titan's Curse
by Rick Riordan
Contents
3. Bianca Di Angelo Makes A Choice
Overview
In the aftermath of Annabeth’s disappearance, Artemis reveals that a deeper magic has taken Annabeth and that Dr. Thorn’s words point to an ancient monster threatening Olympus. Artemis leaves to hunt the creature alone, shifting the immediate mission from rescue at Westover to returning the Hunters and Nico to Camp Half-Blood.
Bianca di Angelo makes a major choice by joining the Hunters of Artemis, gaining a new immortal family while leaving Nico to be taken to camp. Percy is left guilty over Annabeth, alienated from Thalia, and frustrated that the rescue mission has fractured instead of succeeded.
Summary
After Dr. Thorn falls from the cliff with Annabeth, Artemis confirms that Annabeth has vanished under some unknown magic rather than simply fallen into the sea. Percy wants to search, but Artemis says she will find Annabeth if Annabeth can be found. Bianca and Nico di Angelo learn that they are half-bloods, and Bianca struggles with the revelation while Nico treats it like one of his Mythomagic games.
Percy explains that Grover had been watching the di Angelos to protect them and urges Bianca and Nico to come to Camp Half-Blood for training. Zoë Nightshade hints that Bianca has another option, which angers Thalia and reveals tension between Thalia and the Hunters. Artemis orders camp to be set up, takes Bianca aside, and leaves Nico with Grover.
While the Hunters establish a guarded camp with wolves and falcons, Percy sits with his guilt over Annabeth’s disappearance. Thalia blames Percy for acting alone against Dr. Thorn, suggesting Annabeth might still be safe if they had stayed together. Percy finds Annabeth’s Yankees cap in the snow, and Thalia leaves in grief.
Grover treats Percy’s wounded shoulder while Nico excitedly questions Percy about demigods, Riptide, Poseidon, and Annabeth. Nico briefly realizes he cannot remember much before the current year, but the concern passes quickly. Zoë then summons Percy to Artemis’s tent.
Inside Artemis’s tent, Percy tells Artemis, Zoë, and Bianca what Dr. Thorn said about the General, the Great Stirring, and an important monster that could bring down Olympus. Artemis recognizes the danger and decides to hunt the ancient creature alone, planning to bring proof to Olympus by the winter solstice. She orders Percy to escort the Hunters to Camp Half-Blood and says she will arrange transportation through her brother Apollo.
Artemis then gives Bianca the choice to join the Hunt, which would grant immortality unless Bianca dies in battle or breaks her oath to reject romantic love forever. Percy objects because Nico cannot join and Bianca would be leaving her brother behind, but Bianca is drawn to freedom from responsibility and a new family. Bianca pledges herself to Artemis, becomes a Hunter, and tells Percy she truly wants this.
Who Appears
- Percy JacksonGrieves Annabeth, explains half-blood life, reports Thorn’s warning, and must escort the Hunters to camp.
- Bianca di AngeloNewly revealed half-blood who chooses immortality and sisterhood by joining Artemis’s Hunters.
- ArtemisGoddess of the Hunt; interprets Thorn’s warning and leaves alone to hunt a dangerous ancient monster.
- Zoë NightshadeArtemis’s lieutenant; distrusts Percy, clashes with Thalia, and guides Bianca into the Hunters’ oath.
- Thalia GraceBlames Percy for Annabeth’s loss and shows hostility toward Zoë and the Hunters.
- Nico di AngeloExcited young half-blood who treats mythology like Mythomagic and is left bound for Camp Half-Blood.
- Grover UnderwoodSatyr protector who comforts Nico, tends Percy’s wound, and helps explain the demigod world.
- Annabeth ChaseMissing after the cliff fall; her absence drives Percy’s guilt and Thalia’s anger.