The Heroes of Olympus, #2
The Son of Neptune
by Rick Riordan
Contents
V Hazel
Overview
Hazel introduces Percy to her brother Nico, triggering tension as Percy half-remembers him and Nico conceals their history. Nico explains Gaea’s awakening, reborn giants, and that Death is failing, but insists Percy must find his own path. After Frank leads Percy away, Nico urges Hazel to keep her past secret and promises a coming quest. Hazel’s curse resurfaces, pulling her into a vivid memory from 1941.
Summary
Hazel weighs the volatile power of Percy and Nico as they meet, recalling Percy’s dramatic arrival and wondering if a son of Neptune could free her from her curse. Percy feels he knows Nico; Nico denies it, alarming Hazel, who senses he is hiding the truth. Talk shifts to Gaea: Nico outlines her history, the Titans’ defeat, and giants being reborn, warning that demigods may be targeted first.
When Percy asks about the gorgons’ resilience, Hazel begins to reveal that Death is failing. Frank arrives with orders from Reyna to retrieve Percy for evening muster, confirming Octavian’s approval. Nico says he will stay overnight; Percy leaves with Frank, still unsettled by his incomplete memory of Nico.
Alone with Hazel at Pluto’s shrine, Nico insists some secrets must remain and that Percy must find his own way. He assures Hazel that Percy is dangerous only to enemies and can be trusted. Hazel resents Nico’s secrecy, and he nearly calls her “Bianca,” betraying his grief and the substitute role Hazel fills.
Nico confirms Death’s dysfunction and suspects the giant Alcyoneus is involved, noting turmoil in the Underworld and worsening conditions topside. He urges Hazel to make good of her past, promises a quest is imminent, and tells her she belongs at Camp Jupiter. Overwhelmed, Hazel’s curse manifests with gems and a sudden blackout.
The chapter ends as Hazel is pulled into a perfectly clear memory of her thirteenth birthday—December 17, 1941—in New Orleans, signaling a deep dive into her past.
Who Appears
- Hazel LevesquePoint-of-view; struggles with her curse, distrusts Nico’s secrecy, and slips into a 1941 memory after tense talks.
- Nico di AngeloHazel’s brother; son of Pluto who hides prior ties to Percy, explains Gaea/giants/Death, urges secrecy and predicts a quest.
- Percy JacksonAmnesiac son of Neptune; meets Nico, senses familiarity, hears of Gaea and giants, then goes with Frank to prepare.
- Frank ZhangHazel’s friend; arrives with Reyna’s orders and escorts Percy to get ready for evening muster.