The Heroes of Olympus, #2
The Son of Neptune
by Rick Riordan
Contents
XXXVII Percy
Overview
En route to Alaska, Percy confides the existence of Camp Half-Blood and strengthens trust with Hazel and Frank. He contacts Tyson in a dream to protect Ella and head for Camp Jupiter. Another vision shows Polybotes massing to attack the legion by Fortuna’s Feast. The trio arrives in Alaska, beyond divine aid.
Summary
On the Gulfstream to Alaska, Percy struggles with turbulence and reflects on Frank’s grief and bravery after losing his grandmother and home. Frank admits Mars tied his life to a piece of firewood and hints at his family gift, while Percy praises his courage and suspects Juno’s larger plan.
Hazel asks directly if Percy is Greek. He recalls Camp Half-Blood and explains Juno likely exchanged him with Jason to unite Greeks and Romans. Aware Octavian would see this as treachery, they agree to handle the news carefully. Hazel affirms their trust with a sisterly kiss, and Percy vows to contact a friend for Ella’s safety.
Percy sleeps and dreams of the burned Zhang mansion. He reaches Tyson, who, with Mrs. O’Leary, is searching nearby. Percy instructs Tyson to find Ella, protect her, and lead her to Camp Jupiter above the Caldecott Tunnel, then promises to return.
The dream shifts to the hills above New Rome, where Polybotes, with Cyclopes, Earthborn, and horned centaurs, prepares an assault. Stheno reports delays—Ma Gasket’s Cyclopes are on a winery tour—and uncertain Amazon support, but Polybotes sets the attack for Fortuna’s Feast and vows to keep Percy alive for a ritual killing.
Percy wakes as the plane descends. With Frank packing gear and Hazel steadying him, they glimpse the stark landscape. Hazel reminds them they have reached Alaska, a land beyond the gods’ help, underscoring the stakes ahead.
Who Appears
- Percy JacksonNarrator; reveals Camp Half-Blood, forges trust, contacts Tyson in a dream, and witnesses Polybotes planning to attack Camp Jupiter.
- Hazel LevesqueCalms Frank, supports Percy, affirms their bond with a sisterly kiss, and notes they’ve entered godless Alaska.
- Frank ZhangGrieves his grandmother, admits Mars tied his life to firewood, remains anxious yet loyal, prepares weapons for arrival.
- TysonPercy’s Cyclops brother; receives instructions to find and protect Ella and head to Camp Jupiter.
- PolybotesGiant leading forces against Camp Jupiter; delays for reinforcements, plans assault by Fortuna’s Feast, wants Percy captured.
- SthenoGorgon messenger; reports on delayed Cyclopes and Amazons, attends Polybotes while offering absurd snacks.
- Mrs. O’LearyShadow-traveling hellhound; with Tyson, ready to search for Ella near the burned mansion.