The Heroes of Olympus, #2
The Son of Neptune
by Rick Riordan
Contents
IX Frank
Overview
From Frank’s perspective, we learn his life is bound to a fragile, fire-linked curse and his deep feelings for Hazel. The Lar Vitellius exposes the gorgon blood’s dual power and foreshadows a quest. Reyna orders Percy brought down, leading to frank talks: Roman–Greek differences, Percy’s lost Annabeth, and Frank’s mother’s death.
Summary
Marching to war games, Frank replays his near-death day and a morning on sentry with Hazel, when he almost revealed his secret: his life is tied to a half-burned piece of firewood that ignites easily and drains his life. His attraction to Hazel clashes with his fear and insecurity.
After Percy’s dramatic arrival and rescue from the gorgons, Reyna sent Frank to the armory. There, Frank worried over Juno’s warning to “unleash Death” and his unclaimed parentage. The Lar Vitellius appeared, mocking archers, recounting his own omen from Aesculapius, and detecting that Frank had pocketed two vials of gorgon blood—one a universal cure, one instant death.
Vitellius deduced Frank’s curse and hinted at ancient Greek roots and an Argonaut connection, then warned that the vials might be needed on an upcoming quest. Reyna burst in with her metal dogs, ordering Frank to fetch Percy from Temple Hill before Octavian interfered.
On the walk back, Percy pressed about Nico. Frank described Pluto’s Roman aspect and explained Roman–Greek differences and history, including the Byzantine East and why Camp Jupiter stays in the West. At the gates, Frank confessed the vials; Percy, though tempted by the chance to heal his memory, chose to reserve them for saving lives in the looming battle.
Discussing family, Percy remembered only glimpses and a girlfriend named Annabeth. Frank, feeling understood, shared that his mother, a Canadian army captain, died in Afghanistan shortly before he came to camp. They headed for the baths, Frank wishing he could forget his own painful past as easily as Percy had lost his.
Who Appears
- Frank ZhangPOV character; reveals life tied to a burning stick curse, feelings for Hazel, and his mother’s death in Afghanistan.
- Percy JacksonAmnesiac newcomer; saved Frank from gorgons, chooses to reserve gorgon blood for others, recalls girlfriend Annabeth.
- Vitellius (Gaius Vitellius Reticulus)Lar of the Fifth; explains gorgon blood, hints at Frank’s Argonaut-linked curse and an impending quest.
- Hazel LevesqueFrank’s friend and crush; shares morning sentry duty, reportedly sends Vitellius to check on Frank.
- ReynaPraetor; storms into the armory and orders Frank to bring Percy down from Temple Hill.
- JunoMentioned; warned they must “unleash Death,” influencing Frank’s fears about coming conflict.
- Nico di AngeloDiscussed; Hazel’s mysterious brother, a son of Pluto who makes others uneasy.
- Frank’s motherRecalled; a Canadian army captain who died in Afghanistan, shaping Frank’s grief.