Introverted Bear

In general, I enjoyed reading this book. I really loved the random quirks thrown in every now and then, though I can understand how they can become a little grating. The characters seemed kind of flat and the action was sort of ridiculous sometimes, but that's just another day in a demigod's life. It's always a bit ridiculous.

I had problems with Piper's being Jason-crazy. Her portrayal was also kind of stereotypical: beautiful, good with languages, obsessed over Jason--all typical "girl" things, classified as feminine by society. Can we not think outside the domain of society's definition of femininity? There's more to girls than society's expectations. We see a little bit of this with her smarts in Greek mythology and also kind of when she wields her dagger against the earthborn, but I wish she had more oomph. Maybe she'll wow us with her leadership skills in the Aphrodite cabin. Piper has a little bit of growth, but I hope she has more growth later in the series.

I didn't like Jason. He might have knowledge, skills, and be conventionally attractive, but he seems to be missing authenticity and a self. Maybe that's because he lacks his memories and doesn't know who he is. I hope he grows in the series.

Leo is cool, if a little bit, well, a good bit eccentric, and I can use some more Festus in my life.