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A review by whatsheread
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
THE SEA OF MONSTERS by Rick Riordan is the second Percy Jackson and the Olympians book, and it ends much more strongly than it begins. I saw the movie years ago, providing me with the basic plot. Still, reading THE SEA OF MONSTERS was very different than watching the movie. It surprised me in several ways.
It wasn't apparent in the movie, but I would describe THE SEA OF MONSTERS as The Odyssey Lite. Percy and Annabeth essentially follow Odysseus' path, with stops at Circe's island, escaping Sylla, Charybdis, and the sirens, and battling a cyclops. Plus, there is a not-so-veiled nod to Penelope. It just so happens that this all occurs in the Bermuda Triangle instead of the Mediterranean Sea. Very clever, Mr. Riordan. Very clever, indeed.
As if retelling The Odyssey weren't enough, THE SEA OF MONSTERS also pushes the overarching plot forward. We learn the answers to one or two secrets, meet new characters, and learn more about Luke's plans. You can feel the story preparing for a big battle. While we aren't at that point yet, you can begin to see how it might unfold.
The other element of THE SEA OF MONSTERS I appreciate is the growing maturity of the characters. Yes, they are still young and act like it. But we also get to see many of the characters overcome prejudices and battle long-held intolerances. Percy doesn't jump quite as fast into an unknown situation. He does take a second or two to think through his actions before jumping. The character development feels natural, befitting the characters' experiences and increase in age.
THE SEA OF MONSTERS is a clever retelling of The Odyssey. Similarly, Percy and friends provide excellent examples of what it means to overcome prejudice. With plenty of monsters and danger to excite the target audience, there are also some great lessons young readers will pick up along the way. No wonder it remains so popular with kids and parents.
It wasn't apparent in the movie, but I would describe THE SEA OF MONSTERS as The Odyssey Lite. Percy and Annabeth essentially follow Odysseus' path, with stops at Circe's island, escaping Sylla, Charybdis, and the sirens, and battling a cyclops. Plus, there is a not-so-veiled nod to Penelope. It just so happens that this all occurs in the Bermuda Triangle instead of the Mediterranean Sea. Very clever, Mr. Riordan. Very clever, indeed.
As if retelling The Odyssey weren't enough, THE SEA OF MONSTERS also pushes the overarching plot forward. We learn the answers to one or two secrets, meet new characters, and learn more about Luke's plans. You can feel the story preparing for a big battle. While we aren't at that point yet, you can begin to see how it might unfold.
The other element of THE SEA OF MONSTERS I appreciate is the growing maturity of the characters. Yes, they are still young and act like it. But we also get to see many of the characters overcome prejudices and battle long-held intolerances. Percy doesn't jump quite as fast into an unknown situation. He does take a second or two to think through his actions before jumping. The character development feels natural, befitting the characters' experiences and increase in age.
THE SEA OF MONSTERS is a clever retelling of The Odyssey. Similarly, Percy and friends provide excellent examples of what it means to overcome prejudice. With plenty of monsters and danger to excite the target audience, there are also some great lessons young readers will pick up along the way. No wonder it remains so popular with kids and parents.