The Sea Of Monsters
Miramax, 2006
Fantasy Fiction
ISBN-10: 1423103343
279 pages
Synopsis
Camp Half Blood is in trouble as someone has poisoned the tree that protects the camp and its borders. Now there are monsters entering the camp and threatening the campers’ lives. Percy must go on a quest with Annabeth and Clarisse to save Grover from a Cyclops and retrieve the Golden Fleece in order to heal the tree and protect the camp.
Critique
Easily as good as the first book, Riordan continues to translate Greek mythology into a modern context. Many of the monsters and adventures that the Olympians are facing are a shout out to some of the very same that the Greek and Roman heroes of old had to face themselves. It’s both fun and educational and a fast-paced ride for anyone who wants to get on. While simultaneously becoming immersed in the story, it’s almost difficult not to wish in the back of your mind that all of this is real, and maybe there are children who are demigods, going on quests to save the world.
It’s not going to win any major awards, and is likely not life changing, but it’s a fun, quick read that makes you root for the hero. I recommend any of the books in this series to readers 9+, skewed toward boys 9-12.
The other books in this series are The Lightening Thief (book 1), The Titan’s Curse (book 2), The Battle of the Labyrinth (book 4), and The Last Olympian (book 5).
Rating Rubric
Enjoyable Read: Original Fantasy: Original Plot: 
Language: Asthetics: Depth In Characters: Depth In Story: Social Commentary: Layers/Complexity: Classroom Text: Overall Rating:
For the Classroom
This series make great companion books to the study of Greek mythology, and in many ways, it makes the ancient storied come alive for a modern audience. Also, Rick Riordan has a handful of companion materials to accompany with the study on his website, including teacher’s guides and other great elements: http://www.rickriordan.com/.
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