The Son of Neptune
#2 of 5 in The Heroes of Olympus Series
on Goodreads (638,465)
What’s inside...
The Son of Neptune is the second book in The Heroes of Olympus series. It follows the story of Percy Jackson who, after losing his memory, embarks on a quest in the Roman demigod camp, Camp Jupiter, with his new friends Hazel Levesque and Frank Zhang to free Thanatos and help save the world from Gaea. Percy is confused as he doesn't remember much other than his name after awakening from a long sleep, struggling with lingering brain-fuzz despite being trained by the wolf Lupa to fight as a demigod. He somehow reaches the camp for half-bloods, continuously battling monsters that refuse to stay dead. Hazel, who is supposed to be dead, had failed in her previous life, being controlled by the Voice to use her 'gift' for evil, putting the future of the world at risk.
Character compass
Percy Jackson
Nico Di Angelo
Frank Zhang
Hazel Levesque
Ella
Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano
Octavian
Reyna
Ella the Harpy
Juno
Hera
Discussion points
How did Percy's amnesia affect his journey, and what might it symbolize about self-discovery?
In what ways do the friendships in the book help the characters overcome their challenges?
What lessons does the book teach about bravery and what it means to be a hero?
Can you relate to the burdens carried by Hazel or Frank? How do their burdens compare to real-life challenges?
How do the myths and legends in 'The Son of Neptune' connect to the story? Why are they still relevant today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Recount your favorite myth and discuss how it’s integrated into the story, prompting your child to share theirs.
Without judgment, encourage your child to express their thoughts on the characters' decisions, fostering critical thinking.
Draw parallels between the book's themes and your child's life, guiding them to find their own meaning in the story.
Ask your child to imagine their own quest and what qualities they would need, allowing them to reflect on their personal strengths and weaknesses.
Celebrate your child's insights by sharing your perspectives, cultivating a deeper family connection through the shared joy of reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Son of Neptune', Percy Jackson joins forces with other demigods to accomplish quests and overcome obstacles. Their success depends on working together and valuing each member's unique abilities.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others, whether in school projects or sports, understanding that each person’s contribution is vital to the overall success of the group.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: Throughout the story, Percy demonstrates resilience as he adapts to his lost memory and new challenges in the Roman camp. His ability to persevere through uncertainty highlights the power of adaptability.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain resilient in the face of adversity and changes, such as moving to a new school or dealing with family changes, emphasizing that they can adjust and thrive.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently face their fears to protect their friends and fulfill their duties. Their bravery in confronting what scares them is a recurring theme that drives much of the plot.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or standing up against bullying, showing them that courage is rewarding.
Example Lesson: Importance of Heritage and Identity
Explanation: Percy’s journey to understand his Roman and Greek heritage is central to his character development and the story’s plot. This exploration of identity helps him and others reconcile different parts of their past.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore and embrace their own heritage and identity, understanding that their background can shape their values, strengths, and the way they view the world.
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: As Percy takes on leadership roles, he learns valuable lessons about responsibility and making difficult decisions for the benefit of others, not just himself.
Real-World Application: This mirrors scenarios in real life where children take on leadership roles, perhaps as a class monitor or a team captain, learning the significance of responsible decision-making and consideration for others.