"Fans won't be disappointed as the cliff-hanger ending from the previous book, The Mark of Athena, leads to further exciting adventures by the intrepid demigods. . . As Annabeth and Percy struggle to survive Tantarus's poisonous atmosphere and creatures, the other demigods must undergo harsh trials. . . but they learn and grow mentally and physically from their experiences. The heroes realize that they cannot change their parentage but they can control their legacy. Fans will be thrilled to know the series continues with The Blood of Olympus in 2014."--School Library Journal
"In this adventure, victories are hard-won and the essence of bravery nuanced, making the journey as satisfying as it is entertaining."--Kirkus Reviews
"Readers longing for a return to Camp Half-Blood will get their wish.... ...the action scenes come frequently as the three heroic teens fight monstrous enemies in North American locales..... Flashes of humor lighten the mood at times, but a tone of urgency and imminent danger seems as integral to this series as the last. With appealing new characters within a familiar framework, this spin-off will satisfy the demand for more."
--Booklist
"With a true storyteller's sense of pacing, Riordan creates another compelling adventure, right down to the cliff-hanger at the end. Stay tuned for volume four."--Booklist
"Should pacing and wit continue unabated into the third volume, whose foretold European setting promises further freshness, fans will eagerly await numbers four and five."--Kirkus Reviews