I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series. Riordan introduces us to two fantastic new characters, Hazel and Frank, whose backstories and mysterious abilities immediately captivated me. Their personal journeys, intertwined with the overarching plot, added depth and intrigue to the narrative.

However, I must admit that I grew a little impatient waiting for the mysteries surrounding Hazel and Frank to unravel. The gradual reveal of their pasts, while ultimately satisfying, felt somewhat drawn out. Additionally, the lingering question of Hazel's curse left me wanting more closure.

Furthermore, the brief introduction of a character from the Percy Jackson series initially piqued my interest, but his subsequent absence from the story left me feeling a bit perplexed.

Despite these minor quibbles, "The Son of Neptune" remains an engaging and action-packed read. Riordan's signature blend of mythology, humor, and adventure kept me hooked from beginning to end. I'm eager to see how the story unfolds in the next installment and how Hazel and Frank's roles develop within the larger narrative.

–This review was drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions. Actually, most of the review is my actual prompt. I then edited the draft and have posted it. –