The Son of Neptune

Each main character is tested in their loyalty and dedication to their path by someone outside of their trusted circle. Percy is tested by Juno, Hazel by Gaea, and Frank by Iris. What alternative path is each offered? Why do you believe each chooses to continue their path? What does this say about their character and their chances of success on their quest? How might this test impact each character as they move on in the bigger plot of the series?

Percy arrives at Camp Jupiter with no memory of his past, yet some of the elements of Camp Jupiter feel familiar to him. How does this lack of memory help Percy as he explores Camp Jupiter? How does his lack of memory hurt him? Do you think Percy would have been welcomed at Camp Jupiter if he had not lost his memory? Why or why not? How does Percy’s memory loss factor into Juno’s motives?

At the beginning of the novel, Percy notes that the gorgons refuse to stay dead. During the war games, Gwen dies but comes back to life. How is this possible? How is it connected to Hazel’s return from the Underworld? How will this inability of people and monsters to stay dead impact a potential battle? Why is it important for Percy, Frank, and Hazel to free Thanatos from his captivity?

Hazel experiences multiple blackouts that cause her to relive parts of her past. What do you think causes this? Why is it important for Hazel to relive these moments of her past? What story do these moments tell? Why is Hazel ashamed of her past? How does this past directly connect to her present?

Frank struggles to understand what his family gift is. Why do you think he struggles so much? Do you think it would have been easier for him to understand the family gift if someone had simply told him what it was? Why do you think it was important for Frank to come to this information on his own? How does Frank show that he has accepted his family legacy when he does come to an understanding about his family legacy?

Percy meets several gods that he knew under different names at Camp Half-Blood. How are these gods the same as those Percy knew before? How are they different? Why might Percy get along better with the Roman versions of these gods than the Greek versions?

Who is Sammy Valdez? What did he mean to Hazel? Why does Gaea promise Hazel that if she gives up on her quest, she can live out her life with Sammy? Why does Hazel hesitate to discuss Sammy with Percy and Frank? When Hazel sees Leo, why does she think he is Sammy? What might be the connection between Sammy and Leo?

Alaska is referred to as the land beyond the gods. What does this mean for Frank’s quest? Why does Percy have trouble communicating with his friends through dreams while he is in Alaska? Why can Gaea reach the demigods in Alaska, but other gods cannot?