Book Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Heroes of Olympus – Book 2
- Jason Montero
- Sep 8
- 33 min read
Book summary by chapter of The Son of Neptune. Includes spoilers from Percy’s awakening to the end of the book. Three demigods travel like celestial bodies knocked from orbit: one without memories, another cursed by ancient gold, and the third bound to fire’s edge. In Alaska—where gods fall silent—time folds and death waits behind ice and betrayal. Only by freeing Thanatos can they reset the stars, as Gaea weaves Olympus’ collapse with roots older than myth itself.
Introduction – The Son of Neptune
A thick fog clouds Percy Jackson’s mind. No memories, no context—just instincts, battles, and a single name that haunts him like a lifeline: Annabeth. In The Son of Neptune, the second installment in The Heroes of Olympus saga by Rick Riordan, Percy finds himself flung into a world of Roman discipline, forgotten curses, and a prophecy that demands more than strength—it demands sacrifice.
Together with Hazel, a girl brought back from death, and Frank, a warrior carrying a fatal secret, Percy must march north toward the land of giants and shadows. But as Gaia rises and monsters refuse to stay dead, the rules of life, loyalty, and death itself begin to unravel. The Roman camp may offer structure—but not salvation.
To understand how this chapter in Percy Jackson’s mythological journey begins, don’t miss the reading order of The Heroes of Olympus ➤
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Chapter Navigation
Chapter 1 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Son of Neptune Awakens
Percy flees from two Gorgons that have been pursuing him for days, unable to kill them permanently. Exhausted and without memories of his past, except for the name Annabeth, he finds himself atop a hill near San Francisco, sensing that his destiny is close. As he searches for an escape, he discovers a tunnel that could be the key to his survival. Before he can react, a Gorgon named Stheno finds him and offers him poisoned sausages. Her sister, Euryale, appears to attack him, but Percy uses a metal tray to defend himself and, in a desperate move, uses it as a sled to launch himself down the hillside. As he descends, he hopes to find a way to escape and uncover the truth about his identity.
Chapter 2 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Percy and the Mysterious Old Woman
Percy survives his dangerous descent and lands in some bushes near the highway. However, the Gorgons are still after him. As he decides on his next move, a mysterious old woman named Juno appears and asks him to carry her to a nearby camp. Percy hesitates, but the old woman warns him that his decision will determine the fate of the gods and the world. Just as the Gorgons are about to catch him, Percy lifts Juno and runs toward the highway, dodging cars as the winged creatures chase him. Finally, he reaches a gate guarded by two armed sentries, who react with surprise upon seeing Percy and the old woman. Amid the chaos, the Gorgons attack him, but an arrow saves him. On the verge of collapsing, Percy crosses the gate, hoping that this place will provide him with answers.
Chapter 3 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Camp Jupiter
Percy wakes up in a military camp organized with strict Roman discipline. There, he is met with distrust by Reyna, the camp's leader, who interrogates him about his identity. Percy explains that he has lost his memory and only remembers his name and Annabeth. Reyna mentions Jason, a missing praetor, and doubts Percy's loyalty, especially because he is a son of Neptune, which in Roman tradition is considered a bad omen. Hazel and Frank, two demigods from the camp, try to support him while Percy faces the harsh reality of being a stranger in this place. Reyna orders that he be taken to an augur to determine his fate. Still confused, Percy feels like he has been in a place like this before, but everything remains blurry. His only hope is to prove that he is not an enemy and that he deserves a place in the legion.
Chapter 4 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Percy Jackson's Augury
Hazel takes Percy to the Hill of Temples, where Octavian, the camp's augur, reads omens by gutting stuffed animals. Octavian calls him "the Greek" and mentions the Prophecy of the Seven, which Percy feels like he has heard before. Despite the distrust, Percy is accepted into the legion and will be assigned to a cohort during the nightly inspection. Hazel takes him to Neptune’s temple, a neglected place, where Percy leaves an offering, hoping for a sign from his father. Before leaving, Hazel confesses that the nearby city is a refuge for retired demigods. On the way to Pluto’s temple, where her brother awaits, they encounter a begging faun and a mysterious diamond on the ground, which Hazel fearfully picks up. Upon arrival, Percy meets Nico di Angelo, a boy who looks at him with a mix of surprise and suspicion.
Chapter 5 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Percy's Encounter with Nico
Hazel feels trapped between two imposing forces as her brother Nico and Percy Jackson meet. Percy, with his aura of power and connection to Neptune, seems almost mythical, while Nico, with his enigmatic relationship with death, hides something about his knowledge of Percy. During their conversation, Nico reveals that Gaea is awakening and that her army threatens the demigods, but the real problem is that Death has been captured, allowing immortal monsters to keep reappearing. Before Hazel can reveal more, Frank interrupts to take Percy to his legion initiation. Later, in Pluto’s temple, Nico and Hazel talk in private. He warns her that she must make the most of her second chance and that a son of Neptune could break her curse. Hazel, burdened by painful memories, fears what the future might bring.
Chapter 6 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Memories of a Forgotten Past
Hazel remembers her life in New Orleans in 1941. Despite the cruelty of her peers, she finds joy in her friendship with Sammy, who gives her a birthday kiss. However, her happiness crumbles when she returns home. She overhears her mother, Queen Marie, speaking with a mysterious voice urging her to travel north, beyond the gods’ domain. Then, Hazel encounters a pale man in a dark suit: Pluto, her father. He explains that her mother made a wish that brought a curse upon them and warns her that if they travel north, both will die. Filled with rage, Hazel rejects his help. After Pluto departs, her mother insists on going to Alaska, promising that they will start a new life there. Confused and terrified, Hazel obeys, unaware that her fate is about to change forever.
Chapter 7 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Fifth Cohort and Its History
Hazel and Nico rush back to camp, but along the way, Hazel stumbles upon a gold bar emerging from the ground due to her curse. To prevent trouble, she crushes it and buries it again. Upon arriving, Percy is presented before the legion. Octavian tries to belittle him, but Hazel speaks on his behalf, securing his place in the Fifth Cohort, the most disgraced unit in camp. Reyna warns him that he must earn his place, and Percy accepts the challenge. During dinner, Hazel, Frank, and Percy discuss their cohort’s bad reputation, which stems from a disastrous expedition to Alaska in the 1980s where the legion lost its sacred eagle. Since then, the Fifth Cohort has been considered cursed. Percy, unable to remember his past, feels connected to their struggle and promises to help them. When the signal for war games sounds, Hazel knows the battle will be tough.
Chapter 8 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Preparations for Battle
During dinner, Percy tries to understand his connection to Nico, but Nico avoids revealing too much. Hazel and Frank explain that the Fifth Cohort has been outcast since losing the legion’s eagle in Alaska, an event that weakened the camp. As they talk, Hazel struggles with her own secrets, fearing that Percy will discover the truth about her past. When the war games are announced, Percy learns that his cohort is on the attacking team, which usually means certain defeat. However, he remains optimistic and determined to change their luck. Frank, used to losing, jokes about their losing streak, but Percy’s determination gives him hope. With the battle about to begin, Hazel feels that Percy’s arrival could make a difference for the Fifth Cohort—and for her.
Chapter 9 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Frank Zhang’s Secret
Frank walks toward the war games, remembering his past and the weight of his secret. He had been close to confessing to Hazel his vulnerability: his life is tied to a piece of firewood that, if burned, will kill him. Raised by his strict grandmother after his mother died in combat, Frank has always felt like he doesn’t belong. That morning, he watched Percy fight the Gorgons, impressed by his power. In the armory, he meets Vitellius, a lar who mentions the Gorgon blood Frank collected from the river, which can either heal or kill instantly. The ghost also hints at an ancient curse connected to Frank. Before he can learn more, Reyna sends him to find Percy, worried about Octavian’s influence. As he returns with Percy, Frank reflects on the mystery surrounding his heritage and fate.
Chapter 10 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Curse of the Firewood Stick
Frank recalls the day of his mother’s funeral and how, in his anger, he shot arrows at his grandmother’s porcelain. Instead of punishing him, she gave him a box containing a piece of firewood, explaining that his life is bound to it: if it burns, he will die. She also revealed that his father is a Roman god, though she did not know which one. Confused and afraid, Frank listened as his grandmother spoke of a goddess who had foretold his destiny: to free Thanatos and restore his family’s honor. That night, after the funeral, Lupa’s wolves arrived at his house, beginning his journey to Camp Jupiter. Upon arriving, he apologized to Reyna for an old crime committed by his great-grandfather and was accepted into the legion. Since then, he has tried to stay unnoticed, but the weight of his destiny and his curse constantly haunt him.
Chapter 11 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Frank’s Plan
During the war games, the Fifth Cohort is given the worst mission: to attack the enemy fort head-on. Frank, Percy, and Hazel decide to take matters into their own hands. Hazel uses her gift to locate a tunnel leading to the eastern wall, where Percy manages to make the water cannons explode using his powers. Frank shoots a special arrow that unfolds into a rope ladder, allowing them to climb the wall. While Percy and Hazel distract the defenders, Frank leads the charge, clearing the way with his strength. Hannibal, the cohort’s elephant, storms the fortress, enabling them to capture the enemy banners. The Fifth Cohort, long considered the worst, achieves an unexpected victory. Frank, thrilled by their success, begins to believe he is finally finding his place in the camp, but the celebration is cut short by a terrifying event.
Chapter 12 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Mars’ Mission
The Fifth Cohort’s victory is overshadowed when Gwen, one of their centurions, is found dead with a spear in her back. However, she inexplicably comes back to life and mentions having seen a river and an open door. Before they can process this, a voice booms across the field as Mars, the god of war, appears before the legion. He explains that Thanatos, the god of death, has been captured, and without him, death has lost control. He orders the Romans to embark on a mission to free him in Alaska, the land where Rome lost its honor. Mars then surprises everyone by claiming Frank as his son and assigning him the quest. He also gives Frank a spear with a dragon-tooth tip, warning him that he can only use it three times. Overwhelmed by the revelation, Frank realizes that his fate is sealed and his life is in greater danger than ever.
Chapter 13 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Visions in the Darkness
Percy sleeps deeply after an exhausting day, but his dreams haunt him. He sees Grover, who assures him they are searching for him, and Annabeth, who pleads with him not to move. He also witnesses a ship under construction and the god of war advancing in fury. Then, a woman sleeping in the hills speaks to him, revealing herself as Gaea, who considers him her pawn and urges him to head north. The scene shifts to a frozen fortress filled with skeletons, where a golden giant challenges him. Upon waking, Percy tries to process his dreams as the camp prepares for the senate session. Frank informs him that they must attend the meeting. During breakfast, the campers whisper about Percy and his unusual power. As they march toward the city, they meet Terminus, the god of boundaries, who inspects Percy and forbids him from carrying weapons inside the forum before the crucial session.
Chapter 14 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Mars’ Mission
At the senate session, Reyna announces that Mars’ ordered quest is non-negotiable. However, the senators criticize the choice of Frank as the leader. To justify his role, Reyna promotes him to centurion, sparking protests. Octavian, manipulative as ever, pretends to support him while subtly undermining his authority. Frank, Hazel, and Percy reveal that they must travel to Alaska, where the gods have no power. There, they will face Alcyoneus, an immortal giant in his homeland. Nico explains that only by joining forces with the gods can they defeat him. The senate panics upon hearing about the Doors of Death, which allow monsters and fallen enemies to return. Despite the uncertainty, Percy accepts the mission. Octavian convinces the senate not to provide them with additional resources, except for a ship from the Roman fleet. After the meeting, Octavian delivers a message from Reyna to Percy, requesting a private conversation.
Chapter 15 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Reyna’s Legacy
Percy meets with Reyna privately in the principia. She reveals that they met years ago when Percy and Annabeth destroyed her former home. Although her sister Hylla still hates him, Reyna holds no grudge. She warns him that Octavian sees him as a Greek spy and mentions legends of Greek and Roman demigods clashing in the past. Reyna proposes that Percy become a praetor if he returns victorious, promising him power and a strategic alliance. Percy declines the offer, stating that he only wants to help the camp. Reyna warns him of an approaching enemy army and asks him to seek out her sister in Seattle, giving him a ring as a token. Percy accepts the task and, before leaving, asks how her home was destroyed. Reyna responds that she freed prisoners who took revenge on its inhabitants. Before parting, she leaves the door open for Percy to reconsider her proposal.
Chapter 16 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Journey Begins
During the meal, the camp bids farewell to Percy, Hazel, and Frank in a somber atmosphere. Octavian takes the opportunity to make self-serving predictions, implying that he will be the true savior. The three then prepare their belongings and depart. Terminus, the god of boundaries, warns them about a mysterious enemy named Polybotes. They travel by subway and bus to the port of Alameda without encountering problems. Upon arrival, they discover their "great ship" from the Roman fleet: a battered rowboat. While Hazel and Frank hesitate, Percy uses his power to restore it and guide it toward the Golden Gate. Gaea whispers in his mind, mocking his choice and warning him that he is part of her plan. Percy challenges her and commands the boat to move forward. The mission has begun, and their fate is uncertain.
Chapter 17 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Hazel’s Past Memories
Hazel feels seasick as they travel in the small boat, Pax, recalling her difficult life in Alaska. Percy mentions having been in San Francisco before while searching for Annabeth, though his memories are unclear. Hazel thinks of her brother Nico, who has embarked on a dangerous mission. As the boat advances, she remembers her past in Alaska: her rundown home, the constant cold, and the rejection from the community. Her mother, controlled by Gaea, forced her to use her curse to extract cursed treasures. One day, while exploring, she saw a mysterious roan-colored horse seemingly appearing out of nowhere. Upon returning home, she discovers that her mother has summoned her once again to the cursed island, where Gaea manipulates her into awakening the giant Alcyoneus. Horrified, Hazel decides to sacrifice herself, sinking the island along with her mother, in an attempt to stop the giant’s resurrection.
Chapter 18 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Hazel’s Confession
Hazel wakes up on solid ground in Mendocino, surprised to learn they traveled 250 kilometers while she was unconscious. Frank and Percy are worried about her, and she finally decides to tell them the truth: she suffers from blackouts due to her connection with the underworld. Frank, with great empathy, deduces that Hazel is from another time and that she died decades ago. Instead of rejecting her, he reassures her, promising to help her stay alive. Percy, however, seems distant and lost in his own thoughts. As they talk, Frank notices something strange: the wind has stopped, but the grass continues to move. Suddenly, Hazel is dragged across the field by an invisible force.
Chapter 19 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Attack of the Grain Spirits
Hazel is kidnapped by the karpoi, grain spirits, who transport her at high speed through the field. Unable to fight them directly, she uses her connection to the earth to summon a massive shale rock, disrupting the attack. Surrounded by the karpoi, she discovers that they are followers of Gaea and plan to deliver her to Polybotes, a giant allied with Alcyoneus. The spirits despise agriculture and want to return to a wild state. Wheat, their leader, offers to let her live in exchange for cereals, but Hazel refuses. The karpoi attempt to attack her, but before they can capture her, a golden arrow pierces Wheat. Frank and Percy have arrived to rescue her.
Chapter 20 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Polybotes’ Army
Frank and Percy eliminate the karpoi, forcing them to flee. Hazel explains how she summoned the rock to stop the attack. From their elevated position, they spot an army of monsters marching toward Camp Jupiter. The forces include six-armed gegenes, wild centaurs with horns, and a battalion of cyclopes dragging a siege tower. Leading the troops is Polybotes, a nine-meter-tall giant with reptilian legs and a trident. Terrified, they watch as the army halts before a supermarket protected by a shimmering rainbow. The light burns the monsters, preventing them from entering. Polybotes attempts to challenge the goddess inside the supermarket but only receives a flying cupcake in response. Enraged, he leaves some serpents to guard the area and resumes his march toward the camp. Percy, weakened, needs to rest. With no other choice, they decide to enter the supermarket to seek help from the mysterious goddess.
Chapter 21 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Iris' Shop and the Fire Serpents
Frank, Percy, and Hazel struggle forward toward a mysterious shop, pursued by fire-breathing basilisks. Frank, uncertain about his fate, resents his connection to Mars and the burden of his spear. Upon arriving at the shop, they meet Fleecy, a cloud nymph, and Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, who now runs a natural food store. Percy, weakened, receives a medicinal tea, while Frank discovers that the shop is a safe haven. However, the basilisks continue lurking outside. Iris offers them information about their quest and directs them to the seer Phineas, who can reveal the whereabouts of Thanatos. Frank, distressed by the revelation of his lineage and hidden gifts, lingers to speak with Iris, who hints that he must choose his own destiny. Meanwhile, danger looms outside, and the battle against the basilisks is imminent.
Chapter 22 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Frank’s Past and the Choice of His Fate
Iris confronts Frank about his destiny and the burden he carries in his coat: his life is tied to a simple piece of wood. Through a magical rainbow, the goddess shows him memories of his mother, who told him stories about his heroic ancestors, from Xu Fu to a prince of Pylos. Frank begins to understand that his lineage is filled with power but also tragedy. Iris offers him an alternative: stay in the shop and abandon his quest, avoiding his inevitable sacrifice. However, Frank cannot turn his back on his friends or Camp Jupiter. He knows he must press forward, even if it means facing his fate. Before leaving, Iris warns him that the basilisks must be eliminated, but that only he has the power to do so. With new doubts and an even heavier weight on his shoulders, Frank prepares for battle.
Chapter 23 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Battle Against the Basilisks
Armed with his spear and trembling with fear, Frank descends the hill in search of the basilisks, which have hidden in the darkness. Without his bow, he feels vulnerable and exposed. As he advances, he recalls his mother’s stories about his ancestors, heroes with extraordinary gifts. Suddenly, three basilisks surround him, hissing furiously. Mars’ spear seems to have a will of its own, guiding his hand to the ground. As he thrusts it down, the tip breaks, but something astonishing happens: from the ground, a skeletal warrior emerges, covered in a faint gray skin. Without hesitation, the creature attacks the basilisks, resisting their fire and venom. Frank, horrified and fascinated, watches as the skeleton crushes the monsters and scatters their ashes to prevent them from resurrecting. When the battle ends, the warrior dissolves into the earth, leaving Frank with more questions than answers about his true power.
Chapter 24 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Frank’s Skeletal Warrior
Frank struggles to process what happened when Hazel and Percy arrive at his side. He tries to explain the battle but hides details about the skeleton, which he calls Gray. He knows that Mars’ spear possesses a dark and dangerous power, and he fears losing control over it. Hazel senses traces of death in the ground and grows concerned. Percy, still weak, remains skeptical of Frank’s victory. With the basilisks defeated, the group resumes their journey, knowing their next destination is Portland, where they must find the seer Phineas. Frank feels that his time is running out and that he must discover his true gift before it is too late. As they prepare to depart, Frank sarcastically thanks Mars, knowing that his father has given him a powerful weapon—but at an unknown price. The mission continues with more uncertainty than ever.
Chapter 25 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Heading to Portland and Percy’s Dreams
Aboard the Pax, Percy struggles against his growing weakness and the confusion clouding his memory. He feels his recollections fading the farther he moves from Camp Jupiter. He attempted to contact Annabeth through an Iris-message, but the connection failed, leaving him in despair. As they sail, Hazel informs him that she reached out to Reyna and that the camp continues preparing for the attack. Exhausted, Percy sleeps and has unsettling dreams: he sees a warship under construction, a cyclops searching for him and calling him “brother,” and a glacier in Alaska where the giant Alcyoneus holds the legion’s great eagle. Gaea whispers that his friends will die. Upon waking, the ship reaches Portland with the help of an orca and sturgeons. Percy feels the weight of time slipping away, but they must find Phineas before continuing their journey to Alaska.
Chapter 26 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Encounter with Phineas and the Starving Harpies
Percy, Hazel, and Frank arrive at a food truck parking lot in Portland, where they find Phineas, a blind old seer, shouting and attacking harpies with a weed whacker. Percy notices that the harpies are malnourished and do not seem dangerous. One of them, with red feathers, tries to steal food, but Phineas strikes her, making her flee wounded. Percy intervenes, and the seer recognizes him as a son of Neptune. Phineas reveals that the harpies are cursed, unable to eat from any table but his. He also hints at secrets about Hazel and Frank’s past, claiming that the boy’s life depends on a burned piece of wood. Finally, Phineas offers them a deal: capture the red-feathered harpy and hand her over in exchange for information about their quest. Percy and his friends realize they must find another way to obtain what they need.
Chapter 27 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Ella, the Harpy and Her Mysterious Knowledge
Percy and his friends reject Phineas’ proposal and search for the red-feathered harpy, who is hiding in a park. Percy lures her with food and learns that her name is Ella, an unusually intelligent harpy who memorizes entire books. When Ella recites a fragment of the Great Prophecy, Percy realizes she possesses vital information. However, the harpy panics at the mention of Phineas and flees to the county library. There, the group finds her sheltering in a nest made of books. Percy and Hazel convince her that they are on her side, heal her wound with nectar, and ask about Phineas. Ella mentions that the seer’s blindness is random and that his weakness is gambling. Percy devises a plan to challenge Phineas to a game of chance with an irresistible prize: his sight restored by Gorgon’s blood.
Chapter 28 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Percy’s Duel Against Phineas
Percy confronts Phineas with a deadly wager: they will both drink Gorgon’s blood—one vial is healing, the other lethal—without knowing which is which. The seer, blinded by his ambition to regain his sight, accepts the challenge and signs an agreement revealing Thanatos’ location. Phineas confidently chooses his vial, trusting his intuition, but Percy, in an act of faith, bets that Gaea will protect him so he can reach Alaska. Phineas drinks the wrong blood and disintegrates, fulfilling his oath to free the harpies and disclose Alcyoneus’ location: the Hubbard Glacier. Percy senses Gaea’s influence in his victory and realizes the goddess has plans for him. As the harpies celebrate their freedom, the group recovers the note with the location and hurries to continue their journey, aware that every minute counts in their quest.
Chapter 29 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Hazel’s Past and Her Connection to Frank
Aboard the boat, Hazel struggles with guilt over her past. While helping Ella get comfortable, she recalls Phineas’ words about her role in Alcyoneus’ awakening. Frank tries to console her, but Hazel feels he does not know the whole truth. Finally, she decides to trust him and tells him how she died in Alaska trying to stop the giant’s resurrection. As Frank listens, Hazel relives her judgment in the Underworld, where she gave up Elysium to prevent her mother from suffering eternal punishment. Frank, surprised by her sacrifice, reveals his own secret: his life is tied to a piece of wood, and if it burns, he will die. To Hazel’s astonishment, he entrusts her with the object, believing she is the only one he can trust. Just as Hazel processes the responsibility, both are transported into a shared vision of the past.
Chapter 30 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Amazons and the Past of Hylla and Reyna
Hazel and Frank wake up in the boat upon arriving in Seattle, feeling different after sharing their vision of the Underworld. Percy remembers the mission Reyna entrusted him with and decides to seek out her sister, who might provide them with help. Following the trail of the Amazons, the group finds a massive Amazon warehouse, which is actually the warriors’ base. They are captured and taken before Hylla, Reyna’s sister, who is revealed to be the queen of the Amazons. However, her position is not secure, as her authority is threatened by an impending coup led by Otrera, the former queen resurrected by Gaea. Hylla recognizes Reyna’s ring and agrees to hear Hazel out before making a decision. Meanwhile, Hazel is stunned to see Arion, the horse that has haunted her visions, locked in a cage as a war trophy.
Chapter 31 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Amazons’ Rebellion
Hazel is brought before Hylla, queen of the Amazons, who explains that her throne is in danger. Otrera, the tribe’s founder, resurrected by Gaea, plans to overthrow her and lead the Amazons into war against Rome. Hylla must face Otrera in a duel to the death, but with Thanatos still chained, the former queen will resurrect every time she is defeated. Meanwhile, Hazel discovers that Arion, an immortal and extremely fast horse, only eats gold and recognizes her as his rider. Hylla, seeing her connection with the animal, devises a plan: Hazel must defeat Otrera’s guards, free her friends, and escape. Though Hazel doubts her combat skills, the queen reminds her that there are many ways to fight. The young demigod accepts the challenge, aware that her success is crucial to the fate of the Amazons and Camp Jupiter.
Chapter 32 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Hazel and the Great Escape
Kinzie leads Hazel to Percy and Frank’s cell, pretending hostility to avoid arousing suspicion among Otrera’s guards. Seeking a distraction, Hazel notices the massive jewelry warehouse around her and uses her power to make a pallet of silver bracelets explode. Doris and Lulu, two guards, are trapped, and Hazel takes the opportunity to intimidate a third, obtaining security cards. Using them, she frees Percy and Frank, retrieves their weapons, and they descend through mountains of spilled treasures. Upon reaching the throne room, Percy incapacitates an Amazon while Hazel frees Arion, who is ready to flee. Percy realizes he can understand the horse, as Arion is a son of Neptune. As the Amazons pursue them, they find a chariot and escape with Arion at an astonishing speed. For the first time, Hazel feels completely free.
Chapter 33 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Arion, the Unstoppable Steed
Arion speeds across the ocean at supersonic velocity, leaving a trail of steam. Frank suffers from dizziness and vomits while Ella murmurs facts about the horse’s speed. Percy, amazed by the creature, unhooks him when they arrive in Vancouver. The hungry horse vanishes in search of gold. Exhausted, the demigods collapse on a wooded hill, where Percy and Hazel check their supplies. Frank, still dazed, recalls his vision of the Underworld and the weight of his destiny. As they try to orient themselves, he recognizes the terrain: they are near his grandmother’s house. Despite the dangers, he decides they must go there for refuge and answers. Hazel and Percy, worn out, agree, hoping to rest. However, as they approach, they find a camp of Laistrygonian ogres surrounding the property. Frank realizes this will not be a simple family visit, but a crucial battle for his fate and that of his friends.
Chapter 34 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Zhang Family’s Past
Hidden behind a log, the demigods watch as the Laistrygonians celebrate their feast and prepare explosive bronze spheres. Ella identifies the monsters as legendary cannibals, and Percy mentions they can be tough to defeat. Worried about his grandmother, Frank plans to lure the ogres away so his friends can enter unnoticed. To do so, he summons Gray, the skeletal warrior Mars granted him. Without waiting for orders, Gray charges into battle and eliminates the ogres in seconds. Percy and Hazel, horrified, watch as the spartus sinks back into the ground after the massacre. Feeling more distant from Hazel than ever, Frank leads them to the mansion. Inside, they find the house in disarray. They head upstairs to his grandmother’s bedroom, where Frank finds her asleep beside an unexpected visitor: Mars, his divine father, waiting to speak with him.
Chapter 35 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Blood of a Shape-Shifter
Frank discovers that Mars considers him key in the battle against Gaea and that the ogres have been waiting for his return to devour him and inherit his family’s mysterious gift. The god of war reveals that Frank’s lineage traces back to Periclymenus, an Argonaut with the ability to shapeshift. His family, descended from a Roman legionnaire captured by the Chinese, inherited this unique power. Mars leaves him with the task of discovering his abilities and fulfilling his destiny. The next morning, his grandmother wakes him and gives him a letter for a pilot who will take them to Alaska. She also confirms that his family can transform into any living creature. Frank, overwhelmed, processes his heritage, but his grandmother orders him to leave, ready to face the ogres alone. Bowing in respect, Frank promises to honor his legacy and emerge victorious.
Chapter 36 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Zhangs’ Secret Weapon
Frank climbs to the attic of his grandmother’s house and discovers an arsenal of ancient weapons. To his surprise, he finds a machine gun loaded with potatoes and Ella, the harpy, nesting among Chinese scrolls. Ella mentions fragments of a burned prophecy and warns Frank not to go outside. Climbing to the roof, he joins Percy and Hazel, who are watching the Laistrygonians from above. Percy uses a hose to deflect their cannonballs, but the water pressure is limited. Still unsure of his own power, Frank devises an escape plan: Percy must drive his grandmother’s Cadillac to the airfield while he distracts the ogres. To buy time, Frank fires the potato gun, causing an explosion that throws the enemies into chaos. He then sets the house on fire to slow their advance and escapes in the car with his friends, heading to the airstrip to flee to Alaska.
Chapter 37 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Flight North
During the flight to Alaska, Percy struggles with his aversion to flying while Frank, grieving his grandmother’s loss, reveals that his life is tied to a piece of wood and that Mars has big plans for him. Percy, recalling his life at Camp Half-Blood, shares with his friends that another camp of Greek demigods exists, which could lead to war if not handled carefully. Frank feels insecure about his role as a leader, but Percy reassures him, calling him the best son of war he has ever met. While they sleep, Percy dreams of Tyson, his cyclops brother, and asks him to protect Ella and take her to Camp Jupiter. He then sees Polybotes and his army ready to invade the Roman camp, waiting for the right moment to attack. Upon waking, the plane descends over Anchorage, and Hazel reminds them that the gods have no power there.
Chapter 38 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Landing in the Land of Giants
Arriving in Anchorage, Percy feels renewed despite the dangers ahead. He tells Hazel and Frank about his dream and the impending threat to Camp Jupiter. Hazel worries about Ella, but Percy trusts that Tyson will protect her. In the taxi, Hazel marvels at how much the city has changed since her time. Percy watches in disbelief as Hyperboreans, ice giants, roam Alaska unnoticed by mortals. At a café by the bay, they plan their route to the Hubbard Glacier, where Alcyoneus is holding Thanatos captive. They decide to take a night train to Seward, the closest city to the glacier. Before departing, Percy calls his mother, Sally, leaving a voicemail to reassure her. As they travel on the train, they enjoy the Arctic scenery until massive griffins appear overhead, moments before the train violently derails.
Chapter 39 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Griffins Attack
Percy is seized by a griffin and carried high into the air, but Frank rescues him with a precise arrow shot, allowing him to fall onto a snowdrift. He reunites with Hazel, and they battle the griffins, which seem endless. Percy notices that the monsters are trying to capture them alive, suggesting they are working for Alcyoneus. As they try to protect the train passengers, Frank’s final spear attack summons his spartus, who defends the mortals before vanishing. Cornered, Percy finds a griffin nest filled with gold and devises a plan: he threatens to destroy the eggs to buy time. Hazel uses her power to send the treasures flying, distracting the griffins, and the three friends run toward a Hyperborean giant. Hiding beneath its legs, they watch as the irritated giant uses its icy breath to freeze the griffins. With the immediate danger neutralized, Percy urges them to move quickly before the griffins break free.
Chapter 40 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Trapped in Gaea’s Land
The three continue on foot, avoiding griffins and rescue helicopters searching for the derailed train. At midnight, the northern lights illuminate the sky, and Hazel warns them about nearby grizzly bears. Percy reflects on Alaska’s untamed nature and the looming threat of Gaea. Arriving in the village of Moose Pass, they rest at a small store, where Frank expresses his doubts about being a leader. Percy encourages him, reminding him of his bravery and accomplishments. At dawn, a kind Inuit offers them a ride in his truck to Seward, but the vehicle breaks down near their destination, forcing them to walk. Upon arrival, Hazel grows uneasy at the sight of her old home. Percy suggests taking a shortcut through a swamp, but before Hazel can warn him, the ground opens beneath him, swallowing him into the depths.
Chapter 41 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Gaea’s Temptation
Hazel and Frank try to rescue Percy from the swampy ground, but Hazel is trapped in a vision of Gaea. The goddess transports her to a memory of her childhood in New Orleans, offering her a perfect life with her mother and Sammy. Hazel resists, knowing it is an illusion, but Gaea insists that her destiny is to die again. She also reveals that Nico has been captured by her forces. Feeling Percy clutching her ankles, Hazel rejects the offer and screams that she will never collaborate with the goddess. The illusion vanishes, and Frank manages to pull them out of the swamp. Percy, exhausted and covered in mud, thanks Hazel for saving him and promises to help her find Nico. As they rest, Hazel wonders if Gaea let them escape too easily and whether they can truly defy their fate. With time against them, they decide to move forward.
Chapter 42 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Returning Home
Hazel leads her friends through Seward to her old home, a ruined building by the harbor. There, she finds drawings and photographs from her childhood, including an image of Sammy, filling her with nostalgia and sadness. Frank and Percy notice her reaction, but Hazel avoids discussing it. Percy, however, feels like he has seen Sammy somewhere before, though he cannot remember where. Frank offers to buy supplies while Hazel and Percy try to clean off the mud. During their conversation, Percy assures Hazel that she will survive and that her fate does not end here, but she fears getting her hopes up. Frank returns with clothes, food, and provisions. As Hazel prepares for what lies ahead, she reminds herself that this will be her last day and that she must ensure her friends survive. They decide to find a boat to reach the Hubbard Glacier.
Chapter 43 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Riding Across the Sea
Arion, Hazel’s swift horse, answers her call just as a griffin attacks. The three mount, and the steed carries them at incredible speed over the sea, leaving a trail of steam in his wake. Hazel feels a deep connection with Arion, giving her confidence and determination, while Frank and Percy struggle to stay on the horse. They travel at an astonishing speed, covering in minutes what would take days. Upon reaching the Hubbard Glacier, they are awed by the majestic landscape. The ice groans with loud cracks as massive blocks break off and plunge into the sea. Percy suggests that Arion can take them to the top, but Frank hesitates. However, the horse demonstrates his skill by climbing the icy wall with supernatural agility. Finally, they reach a frozen Roman camp, where a dark presence awaits them. Hazel senses that Death is near.
Chapter 44 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Guardians of the Glacier
Hazel and her friends arrive at the entrance of the frozen camp and find Thanatos chained, a god of supernatural beauty. However, before they can free him, an army of ghosts emerges from the shadows. They are ancient Roman soldiers resurrected by Gaea, now serving Alcyoneus. Thanatos warns that freeing him means condemning those souls to the Underworld. Hazel hesitates but knows it is her duty. When they try to cut the chains with Riptide, the sword freezes and becomes useless. Thanatos reveals that only the "fire of life" can break his chains. Before they can react, Alcyoneus appears. The golden giant, created by Hazel, mocks them and proclaims his dominion over Death. He also announces that his brother Porphyrion is already preparing the attack against the gods. Determined to correct her mistake, Hazel prepares for battle.
Chapter 45 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Frank’s Sacrifice
Frank realizes what he must do to free Thanatos. Mars had already spoken to him about sacrifices, and now he understands that his life is the key. Meanwhile, Alcyoneus taunts Percy and reveals that Gaea plans to destroy the gods in Greece, cutting off their power at the source. Hazel declares that it is her responsibility to defeat the giant since she was the one who awakened him. With determination, she takes out the piece of wood she has been protecting and hands it to Frank, who accepts his fate. Percy promises to protect him while Hazel charges at Alcyoneus. The final battle has begun.
Chapter 46 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Frank’s Sacrifice
Frank burns his life stick to free Thanatos, feeling intense pain as Death’s chains melt away. Meanwhile, Percy unleashes a hurricane to distract the Roman ghosts and steal the legion’s golden standard, drawing their attention. Hazel fights Alcyoneus while riding Arion, dodging attacks as the giant destroys the camp. Finally, Frank releases the last chain and extinguishes the flames just before they consume his life. Thanatos warns him that his fate is still in motion. Percy, exhausted, is cornered by the ghosts at the edge of the glacier. At the same time, Hazel and Arion fall after a powerful blow from Alcyoneus. Desperate, Frank calls upon his inherited gift and transforms into an eagle to attack the giant, then into a bear to knock him down. With Hazel back on Arion, they come up with a plan to drag Alcyoneus out of Alaska and finish him off.
Chapter 47 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Frank’s Deception
Frank and Hazel manage to pull Alcyoneus out of Alaska using Arion to drag him across the ice. Meanwhile, Percy causes an avalanche of water that buries the ghosts, but he falls along with the glacier. Frank, paralyzed by shock, reacts when Hazel reminds him that they still need to defeat the giant. They drag Alcyoneus several kilometers until they cross into Canada, where his immortality disappears. Enraged, the giant tries to return to Alaska, but Frank blocks his path, transforming into an elephant to fight him. With a powerful impact, he slams the giant to the ground. Hazel delivers the final blow, decapitating him with her sword. As the giant disintegrates into precious stones, Gaea taunts them from the shadows, warning that Camp Jupiter is doomed. Without wasting time, Hazel and Frank mount Arion and race south, determined to find Percy and save the camp.
Chapter 48 Summary – The Son of Neptune – Percy’s Return
Percy waits for them at the edge of the glacier, surprisingly alive. He explains that he managed to swim to the surface and defy the prophecy. Seeing the golden standard in his hands, Hazel and Frank feel renewed hope. Percy is shocked to discover Frank’s shape-shifting ability, calling it unfair since he lacks a similar power. With the camp in danger, they decide to take the standard and the Imperial Gold weapons recovered from the sea’s depths. Hazel uses her power to extract them, and Percy and Frank help gather them, with Frank even transforming into a seal. Arion, though exhausted, agrees to transport the load in exchange for a golden dagger as food. Finally ready to depart, the horse neighs and unleashes a sonic boom that propels them southward, racing across the ocean toward Camp Jupiter.
Chapter 49 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Camp at War
As they ride at top speed, Percy regains his memories: his relationship with Annabeth, the battle against Kronos, and his time at Camp Half-Blood. He also understands Juno’s true purpose: to unite Greek and Roman demigods to face the giants. When they reach the hills overlooking the camp, they see the battle in full swing. Reyna fights Polybotes from the air while the legion desperately resists. However, they are clearly at a disadvantage. Percy looks for reinforcements and whistles loudly. Immediately, Tyson appears riding Mrs. O’Leary, accompanied by Ella. Overjoyed to see Percy, Tyson promises to help in the fight. To prevent the legion from mistaking him for an enemy, Hazel gives him a Roman helmet and cloak. Meanwhile, Percy devises a plan: use the golden standard to rally the cohorts and organize the defense. With their allies ready, they prepare to charge into battle.
Chapter 50 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Final Battle
Percy leads the charge with the legion’s standard, mounted on Mrs. O’Leary. Hazel, on Arion, strikes with her sword while Frank, transformed into an eagle, takes down enemies. Tyson swings his club, scattering cyclopes, and Ella recites facts about the monsters’ weaknesses. The Fifth Cohort recovers its weapons and joins the fight, strengthened by the Imperial Gold. Seeing the golden eagle, Reyna orders the legion to regroup. With the cry of "Twelfth Legion Fulminata!" the standard emits a lightning bolt that incinerates the monsters. However, Polybotes remains standing. Percy knows he needs a god to defeat him and lures the giant onto Terminus’ territory. As the giant attacks, Percy uses Terminus’ statue head to strike him down, destroying him. The battle ends in Roman victory. Percy is hailed as a hero, and amid cheers, the legion proclaims him the new praetor of Camp Jupiter.
Chapter 51 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The New Praetor of Rome
Camp Jupiter holds a grand celebration to commemorate the victory over Polybotes and his army. Percy is the center of attention, surrounded by Amazons, legionnaires, and lares who congratulate him on his role in the battle. Reyna delivers a speech acknowledging Percy’s bravery and officially presenting him as praetor. Although he protests, the campers cheer for him, and Octavian, displeased, carves the legion’s symbols onto his arm. Later, Percy walks through the camp, seeing Hazel and Frank happy together. As he strolls, Terminus congratulates him, and Julia, the young Roman girl, gives him a party hat. Percy reflects on his place in the camp, but his mind is focused on the future. As he sleeps, he dreams of Juno, who reveals that she kept him away for eight months because he was not yet needed at the camp. She also warns him that Annabeth will face a great challenge in Rome and that his loyalty will be tested.
Chapter 52 Summary – The Son of Neptune – The Argo II Arrives in Rome
Percy, Hazel, and Frank have breakfast and discuss the dream with Juno and the divine messages they have received. Frank shows them a book that Mars left on his bed, suggesting he still has a crucial role in the war. Hazel believes her father, Pluto, is secretly protecting her and giving her the chance to find her brother Nico. As they talk, a message from Leo Valdez arrives through a magical scroll, announcing the Argo II’s arrival in one hour. Hazel is shocked to see that Leo looks identical to her past love, Sammy Valdez, leaving her confused. At the senate meeting, Octavian tries to convince the Romans to attack the Greek ship, but Percy defends the truce and urges them to listen to their visitors. After a brief hesitation, Reyna decides to support him and orders that the Argo II be allowed to land. With tension in the air, Percy, Hazel, and Frank prepare to meet the ship’s crew and introduce their Roman friends to their other family from Camp Half-Blood.
Conclusion – The Son of Neptune
As Percy, Hazel, and Frank set sail toward the icy wilderness of Alaska, they aren’t just chasing death—they’re chasing the unraveling threads of their own destinies. The Son of Neptune doesn’t merely continue the tale—it deepens it. In Rick Riordan’s second book of The Heroes of Olympus, the past is alive, death is missing, and trust becomes the rarest weapon in the demigods' arsenal.
Secrets unfold with every step: Hazel’s buried guilt, Frank’s wooden curse, and Percy’s elusive memories that may hold the key to everything. And looming above it all is Gaia’s awakening—a threat not even Olympus can contain.
But this is only the turning point. The true clash of pantheons is still to come, and the next book holds the path forward. Don’t miss what comes next in the book summary by chapter of The Mark of Athena ➤
FAQs – Chapter by Chapter Summary – The Son of Neptune
Why does Percy Jackson lose his memory in The Son of Neptune?
Percy’s memory loss is orchestrated by Hera (Juno in Roman mythology) as part of a grand scheme to unite Greek and Roman demigods. By erasing his past, she ensures Percy integrates into the Roman camp without bias. This forces him to build trust from scratch with Hazel and Frank, and to rediscover his strength without the crutch of his legacy. The amnesia adds emotional weight to his journey and sharpens his sense of purpose.
What makes Alaska such a dangerous place in The Son of Neptune?
Alaska is portrayed as a lawless land beyond divine influence, where gods lose their power. It becomes the central stage for Percy’s quest to free Thanatos and confront Alcyoneus, an immortal giant. The region symbolizes chaos, sacrifice, and cosmic imbalance. Monsters regenerate endlessly there, time folds strangely, and death itself is trapped—making Alaska both mythically and narratively the ultimate danger zone.
What is Frank Zhang’s deadly secret in The Son of Neptune?
Frank’s life is bound to a piece of firewood: if it burns, he dies. This ancient curse is tied to his divine ancestry and a prophecy about his role in restoring balance to the world. Despite his strength and martial prowess, Frank constantly lives under the shadow of death. His vulnerability contrasts his physical power, making his arc one of the most emotionally complex in the book.
How does Hazel’s curse affect the demigods’ mission?
Hazel’s curse causes precious metals to rise from the ground around her, but they are tainted and attract monsters. Her powers, while potentially useful, are unpredictable and dangerous. Her past—rooted in death, sacrifice, and resurrection—makes her central to the quest. Hazel must learn to control her abilities and accept her second chance at life while not endangering her friends.
What role does Gaea play in The Son of Neptune?
Gaea is the looming antagonist pulling the strings throughout the book. Though not yet fully awakened, her influence is felt in every twist—reviving giants, manipulating allies, and sowing chaos. She views Percy as a pawn and takes pleasure in psychological warfare. Gaea’s power is more emotional than physical at this stage, but her presence signals that the true war is just beginning.
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