On the bright side," Percy said, "both Jason and I outrank you, Octavian. So we can both tell you to shut up.

Back when I taught middle school and wrote adult mysteries, my students often asked me why I wasn't writing for kids. I never had a good answer for them. It took me a long time to realize they were right.

I should’ve been very cross with Anubis. Kissing me without permission—the nerve!

But magic is neither good nor evil. It is a tool, like a knife. Is a knife evil? Only if the wielder is evil.

A ruby-encrusted orb popped its top and helicopter blades unfolded. Leo was glad Buford the table wasn't here-he would've fallen in love.

Percy and Reyna occupied matching praeters' chairs on the dais, which made Percy self-conscious. It wasn't easy looking dignified wearing a bedsheet and a purple cape. "The camp is safe," Octavian continued. " I'll be the first to congragulate our heroes for bringing back the legion's eagle and so much Imperial gold! Truly we have been blessed with good fortune. But why do more? Why tempt fate?" "I'm glad you asked." Percy stood, taking the question as an opening. Octavian stammered, " I wasn't--" "--Part of the quest," Percy said. "Yes I know. And your'e wise to let me explain, since I was.

Your mom is a rainbow goddess?" "You got a problem with that?" "No, no. Rainbows. Very macho.