Would Grandmother scold him? Would she say, “Frank! Thank the gods, you've come. I'm surrounded by monsters.” More likely she'd scold him, or mistake them for intruders and chase them off with a frying pan.

I've been reading Greek mythology since I was a kid. I also taught it when I was a sixth grade teacher, so I knew a lot of mythological monsters already. Sometimes I still use books and Web sites to research, though. Every time I research Greek mythology, I learn something new!

What’s the point of being a magician if you can’t wave your wand and make the people you care about feel better?

Cacus.” I’d had years of practice looking dumb when people threw out Greek names I didn’t know. It’s a skill of mine. Annabeth keeps telling me to read a book of Greek myths, but I don’t see the need. It’s easier just to have folks explain stuff.

Behold!" Percy shouted. "The god's chosen beverage. Tremble before the horror of Diet Coke!

What horrible things would you have to do in your life to get woven into Hades's underwear?

I will not have a sea creature destroyed, if I can help it. And I can help it.