Aphrodite,” [Annabeth] said. “Venus?” Hazel asked in amazement. “Mom,” Piper said with no enthusiasm. “Girls!” The goddess spread her arms like she wanted a group hug. The three demigods did not oblige. Hazel backed into a palmetto tree.

But if she'd realized that nine desiccated zombie nymphs would be waiting for her, she never would have come down here.

My point is that love is the most powerful motivator in the world. It spurs mortals to greatness. Their noblest, bravest acts are done for love.

I remembered the last time Annabeth and I had parted ways, when she'd given me a kiss for luck in Mount St. Helens. This time, all I got was the hat.

You know how hard it is to feel like an extreme falcon-headed combat machine when somebody calls you "chicken man"?

No one can hate you with more intensity than someone who used to love you.

You're a stalker with hooves." "I am not! I followed her to the Big House and hid in a bush and watched the whole thing.