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babyhippoface's Reviews > The Sea of Monsters
The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #2)
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I don't get it. I just don't really like this series. My two kids would argue to the death with me about them, and I don't know why I don't like them, I just...don't.
Maybe I don't like ancient Greeks mixing with 21st-century Americans. Maybe it's Annabeth's recurring refrain of "oh my gods" that drives me insane, or maybe it's the fact that you can't turn 3 pages without Percy being in mortal peril. (Too much adventure is bad for the heart.) Maybe I can't buy into so many perfectly-timed rescues-from-nowhere when Percy is just about to bite the big one, or the way Percy goes into every new situation thinking, "maybe I shouldn't do this," but does it anyway and it's ALWAYS a trap by some monster. ALWAYS. A-L-W-A-Y-S. I know he's just an 8th grader, but golly gee Perce, wake up and smell the Cyclops Spit. Anytime you meet a new person, trust me, you should just turn and run. But you never do.
I'm just not interested. I don't care how he gets out of the next life-threatening situation. Just get out of it and let's move on to the next life-threatening situation, already.
With The Lightning Thief I thought maybe it was the audiobook's narrator that made me not enjoy it much, but I read this one myself, and I still just wasn't into it. I just wanted it to be over.
That's not to say that I don't like Rick Riordan, because I like him fine. Total contradiction, I know, but it's true. And because not every book is every person's cup o' tea, I'll keep recommending this series to kids, because they think it's awesome. And that's good with me.
Maybe I don't like ancient Greeks mixing with 21st-century Americans. Maybe it's Annabeth's recurring refrain of "oh my gods" that drives me insane, or maybe it's the fact that you can't turn 3 pages without Percy being in mortal peril. (Too much adventure is bad for the heart.) Maybe I can't buy into so many perfectly-timed rescues-from-nowhere when Percy is just about to bite the big one, or the way Percy goes into every new situation thinking, "maybe I shouldn't do this," but does it anyway and it's ALWAYS a trap by some monster. ALWAYS. A-L-W-A-Y-S. I know he's just an 8th grader, but golly gee Perce, wake up and smell the Cyclops Spit. Anytime you meet a new person, trust me, you should just turn and run. But you never do.
I'm just not interested. I don't care how he gets out of the next life-threatening situation. Just get out of it and let's move on to the next life-threatening situation, already.
With The Lightning Thief I thought maybe it was the audiobook's narrator that made me not enjoy it much, but I read this one myself, and I still just wasn't into it. I just wanted it to be over.
That's not to say that I don't like Rick Riordan, because I like him fine. Total contradiction, I know, but it's true. And because not every book is every person's cup o' tea, I'll keep recommending this series to kids, because they think it's awesome. And that's good with me.
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Reading Progress
April 11, 2008
– Shelved
April 11, 2008
– Shelved as:
young-adult
April 14, 2008
– Shelved as:
kids-fiction
Started Reading
April 25, 2008
–
Finished Reading
January 5, 2010
– Shelved as:
fantasy
Comments Showing 1-50 of 81 (81 new)
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Amber
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rated it 1 star
May 27, 2009 11:18AM
I know what you mean about the audiobook narrator! I listened to it to get myself reacquainted with the books because I was reading the others, and man, he really sucks.
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I can't put my finger on exactly what it is that bothers me, I just don't care for the way he reads it. (Not that I could do any better myself.)Reading over my review, man, I was harsh wasn't I?
I couldn't agree more. You make accurate comments and nail my exact same peeves. I think you'll agree with some points on my review as well. Onwards to book 3, I suppose.
You're a better man than I, Dan. I gave up after Book 2.
Thank you for putting into words what drove me nuts about this book!!! I agree with everything you said!
It's always good to know you're not alone! :)
I haven't finished the book yet but I agree with you. I feel like Percy is always in some sort of danger only to be rescued in the nick of time. Not many books can get away with that, and this one certainly can't...especially when it happens OVER and OVER.
I also can't understand why he's suddenly always in trouble when he previously went about eleven years without ever seeing a "monster" in his life.
Exactly, Sydney. Over and over and over....
Percy and annabeth kiss in the last book!!!!!!! I waited the whole series for that!
Couldn't agree more, Although I (kind of) enjoyed the book, you've written EVERYTHING I didn't like about it.
Maira, it's good to be reminded that I'm not the only one who felt this way. And too, that not every book is for every reader--and that's a good thing.
I like it but ya know it's not everybodys thing and I respect that.
Exactly, Madeleine! :)
I feel the same way ...
I respect your opinion, but perhaps Riordan is trying to create an entertaining, absorbing world for children, not adults.Heck, I'm a teenager and this series made me emotional. Any book, for me, that can make me tear up is worth reading again.
It makes me feel good. Happy.
I value your opinion, for everyone is entitled to one, but perhaps you could try looking at it from a child's innocent, adventurous perspective.
Plus, not all books are meant to appeal to everyone. I doubt every preteen who reads this will be enthralled, but the majority is, and at least there isn't some form of weak, insubstantial romance like in so many other young adult novels today.
Paige, you're right about Riordan's intended audience. But since I am an elementary librarian, 95% of what I read is children's literature. I said in earlier comments and in my review that not every book is for every reader, and that's okay. My daughter loves this series, and I was happy to buy them for her. I just don't like them. That said, you make a good point about Riordan not including a romance. Thank goodness. Bonus points for Riordan. :)
I disagree but everyone has their own opinion. I don't always like action books, but these are awesome. I do know what you mean by can't go 3 pages without another action scene.
I disagree with you!!! This series is the best. A new problem, just makes it better. The more drama the better.
Like seriously. Who wants a book of a person with a perfectly perfect life. That would be boring and nobody would like it.
Ok, I understand that you don't like the book, but you don't have to say that stuff about life threatening things. It not like you would read about a girl with no problems in her life and she has the best life ever. That would be so boring. Why would someone wang to read that?
So... I disagree. Done
I know, that would be boring but i understand what she means by too much. I really like the books though.
meh. we need to replace Percy with someone better...I know, Jack Blank.
Well I love the series because of the action and I'm a little kid and they are really fun to read and my mom when I tell her what happened she could care less she says " oh that cools " or " that's nice " it is something about kids and hyper activity
These books are AWESOME! How can you not like them?!?!?!
Well, Fufu, that's a good question. I just...don't. But that's okay. My daughter loves them! :)
:) I guess that kids like the books better than adults do.
Thank you so much! I just found this (and the first Percy Jackson) dragged on and on and I couldn't be bothered to go on to the third. Every situation seemed to be the same just with a different name of the monster. It was just tedious.
Ayesha, take comfort in knowing you are not alone. :)
Aw man.... Why is it that everyone seems to hate the books?
Not everyone does
Sorry Sydney but he did see "monsters" during those 11 years if you read the first book
I respect your opinion. there is a reason this book is labelled as a young adult novel that's the intended audience I'm still a teen and love the series I love the action scenes to me it's the best part and I love how the romance is kept to a minimum since I hate how some books make it the biggest plot line (the hunger games would of been a better book if they took out 70% of the love triangle don't get me wrong I love that series )
I don't understand you guys I mean yeah I agree about the 3 page moral danger but hey it made me study Greek mythology and it's better than you think just look at it another way.
I don't mean it in a mean way.
And I know how you feel Sage.
I can understand where you are coming from. I feel this way about many books. However, I happened to really enjoy this book. I feel like Riordan did a nice job blending 21st century society and ancient Greek mythology. I have a huge interest in ancient mythology, and this maybe is a reason why I liked this book. I feel like this book is made for young teens and not adults, though.I also find it strange how coincidental this book is, with Tyson being his "half-brother" and Annabeth being able to save Percy from the cannibals. This is something that teens just like: everything working out just fine. Also some of the so-called witty humor (such as the "oh my gods") makes me feel awkward, sometimes.
Overall, I though this was a good book and a nice spin-off of the Polyphemus story from The Odyssey.
I understand what you mean
I think it's aimed at 7 or 8 graders so in a few ways we can relate. So maybe it's just that your older (no offense...) and it isn't directed toward your age group. (No offense either..)I personally LOVED the book but it's ok to not. Everyone is entitled to their opinions.
I think it's aimed at 7 or 8 graders so in a few ways we can relate. So maybe it's just that your older (no offense...) and it isn't directed toward your age group. (No offense either..)I personally LOVED the book but it's ok to not. Everyone is entitled to their opinions.
I know what you mean, even though I really like this series. Sometimes, there are parts that drive me up the wall. But I enjoy the book in spite of them. This is a pretty thoughtful review, in my book. Thank you for making a contribution and not just saying, "I hate it! It sucks!" :)
Thanks, Ashley. :)
FYI: I read this when I was in 3 grade!
But I agree as well I couldn't stop reading when I got to when he got turned into a hamster!
I have to say that I like Percy Jackson and I disagree with you. P.S. Not trying to be mean
Jessica, No problem. I'm sure I love some books that would drive you crazy. :)
I loved it and you guys are just jealous of Mr.Riordan
This book is great and I disagree with you
