Just some rambly thoughts: 
 4.5 stars, rounded down 
 ....Aaaand we're back!!! When I reviewed book 1, The Lost Hero, I stated my dissatisfaction with the plot, which I found dull and boring, and the characters, whom I found lackluster, wooden and just didn't identify with. 
 Well, Mr. Riordan didn't let me down in this installment. 
 The narration is back up to his usual inspired levels, and I attribute that in no small part to Percy Jackson. Mr. Riordan created a winner when he made up this boy's character. Everything about him embodies leadership, but it also embodies humility, self-depreciation, and just general.... awesomeness. He's come into his own. Having Percy lead this cast was infinitely more pleasurable than Jason's "leadership" in the previous book. Add Percy to the list of characters that I admire very much. Dude personifies everything that is good leadership and loyalty and friendship. I am deeply appreciative of this fictional character. 
 Also buoying the book up are the two other demigods who form 2/7ths of the "Seven," (way to state the obvious, LJ!) - Frank and Hazel. Loved them! I complained about the lack of growth of the characters from the previous book, but I can't say the same here. By the end Percy, Hazel, and Frank were different and better characters than they were at the beginning. Hazel went from slightly Mary Sue-ish to a girl who was able to stand down a giant. Frank transformed from a boy who was the joke of his regiment to someone who knew he had an indispensable role to fulfill. 
 I am not explaining it very well, but what I am trying to say is that by the end of the book, they were more comfortable in their skins, and they wore their roles and their fate much better, and I loved that transformation very much. 
 I prayed The Son of Neptune would not disappoint me, and it didn't. I am very very excited for The Mark of Athena, which is a far cry from my reaction after meeting Jason and his bunch. 
 Now to wait till October 2 for book 3!