THE SEA OF MONSTERS Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book Two

This action-packed book (second in a series) will delight fans of Percy Jackson, the half-blood son of Poseidon, as Percy once again battles mythical monsters in modern-day settings while on his mission to save the tree that guards Camp Half-Blood. Narrator Jesse Berns helps listeners slip right into the oddly engaging world that Riordan creates, in which contemporary teen characters and those from classical mythology intermingle. Berns is so good at accurately portraying teenagers that it’s hard to recall he isn’t one; Percy’s sarcasm and disdainful tones (“Dude?”) are just right, though Berns also reveals his ability to become a satyr, cyclops, or guinea pig (“Reep! Reep!”) as required. Berns keeps the pace masterfully taut while also allowing listeners time to revel in the book’s humor. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]