“He could turn the ship by pulling on the throttle, fire weapons by sampling an album, or raise sails by shaking his Wii controllers really fast. Even by demigod standards, Leo was seriously ADHD.”

This description of Leo from chapter one exemplifies Riordan’s characterization of his demigods. Modern popular culture is blended with ancient trappings of warrior heroes in a manner intended to be humorous and relatable for young readers. In addition, Riordan strives to put a positive light on conditions that have been stigmatized in the past. His demigods have ADHD because they are programmed to be vigilantly aware of potential monster threats.

“Some part of Annabeth’s mind registered how beautiful the city was—the smells from the bakeries, the gurgling fountains, the flowers blooming in the gardens. And the architecture…gods, the architecture—gilded marble columns, dazzling mosaics, monumental arches, and terraced villas.”

Rome was famed for its architecture, a quality that Riordan incorporates in his depiction of New Rome. Here, Annabeth, who has a particular interested in and love for architecture struggles with herself. Being loyal to Camp Half-Blood, she does not want to admire this city but cannot help but appreciate its beauty and planning.

“Octavian sighed. ‘Seven half-bloods shall answer the call. To storm or fire the world must fall—’

‘An oath to keep with a final breath,’ Annabeth continued. ‘And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.’”

In this excerpt, the Greek and Roman demigods have sat together for a feast, and Annabeth is pondering the meaning of the Prophecy of Seven, the words in italics that Octavian and Annabeth recite. Prophecies are notoriously difficult to interpret, allowing multiple and/or layered meanings. Throughout the novel, the demigods will try to figure out what the prophecy is asking of them, applying lines as they realize their potential meaning.