When a gigantic crocodile menaces Long Island, Egyptian magician Carter Kane is on the scene. But he’s barely had time to draw his khopesh when the croc swallows him whole–then suddenly and unexpectedly disgorges him. Also unexpected? The teenage boy with sea-green eyes and an orange camp T-shirt wielding a glowing sword.

Carter Kane, meet Percy Jackson, Greek demigod and son of Poseidon.

After an initial scuffle involving the Fist of Horus and a tidal wave of swamp water, Carter and Percy combine their powers, remove the magical gold necklace around the monster’s neck, and shrink the beast back to size. All in a day’s work . . . but something tells Carter that it won’t be the last time the two will need to help each other out.