The Last Olympian

Rick Riordan

  • First published 2009
  • 432 pages
  • English
All year, the half-bloods have been preparing for a war they know they are unlikely to win. The Titan lord Kronos has gathered a formidable army, and his power grows with every recruit. As the Olympians are occupied with containing the monstrous Typhon, Kronos sets his sights on New York City, where an undefended Mount Olympus is the ultimate prize. The fate of Western civilization now rests on the shoulders of Percy Jackson and his small army of young demigods, who must make their final stand in the streets of Manhattan.

This is the battle that the entire series has been building towards, where the long-awaited Great Prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday will finally come to pass. As the fight for the world unfolds, Percy must confront a terrifying possibility that he may be battling not just monsters, but his own destiny. The story explores heroism, sacrifice, and the difficult choices that define a hero, offering a conclusive and defining chapter to the epic saga.
4.56
1.2M ratings across the web
9 in 10 readers loved it
Readers overwhelmingly praise this book as an epic and fitting conclusion to the series, delivering an immensely action-packed and thrilling finale. Many found themselves captivated from the very beginning, with the narrative maintaining a relentless pace and ensuring there was never a dull moment. The strong character development is a highlight, with reviewers celebrating the growth of the main heroes and their enduring bonds. The author's unique talent for weaving Greek mythology into a contemporary, relatable, and humorous story is consistently lauded, making ancient tales feel fresh and engaging. Emotional moments, including significant relationship milestones and instances of sacrifice, deeply resonated with readers, often bringing them to tears. The witty dialogue and sarcastic humor are also frequently mentioned as key strengths, contributing to the book's overall enjoyable and unputdownable quality.

Despite the widespread acclaim, some readers expressed minor reservations regarding certain aspects of the book. A few felt that the execution of the climactic final battle, while expansive, ultimately proved somewhat underwhelming or lacked the tension expected after such a significant build-up. There were also comments that the main character's powers, despite his formidable reputation, did not always shine as brightly as anticipated in key confrontations. Additionally, some found an ongoing romantic subplot, particularly one character's initial jealousy and attitude, to be a source of frustration, perceiving it as a less compelling element of the narrative. A limited number of reviews also noted concerns about certain social implications within the text, such as portrayals related to mental health or inclusivity.

Ultimately, this installment is widely celebrated as a powerful and satisfying culmination of the series. It is highly recommended for readers who appreciate an engaging blend of action, humor, and mythology, delivered through a cast of deeply loved and well-developed characters. Fans of the preceding books, especially those invested in the overarching narrative and character relationships, will likely find this a rewarding and emotionally resonant experience. It successfully ties together loose ends while also hinting at future adventures within the author's expanded universe, making it a must-read for anyone looking for an epic and memorable fantasy conclusion.

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This edition
Hyperion Book CH, 2011
ISBN
9780120000340
Language
English
Original edition Originally published in 2009 · English · Hyperion Book

Other editions (136)