Trials of Apollo: The Tower of Nero
by Rick Riordan
Synopsis:
Lester’s demigod friends at Camp Jupiter just helped him survive attacks from bloodthirsty ghouls, an evil Roman king and his army of the undead, and the lethal emperors Caligula and Commodus. Now the former god and his demigod master Meg must follow a prophecy uncovered by Ella the harpy. Lester’s final challenge will be at the Tower of Nero, back in New York.
Will Meg have a last showdown with her father?
Will this helpless form of Apollo have to face his arch nemesis, Python?
Who will be on hand at Camp Half-Blood to assist?
Review:
This is the fifth and final installment in the Trials of Apollo series, an offshoot of Percy Jackson. The Percy Jackson series was a favorite of mine, and this latest series is just as fun and exciting. As a punishment, Apollo has been sent to Earth as a mortal. Now, he is working with Meg and his other demigod friends to take down the evil king before he becomes unstoppable.
This finale doesn’t disappoint. With the odds increasingly against them, Apollo and his friends form unlikely alliances and face down an incredible foe. With a big showdown, suspense, drama, and plenty of humor at times to lighten the mood – middle readers to adults will enjoy this fantastic series. And while it’s not necessary to read the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series, it is helpful to know some of the characters who overlap. And Riordan proves once again that he’s a master at middle grade fantasy.