Epic Win!

Title: The Last Olympian
Author: Rick Riordan
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 400
Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult
Series #: 5 of 5
Date Started: July 6, 2009
Date Finished: July 6, 2009

Rating: A+

Description (Synopsis): All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of a victory are grim. Kronos’s army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan’s power only grows. While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it’s up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time. In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.

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What an amazing finish to an amazing series! (Although the author does hint at a possible 6th book, I won't get my hopes up.... no point being disappointed.) Definitely deserving of its A-plus rating!

Not only does this book tie up the loose ends from the previous four books (which means flashbacks, but not too many thankfully), but it also allows for some amazing character development that I wasn't expecting. Usually a series' final book is through with development of the characters, and sometimes most of the story, and entirely focused on the climax and resolution. The Last Olympian included all three.

Riordan gave a greater depth to some of his minor characters, and his new characters weren't just thrown in as a means to an end. Percy's new stepfather is one of the characters I hadn't expected to see again, yet there he was, fighting at Percy's side, showing a side of himself I don't think anyone foresaw.

Riordan also developed his story even further. He didn't just tie up the loose ends and then begin the conclusion. Percy and Nico have their own adventure in the Underworld, before the final battle begins. One that created a whole new aspect to the story, and I was hoping it would be further developed at the end of the book--another reason I think there might be another book or even a new series. (I love Nico, and I think a series about the child of Hades would be so cool and would lead to new adventures.)

The climax and conclusion were also entirely satisfying. **Spoiler Alert** I am so happy that Percy and Rachel Dare didn't end up together. I really didn't like Rachel, and Riordan put Rachel in the perfect role at the end of the book, so that there'd be no one in the way of the Percy & Annabeth relationship. Yay!**** With new monsters and new twists, Riordan kept your attention throughout the book, especially during the battle. And that final battle in Manhattan.... wow! Detailed, gripping, and intense, the battle was by far the best part of the book.

The only bad thing about this book is that it ended, and it's the finish (supposedly) of a great fantasy series. A+