Percy Jackson (5) - The last Olympian by Rick Riordan
And, last but not least, book 5 of the Percy Jackson Series! The Last Olympian (in French Le dernier Olympien, in German Die letzte Göttin). I read it in German where it contained 450 pages. Originally published 2009.
Kronos is free and wants to conquer the Olympus, while the rest of the titans destroy the civilisation and draw the gods's rage. Now it's Camp Half Blood's job to protect Manhatten… But to do that, Percy has to literally go through hell, Rachel has to make a deal with a devil and Annabeth loose one of the most important person in her life. The only weapons Percy has left is Hope, a sand dollar and friends in strange places. But they have a spy in their Camp...
This really breathtaking and funny final is the best part of the whole series.
Especially the gods. Hestia is fascinating. I always wondered about her – ever since I read the myth about the gods' overthrowing the titans. Because she, Hera and Demeter are Zeus's sisters but Hestia never shows up after that again. It makes sense now. She's an interesting goddess. We get to see a new side to Mr. D as well. I like that he cares about his sons.
Luke really surprised me. Seriously.
But Ethan and his mother are actually the people who made the most impact – of the B (demi)-gods. He managed to achieve what he wanted to, even though his price was far too high. But without him, Percy would have never made the choice he did. But I liked it – I also liked how he chose – that all the gods were sure what he'd make out of his wish and agreed – even Ares – but that Percy didn't do it either way. In part because of Annabeth.
Spoiler:
I like that he and Annabeth are together now. It was about time – even though I don't envy him for the talk with her mother. God, who'd known Athena could be so scary? It's nice that she cares so much for her daughter. Even though it's a little hypocritical. Annabeth risks her life and soul over and over again? Cool. But God forbid there's a BOY!
About the other people from Percy's crew.
Grover… he he. He's something as well. I like his role in all of that – and the one of Sally and Paul. I like them. They deserved each other.
I like Rachel.
Spoiler:
I must admit that her “relationship” with Percy was pretty one-sided – I love that he actually never knew they were together – and I wanted him to be with Annabeth either way.
But I like the deal she made and how courageous she is. She never lets anyone make her do something she doesn't want to.
The triangle was just… mostly due to misunderstandings, I guess. Percy liked both girls, but more as friends. He doesn't really get that Annabeth is in love with him, and that he actually likes her like that. And he's just an innocent around Rachel, he simply wants to show her some stuff and enjoy being normal. But both girls misunderstand. Especially Annabeth has to suffer from this, I don't envy her for her love life. The ending was really hard for her, too.
Well. Tyson and Mrs. O'Leary are wonderful as well. As is Nico. He's not the most reliable ally, but he's there when they need him – and Demeter and Persephone's fighting skills are awesome!
In brief:
I give this book full four stars, one for style, one for characters, one for ideas, another one for content. Plus SoGH, as always.
Prequel:
Sequel Series:
Heroes of the Olympus