Overview: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Author: Rick Riordan

Publisher: Disney • Hyperion Books

Year Published: 2009

Type of Book: Young Adult/Fiction/Fantasy/Mythology

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5

The big battle against Kronos is at its peak and the time of the prophecy is near. The book centers around the fight. Percy bathes in the Styx and becomes invincible except for his Achilles Heel - the small of his back. In the end, Luke is a hero because of Annabeth; he sacrifices himself to defeat Kronos. Percy is offered the opportunity to become a god but he refuses and winds up with Annabeth.

Such a stunning book - it exceeded my expectations. It was still entertaining and hilarious, but the story was definitely a darker tone than the others, especially when it delved into Luke's past. I was so glad that he redeemed himself at the end and that he wasn't all bad.

Like Annabeth, I've always had a soft spot for Luke and hated that he was evil. He saved the day at the end, which was a wonderful surprise and a great touch. His death was sad but made the story that much more emotional and real to me.

How Percy managed to get the gods to agree to Luke's request was amazing as well. I was shocked when he was offered immortality and the chance to become a god but his refusal was brilliant - he gave up his opportunity to be all-powerful and immortal for Annabeth - so sweet, and I was ecstatic that those two lovebirds FINALLY got together! A wonderful read!

The older lady harrumphed. "I warned you, daughter. This scoundrel Hades is no good. You could've married the god of doctors or the god of lawyers, but nooo. You had to eat the pomegranate."