The Blood of Olympus

In the thrilling conclusion to Rick Riordan's 'Heroes of Olympus' series, 'The Blood of Olympus' plunges young readers into a high-stakes battle for the world. The combined forces of Greek and Roman demigods, led by Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and their friends, must confront the awakened Earth goddess Gaea and her formidable giants. As a civil war threatens to erupt between Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter, the heroes embark on a desperate quest to Athens, facing impossible odds and making profound sacrifices. This 560-page chapter book is ideal for middle-grade readers aged 9-14 who enjoy action-packed fantasy, mythology, and stories of friendship and bravery. Parents should be aware of themes of war, peril, and a significant character sacrifice, though the overall tone remains hopeful.

Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen-all of them-and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood-the blood of Olympus-in order to wake. The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it might be able to stop a war between the two camps. The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over. The accessible and dramatic cover art by graphic novelist Nilah Magruder will attract a new generation of fans.