The Last Olympian: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Book 5

Written by Rick Riordan

Narrated by Jesse Bernstein

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: May 5, 2009
• ISBN: 9780739380345

Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan (San Antonio, Estats Units, 1964) és, sens dubte, un dels autors de literatura juvenil més respectats. Professor d'institut, el fulgurant èxit de la sèrie «Percy Jackson i els déus de l'Olimp» va fer que pogués dedicar-se exclusivament a l'escriptura.

Reviews for The Last Olympian

[asmeyer31 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

made me so nostalgic for my childhood I cried at a random points. even rereading after so many years, the story and its characters retained every bit of their potency. I felt every emotion from the first time and more. the characters are like old friends to me

[jasminehere-398982 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely love this series. The characters are all well-written. There isn't a single dull moment in the whole series.

[jamestomasino · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Stories based around prophecies are tough. Readers are pretty smart, so anything too simple and the mystery is ruined, but anything too obtuse and the ending seems cheap and contrived. It's a difficult thing to have a prophecy that in retrospect seems obvious yet isn't discovered along the way. I don't think Rick Riordan quite pulled it off, but it was close. The series ended very well and the aftermath was just long enough to settle everything that wanted settling.

In short, regarding the series as a whole, I'm really glad I took the time to read it. There's some really great characters, a lot of fun action, and plenty of silliness. It's a series that makes you want to go outside and have adventures while crying out battle cheers.

In fact...

PEANUT BUTTER!

[jason.bell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This "final" chapter in the Percy story line is a little heavy on the fighting and not quite as witty as some of the earlier books. Mr. Riordan does a nice job of tying up the loose ends without closing the door further adventures, with or without Percy.

[sanyamakadi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked the resolution with the various characters and their relationships, and was particularly satisfied with Rachel's new future. I also liked Hesta and how a traditional woman was shown to be the hero.

[jmchshannon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The final novel in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan, THE LAST OLYMPIAN, is everything a final novel should be. There is no build-up because Mr. Riordan took care of that in the first four books. Neither does he make readers wait for the promised battle. He doesn't add any last-minute characters. Instead, we have nonstop action and the unveiling of long-held secrets.

Even better, Percy finally shows some of the maturity I would expect to see from a teenager who was forced to grow up at a young age. He is clever with his battle tactics, compassionate where necessary but brutal when needed. After feeling like Percy sounded too young and naive in books three and four given his experiences, it is a treat to get a glimpse of what Percy would be like as an adult.

I'll also say that even though I wasn't a huge Percy and Annabeth fan, the ending of THE LAST OLYMPIAN was adorable. Mr. Riordan handled the awkwardness and Percy's nervousness with delicacy and just a slight touch of humor. I imagine there was more than one child who used those scenes as motivation for their own awkward romantic encounters.

There is no doubt that THE LAST OLYMPIAN is the best book in the series. It contains within its pages everything I was hoping to see in previous books culminating in the battle for Olympus. I thought the battle scenes to be well-written, detailed without being graphic, and touching on fallen comrades and foes with the appropriate level of gravitas. While Mr. Riordan sets up the next series with a well-timed prophecy, I consider my time with Percy Jackson and friends at an end, with a final book that provides enough closure to satisfy me.

[mickyfine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Percy Jackson and the rest of the demigods have their final facedown with Kronos as he threatens to destroy Olympus and all of human civilization as we know it.

As a last book in a series (at the time of publication), this entry does everything you'd expect it to: has a major battle with the big bad of the series while also nicely tying of up character arcs for all of the individuals we've come to care for over the series. Riordan does a solid job (although I found the final battle carried on a little longer than I wanted - but I find fight sequences less interesting generally) while also adding enough of a tease for the next series set in this universe that I'll be reading more.

[lynnmpk · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An exciting, adventure filled read. Pretty much no mystery, but I didn't feel like it needed it (unlike Sea of Monsters, which could have really used some more mystery-solving). The overall story wrapped up nicely.

[viragoreads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Reread. This series is so wonderful. It's full of adventure, excitement, and sadness. I can't believe Percy's adventures are over, but I expect him and Annabeth and Grover to pop up in the later series; they are the O.G.s now.

[Ailed Rguez · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This year I read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which helped me get into the context of the story. I find it interesting to read about how Uncle Rick loved that story as a young man, while at a similar age I was falling in love with his stories.
In this book, we see how Ana discovers that she doesn't know everything about her family or her school after a tragic event where a great explosion causes the death of her brother and almost the entire school. Now only a small group remains who has to find out what's happening while traveling to a place that was thought to only exist in the books of Jules Verne.
Inside, there are a lot of references to the book I mentioned at the beginning, and I also think to The Mysterious Island, which I still have to read. Although it is quick to read, I must confess that it didn't catch me as much as some of his other books, although I suppose I'm not exactly the target audience.
There were several things that seemed a bit rushed or characters whose personalities could have been further developed, but I guess it was all done with the intention of making it a standalone book, although honestly, I feel that it has potential for a continuation. (Translated from Spanish)

[wanderlustlover_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read the last four of this series in pretty rapid sucession of around three days. I mostly remember that they sort of blurred together. They weren't the most fantastic of children's literature, but I had a lot of fun trying to predict Olympian references and guest appearances before the books would tell you who it was.

[matthewbloome · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm not a fan of children's books where a large percentage of the characters, good and bad, die in some all out climactic war just to offer some finality, but I know good writing when I see it. This was well done, even when it was difficult to take. It certainly didn't hold back any punches, and if someone managed to hang on through everything that has happened so far to this young band of heroes, this last volume won't disappoint. Just bring a box of kleenex and realize that not everyone is going to make it out alive.

[Lorevelaz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well, this book, like all of Rick Riordan's, is based on the descendants of historical characters, in this case, Captain Nemo, a fictional character from Jules Verne's stories! And guess what? Jules Verne is one of my favorite writers, so yes, I loved that it was based on that. The downside is that it talks about one of the books I like the least, which is Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and another point is that I read it several years ago, so I got lost in some of the references made.

I give it 4 stars because it made me a bit sleepy while reading it, and that's how I realize whether I like a book or love it; that's what makes the difference.

But it's entertaining, fun, with unexpected twists, it talks about sailing, so those who really enjoy boats and those things will understand it well regarding friendship and inclusion! Yes, it has many good things. (Translated from Spanish)

[Lauryms · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ana studies at the Harding-Pencroft Academy, and soon the first-year class will have a test to see if they are worthy of continuing at the academy or not. On the day of the test, Harding-Pencroft is destroyed by the Land Institute. Luckily, the first-year students were on their way to the Varuna, a submarine. That attack changes everything.

Ana not only has to deal with the loss of her classmates, teachers, and a family member but also with a secret that can shake her entire world; turning fiction into reality.

From that moment on, Ana and her classmates must protect a legacy from the Land Institute. This legacy is ruthless and wants to seize those resources for evil, so Ana will have to be brave and accept her heritage to fulfill her new mission.

As always, Uncle Rick’s writing is wonderful. It was a quick, entertaining, and fun read... there was a lot of mystery that keeps you hooked, making it increasingly hard to put the book down as you progress.

In this book, there are references to several works by Jules Verne and his protagonist, Captain Nemo. The truth is, it was incredibly exciting, leaving me thoughtful and eager to venture out to the ocean in search of adventures.

There is much we do not know. The sea is vast; aren’t you curious about what lies beyond? That’s how I felt: eager to discover and marvel at the unknown.

The setting is mainly underwater and occasionally on an island. We will get to know technology that in this era would be terrible if it fell into the wrong hands (and also impossible). We will also encounter betrayal, leadership, action, and new friends.

I loved it. I enjoyed reading it from start to finish. (Translated from Spanish)

[mutantpudding · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great ending to a great series. This book brings in events and characters from the previous books and ties everything together in an interesting and emotional way. Percy and his friends really come into their own as heroes and I love the emphasis on family and personal choice.

[EriGuevara · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Being a book by Rick Riordan, I expected nothing less than something incredible! Still, I have to admit it surprised me. For those of us who are fans of Jules Verne, finding the references, hearing the names, and above all considering the possibility that it could all be real is fantastic. The protagonist: 10/10, the characters themselves are great. I definitely enjoyed this book a lot, and I hope to read more of this story soon. (Translated from Spanish)

[astana93 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

(9/10) I loved it. A very well-crafted youthful adventure story, without falling into typical clichés. It has a very interesting background, is based on the books of Jules Verne, and manages to entertain at all times. Very good, with no complaints. (Translated from Spanish)

[Tania B · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I am the queen of procrastination ? (why look for another) I have pending reviews from last year! ...anyway...
the last descendant has been my first reading of this year. A new start to a saga by Rick Riordan, of which I am a big fan.

The first-year class from Harding-Pencroft Institute has gone on a trip for some practical classes, but what they didn't expect was the attack from Land Institute on their secret facilities out there on the California coast. They escaped the massacre purely by chance. But it turns out that behind this attack, there is a not-so-hidden interest, as in the rookie crew is Ana Dakkar, the successor and heir of the very Captain Nemo, and only she with the help of her crew will be able to find the Nautilus, whose technology is coveted by the corrupt Land institution.

The story is based on the famous novels of Jules Verne, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Mysterious Island. I think this is the first time Rick Riordan doesn’t base his story on any mythology, but still, it is a fantastic start to a saga. I love the way he describes the characters and how all his works are so inclusive without feeling forced. I see here material for Disney+ to create a new series (I’m already in)
The best thing about Rick Riordan is that once he starts a saga you know there will be a new installment every year (Rick, don’t let me down) (Translated from Spanish)

[crtsjffrsn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very fitting end to the first chapter in the saga of the Olympians. Riordan has done a great job of making each book a distinct adventure while keeping some important threads throughout the series. In, as one might expect, an epic battle, everything comes back together and the Great Prophecy plays out in some ways you might not expect.

No more than put this down and I started into the Heroes of Olympus series because I need to know what happens next!

[othemts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The final book of the series leads to the culminating battle to save Olympus from the Titans in the streets of Manhattan. The book builds well to get to that point with a natural ebb and flow in the narrative between fightin' and more contemplative stuff. Themes that have been building across all five books play out hre and Percy, Thalia, Grover, Annabeth, Tyson, Clarisse, and Nico all show great character development.  I particularly like how Percy plays his reward from the gods.  

[kittycunningh-815148 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This series was cute. Don't need to read more of them.

[quinton.baran · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a fine ending to the series. I am rating it a star lower then the others, as I didn't enjoy it quite as much, and I also found parts a bit too sentimental and/or predictable. Perhaps these flaws were in the earlier volumes, but for some reason I didn't notice them as much then.

[sara_cat-107388 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As excepted, by the end, all the pieces fell together. I do love how some things the reader is able to piece together before things happen, but I also like how the author writes in a way that certain things can’t be figured out till the exact moment the reader is supposed to figure things out. It creates a good kind of tension that keeps you reading.

I can’t wait to read more books by this author.

[jplumey_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Although not the best of the series, I was very satisfied with the ending of the story and the overall saga. Great read! This series has definitely sparked a renewed interest in Greek mythology. I guess I need to dust off my copy of The Iliad!

[phoenixcomet · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Hestia, goddess of the hearth, tells Percy that in order to save Olympus, he must understand what happened in Luke's life. Olympus (600th floor of the Empire State Building) is under attack by Kronos and the forces he has gathered. It's up to Percy and his friends to save the day. Pure fun! The conclusion to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, book 5.

[payday1999-430350 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the best in the series and has a great ending. I love the whole series and all the characters in them. I love Mythology books and this is one of the few in that genre that I can say that I really love everything about it. The books are very action packed and very easy to read.

I would recommend this series to anybody.

[drfuriosa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A fitting end to an interesting and entertaining series. I don't think I'll continue with the offshoot series, as I was satisfied with this conclusion.

[melrailey-412132 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Also known as the last book. The Last Olympian finds Percy and his friends fighting the battle of their lives. The Titans have risen and are making their march on Mount Olympus. The gods are fighting battles elsewhere and the demigods are left to protect Olympus and Manhattan on their own. If Percy and his friends are not able to save Mount Olympus, then there will be dire consequences not only for the gods but also for the mortal world and all of humanity.

I have flown through these books. And I must admit, they're not Harry Potter (but very few books are). But I did enjoy them greatly. They were fun. I loved all the mythological stuff and imaging what the gods' personalities would have been like in today's world. And I had to see how that darn prophecy was going to unfold. I also appreciated the way Riordan brought more personality to the minor characters in comparison to most authors. He also allowed them to play important parts and didn't always have his hero be the hero of the story. It kind of gives the little nerdy kid with glasses that everybody picks on hope that, even though he's not the star, he could save the day.

I think Rick Riordan did a wonderful job with these stories and I want more of them.

[shahnareads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Just one big ol' battle scene.
Lots of people die, the gods are buttheads, and New York is a mess.
Goodtimes.

[librarycin · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

2.5 stars

I can’t summarize the plot very well, because I missed much of it. I do know that there is some kind of prophecy, something that’s supposed to happen to Percy, or something that Percy’s supposed to do when he’s 16 (maybe both) - I think it’s something dangerous. His 16th birthday is coming real soon.

I wanted to give this 3 stars (ok), but I listened to the audio, and the audios of these books just don’t hold my attention, though I caught some things here and there. From what I gathered there was lots of fighting, but hard to pick out a plot. Or, maybe that’s the idea? I wish I had looked back at my reviews for the other books in the series for that reminder to not listen to the audios. I do (kind of) know how it wrapped up – at least some of the things that happened at the end with Percy’s friends, and an agreement made with the gods.

I see that the series continues with a focus on the Camp for the demi-gods. Might be more interesting; I’m not sure, but I’m thinking it’s just not worthwhile for me to continue. Oh, and I still only ever think of a cute blue Muppet every time I hear the name “Grover”! And shoot, now that I’ve actually read the plot summary, I feel like I should lower my rating to 2 stars because I caught so little of that…