Blood of Olympus Book Review

After nine years, the universe which demigods inhabit have closed off an arc with the Blood of Olympus. The conclusion to the Heroes of Olympus was delivered with the tag #therewillbeblood and as promised, blood arrived.

No spoilers for the book, but there was blood and tragedy in the finale of the series. It's only pitiable that Riordan didn't deliver everywhere else. The book was definitely solid. Heart pounding action, enjoyable character banter, and a heartwarming final chapter help the Blood of Olympus send of the series with flare. So where does it underwhelm?

Let's save the best parts for last and get the negative out of the way. While the action scenes are dramatic and given weight, they're rushed and the final battle is far too short. Everything happens to fast and the reader isn't allowed to fully soak in the intensity of the battle. It feels hastily done and while there is some heart stopping moments, they aren't drawn out long enough.

In terms of character, the banter is funny, relatable, and enjoyable. But while Riordan balanced individual arcs with masterful precision in House of Hades, some fan favorites (cough, Percy and Annabeth cough) are given the shaft in the conclusion, disappointing some readers. Some more underrated characters such as Jason and Piper are given a lot of time to grow on the readers, something that Riordan was understandably desiring, but at the cost of downplaying the more well loved characters. It ends up being a little disappointing and a detractor from the book. Some of the conclusions to certain character arcs are hastily wrapped up and not really given the attention it needs.

But onto the good, which Riordan still delivers with style. For the first time in eight books, Nico's POV is shared and it's a fascinating read. Reyna's backstory is also engaging. But the real star of the show is Leo Valdez. His story is among the most prominent in the book and it is treated with care and will leave a smile on any fan's face. 

The final battle, while rushed, still gives off an epic vibe. The major forces in the series come together to band against the villains and it's all played out well. 

 Dialogue is well written and demonstrates how Riordan understands his characters. His unique writing comes through and makes the book absorbing and difficult to put down. 

The final few chapters are shocking and emotional, but the way Riordan caps off the book provides closure to satisfy fans, but leaves the door open a crack so that these characters could be revisited. Hints about Riordan's next series, Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. Unlike with the Kanes and the Heroes of Olympus, a crossover between demigods (particularly Annabeth Chase) and the Norse stories are inevitable and personal. These demigods may pop up again in the new series. 

While the Blood of Olympus is a little rushed and imbalanced and is unable to beat out House of Hades as Riordan's strongest entry, the rich ending, fresh perspective from Nico and Reyna, dramatic battles, and well crafted closure makes the Blood of Olympus a satisfying conclusion to the Heroes of Olympus.