'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 3 December 2020

Junior Review: Trials of Apollo: The Tower of Nero

Apollo (AKA. Lester) has spent six months in the mortal world, and now must face his final trial. 

This end game will either result in his return to Olympus or he will face his death in the bowels of the earth battling against his enemy, Python.

Although the battle for Camp Jupiter has been won and Rome was safe once more (for now at least), the war has not been won. 

For Apollo to claim victory he must travel back to Manhattan, the beginning of his adventures, gain an unexpected ally and defeat the last Triumvirate king, Nero.  

Apollo also must find the courage to face his enemy, Python and prevent him from controlling his oracle Delphi.

But the problem Apollo is more concerned about is if Meg will be able to face her old captor and keep her stubborn independence without snapping under the pressure of returning to her horrid childhood home. 

Will Apollo manage to regain his divine form? Or will he die, sacrificing himself for all those who sacrificed themselves for him?

Either way Destiny awaits.

I loved this book so much I cannot describe how much I enjoyed it. Rick Riordan will always be one of my favorite authors. His writing style gives me shivers and the way he creates the twists and turns in the plot fascinates me. I am disappointed the Apollo adventures are coming to an end, but I will always treasure this series and its creative, moral and emotional power.

I recommend this book for ages 10+ because it does have some violent scenes that might scare younger readers. But I highly recommend Rick Riordan’s books to anyone around this age limit.

Title: Trials of Apollo: The Tower of Nero
Author: Rick Riordan
Illustrator: Maximillian Meinzold
Publisher: Penguin Random House UK, $22.99 
Publication Date: October 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780141364087
For ages: 10+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction for older readers