THE ONE by Kiera Cass

“When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.”

What is the book about?

The Selection continues as Maxon and America still puzzle at their emotions and they doubt that the other truly loves them. They both wait for the other to take the lead and say the three most important words that will end the competition once and for all. While Maxon and America grow closer, America begins to realise who she really loves and to what lengths she will go to get him and keep him forever. But while they remain confused about their feelings, they are confident about one thing: the Southern rebels must be stopped before any more bloodshed occurs. Maxon and America manage to find friends on the outside ready and prepared to do anything to keep the royal family on the throne and stop all the murders. All the remaining girls – the Elite – are ready to fight for Maxon and America must too if she expects to hold on to the heart she knows is already hers. The Selection is coming to an end, but will Maxon make the right decision and will America finally be able to make a choice...

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Seconds after finishing The Elite, I already had The One in my hands ready to start reading. I was extremely excited to see Maxon make his choice, and I was hopeful it would be America. I was ready for the Selection to finally end because I was very interested in reading the next few books that I knew would not be following Maxon and America's story. I was a bit upset that their story would be over but I was also ready to start a new story and hopefully see the couple that I knew was made for each other together forever. As usual, I read the blurb before starting the book and I was so intrigued to see how everything would end up. I wanted to see how America tried to finally succeed in taking Maxon’s heart forever but I was also dad because I knew it was the end. When I started the book I was already ecstatic and I was so hooked into the story that I barely realised that I wasn't actually taking part in the Selection and I was really just reading in my room. It was such an incredible start and I knew from the very second I began to read that it would be a perfect end to such an amazing story.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I think that, once again, America is my favourite character but there were a few others who I really liked. America was just so normal and relatable that it was easy to understand what it was like in her place. She was also really funny and I loved how, when she finally knew who she couldn't live without, she was as ready as any of the other girls and was prepared to do everything she had to in order to win over her love. I also liked how she stopped playing with the boys hearts and didn't just rely on the fact that they would be there for her no matter what. It was horrible to think that she only kept then both around because they made her feel loved in different ways and I really liked knowing that she was no longer going to do that. One of the other characters I liked was Queen Amberly. I really liked her in all the other books because of how all the girls in the Selection looked up to her and I could clearly see why but I didn't see the happier more motherly side of her until the third book. In The One, Queen Amberly was more present in the lives of the Elite and was trying to get to know them more. She gave America some really good advice and I could see what a really good character she was. The final character that stood out to me was Maxon because of how sweet he was. In The One I was able to see Maxon's pain a lot easier and I could tell it was just as hard for him to say I love you as it was for America. Obviously I understood America a lot more because I got only her perspective, but I could also tell he was confused and was struggling like America. The reason he was definitely a character to consider as a favourite was because of everything he was able to forgive just because of love. America had hurt him so much but he knew he would never be able to live without her, so he was strong enough to look past everything that happened and just focus on America. It was so sweet and what he said to her near the end of the book was just the more romantic thing in the world and I want my own Maxon. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I know that my favourite part is the end. Many people might have been missing, and there were obviously much more meaningful and important parts of the book, but to me the ending was undoubtedly the more special part of the book and it literally almost made me cry tears of joy. I can't say much without ruining anything but it was the perfect finish to a great story. There was another part of the book that actually, no joke, made me cry with joy. I can't really say what it was because it will also spoil some things but I can say that it gave me hope for the ending that actually happened. I was so happy and excited during that part that I was squealing and giggling like a crazy fangirl, which is pretty much what I am, and I had to physical telly myself to stop and calm myself or people would have thought there was a dying hyena in the room. The part afterwards really killed the mood and I almost flung the book across the mood but I was still hopeful and optimistic for the future I had always imagined since America arrived at the castle. I am so glad I got my happily ever after but I loved everything else in the book as well. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall The One was another perfect book in a perfect book series and I can barely explain how amazing it was. There is only one thing I didn't like about the book and that was how long it took to get the perfect ending I knew would happen. I got so frustrated that I almost threw the book across the room at least twice because of the absurd fights and arguments that the couple had. However I will have to ignore this because there were too many amazing things in the book to fuss about one small thing, especially when everything was resolved in the end anyway. One thing that I liked about the book, but also felt sad about, was the upsetting and sort of depressing parts of the book. The amount of times this book made me feel like crying was astronomical and even though to some people this may seem like a bad thing, to me it gave me just what I needed to add The Selection series to one of the top ten I have read. It might have been sad but it made the book unique and left me with a connection to the characters that no one can ever break. I will never forget America and Maxon's story and I can wait to reread it. One last thing I would like to mention that I loved about the book was the ending. There is no word to describe just how perfect it was and I cannot begin to explain how much I adored it. I absolutely loved my happily ever after ending and I am almost too happy to start reading the next book in the series because I do not want to be let down. However I am far too curious to find out what happens next and I am desperate to get a few more glimpses of Maxon and America. 

Which book did you like better, the first, the second or the third?

The Selection, The Elite and The One were all great books that led me through Maxon and America's story to perfection. I find it so hard to choose a favourite because I loved them all and they all have something unique about them. However I think that, in my opinion, The One was the better book. There are many reasons surrounding this decision but the main one is the ending because it was just so absolutely, undoubtedly perfect. I cannot imagine a more amazing ending than the one I was given and if I had it any other way I would probably throw the book out the window and hunt Kiera Cass down until I could get the happy ending I wanted. Luckily that did not happen because clearly the author doesn't want angry readers at her door and she is obviously very smart. There are other things that made the book special like how many characters I had previously hated were seen in a new light and became some of my favourite characters. I cannot begin to explain how surprised I was at one of the character developments in the book but I'm glad it happened because it let me see this person in a whole new light and the ending wouldn't have had the same effect on me otherwise. One other thing that made The One more unique was the emotional connection I had to the books and how much it was tested and shown during this one. I know that all the books made me feel something but I was so wild while reading The One that you would probably thing I was crazy if I even told you a tiny portion of how I reacted. All three books in The Selection series have been really good and, even though they have a new plot, I am very excited to read the two books left. 

Would you recommend this book?  

Read this book!!! I know you will love it if you enjoy romance and drama and are at least 13 or older. I definitely recommend it but you much read the first and second books in the series – The Selection and The Elite – before reading the this one. You can also find their reviews on my blog so don't hesitate to check them out. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A fairy tale ending to an indescribable story that shattered my heart and slowly pieced it back together.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE ELITE by Kiera Cass

“America Singer is one of THE ELITE and Prince Maxon only has eyes for her. If she wins the competition for his heart, she will leave her pre-destined life for a world of luxury. But the outcome is less than certain; the threat of rebel violence just beyond the palace walls is escalating into war and bitter rivals are ready to take her down. Yet as America’s feelings for Maxon grow stronger ex-lover Aspen waits for her in the shadows. Where do her loyalties truly lie?

What is the book about?

America Singer is one of the Elite, one of the six girls remaining in the competition to win Prince Maxon’s heart. She may be only a Five, the lowest caste remaining in the Selection, but she has the advantage because Maxon only has eyes for her. If she wins, she will leave behind the struggling life she always thought she would end up with for a luxurious world of gowns and jewels. However the outcome is still uncertain with the threat of rebels looming over the royal family and rivals ready to do anything to take her down and keep Maxon for themselves. America’s feelings for Maxon begin to grow but she remains as confused as ever with her ex-boyfriend Aspen waiting for her and wanting to fight for her heart. She had believed that the Selection was just the prince picking the girl he would spend the rest of his life with, but for America it has turned into a battle over her heart, a choice of which boy she wants more. America must choose: Aspen or Maxon? The life she always imagined or the life she never dreamed of? And above all she must decide if she is ready to become a princess, and later the queen, because the fate of the entire country depends on her choice…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Immediately after finishing The Selection I was already desperate to start the next book, wanting to know America’s, and Maxon’s, decision. The ending of the first book wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, because I had believed that the Selection would end in that book, but I was glad that I was wrong because it would have been a very short and simple decision. Once I read the blurb, I was anxious to see what America would choose, but I also saw that this would put a lot of pressure on her and I was worried it would make her crack. The start of the book was perfect and I already felt myself slipping back into America’s world, ready to make a choice with her. However, there was one thing about the start that let me down a little, and that was the small explanations about things that had happened in the previous book. There wasn’t enough to annoy me but I was still a little irritated because if someone had read the first book they wouldn’t need that. As soon as I got over that, I knew the book was going to be as amazing as the first and I found myself nearing the end much quicker than I thought possible.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I think that America is my favourite character again just because she is so real. She had a life changing decision to make and she didn’t stay strong the whole time. She might have put up a wall when in public but as soon as she felt safe, as soon as she was alone; she broke down and did exactly what I would have done in her position: cry. This made her such a relatable character and also a lot more likable because I could understand her a lot more and see the pressure that was put on her by everyone. Another thing that made her really likable was her relationship with her maids. I know that she was a Five and that her maids were Sixes so she shouldn’t have been horrible to them, but she didn’t have to be as sweet and kind-hearted as she was. I really admired her for that because she was strong enough to make sure that being in the palace had no effect on her personality and she didn’t take advantage of everything that the palace provided for her. There was only one thing that put me off my choice of America as my favourite character and that was her indecisiveness. That seems a little hypocritical seeing as I am probably one of the most indecisive people alive, but it really bugged me how she changed her mind so much and she played with Aspen and Maxon’s hearts. I know that it wasn’t fair that America had to pick because she had feelings for both of them, but neither boy deserved to have her promise to be theirs forever and then have her change her mind within a few days. I understand how hard it must be for her but it wasn’t right for her to play around like that and when they got angry at her there was always an element of truth in their argument. Finally at the end she made her choice, but she hadn’t made either one aware of it, which still wasn’t fair to the one that would remain heartbroken. Apart from that America was a great character, and I am definitely rooting for her to win. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was definitely when America made her choice at the end. I had no doubts about this decision because it was the part that left me the most excited. That could have just been because of the fact that it was the end of the book and that it was a cliff-hanger but I am pretty sure it is because America had finally made her choice and was going to do everything in her power to make share she didn’t lose the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. I wasn’t yet sure if I was happy about her choice or not because Aspen and Maxon both had qualities that made me think that she should chose them. However, I was sure that I would warm up to the idea and that in the end I would be as happy as her. This part showed me the true America, the one that would do anything for her friends and family, the one that would never stop fighting for them. There was also another part of the book that showed me America’s true personality and that she hadn’t changed during her time at the palace, but this was a much happier part of the book and didn’t leave me feeling shocked or sad. I enjoyed almost everything in the book but this one stood out to me because it was literally the answer to the main question I had on my mind during the whole book: Aspen or Maxon?

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, the book was unbelievably amazing and I loved it so much. There were so many good things about the book and I liked pretty much everything about it. The ending was another cliff-hanger which was a little annoying, but I have the next book right next to me so it wasn’t such a bad thing. I really liked how excited the ending left me and how much I wanted to start reading the next book so I could find out what happened next. Another thing that I really liked about the book was that the characters didn’t change much in the book. I was worried that the characters would change and I would end up disliking them but I was glad to see that they were still themselves and that they, America especially, didn’t let being in the palace competing change their personality. One thing I would have liked to make the book even better would be if there was more than just America’s point of view included in the book. I would have liked to hear from Maxon and Aspen to understand them a bit more and maybe have more reasons to pick one over the other, but not having their views didn’t ruin the book or make me dislike it, it would have just made the book even more perfect. I really enjoyed The Elite and loved every single second of it, I just can’t wait to read the next book and find out the final choice in the Selection.

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

Both the first book, The Selection, and the second book, The Elite, were really wonderful books and I cannot begin to explain how much I loved reading them. However I think that I do have a favourite book out of the two of them: The Elite. There isn’t much that made it stand out to me next to the first book but there are a few things that made the book just a little better. One thing that made The Elite the better book was that it was a lot more connected to my emotions. There weren’t really that many sad and heart-breaking moments in The Selection but there were a few parts in The Elite that almost made me cry. I really liked this because it made the book seem a lot more real and also made the characters seem a lot more human, because they also showed that they had feelings and emotions that even they couldn’t cover up with a mask. They might have been sad parts but they made the book feel a lot more complete and without them everything would have been different. Another thing that made me choose the second book as my favourite one was because America finally made her choice. The shock of Aspens arrival in the first book had made me realise that America would have to choose and seeing how complicated it was and how she still managed to make a choice because she realised that she didn’t want to give one of them up. This made me really happy because in the next book America wouldn’t be that confused and would be spending her time fighting for the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with, which makes everything a lot more exciting. One last reason why I prefer The Elite to The Selection is because the second book is closer to the end of the competition and I am really, really impatient so I am desperately waiting to find out who Maxon chooses as his wife. The books in The Selection series have both been amazing so far and I cannot wait to read the third book: The One.

Would you recommend this book?  

I absolutely recommend you read this book if you have already read the first one and are waiting for some answers. I you haven’t read The Selection then I suggest you do because you definitely don’t want to miss out. If you are 13 or over and love some drama and romance then I suggest you read it because I am sure you will love it. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

Two amazing boys, bitter rivals and a choice that will change everything. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass

“In a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels THE SELECTION is the chance of a lifetime: to compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s heart. But for America Singer it means turning her back on her secret love, and leaving home for a prize she doesn’t want. Then America meets Maxon and all her plans start to crumble. Can the life she’s always dreamed of compare to a future she never imagined?”

What is the book about?

In a world divided by numbers, where there barely any opportunities for anyone to move up a caste, the Selection is a chance of a lifetime to compete for the heart of Prince Maxon and become a princess, no matter who you are. Every girl invited to submit themselves for the competition is beyond excited, but for America Singer this competition is a curse keeping he away from her family and her secret love to win something she doesn’t even want. Despite her worries, she turns in the form to make her family happy because she strongly believes that she will never be chosen out of all the other thousands of beautiful girls competing. However, against all odds, America becomes one of the 35 girls in the Selection and leaves her home to live in the palace until Maxon chooses her bride. America arrives at the palace determined to survive as long as possible to help her family, but as soon as she lays eyes on the prince her plans start to crumble. She never believed she would win and she never thought she would like Prince Maxon because he is a One and she is a Five, he is destined for a crown and she is destined to entertain. But Maxon wasn’t anything like she thought he would be and she starts to see that maybe life as a princess and his wife wouldn’t be that bad after all. But can she throw away the life she always dreamed of for the one she never imagined would be possible? 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Until I heard someone mention it, I never knew that The Selection existed and I had never considered reading it. However, I heard a lot of good things about the series and I was very interested in seeing if the series was really as good as people thought it was. When I first looked at it, I thought it was rather interesting and I always enjoy a book with royalty and hopefully a happily ever after but I also had a few doubts. I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t enjoy the book that much because I was concerned that it would be boring compared to the books I had previously read, which were as action-packed as possible, and I didn’t want to be disappointed. The book is a lot more romance centred than most of the books that I read but I liked that I would be stepping a little outside my comfort zone and trying out a popular book. The blurb was rather interesting, and I obviously wanted to know everything and see what the results the Selection would be, so as soon as I finished reading it I opened the book to the first page and immediately all thoughts of being disappointed disappeared. The first few chapters were amazing and were definitely perfect at hooking me to the book because before I knew it I had already finished reading and I was desperate to start the next one. I was so tense during the first part of the book, waiting impatiently too get the results for the Selection, even though I already knew what would happen. The book was far too short for my liking but I think it was just because I reached the ending far quicker that I had expected because the book was just too good to put down. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character would have to be America and not just because she is the main character and the perspective that I am reading, but because of how real she is. Obviously America being the main character had some influence on my decision because her thoughts and emotions were the ones I was reading and you always grow closer to the people who open up to you much quicker than those who don’t. However there were a lot of other reasons why I liked her, like her bravery and strength to give up her dreams. America could have never signed up and maybe she could have had the perfect life she always dreamed of with the person she loved, but she submitted her form for her family and risked it all just to make them happy. She then did everything she could to stay in the Selection for as long as she could, so that she could keep providing money for her family and giving them a chance to live in luxury for a little while. One other thing that made me like her was how she was pretty much only in the competition for the money and the food. The money might have made her seem a little shallow but she truly needed it, and the food was actually rather hilarious seeing as she thought the only good thing in a palace with magical gowns, millions of pounds worth of jewels and a gorgeous prince was indeed the food. She was a really amazing character and she stood out, not just to me, but to every character she met. She was different than all the other girls because she didn't take advantage of all the riches that the palace provided and she didn't try to change her image just to impress a prince, she did everything she could to make sure she stayed like she had when she arrived and tried to make her life at the palace feel like home. She didn't try and win the prince's heart and that made her the best girl there. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book would most likely be when the girls competing in the Selection were announced. I already knew that America was going to be picked because that was the whole point of the book and it would be one strange story if the main character was not involved in the competition that is the namesake of the book; however I was still very anxious to hear the results. I have read quite a few books that have really made me feel what the characters were feeling and made me really believe that I was part of the story, but I have never in my life felt so nervous and tense and I really felt as if I were the one entering the Selection. That is the main reason I picked this part as my favourite because I love how the author made me truly feel like I was there, but I also liked this part because it was the beginning of America’s adventure. There is always one part in the book that if it never happened, then the story wouldn’t even exist, and this is that part for The Selection. This is probably the most important part of the book and without the announcement of America’s name then this book would have never happened and I wouldn’t have lived through it with her. I really enjoyed reading this part and every other part of the book; I can’t wait to carry on reading more about America’s adventure in the palace.

What was your overall impression of the book?

The Selection was a really great book and I loved reading it. There isn’t a single thing in the book that I didn’t like and I absolutely believe that the book was perfect, maybe a little short but still perfect. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was the ups and downs. Some parts of the book were happy and sweet and left me also feeling as happy as the characters, but others were sad and disappointing and left me feeling sad and angry for or at the characters. However I enjoyed both the happy and the sad because the book couldn’t have been complete without a few upsetting moments. It also made the book feel more real because not even a fairy tale is without a few bad moments were the characters lose everything and start to believe there is no hope. Another thing that I enjoyed about the books was that I could actually relate to the main character and I could understand what she was feeling. There are some characters that never feel like real people but America and some of the others were as real as can be. That made the book so much more enjoyable because I could feel like I was actually there much easier than most books and I could actually step into the characters shoes and sympathise with them. One last thing that I really enjoyed about the book was how it was simple without being boring. It was easy to understand and the author didn't stray far from the main plot making it much more interesting than the crazy books with so many twists that you forget what you are reading. It might not have had tons of twists but it was still really interesting and I enjoyed it immensely. I really loved reading The Selection and I am so excited to start the second book. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I absolutely recommend you read this book and I confident that anyone who tries it will enjoy it. I think it is best for readers aged 13 and over and if you enjoy dystopian fiction, romance and some drama then I suggest you try this book out. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A romantic competition to win the price and the crown, 35 fierce and beautiful girls, only one can win.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

HEROES OF OLYMPUS – THE BLOOD OF OLYMPUS by Rick Riordan

“Seven heroic demigods. One final quest. The greatest sacrifice yet. ‘The ruins are up there,’ Piper promised. ‘I saw them in Katoptris’s blade. And you heard what Hazel said. “The biggest –”’ ‘“The biggest gathering of evil spirits I’ve ever sensed,”’ Jason recalled. ‘Yeah, sounds awesome.’ After surviving many deadly quests, Percy, Jason, Annabeth and their friends face one final challenge: defeat an army of giants before the Earth Mother, Gaia, finally awakes and brings about the end of the world…”

What is the book about?

The end has arrived. One final quest to defeat Gaia before she brings the end of the world. Now the seven brave demigods from the prophecy must fight and sacrifice more than ever before. Percy and Annabeth are back from hell, literally. Now they are heading once again towards their deaths, but they must have the strength to face the giants and defeat Mother Earth with their friends. While they face unknown challenges, Reyna and Nico head towards Camp Half-Blood, on a mission to deliver the Athena Parthenos, a forty foot tall statue destined to bring peace and unite the Greeks and Romans. But Gaia will do anything to stop them and they have monsters on their tail, tracking them and waiting to defeat them. The seven demigods must face the giants but one of them is destined to die. They must find a way to prevent this death and to keep Gaia from rising to destroy the world. Both Greeks and Romans must unite and join the fight or the giants will prevail and Gaia will awaken. Here comes the end, for better or worse…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I didn’t hesitate a second once I had finished the previous book. I knew this was the end and I was excited to see what it would bring. The ending of The House of Hades was alright but I was still very anxious to get answers and finally see the heroes win, or fail. The blurb was still a section of the book, but also a bit more, and I was interested in finding out what the blurb was talking about. I was sad to see that the series would end after this, but also impatient to discover what would happen. The second I opened the book, the second I read the first sentence, I was already back in the demigod world ready to defeat anything that stood in my way. The start was perfect as usual and full of questions and a few answers. It was very intriguing and the more I read the more amazing the book got. I didn’t have any doubts that this book wouldn’t be incredible and I was also fairly confident that it would be the best book in the series. From the very first page I was already anxious to reach the end but it came much quicker than I would have liked. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

This choice was hard because every character did their best and showed how amazing they truly were, I even thought that Jason and Percy were great characters, however after thinking things through there is no doubt in my mind who my favourite characters is. Leo had always been a great character but he was always coming in second to the best character, but finally after reading The Blood of Olympus there is nothing stopping me from saying that Leo was my favourite character. He took sacrificing himself to a whole new level and he didn’t even tell that many people about his thoughts. He didn’t want the recognition that people get when they make those empty promises of sacrificing their lives for each other, he just wanted to actually do it and save his friends a lot of trouble. Even when he knew it was the end, he stayed happy and positive for his friends and still stayed the wacky, crazy Leo they loved. He didn’t doubt that this was the right thing and in the end he was able to actually do it without that much hesitation. He was never that confident but, in the end, he became the best version of himself and against all odds he succeeded in keeping his promise and I think that was the best thing about him, he never gave up in helping the person he loved. He was also such a broken character and was always alone when all of his friends had someone who loved them. He used humour and jokes to hide the pain and did everything he could to make himself a more likeable person, because he thought that no one would ever want a shattered heart. However, despite believing that he was nothing and that no one would ever love him, he loved with his whole heart and did everything he could to save his friends. His story and his thoughts completely broke my heart, and the only thing that I could think about when I finished the book was how badly I wanted to become a fictional character so I could give Leo a hug and tell him that he is not alone. I absolutely love him and if you are thinking about reading this book then be prepared to become Team Leo!

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was definitely the end chapter, but there were also a few other parts that I enjoyed. One part that was definitely a contender for my favourite was the plot twist during the fight against the giants. I can’t say much about it without spoiling everything but it was amazing and I loved it, it was definitely a great plot twist. Even though that part was great, the last chapter was by far 100 times better. One reason it was my favourite part was because it came as a huge relief. I had some hope that a certain thing was not true but I was also losing that hope the more I read, then the last chapter came along and I felt so much better knowing that I had been right all along. Another reason why I enjoyed it, and probably the main reason, was because a promise was completed and I was glad that there would finally be happiness for all. I know that most of this stuff makes no sense but I cannot explain the ending without ruining some things so it is best to just leave it all as a very confusing mess for anyone who reads this. I enjoyed the whole book but this ending left me both happy and sad and showed me that anything is possible if you never give up and you believe in what you are doing.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, the book was perfect and I cannot believe that this is the end. Everything about it was perfect, even the ending which I had been worried about, and I am so glad I got to go on this incredible adventure. One thing I liked was the addition of Reyna and Nico’s points of view. They had been important characters in The House of Hades and I was very happy that I got to hear from them in this book, especially Reyna who was a strange new character that I knew basically nothing about. Another reason why I really liked the book was because of how all the characters got involved a lot more. In the other four books there were certain characters that had more reason to be in the book and some had nothing to do during some parts of the books. However in this book, they were all involved and all of their special talents were important to defeat Gaia. One last thing that I really loved was the ending. It was not what I was expecting but it was perfect. It gave me the feeling that it was the end but also that there is more to come. I still have a few questions about the demigods’ futures and everything, but I think that I can survive with these questions for a while and maybe fill in the gaps myself. I know that the series sis over but I also feel like it’s not the end and that the characters stories will never truly be over. The book was seriously perfect and I loved the series so much, I just can’t believe that there are no more books and I will never learn anything more about the characters. 

Which is your favourite book in the Heroes of Olympus series? (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5)

All books in the Heroes of Olympus series were amazing and they all had unique qualities that made them better than the others. As the series grew, the books kept getting better and better and I think that the best book was probably the last one, The Blood of Olympus. The first four books were great and I really enjoyed them but the last book had all my favourite things from those books all wrapped up into one. One reason why The Blood of Olympus is my favourite book in the series is because of the perspectives included. I got to hear from two of my favourite characters, one other character, and two new characters that had been important in the fourth book, The House of Hades. I was very interesting in learning more about those two characters and I didn’t know much about their backstories so, when I saw that I would be personally hearing from them, I was very excited. Another reason why this is my favourite book is because it is the fifth and final book of the series. I like getting a good conclusion to a series and, even though it is sad that the series is finished, I’m also excited to get a potentially happy ending for characters that have spent their whole lives suffering. The ending of The Blood of Olympus was great and left me knowing that it was the end, but that the characters stories weren’t yet over. I wish could learn more and still have adventure to go one but I am glad that the characters are getting some much needed rest. I really loved the Heroes of Olympus series and I am very glad that I chose to try it. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend this book for readers 12 or over who enjoy crazy adventures and lots of action. Of course, I suggest you read the first four books in the Heroes of Olympus series first and also the Percy Jackson series before that because it will give you some more explanation and there is less of a chance of you being confused. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An epic conclusion to an incredible mythological adventure to defeat the most dangerous god of all. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego