Book Review: The Tower of Nero (The Trials of Apollo, #5)
Let me just start with the honest truth: I am not fucking okay after reading The Tower of Nero. If you’ve ever found yourself propelled through a narrative that leaves you breathless, ugly-crying, and frantically punching sofas, then you know what I’m talking about. Rick Riordan has done it again—crafted a masterful tale that intertwines laughter, devastation, and sheer emotional intensity. I dove in not knowing what to expect since I was only vaguely familiar with the series, and boy, did it hit me like a freight train.
The main character, Apollo, alongside his trusty demigod companion Meg, finds himself tangled in a chaotic battle that kicks off a mere 30% into the book. Can you believe it? Thirty percent! That’s a level of pacing that had my heart racing and my mind reeling. Honestly, the sheer intensity and sheer chaos of it all left me sleep-deprived because I couldn’t put it down. I was so invested—I even ignored homework. Oops!
What truly stood out to me were the character developments, particularly surrounding Nico di Angelo and Will Solace, affectionately known as Solangelo. My heart soared with every interaction between these two. Their relationship is filled with a tenderness that beautifully represents mental health struggles, healing, and love. When Nico introduces Will as his boyfriend—oh my god, it was a moment so full of pride and acceptance that I couldn’t help but scream into my pillow! Rick, can we get a Solangelo spin-off already?
Let’s get real about the battle scenes: they were long, intense, and painful to read—sometimes literally physical pain as I gripped my book, too anxious to breathe. The stakes were higher, the chaos was fiercer, and the emotional turmoil of it all was insurmountable. Each twist sent me spiraling into an emotional frenzy, and all I could do was shout “WHAT?” at the ceiling whenever a new plot twist cropped up. It was exhausting and exhilarating—and that sass! Classic Rick Riordan humor was alive and well, laced through with Apollo’s newfound maturity.
I also need to address Jason’s death—it left me gutted. I loved him, and the way he was handled in this series made my heart ache. I was convinced that Rick would pull a narrative miracle and revive him, but alas, my hopes were dashed. Piper moving on quickly felt jarring, but it also opened a dialogue on grief and resilience that felt real. This book is not just about the defeating of monsters; it deeply grapples with loss and emotional recovery.
If you’re a fan of middle-grade literature but have a penchant for deeper themes, this story isn’t just for kids—it’s for anyone who has ever loved, lost, and yearned for more. Riordan has a knack for making marginalized characters the heroes of the tale, and his representation shines a light on vital issues that resonate with readers.
In conclusion, The Tower of Nero is an emotional rollercoaster that refuses to let you go. It’s filled with laughter, tears, and enough twists to keep you guessing. Whether you’re a longtime Riordan fan or just diving into his work, consider this an invitation to immerse yourself in the chaos, vulnerability, and joy of the characters you’ll come to love. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
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