The Tower of Nero - Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Introduction

The Tower of Nero is the fifth and final book in Rick Riordan’s The Trials of Apollo series, a spin-off of the highly acclaimed Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. Written by Rick Riordan, this American fantasy novel is deeply rooted in Greek and Roman mythology, continuing the rich narrative tradition established in his previous works.

Published on October 6, 2020, The Tower of Nero was released in various formats, including hardcover, audiobook, ebook, and large-print editions, with the cover illustrated by John Rocco ^[3]. This book stands out within its genre for its unique blend of mythological elements, character development, and the exploration of complex themes such as humanity, sacrifice, and redemption.

Plot Summary

The narrative of The Tower of Nero begins with Apollo, in his mortal form as Lester Papadopoulos, and his demigod companion Meg McCaffrey, on a mission to defeat Meg’s abusive stepfather, Nero, and Apollo’s arch-nemesis, Python. The story unfolds as Apollo and Meg travel to Manhattan, where they discover Nero’s plan to burn New York to the ground using massive stocks of Greek fire stored in his tower ^[1].

The plot thickens as the group visits Rachel Elizabeth Dare, the priestess of the Oracle of Delphi, who reveals a prophecy indicating that Apollo’s ultimate fight will be with Python. To achieve this, they must first confront Nero. The group devises a plan to infiltrate Nero’s tower, aided by Nico di Angelo and the troglodytes (trogs), subterranean humanoids Nico befriended during his journeys to the Underworld ^[4].

Apollo and Meg surrender themselves to Nero, but their plan is compromised when Nero reveals he knew of their deception all along. Nero punishes Lu by cutting off her hands and takes Meg for rehabilitation. Apollo and Lu are imprisoned, but they manage to escape and join the battle against Nero’s forces. The climax of the story involves a intense confrontation in Nero’s throne room, where Meg finally breaks free from Nero’s control, and Apollo, with the help of his friends, destroys the fasces, an axe that held Nero’s power ^[1].

However, before his death, Nero reveals that the power of the fasces will pass to Python, setting the stage for Apollo’s final battle. Apollo ultimately defeats Python by blinding and tackling the serpent into the void leading to Chaos, where Python disintegrates. This act allows Apollo to shed his mortal body and return to his godly form in Olympus ^[4].

Themes and Symbolism

The Tower of Nero delves into several profound themes that enrich its narrative and resonate deeply with readers. One of the central themes is the exploration of what it means to be human. Throughout the series, Apollo’s transformation from a god to a mortal highlights the value and power of human experience. The book suggests that being human is its own kind of divine power, emphasizing the freedom and power inherent in mortality ^[5].

Another significant theme is the confrontation of past failures and the importance of selflessness. Apollo’s journey is marked by his gradual shift from arrogance and selfishness to a deeper understanding of sacrifice and empathy. He confronts his past mistakes and learns to care genuinely for the humans and demigods he has befriended, demonstrating a pronounced selflessness that becomes automatic for him ^[2].

The novel also explores the theme of facing past trauma and escaping toxic environments. Meg’s struggle against her abusive stepfather and Apollo’s experiences in his mortal form serve as powerful examples of overcoming adversity and finding strength in vulnerability ^[2].

Symbolically, the tower of Nero represents a fortress of evil and oppression, while the Greek fire and the Sassanid gas symbolize the destructive power that must be countered by the heroes. The character of Python, as a primordial serpent, embodies the ancient and relentless forces of chaos that Apollo must confront to restore order ^[1].

Cultural Impact

The Tower of Nero has had a significant cultural impact since its release. The book won the Goodreads Choice Awards 2020 for middle-grade and children’s fiction, reflecting its widespread acclaim among readers ^[4]. The series, and this final installment in particular, has contributed to the resurgence of interest in Greek and Roman mythology, making these ancient stories accessible and engaging for a new generation.

The book’s influence extends beyond the literary world, with its themes and characters often referenced in popular culture. The series has inspired fan art, fan fiction, and discussions that highlight the depth and complexity of Riordan’s world-building.

Critical Reception

The Tower of Nero received positive reviews from both critics and audiences upon its release. Critics praised the book for its satisfying conclusion to the Trials of Apollo series, noting the balance between action and character interactions that made the story emotionally cathartic ^[2]. The pacing and the way the novel tied together various plot threads from the series were particularly commended.

Readers appreciated the character development, especially Apollo’s transformation and the exploration of his humanity. The themes of sacrifice, empathy, and the confrontation of past traumas were highlighted as key strengths of the narrative.

There were no major controversies surrounding the book, but some readers noted that the series finale, while satisfying, was emotionally grim at times, reflecting the high stakes and intense battles that Apollo and his friends faced ^[2].

Legacy

The Tower of Nero has left a lasting legacy in the world of young adult fantasy literature. It concludes the Trials of Apollo series on a high note, providing a fulfilling end to Apollo’s journey from a fallen god to a redeemed hero. The book’s emphasis on empathy, selflessness, and the value of human experience continues to inspire readers and writers alike.

Rick Riordan’s work, including The Tower of Nero, has set a new standard for mythological fiction, encouraging other authors to explore similar themes and settings. The series has also expanded the Percy Jackson & the Olympians universe, enriching it with new characters and storylines that have captivated a wide audience.

In conclusion, The Tower of Nero is a testament to the power of storytelling, combining action, character development, and deep thematic exploration to create a narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned.