The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

This is the last in the "Heroes of Olympus" series.  The 7 demigods have split up in their final desperate attempt to stop Gaea from rising.  Reyna, Nico and Coach Hedge are trying to transport the Athena Parthenos to Camp Half Blood, while the rest, Percy, Annabeth, Leo, Piper, Jason and Hazel, travel on the Argos in search for the Physician's Cure that will raise a person from the dead.  The prophecy of 7 says that one on the quest will die, and they hope the Cure will counteract that part and save their friend.  Of course, as they quest they fight monsters, and explore their relationships with each other and with their parents.  It is more of the same for Riordan fans.  I liked the ending and I think most readers will be satisfied.  I wasn't really pleased with the way he handled Nico.  In the previous book it was revealed that Nico is gay and has a crush on Percy.  Ever since that revelation the Nico character has gotten younger.  He starts out at this tough, world wise, edgy character, and by the end of this book he seems like a moody little kid.  I think Riordan wasn't completely comfortable writing him and maybe hasn't spent a lot of time with gay teens.  Beside that one little thing I enjoyed the book.  He left the ending open for more in this world, but not with the main cast of characters.  I have also heard he is working on a series based on Norse Mythology. (516 p.)