The Last Olympian: Percy Jackson, Book 5: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5

In an audiobook, more than the story, the narrator has to tell it well.
In the old days, story tellers used to wander between villages with stories of Heroes and Gods.
They were legend. Their narration was SO good that it has followed us down the ages.
To me, Jesse Bernstein represents the very few of those dying breed. The other being Ray Porter.
He truly likes Percy Jackson and you could see the characters leaping off the book into your car.
Guido, Blackjack, Tyson, Annabeth and Hades: To me they are as real as the NY Subway or the traffic in Chennai.

The Narration. Duh !

ALL of his Percy Jackon books. Each one is extremely good.

When Hades arrives to the Battle.

Audible: Please, Please use this narrator well. He's one of the very few Gifted ones. Listen to your customers.

I've listened to every book in this series, and it really grew on me. Both the writer and the narrator improved as the series developed, and the characters and story became more interesting.

As with Harry Potter, Percy Jackson develops through the series from an awkward outcast to a respected hero who must save the world. Based on Greek mythology set in modern day America, Percy and a team of half-blood children of Greek gods (think Hercules) battle Greek monsters and outwit gods and try to understand the motives of gods and titans as the danger escalates with each book. Some of the monsters are simplistic with complicated names, but they get better as it goes along.

"The Last Olympian" is a good end to the series. There are moments to satisfy, moments to sadden, and moments to surprise. All in all a great end to an increasingly great series, and I can't wait for the movies.

Just a couple of comparisons, because they are so obvious. The series is not as well written as Harry Potter or Artemis Fowl, but it gets better with each book (though the fourth book--"The Battle of the Labyrinth"--was my favorite), and it kept both my kids--the oldest of whom was sixteen when hearing this book--engaged. It probably won't catch on with adults the way Harry or Artemis do, but parents probably won't be bored, either.

So that's my review, from the perspective of a parent, in case any are trying to decide on these books for their kids.

I would recommend this book to children, teenagers, and adults a like. I am 25 years old and really enjoyed this entire series. I suggest reading the books before the first movie comes out in 2010.

10 y.o. boy (ADD and dyslexic) started audio books as companions to hardcopy books (teacher recommendation) and it was a huge success. The Percy Jackson series absolutely turned him from "I hate reading" to a boy who is now told to "please put the book DOWN and EAT!!".

Mom: Loaded this book onto the iPad and played it on longer drives. VERY well presented, fascinating story, and has spawned a whole family interest in the series, and a small research project (for the kids) into greek myths.


Of the 5 Percy books, this is the one that turned a corner for our son. Family demanded we only listen to it TOGETHER, so Alex began reading the hardcopy on his own - sneaking it into bed with a flashlight. Happy, happy Mom!! Prior to this book, it was actually easier to pull teeth than get him to read (ask our dentist).

*MILD SPOILERS* This is one of my fav books in the series. There was so much action, suspense, confusion and death. Lots of loss. Its was often sad. I was happy with the ending overall. They FINALLY KISS! Five books later, but it happens! You know of whom I speak! Good stuff. Narration still just ok per usual as he is good at being Percy but not versatile enough to be anyone with an accent. It would have been better if there were multiple narrators, like "The Cane Chronicles."

Yes I would listen to it again and maybe I would like it better this time.

The fight sequences were really good and I liked how Percy thought through and came to the decisions that he made.

I have listned to all all Jesse Bernstein's narations of the Percy Jackson books and I have enjoyed his performances each time wether or not I have liked the writing.

No I did not.

Though I liked the fight sequences of the book I have to say in someways I felt let down by the end of series. I just didn't really like the romance angle of the book despite realising early on that Percy and Annabeth would end up together. Other than that I would encourage anyone to listen to the Percy Jackson and the Olymipians series.

Jesse Bernstien has a great reading voice that really pulls you into the story!

All the rest of the Percy Jackson books, because they are all simply amazing!

The voices are great and the performance is top notch!

Both! But I have come to expect nothing less from Rick Riordan

Rick Riodan's final story is outstanding. Twists and turns and yet the prophecy is fulfilled. Very well written.

Rick does a great job filling in backgrounds and giving details even if you are a new listener.

Jesse doesn't do a good job differeniating between characters. Sometimes they all run together. He has some potential, but needs work.

I loved the story and really wanted to know how it ended. It was so good, I spent an evening at home listening to it. I usually do all my listening when I travel. I got started on this story and didn't want to stop.

Yes

Percy because he is brave, fearless and won't go down without a fight

When the party ponies helped Percy fight the monsters.

I love the book and I can't put it down.

Lots and lots of action. Had some things figured out before they happened but a good writer often foreshadows. :) A wonderful end to a spectacularly fun series.