The Heroes of Olympus, #5
The Blood of Olympus
by Rick Riordan
Contents
LV
Overview
Nico spends the night in the Hades cabin with Hazel, sharing quiet comfort after the war. Frank visits to thank Nico before the Romans depart, and Nico reassures Frank about his fate. Hazel is promoted to centurion. Hazel and Nico mourn Leo’s apparent death, while Nico senses something unusual about it and ends by praying to Hades for guidance.
Summary
Nico sleeps in the Hades cabin for the first time, finding it bearable because he shares it with Hazel. Frank visits before curfew to say goodbye and thank Nico. Nico reassures Frank—now every inch a Roman—that he does not sense death near him despite Frank’s lifeline being tied to a piece of firewood.
Hazel joins Frank, and Nico teases them about their future, joking he’ll be their flower boy. After Frank awkwardly departs, Hazel and Nico share a quiet sibling moment. Nico congratulates Hazel on becoming centurion of the Fifth Cohort, and Hazel notes the work ahead to repair Octavian’s damage at Camp Jupiter.
The conversation turns to Leo’s disappearance. Hazel, feeling guilty about the physician’s cure and the explosion, admits grief; Nico confesses he felt Leo’s death but also sensed something different about it. Nico privately questions whether Octavian’s catapult shot helped or needlessly cost Leo’s life.
Hazel weeps, and Nico comforts her until she falls asleep. Nico settles Hazel in his bunk, then goes to the shrine of Hades and, for the first time, kneels to pray silently for his father’s guidance.
Who Appears
- Nico di AngeloNarrative focus; comforts Hazel, reassures Frank, reflects on Leo’s death feeling different, and prays to Hades.
- Hazel LevesqueNico’s sister; newly appointed centurion; mourns Leo, feels guilty, and finds solace with Nico.
- Frank ZhangRoman praetor; thanks Nico, prepares to depart with the legion; discussed his lifeline and future with Hazel.