The Heroes of Olympus, #5
The Blood of Olympus
by Rick Riordan
Contents
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Overview
Leo, Percy, Frank, and Hazel search the ruins of Olympia for Nike but find only tourists and heat—until Leo links the shattered Nike statue to the Temple of Zeus. Their banter about rival shoes triggers the goddess’s arrival.
Nike manifests in a chariot and immediately declares they must die, escalating the quest.
Summary
Leo and Percy wait by the Kladeos River after checking the museum, awkwardly skirting a needed talk about Calypso and Percy’s time in Tartarus. Frank and Hazel return from scouting, reporting no signs of the victory goddess. The four decide to explore the Olympic ruins together.
They traverse the site in the oppressive heat, Frank narrating landmarks from a pamphlet while Hazel rides Arion. Leo jokes about the “rubble,” but he’s uneasy, recalling Hera’s past “training,” Nemesis’s interest in him, and glimpsing faces of people who once hurt him among the tourists.
The group avoids a Roman nymphaeum that unsettles Percy and reaches the steps of the Temple of Zeus. Discussion of the ancient statue there prompts Leo to remember the broken Nike statue in the museum and suspect this temple as her haunt. Percy readies Riptide as they consider how to draw Nike out.
Joking about promoting Adidas to provoke the goddess backfires. The air booms with “YOU WILL DIE NOW!” Nike appears in a golden chariot, spear leveled at Leo’s heart, transforming their search into an immediate confrontation.
Who Appears
- Leo ValdezNarrator; uneasy with Percy over Calypso, cracks jokes, connects Nike to the Temple of Zeus, inadvertently provokes Nike’s appearance.
- Percy JacksonBack from Tartarus; trades banter with Leo, readies Riptide, and helps identify the Temple of Zeus as a likely site.
- Frank ZhangScouts from above, guides the team through Olympia’s landmarks using a pamphlet; reports no initial threats.
- Hazel LevesqueRides Arion to scout the perimeter; calms the uneasy stallion and keeps the team focused.
- ArionHazel’s immortal horse; appears suddenly, scouts swiftly, and shows clear disdain for Olympia.
- NikeGoddess of victory; manifests in a golden chariot at the Temple of Zeus and threatens the heroes.