FANTASY

TheTrials of Apollo: The Towerof Nero ByRick Riordan, Penguin RandomHouse, $32.99

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In this, the fifth and final volume of Riordan’s magical series, Lester Papadopoulos faces his last trial— and Apollo, we’re going to myth you.

The arrogant sun-god, cast out of Olympus to endure six months of hardship as a mortal teenaged boy, must attempt to win back his godliness (while retaining his humanity); prevent evil emperor Nero from blowing upNewYork and free theDelphicOracle from the coils of his archnemesis Python— no pressure, then . . .

Featuring headwear-obsessed troglodytes, dog-headed warriors and a cutlery-brandishingGaul, this book is Riordan at his glorious best.

Reading and learning cool stuff shouldn’t be thismuch fun. —