The Tower of Nero (The Trials of Apollo, Book 5)
#5 of 5 in The Trials of Apollo Series
on Goodreads (77,677)
What’s inside...
In 'The Tower of Nero,' the fifth and final book in 'The Trials of Apollo' series by Rick Riordan, the former god Apollo, now a mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos, faces his last and greatest challenge. He must confront the evil Roman Emperor Nero, who plans to take over the world and destroy the demigods' haven, Camp Half-Blood. Accompanied by his friends, including the demigod Meg McCaffrey, Apollo embarks on a perilous journey to New York City, where Nero's powerful and magical headquarters, the Tower of Nero, is located. Along the way, Apollo continues to learn what it means to be human and grapples with his past mistakes. The climax of the story sees Apollo confronting Nero and ultimately triumphing through a combination of bravery, cleverness, and the support of his friends. The victory comes with sacrifices, and Apollo must navigate the complexities of reconciliation and forgiveness, both with others and himself. By the end, Apollo has grown significantly and is given the chance to become a god again, but with a deeper understanding and appreciation of humanity.
Discussion points
How do you think Apollo changed from the beginning of the book to the end?
What qualities do the heroes in the story have that you admire?
If you were a character in 'The Tower of Nero', how would you have tackled the challenges presented?
What did you learn about friendship and teamwork from their adventure?
Which part of the story did you find most exciting and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster a deep connection with the themes of 'The Tower of Nero', listen attentively to your child's responses and share your own insights and experiences related to the themes of growth, bravery, and teamwork. Encourage them to draw parallels between the challenges faced by the characters and real-life situations. This shared reading experience can enhance your child's empathy and critical thinking skills while strengthening your bond.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'The Tower of Nero', Apollo faces numerous challenges, each requiring him to maintain his resolve and push forward despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up when faced with personal challenges, whether it's learning a new skill at school or dealing with interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Friendship and collaboration
Explanation: Apollo, along with his friends, relies heavily on teamwork to overcome obstacles. Their collective efforts often lead to their success.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of working together and supporting each other in achieving common goals, applicable in group projects or sports activities.
Example Lesson: Accepting responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: Apollo gradually accepts the consequences of his past actions and understands his role in rectifying them.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to acknowledge their mistakes and understand that taking responsibility is a step towards making things right, useful in everyday interactions and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Apollo interacts with various characters, he learns to understand and empathize with their diverse perspectives and struggles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy in understanding people around them, fostering better relationships and community awareness.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Apollo confronts physical and emotional fears, demonstrating bravery in adversarial conditions.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the importance of facing fears and the role of courage in overcoming personal anxieties, applicable in situations such as starting a new school or standing up for oneself.