Oh, Leo Valdez! That little fireball of energy from 'The Trials of Apollo' definitely left an impression. After everything he went through in 'The Heroes of Olympus' series, especially that heart-wrenching sacrifice in 'The Blood of Olympus,' it was such a relief to see him back in action. By the end of 'The Trials of Apollo,' Leo is very much alive and kicking—probably causing chaos somewhere with Festus and Calypso. His journey through the series was a rollercoaster, from his self-doubt to his growth into a hero who truly believes in himself. I love how Rick Riordan gave him such a satisfying arc, and that final scene with him and Calypso flying off into the sunset (or, you know, the next adventure) felt like the perfect ending for his character.
One thing that really stands out about Leo is how his humor never fades, even in the darkest moments. It’s what makes him so endearing. After everything—losing his mother, feeling like the seventh wheel in the Argo II crew, and even dying (briefly!)—he still manages to crack jokes and keep everyone’s spirits up. His relationship with Calypso also adds this sweet, mature layer to his character. They’re such an unlikely pair, but it works because they both understand what it’s like to feel trapped by their pasts. So yeah, Leo’s not only alive by the end of 'The Trials of Apollo,' but he’s thriving, and I couldn’t be happier for him. Honestly, if there’s ever another cameo or spin-off, I hope we get to see more of his shenanigans.