Percy Jackson Books: The Complete Reading Order
Arman
Rick Riordan's mythological universe is a sprawling collection of stories that weave together Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse legends. With multiple interconnected series, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by where to start. From Percy Jackson and the Olympians to The Trials of Apollo and beyond, each series builds on the one before, creating an epic tapestry of adventure and mythology.
This guide provides the perfect reading order to help you dive into these captivating tales. Whether you're starting with Percy’s first quest or exploring spin-offs like The Kane Chronicles and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, this reading order ensures you won’t miss a moment of the action, character development, or mythology. Let’s map out the ultimate path to enjoy Rick Riordan’s mythological masterpieces!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
The Lightning Thief
This is where it all begins. Percy Jackson discovers he's a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and his life takes a thrilling turn. With a quest to retrieve Zeus's stolen lightning bolt, this book sets the stage for an epic series. It’s a perfect blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments, introducing a lovable cast of characters and a world bursting with mythology.
The Sea of Monsters
Percy’s journey continues as he faces the challenges of the Sea of Monsters to save his camp and retrieve the Golden Fleece. This book captures the essence of camaraderie and bravery while deepening the bonds between the characters. The incorporation of mythological elements like Polyphemus and the Sirens makes this a fascinating and high-stakes read.
The Titan’s Curse
When a new prophecy looms, Percy and his friends must embark on a daring mission to save a goddess and stop an ancient threat. This book introduces new allies and enemies, with stakes that feel more personal and dangerous. Riordan’s storytelling shines as he balances the action with heartfelt moments of growth and loss.
The Battle of the Labyrinth
Percy dives into the mythical labyrinth to thwart a devastating invasion. This book is packed with suspenseful twists, showcasing Riordan’s knack for creating richly detailed settings. Beyond the action, it delves into themes of trust, love, and perseverance, marking an important turning point for Percy and his friends.
The Last Olympian
The grand finale pits Percy and his allies against the Titan lord Kronos in an all-out war. The story is intense, emotional, and full of surprises, delivering a satisfying conclusion to Percy’s journey. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and heroism shine in this unforgettable finale that solidifies Percy’s legacy as a hero.
The Heroes of Olympus
The Lost Hero
This spin-off introduces a new trio of heroes—Jason, Piper, and Leo—while still connecting to Percy’s world. The blend of Greek and Roman mythology is fresh and intriguing, expanding the universe in exciting ways. With humor, action, and complex characters, this book is a fantastic starting point for a new chapter in Riordan’s world.
The Son of Neptune
Percy is back—but with no memory of his past. This book explores Roman mythology through Percy’s eyes, adding a compelling twist to his adventures. With epic battles, new allies, and a deeper exploration of his character, it’s a gripping continuation of his story.
The Mark of Athena
As Greek and Roman demigods unite, tensions run high, and a dangerous quest unfolds. This book expertly balances humor and drama while delving into themes of trust and unity. The cliffhanger ending is unforgettable, leaving readers desperate for the next installment.
The House of Hades
This installment takes the heroes to the Underworld, where they face their darkest fears and challenges. It’s a story of resilience and friendship, with some of the series' most powerful emotional moments. Riordan weaves mythology and character development seamlessly, making this a standout.
The Blood of Olympus
The series concludes with a thrilling battle against the giants. Each character’s journey comes full circle in a way that feels both satisfying and bittersweet. The themes of courage and camaraderie resonate deeply, leaving readers with a sense of closure and hope.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods
This newest adventure revisits Percy, Annabeth, and Grover as they tackle a quest to retrieve a divine artifact. It’s a nostalgic return to the humor, heart, and camaraderie that fans love. The book feels like a love letter to longtime readers, offering both excitement and heartfelt moments.
The Trials of Apollo
The Hidden Oracle
Apollo’s punishment for angering Zeus is a hilarious and humbling fall from grace. This book is packed with humor, action, and unexpected vulnerability as Apollo learns what it means to be human. It’s a refreshing and unique perspective on heroism.
The Dark Prophecy
As Apollo’s journey continues, he faces ancient enemies and wrestles with his own flaws. The mix of humor, action, and personal growth makes this installment both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The Burning Maze
This book raises the stakes with intense challenges and heartbreaking losses. Apollo’s character development is exceptional, making this one of the most impactful entries in the series.
The Tyrant’s Tomb
Themes of resilience and redemption shine in this story, which sees Apollo and his friends preparing for their final battle. The blend of humor and emotional depth is masterful, reminding readers why they love Riordan’s work.
The Tower of Nero
Apollo’s arc comes to a powerful conclusion, tying up loose ends and celebrating his transformation. The finale is both thrilling and heartfelt, leaving readers with a sense of satisfaction and hope.
From the World of Percy Jackson
The Sun and the Star
Focusing on Nico di Angelo and Will Solace, this standalone is a deeply moving exploration of love, identity, and courage. It adds a new layer of depth to the Percy Jackson universe, offering fans a chance to see their favorite characters in a fresh light.
Also Read,
If you're intrigued by Rick Riordan's universe, you can also explore The Kane Chronicles (The Red Pyramid, The Throne of Fire, The Serpent’s Shadow) and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard (The Sword of Summer, The Hammer of Thor, The Ship of the Dead). These can be read anytime after The Heroes of Olympus, and they add a delightful expansion to the mythology-filled world.
Reading Rick Riordan’s books in the right order allows you to fully experience the growth of his characters and the interwoven mythological worlds he has created. Starting with Percy Jackson and the Olympians, you’ll embark on the journey of a young demigod discovering his heritage and the epic battles he must fight. Moving through The Heroes of Olympus, The Trials of Apollo, The Kane Chronicles, and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, you’ll see how these stories connect, complement, and expand the rich tapestry of Riordan’s universe.
