If you have been keeping up with the recent Disney+ adaptation of the popular middle-grade book series, you may find yourself wanting to delve deeper into the universe. But understandably, it can be quite harrowing to tackle. So read on for a full breakdown of all of Rick Riordan’s books set within the world of Percy Jackson.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians (PArt 1)
The simplest place to start is with the initial five books in the series. The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of The Labyrinth and The Last Olympian. These five books give you the best introduction to the world of Greek Mythology set in our modern life. If you really want to go above and beyond, there is a collection of short stories set between The Battle of the Labyrinth and The Last Olympian titled The Demigod Files. While not essential that you split up the two books with the novella, it will help your understanding of the sequel series if it is read before beginning it.
Heroes of Olympus
The sequel series geared more towards a high-school crowd will follow our same beloved protagonists (with the addition of a handful of new crew members) from before but with another prophecy looming over their heads. Don’t fret when you start The Lost Hero; just because Percy isn’t narrating doesn’t mean you should count him out. After the first book, it is time for the other collection of short stories titled The Demigod Files. While this book is more supplemental, it does help you understand more about the new characters. From then on, you can read The Son of Neptune, The Mark of Athena, The House of Hades and The Blood of Olympus as normal. Once you close that installment of the series, don’t worry! There is certainly more where that came from.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians (PArt 2)
Starting just this past year, Rick Riordan started the release of a trilogy within the original series, starring Percy, Annabeth and Grover. As of this article being published, only one of three has been released: Chalice of the Gods. However, you can look forward to Wrath of the Triple Goddess this summer. This series is perfect for the older readers as it follows our trio in their respective senior years of high school. While this portion of the series is being released after other books, it takes place following Heroes of Olympus but before The Trials of Apollo.
Trials of Apollo
This series is the most closely related to the original plot while simultaneously standing on its own. This series follows the god Apollo after he was cursed by Zeus to live as a mortal and earn his godly status back. You can look forward to appearances from both series as well as the fleshing out of some background characters that were never a main focus in the prior series.
The Sun and The Star
Without giving too much away, this standalone book follows Nico D’Angelo and Will Solace in a quest to the deadliest place for a demigod. This book was largely a result of people wanting more from these two characters after Heroes of Olympus. Since this doesn’t directly relate to the main plots of any of the other series on this list, you won’t be confused if you don’t read it, but it definitely is a fun and touching experience.
Breakdown
Percy Jackson & the Olympians (Part 1)
- The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, The Demigod Files, The Last Olympian
Heroes of Olympus
- The Lost Hero, The Demigod Files, The Son of Neptune, The Mark of Athena, The House of Hades, The Blood of Olympus
Percy Jackson & the Olympians (Part 2)
- Chalice of the God, Wrath of the Triple Goddess, Book No. 3 TBD
Trials of Apollo
- The Hidden Oracle, The Dark Prophecy, The Burning Maze, The Tyrant’s Tomb, The Tower of Nero
The Sun and The Star
Bonus Reading
- Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard is set within the universe of Percy Jackson (in fact the main character is Annabeth’s cousin) but follows Norse Mythology instead of Greek. It’s not necessary to understand the Percy Jackson universe, but a fun introduction to Norse Mythology if you want to branch out. The Sword of Summer, The Hammer of Thor and The Ship of the Dead.
- The Kane Chronicles is a similar case to Magnus Chase but instead follows Egyptian mythology. While no one in these books is related to the main cast you already know, they are all living in New York which makes for some crossover short stories. The Red Pyramid, The Throne of Fire and The Serpent’s Shadow.