10th December 2025
So, you’ve heard about the demigod, the lightning thief, and the magical world hidden in plain sight. Maybe you saw the new Disney+ show and thought, “I need to read the books!” But then you looked it up and saw there are, like, fifteen books across different series? And a bunch of side stories? Yeah, it can feel like navigating the Labyrinth without a string.
Don’t worry. This is your clear, concise, and 100% human-written guide to reading Rick Riordan’s incredible universe in the perfect order. We’ll break it down so you get the full, epic experience without missing a beat.
Why the Order Matters
Rick Riordan’s books are more than just separate series; they’re one sprawling, interconnected saga. Characters grow, plotlines weave together, and jokes carry over. Reading them in the right order means:
- No Spoilers: You won’t have major reveals ruined.
- Character Growth: You’ll see Percy, Annabeth, and others evolve naturally.
- Maximum Payoff: Crossovers and epic team-ups will actually make sense and hit harder.
The Official Percy Jackson Reading Order (The “Hero’s Journey” Path)
Here’s the golden path, the way the story was meant to unfold.
Phase 1: The Original Saga – Percy Jackson & the Olympians
This is where it all begins. Start here, no exceptions.
- The Lightning Thief (Book 1) – Percy finds out he’s a demigod.
- The Sea of Monsters (Book 2) – A quest to the dangerous sea of Greek legend.
- The Titan’s Curse (Book 3) – The stakes get higher, and a new prophecy emerges.
- The Battle of the Labyrinth (Book 4) – A maze beneath the modern world.
- The Last Olympian (Book 5) – The all-out war for Mount Olympus.
Take a breath after this. You’ve earned it. Maybe eat some blue food.
Phase 2: The Epic Continues – The Heroes of Olympus
This is a direct sequel series. The story expands, introducing new demigods from the Roman side of the mythos. Percy is still a main character.
- The Lost Hero (Book 1) – New heroes, Jason, Piper, and Leo, take center stage.
- The Son of Neptune (Book 2) – Percy returns, but with a twist.
- The Mark of Athena (Book 3) – The Greek and Roman crews unite for a deadly mission.
- The House of Hades (Book 4) – Arguably the most intense book in the entire saga.
- The Blood of Olympus (Book 5) – The final showdown with the Earth Mother.
Phase 3: The Godly Epilogues – The Trials of Apollo
The story isn’t over! The god Apollo is cast down to Earth as a mortal teenager as punishment.
- The Hidden Oracle (Book 1)
- The Dark Prophecy (Book 2)
- The Burning Maze (Book 3)
- The Tyrant’s Tomb (Book 4)
- The Tower of Nero (Book 5) – This book provides a truly beautiful ending to the entire 15-book saga.
Where to Put the Extra Books & Series (The “Side Quests”)
You can weave these in for a richer experience. Here’s the best approach:
- The Kane Chronicles (Egyptian mythology): This series runs parallel to Percy’s early adventures. You can read it anytime after Percy Jackson & the Olympians. There are even fun crossover stories later.
- Magnus Chase (Norse mythology): Set in the same universe, but happens after the Heroes of Olympus series. Read it after The Blood of Olympus.
- Demigods and Magicians: Crossover short stories. Read after Heroes of Olympus and Kane Chronicles.
- The Chalice of the Gods / Wrath of the Triple Goddess: New books following an older Percy. Read these LAST, after The Tower of Nero.
- Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods/Heroes: These are hilarious, in-world “guides” written by Percy. Read them anytime after the original series for fun.
FAQ: Your Demigod Questions, Answered
The movies… let’s just say the fandom has disowned them. The new Disney+ show is an excellent adaptation, but the books have infinitely more detail, heart, and humor. They’re a different, richer experience.
Not even close. While the first book starts with a 12-year-old hero, the series matures incredibly with its readers. It deals with complex themes like trauma, identity, sacrifice, and love. Adults adore this series.
If you love mythology, witty writing, and characters you’ll become deeply attached to, absolutely. The humor is sharp and often aimed at all ages.
The original 5-book Percy Jackson series is a complete, satisfying story. But if you fall in love with that world (you likely will), you’ll be thrilled there’s so much more of it to explore.
The one true source for all things Riordan is Rick Riordan’s official website: https://rickriordan.com. It has book lists, excerpts, and his own hilarious thoughts.
The Bottom Line
The magic of this series isn’t just in the quests or the monsters it’s in feeling like you’re growing up alongside Percy Jackson. You start as a confused kid and end as part of a massive, found-family saga that spans mythologies.
Conclusion: Your Quest Starts Here
Forget the labyrinth of reading orders. Your path is clear:
Start with The Lightning Thief.
Follow the “Hero’s Journey” path through the three main series (Percy Jackson → Heroes of Olympus → Trials of Apollo).
Sprinkle in the side series whenever you need a break or want more.
Grab the first book, find a comfortable spot (but maybe not in a forest you never know), and get ready for one of the most beloved adventures in modern fiction. Your cabin is waiting.
Now, go. Your story begins.
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