What Order to Read Rick Riordan Books: A Journey Through Mythological Worlds

Rick Riordan, the mastermind behind the Percy Jackson series and its numerous spin-offs, has created a vast and interconnected universe that spans multiple series and mythologies. For new readers, the question of “what order to read Rick Riordan books” can be daunting. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to navigating Riordan’s literary universe, ensuring that you get the most out of your reading experience.

The Percy Jackson Series: The Gateway to Riordan’s Universe

The Percy Jackson series is the cornerstone of Rick Riordan’s literary world. It introduces readers to the modern-day adventures of Percy Jackson, a demigod son of Poseidon, and his friends as they navigate the challenges of being half-human, half-god. The series consists of five books:

1. The Lightning Thief (2005)
2. The Sea of Monsters (2006)
3. The Titan’s Curse (2007)
4. The Battle of the Labyrinth (2008)
5. The Last Olympian (2009)

Starting with The Lightning Thief is essential, as it sets the stage for the entire series and introduces key characters and concepts that will recur throughout Riordan’s works.

The Heroes of Olympus Series: Expanding the Universe

Following the Percy Jackson series, Riordan expanded his universe with the Heroes of Olympus series. This series introduces new characters while continuing the stories of Percy and his friends. The series consists of five books:

1. The Lost Hero (2010)
2. The Son of Neptune (2011)
3. The Mark of Athena (2012)
4. The House of Hades (2013)
5. The Blood of Olympus (2014)

The Heroes of Olympus series is best read immediately after the Percy Jackson series, as it builds directly on the events and characters established in the earlier books.

The Kane Chronicles: A Dive into Egyptian Mythology

While the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series focus on Greek and Roman mythology, Riordan also explored Egyptian mythology in the Kane Chronicles. This trilogy follows siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they discover their heritage as descendants of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs and magicians. The series includes:

1. The Red Pyramid (2010)
2. The Throne of Fire (2011)
3. The Serpent’s Shadow (2012)

The Kane Chronicles can be read independently of the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series, but there are subtle connections and crossovers that make reading them in publication order rewarding.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: Norse Mythology Takes Center Stage

Riordan’s exploration of mythology didn’t stop with Greek, Roman, and Egyptian myths. In the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series, he delves into Norse mythology. This trilogy follows Magnus Chase, a homeless teenager who discovers he is the son of a Norse god. The series includes:

1. The Sword of Summer (2015)
2. The Hammer of Thor (2016)
3. The Ship of the Dead (2017)

Like the Kane Chronicles, the Magnus Chase series can be read independently, but it also contains references and connections to the wider Riordan universe.

The Trials of Apollo: A Return to Greek Mythology

After the Heroes of Olympus series, Riordan returned to Greek mythology with the Trials of Apollo series. This series follows the god Apollo, who has been cast down to Earth as a mortal teenager as punishment from Zeus. The series consists of five books:

1. The Hidden Oracle (2016)
2. The Dark Prophecy (2017)
3. The Burning Maze (2018)
4. The Tyrant’s Tomb (2019)
5. The Tower of Nero (2020)

The Trials of Apollo series is best read after the Heroes of Olympus series, as it continues the storylines of several characters from that series and ties up loose ends from the Percy Jackson universe.

The Demigods and Magicians Crossover: When Worlds Collide

For fans who want to see the worlds of Percy Jackson and the Kane Chronicles collide, Riordan wrote a series of crossover short stories collectively known as Demigods and Magicians. These stories include:

1. The Son of Sobek (2013)
2. The Staff of Serapis (2014)
3. The Crown of Ptolemy (2015)

These stories are best read after completing both the Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles series, as they bring together characters from both worlds in exciting and unexpected ways.

Reading Order Recommendations

Given the interconnected nature of Riordan’s books, here is a recommended reading order:

1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians (5 books)
2. Heroes of Olympus (5 books)
3. The Kane Chronicles (3 books)
4. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard (3 books)
5. The Trials of Apollo (5 books)
6. Demigods and Magicians (3 short stories)

This order ensures that you follow the chronological progression of the storylines and catch all the subtle references and crossovers between series.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I read the Kane Chronicles before the Percy Jackson series? A: While you can read the Kane Chronicles independently, reading the Percy Jackson series first will give you a better understanding of the broader Riordan universe and its mythology.

Q: Are there any other books or series by Rick Riordan that I should read? A: Yes, Riordan has also written standalone novels and short stories, such as The Demigod Files and The Demigod Diaries, which provide additional background and adventures for the characters in the Percy Jackson universe.

Q: Is there a recommended age group for Rick Riordan’s books? A: Rick Riordan’s books are generally aimed at middle-grade readers (ages 8-12), but they are enjoyed by readers of all ages due to their engaging storytelling and rich mythological content.

Q: Will there be more books in the Percy Jackson universe? A: Rick Riordan has hinted at future projects and spin-offs, so fans can look forward to more adventures in the Percy Jackson universe in the years to come.