Must-Read Rick Riordan’s Books in Order for Every Fan

If you love adventure, humor, and mythology, Rick Riordan’s books are a must-read. His stories bring ancient myths to life, creating captivating worlds filled with relatable heroes, thrilling quests, and heartwarming friendships. Whether you’re diving into Percy Jackson’s Greek mythology adventures or exploring the Norse tales of Magnus Chase, knowing where to start can make the experience even better. That’s why having Rick Riordan’s books in order is essential for following the journey seamlessly.

Whether you’re new to his work or a longtime fan, this guide will help you navigate his stories and enjoy them to the fullest!

Rick Riordan Books in Order by Publication Date

Rick Riordan’s literary journey began with his first book in the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series, and he has since created multiple interconnected series, each diving into a unique mythology. Below is a chronological list of his works by publication date, including his main series, companion books, and standalones.

1. Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series (Greek Mythology)

This series introduces readers to Percy Jackson, a demigod navigating a world of Greek gods, monsters, and prophecies.

• The Lightning Thief (2005)
• The Sea of Monsters (2006)
• The Titan’s Curse (2007)
• The Battle of the Labyrinth (2008)
• The Last Olympian (2009)

2. The Kane Chronicles (Egyptian Mythology)

Riordan dives into Egyptian mythology with siblings Carter and Sadie Kane.

• The Red Pyramid (2010)
• The Throne of Fire (2011)
• The Serpent’s Shadow (2012)

3. The Heroes of Olympus Series (Greek and Roman Mythology)

This sequel to Percy Jackson & The Olympians blends Greek and Roman mythology with new heroes and familiar faces.

• The Lost Hero (2010)
• The Son of Neptune (2011)
• The Mark of Athena (2012)
• The House of Hades (2013)
• The Blood of Olympus (2014)

4. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Series (Norse Mythology)

This series follows Magnus Chase, a homeless teenager who discovers his connection to Norse gods.

• The Sword of Summer (2015)
• The Hammer of Thor (2016)
• The Ship of the Dead (2017)

5. The Trials of Apollo Series (Greek and Roman Mythology)

The former god Apollo, turned mortal, must redeem himself in this action-packed sequel series to Heroes of Olympus.

• The Hidden Oracle (2016)
• The Dark Prophecy (2017)
• The Burning Maze (2018)
• The Tyrant’s Tomb (2019)
• The Tower of Nero (2020)

6. Companion Books and Short Story Collections

Riordan’s companion books and collections add depth to his universes and provide extra content for fans.

• The Demigod Files (2009) – Short stories from the Percy Jackson world.
• The Ultimate Guide (2010) – A reference book for Percy Jackson fans.
• The Demigod Diaries (2012) – Short stories from the Heroes of Olympus series.
• Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods (2014) – A humorous retelling of Greek myths.
• Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes (2015) – Stories of Greek heroes from Percy’s perspective.

7. Standalone and Crossover Works

• Daughter of the Deep (2021) – A standalone inspired by Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
• The Kane Chronicles/Percy Jackson Crossover Stories (2012–2014):
  • The Son of Sobek
  • The Staff of Serapis
  • The Crown of Ptolemy

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Recommended Reading Order for New Readers

Rick Riordan’s books are best enjoyed in a specific order to fully appreciate the character arcs, mythological connections, and overarching storylines. While his series can stand alone, they share an interconnected universe, and reading them sequentially enhances the experience. Here’s the recommended order for new readers, tailored to offer the smoothest and most exciting journey through Riordan’s mythological worlds.

1. Start with Percy Jackson & The Olympians

The Percy Jackson & The Olympians series is the perfect introduction to Rick Riordan’s universe. This series lays the foundation, introducing the world of Greek mythology, demigods, and Camp Half-Blood. Starting here ensures you understand key characters and events that recur throughout Riordan’s other works.

Books in Order:

1. The Lightning Thief
2. The Sea of Monsters
3. The Titan’s Curse
4. The Battle of the Labyrinth
5. The Last Olympian

Why start here?

• It’s the origin of the Camp Half-Blood Chronicles, the universe that ties most of Riordan’s series together.
• You’ll meet Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Grover Underwood—central characters referenced in later books.

2. Continue with The Heroes of Olympus

The Heroes of Olympus series is a direct sequel to Percy Jackson & The Olympians. It expands the mythology to include Roman gods and introduces new demigod characters while maintaining ties to the original cast.

Books in Order:

1. The Lost Hero
2. The Son of Neptune
3. The Mark of Athena
4. The House of Hades
5. The Blood of Olympus

Why next?

• This series deepens the mythology, exploring the Roman counterparts to the Greek gods.
• It bridges the gap between Percy’s adventures and the broader conflicts involving Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter.

3. Explore The Kane Chronicles

Although The Kane Chronicles focuses on Egyptian mythology and features a new cast, it’s part of the same universe. It offers a fresh perspective and introduces sibling protagonists Carter and Sadie Kane.

Books in Order:

1. The Red Pyramid
2. The Throne of Fire
3. The Serpent’s Shadow

Why now?

• It’s a standalone trilogy, making it a great detour after the epic saga of Heroes of Olympus.
• Its crossover stories with Percy Jackson add extra excitement for readers who enjoy both series.

4. Dive into Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Magnus Chase’s adventures focus on Norse mythology and are loosely connected to The Heroes of Olympus through Annabeth Chase, Magnus’s cousin.

Books in Order:

1. The Sword of Summer
2. The Hammer of Thor
3. The Ship of the Dead

Why next?

• This series introduces a completely new pantheon while maintaining ties to the existing universe.
• It’s ideal for readers intrigued by Norse gods like Thor, Loki, and Odin.

5. Wrap Up with The Trials of Apollo

The Trials of Apollo returns to the Greek and Roman mythology of Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus. This series follows Apollo, the former god, as he navigates mortality and redeems himself.

Books in Order:

1. The Hidden Oracle
2. The Dark Prophecy
3. The Burning Maze
4. The Tyrant’s Tomb
5. The Tower of Nero

Why last?

• This series acts as a grand finale for the Camp Half-Blood Chronicles, bringing together characters and threads from previous series.
• It ties up loose ends and offers a satisfying conclusion to the overarching storylines.

6. Add Companion Books and Crossover Stories Along the Way

To enhance your reading experience, sprinkle in Riordan’s companion books and crossover stories where they fit:

• The Demigod Files (after The Battle of the Labyrinth).
• The Ultimate Guide (after The Last Olympian).
• Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods and Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes (between main series for extra mythology context).
• The Kane/Percy Jackson crossover stories (The Son of Sobek, The Staff of Serapis, The Crown of Ptolemy).

Why Follow This Order?

• Chronological Continuity: Following the publication timeline ensures you’re not spoiled on major events.
• Character Growth: You’ll witness how characters develop and how storylines from one series influence the next.
• Mythological Diversity: Reading by order introduces each mythology sequentially, making it easier to immerse yourself in new pantheons.