How to read the Rick Riordan books in order

The Lightning Thief was originally published on June 28, 2005.⁠^[22-23]

In The Lightning Thief, Percy Jackson is a twelve-year-old boy with dyslexia living in New York City. During a school trip, a transformed chaperone, Mrs. Dodds, attacks him, revealing his hidden abilities.

With the help of his teacher, Mr. Brunner, who is actually the centaur Chiron, Percy discovers he is a demigod and begins to uncover the truth about his heritage and the world of Greek gods. As tensions rise between the gods, Percy is tasked with locating Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt to prevent a war.

The Sea of Monsters was originally published on April 1, 2006.⁠^[24-26]

In The Sea of Monsters, Percy Jackson wakes on the last day of his seventh-grade year at Meriwether College Prep. During gym class, Percy is attacked by Laestrygonians but is saved by Tyson and Annabeth, who have returned to Camp Half-Blood after having dreams about the camp’s peril.

The trio travels to Camp Half-Blood and discovers its protective barriers have weakened. With Camp Half-Blood in jeopardy and Chiron falsely accused of sabotage, Percy, Annabeth, and Tyson set out on a mission to find the only remedy.

The Titan’s Curse was originally published on April 24, 2007.(The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan. Penguin Random House Canada.))

In The Titan’s Curse, Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Thalia Grace infiltrate West Hall boarding school in Bar Harbor, Maine, to escort siblings Bianca and Nico di Angelo to Camp Half-Blood. Their mission is successful, but Dr. Thorn captures Annabeth, prompting Artemis and her Hunters to take action.

Artemis pursues a manticore capable of destroying Mount Olympus, while the half-bloods are sent to camp by Apollo. Bianca gains immortality by joining the Hunters, complicating the group’s dynamics.

The Battle of the Labyrinth was originally published on May 6, 2008.⁠^[27-29]

In The Battle of the Labyrinth, Percy Jackson attends freshman orientation at Goode High School, where he reconnects with Rachel Elizabeth Dare, who can see through the Mist. Their encounter forces Percy to confront two empusai, leading to a daring escape.

Upon returning to Camp Half-Blood, Percy discovers that his friend Grover is under scrutiny by the Council of Cloven Elders. Meanwhile, Percy and Annabeth Chase discover an entrance to the Labyrinth, a potential invasion route.

The Last Olympian was originally published on May 5, 2009.⁠^[30-33]

In The Last Olympian, Percy Jackson and his allies prepare to defend Mount Olympus against the Kronos. As Kronos gathers an army of rogue demigods and legendary beasts, the tension escalates, forcing Percy to find a way to counter the imminent threat.

To combat Kronos, Percy and Luke gain near invincibility by bathing in the River Styx, leading to a confrontation at the summit of Mount Olympus. Amidst revelations about prophecies and personal sacrifices, Percy faces crucial choices that will determine the war’s outcome.

Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo was originally published in 2013.⁠^[34]

In Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo, Percy Jackson attends Grover Underwood’s birthday party at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, joined by Juniper and other dryads. The celebration is interrupted when Apollo appears, assuming they are available to help retrieve a rogue chryseae celedon, who sings in perfect harmony.

Percy and Grover reluctantly agree, realizing that this wayward performer could create panic among mortals if it sings in a crowded area. Armed with Riptide and Apollo’s magical lyre, they race to Manhattan’s Theater District, where the celedon’s powerful voice draws onlookers under its spell.

The Lost Hero was originally published on October 12, 2010.⁠^[37-41]

In The Lost Hero, Jason Grace wakes up on a Wilderness School bus with no memories of who he is. He sits beside Piper McLean, who seems to be his girlfriend, and Leo Valdez, who appears to be his best friend.

During a field trip to the Grand Canyon, a classmate named Dylan reveals himself as a storm spirit and attacks, forcing Jason to tap into surprising powers. Their coach, Gleeson Hedge, is a satyr who gets captured in the battle. Soon after, Annabeth Chase arrives looking for the missing Percy Jackson and then takes Jason, Piper, and Leo to Camp Half-Blood.

The Red Pyramid was originally published on May 4, 2010.⁠^[42-45]

In The Red Pyramid, Carter and his father Julius Kane visit Carter’s sister Sadie in London. There, Julius, a secret magician, unleashes ancient Egyptian gods at the British Museum. Set, a chaotic god, traps Julius and aims to dominate the mortal realm, while Horus and Isis merge with Carter and Sadie.

Realizing they possess remarkable powers, the siblings flee with their uncle Amos and hide in Brooklyn. Before long, they confront the stern magicians’ council, which condemns their alliance with the gods as a severe violation of magical law.

The Throne of Fire was originally published on May 3, 2011.⁠^[48-52]

In The Throne of Fire, Sadie and Carter Kane race to obtain three scrolls from the Book of Ra to awaken the sun god and stop the serpent Apophis from destroying the world. With help from their magician trainees, Jaz and Walt, they secure the first scroll at the Brooklyn Museum, clashing with a griffin and hostile spirits.

That night, Sadie’s ba drifts to the House of Life, revealing a scheme by Desjardins and Vladimir Menshikov to strike Brooklyn House. Carter, meanwhile, faces warnings that the gods could turn on him if he proceeds with his plan to wake Ra.

The Son of Neptune was originally published on October 3, 2011.⁠^[53]

In The Son of Neptune, Percy is alone in northern California and has no recollection of his past. Guided by Lupa, the wolf-goddess, he reaches Camp Jupiter, a Roman demigod training ground.

Recognized as a son of Neptune, he conceals his true Greek parentage from those around him. Frank Zhang, son of Mars, and Hazel Levesque, daughter of Pluto, welcome him, and together, they discover that something far greater than simple camp rivalries is at stake. With a directive from Mars, Percy sets out to free Thanatos, the god of death.

The Mark of Athena was originally published on October 2, 2012.⁠^[54-58]

In The Mark of Athena, Leo Valdez has built a flying trireme named Argo II for a mission to Greece and Rome to stop Gaea from awakening. Along with Jason Grace, Piper McLean, Annabeth Chase, and Coach Hedge, Leo arrives at Camp Jupiter to join Percy Jackson and the Roman demigods Frank Zhang and Hazel Levesque.

Camp Jupiter’s praetor, Reyna, explains that recovering the stolen Athena Parthenos—retrievable only by children of Athena—will unite Greek and Roman demigods. However, an Eidolon possesses Leo, triggering an assault on the Romans.

The House of Hades was originally published on October 8, 2013.⁠^[59-63]

In The House of Hades, Annabeth Chase and Percy Jackson have fallen into Tartarus, while other five demigods, along with Nico di Angelo and Coach Hedge, plan to reach Greece to seal the Doors of Death. The group faces multiple raids, which leads Leo to reclaim his stolen Archimedes’s sphere.

Frank secures an essential snake after battling Katobleps, gaining increased physical power and the blessing of Mars. Hazel hones the ability to reshape perceptions with help from Hecate, and Jason comes to terms with his decision to align himself fully with his Greek heritage.

The Blood of Olympus was originally published on October 7, 2014.⁠^[64-68]

In The Blood of Olympus, Jason, Piper, and Annabeth rely on Hazel’s Mist for disguise as they approach Ithaca, where Gaea’s newly risen allies gather. They discover that the target is not Mount Olympus but Athens, forcing them to take a longer route across Greece.

Amid close calls and personal sacrifices, the group searches for the ingredients needed for the Physician’s Cure, which could save one of their own from a dire fate. When Jason confronts his mother’s spirit and contends with Kymopoleia’s storm, his resolve strengthens him and his companions.

The Serpent’s Shadow was originally published on May 1, 2012.⁠^[69-72]

In The Serpent’s Shadow, Carter and Sadie Kane attempt to secure a crucial magic scroll at the 51st nome, but their plan collapses when Apophis’ forces attack. Sadie’s powerful spell rescues them momentarily, yet the scroll is destroyed and the nome is left in ruins.

With Apophis poised to swallow the sun in three days, they regroup at Brooklyn House and discover a new lead involving shadows. Allies like Walt, Zia, and the pathwalking Amos join their cause, while rebel magicians conspire with Apophis to threaten everything.

The Son of Sobek was originally published on May 7, 2013.⁠^[73-74]

In The Son of Sobek, Carter Kane heads to Long Island with his griffin, Freak, to probe unusual events in the House of Life. He ends up swallowed by a monstrous crocodile that only spits him out after a teenager in an orange shirt intervenes.

He and this mysterious teen briefly clash over misunderstandings involving half-blood lineage, but they unite against the necklace controlling the creature. After they restore it to a baby form, Carter realizes their alliance was no coincidence, leaving him uneasy about who—or what—will bring them together again.

The Staff of Serapis was originally published on April 8, 2014.⁠^[75-76]

In The Staff of Serapis, Annabeth heads to meet Percy after a disappointing interview, but a beast in the subway interrupts her. Despite lacking her knife, she and Sadie, a young spellcaster with an otherworldly dog, give chase before the threat grows stronger.

But Serapis emerges from the rubble with a plan to gather all gods at the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and Annabeth’s next move could tip the balance. With Greek and Egyptian powers colliding, both young heroines stand on the brink of a showdown that could spark unimaginable consequences.

The Crown of Ptolemy was originally published on March 31, 2015.⁠^[77-78]

In The Crown of Ptolemy, Annabeth receives a dire warning from Athena that danger is brewing in Manhattan, prompting her and Percy to reach Governor’s Island amid a hurricane. Their attempts to contact allies fail, and they discover Setne is harnessing Egyptian magic for a devastating objective.

They join forces with Carter and Sadie, share tactics, and face serpents and illusions, while Setne steals divine power. At the height of the fight, he escapes with a new crown and a promise of destruction, leaving everyone fearing what he will do next.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods was originally published on September 26, 2023.⁠^[79-83]

In Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods, Poseidon tells Percy Jackson that he is barred from attending New Rome University because his birth violated an old agreement. Zeus, however, offers him a special deal: complete three assignments for the gods and secure their endorsements.

In the first mission, Ganymede, Zeus’s cup-bearer, reports his stolen chalice. Suspecting Hebe and Iris, Percy and his friends clear both of wrongdoing and receive a crucial lead to identify the actual culprit.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess was originally published on September 24, 2024.⁠^[84-88]

In Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess, Percy Jackson agrees to house-sit for Hecate’s collapsing mansion and watch over Hecuba the hellhound and Gale the polecat. Trouble begins when a series of mishaps that lead to the pets’ escape.

Alongside Annabeth, Percy searches ancient ruins and learns about Hecate’s regrets and her abandoned magic school. On Halloween night, the mansion’s restoration is threatened by a horde of ghosts led by a demigod with a grudge.

The Sword of Summer was originally published on October 6, 2015.⁠^[91-95]

In The Sword of Summer, Magnus Chase’s sixteenth birthday marks a turning point in his life. Homeless since his mother Natalie’s death two years ago, Magnus learns that his uncle Randolph has sent family members Frederick and Annabeth to find him.

In search of answers, Magnus breaks into Randolph’s house but is caught and taken to Longfellow Bridge. Randolph reveals that Magnus is the son of a Norse god and is being hunted by a magical enemy.

The Hidden Oracle was originally published on May 3, 2016.⁠^[96-100]

In The Hidden Oracle, Apollo, cast out of heaven by Zeus, is stripped of all power and bound to serve the demigod Meg McCaffrey. Together, they reach Camp Half-Blood, only to realize that oracles have stopped working and strange entities are hunting down demigods.

Apollo’s fall from grace reveals a plot that jeopardizes every living being, sparking a race to track down its source. Apollo endures formidable challenges, from battling plague spirits to surviving the labyrinth beneath Camp Half-Blood, forging new alliances along the way.

From Percy Jackson: Camp Half-Blood Confidential was originally published on May 1, 2017.⁠^[101]

In From Percy Jackson: Camp Half-Blood Confidential, Percy Jackson and other residents of Camp Half-Blood respond to a questionable orientation video created by the god Apollo, tackling common queries about their unique community. They highlight the Divine Cabins, detail the Magical Landmarks, and outline the Training Arenas, revealing the scope of life at Camp Half-Blood.

However, existence in this mythological haven is not without its complications. Campers clash occasionally, prophecies arise, and the camp’s management is far from flawless.

Brooklyn House Magician’s Manual was originally published on April 30, 2018.⁠^[102]

In Brooklyn House Magician’s Manual, Carter Kane welcomes a new class of magicians to Brooklyn House, celebrating their royal Egyptian lineage and newly awakened abilities. Through quizzes, personal accounts, and guidance from various deities, he provides lessons on handling ancient spells and recognizing the creatures that exist alongside mortals.

While explaining the hidden rules of the Duat and the responsibilities of those who share pharaohs’ blood, Carter highlights the importance of caution, warning that gods and monsters alike can surprise even the most prepared magician.

Camp Jupiter Classified was originally published on May 5, 2020.⁠^[103-106]

In Camp Jupiter Classified, it’s the February after Gaea’s defeat, and strange incidents are unsettling Camp Jupiter. If the Romans fail to determine who or what is behind these mischiefs soon, the Twelfth Legion could be jeopardized.

Suspicion quickly falls on Claudia, the Fourth Cohort’s newest Probatio, whose arrival coincides with this chaos. Many question her heritage as Mercury’s great-granddaughter, especially when she frequently disappears right before trouble strikes. Despite the rumors, Claudia probes deeper and realizes that an important artifact has gone missing.

For Magnus Chase: Hotel Valhalla Guide to the Norse Worlds was originally published on August 16, 2016.⁠^[107-111]

In For Magnus Chase: Hotel Valhalla Guide to the Norse Worlds, Hunding the bellhop describes the nine realms, including Asgard and Midgard. He also provides details of various Norse gods and creatures, complete with supplementary stories, interviews, and poems.

Hunding also catalogs fantastic creatures like Nidhogg, Sleipnir, and the Fenris wolf, explaining their significance and habitats. The book concludes with a note from Helgi, a pronunciation guide, and a glossary.

The Dark Prophecy was originally published on May 2, 2017.⁠^[112-116]

In The Dark Prophecy, Apollo is transformed into a mortal teenager and forced to serve thirteen-year-old Meg McCaffrey to regain his place among the gods. Their pursuit of lost oracles reveals that Roman emperor Commodus is blocking Apollo’s path forward.

Allies help Apollo rescue captives and recover a powerful artifact, only to uncover threats tied to Commodus’s grip on Indianapolis. The final prophecy warns that Camp Jupiter is next in line, sending Apollo and Meg on a new quest without guarantee of success.

The Hammer of Thor was originally published on October 4, 2016.⁠^[117-121]

In The Hammer of Thor, Magnus Chase learns from Samirah “Sam” al-Abbas and Otis, one of Thor’s goats, that Thor’s hammer is still missing. With the jötnar planning to invade Midgard, Magnus returns to Hotel Valhalla to prepare.

There, he meets Alex Fierro, Sam’s newest recruit and a child of Loki. Magnus experiences visions of Loki manipulating his uncle Randolph. Magnus and others must travel to the Provincetown barrow to find Thor’s hammer.

The Burning Maze was originally published on May 1, 2018.⁠^[122-126]

In The Burning Maze, Apollo struggles with life among mortals while guided by a cryptic prophecy. Joined by Meg and the satyr Grover, he heads west to free an Oracle confined by a power-obsessed emperor.

Apollo seeks answers from the Arrow of Dodona and faces the truth that Caligula, an emperor from his past, wields enough power to threaten both mortal and divine realms. As Apollo contends with injuries and diminished abilities, he meets allies who help him confront the emperor’s plan to transform himself into a new sun god.

The Tyrant’s Tomb was originally published on September 24, 2019.⁠^[127-131]

In The Tyrant’s Tomb, Apollo and Meg carry Jason’s coffin toward Camp Jupiter. During Jason’s funeral, the praetors Frank Zhang and Reyna Ramirez-Arellano join Hazel Levesque and others in mourning.

Troubled by a dream involving Caligula and Commodus threatening Camp Jupiter with Greek fire, Apollo recovers from a nasty wound and prepares for an upcoming struggle against greater forces. Meanwhile, Apollo, Meg, and allies learn about a “soundless god” at Sutro Tower, along with the jar holding Sibyl’s voice.

The Ship of the Dead was originally published on October 3, 2017.⁠^[132-136]

In The Ship of the Dead, Magnus and Alex Fierro head to the Chase Mansion, where they find notes written by Randolph. After reaching Valhalla, Magnus summons a ship from his father, Frey.

Accompanied by Mallory Keen, Halfborn Gunderson, Thomas Jefferson Jr., Samirah al-Abbas, and Alex, they set out to pick up Blitzen and Hearthstone. However, the Nine Billow Maidens overhear their plans and take them to Aegir’s court. There, they find Hearth and Blitz held captive.

The Tower of Nero was originally published on October 6, 2020.⁠^[137-141]

In The Tower of Nero, Apollo envisions Nero threatening to burn Manhattan if he and Meg fail to surrender within two days. Alongside Will Solace, Nico di Angelo, and Rachel Elizabeth Dare, Apollo fends off the Tauri Silvestres and enlists the troglodytes to sabotage Nero’s Greek fire vats.

Nero retaliates by punishing Lu and capturing Apollo, but they break free and retrieve the fasces at a steep cost. Determined to stop Nero once and for all, Apollo drains his enemy’s divinity and ends his rule.

The Sun and the Star was originally published on May 2, 2023.⁠^[142-146]

In The Sun and the Star, Nico di Angelo, the son of Hades, is tormented by recurring memories and hears a distant call from Tartarus. Bob the Titan, who once sacrificed himself for Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase, needs help, so Nico and his boyfriend, Will Solace, head underground to save him.

After consulting with Percy and Annabeth, they struggle against Epiales, the deity of nightmares, and only break free when Will discovers a powerful beam of light. Nico wrestles with his negative emotions, believing they define him, while Will assumes nothing good can exist below the earth.

The Court of the Dead was originally published on September 23, 2025.⁠^[147-151]

In The Court of the Dead, Nico di Angelo continues adjusting to life after Tartarus while helping new demigods at Camp Half-Blood. An urgent Iris Message from his sister, Hazel Levesque, interrupts his training, requesting his presence at Camp Jupiter to assist with difficult arrivals.

Despite concerns from Chiron, Nico and Will Solace gain permission to travel and set out on a journey across the country, arriving at the Roman camp under escort from sentries Yazan and Savannah.

Big Red Tequila was originally published on June 2, 1997.⁠^[197-198]

In Big Red Tequila, Tres Navarre is an unlicensed private eye with a PhD in medieval studies who returns to San Antonio after ten years in San Francisco. He hopes to put his past behind him and find answers about his father’s unsolved murder. The moment he starts poking around, he collides with powerful politicians, mobsters, and crooked businessmen who hold a bitter grudge against the Navarre family.

He wrestles with tequila-fueled brawls, violent run-ins, and a missing sweetheart who vanished without a trace. Yet, as he inches closer to the truth, a final threat looms that may stop him dead in his tracks.

The Widower’s Two-Step was originally published on May 4, 1998.⁠^[199-200]

In The Widower’s Two-Step, Tres Navarre is recruited by an old friend to protect rising country singer Miranda Daniels. While completing his final hours of apprenticeship before applying for his P.I. license, he tracks a suspect linked to Miranda’s stolen demo tape.

Miranda’s future is threatened by a missing agent, a targeted producer, and two powerful figures battling for control of her career. Tres soon clashes with the police, federal authorities, and a coalition of influential players who appear ready to murder to preserve their interests. As he digs deeper into a web of greed, he may be the next one in the crosshairs.

The Last King of Texas was originally published on April 3, 2001.⁠^[201-202]

In The Last King of Texas, Tres Navarre, a private investigator with a Ph.D., takes over classes from a slain English professor at the University of Texas in San Antonio. The police claim the murder is solved, but Tres senses unresolved questions about the victim’s powerful father, who ran a carnival empire.

As Tres sifts through evidence, he finds gang alliances, a gold-plated revolver, and ruthless exploitation that fueled decades of animosity. Gunfights and kidnappings escalate, placing his colleagues and the professor’s family in grave danger. Each new clue pulls him deeper into deadly territory.

The Devil Went Down to Austin was originally published on June 25, 2002.⁠^[203-204]

In The Devil Went Down to Austin, Tres Navarre, a private investigator and part-time English professor, heads to Austin for a summer gig at the University of Texas. He moves in with his tech-savvy brother Garrett, who stakes everything on his start-up alongside lifelong friend and partner Jimmy.

Everything changes when Jimmy is found dead, and Garrett becomes the prime suspect. Tres steps in to protect Garrett, confronting high-tech investors, suspicious associates, and old feuds that threaten to tear the brothers apart. As Tres hunts for the real culprit, a final discovery hints at forces far more dangerous than anyone imagined.

Southtown was originally published on December 28, 2004.⁠^[205-206]

In Southtown, Tres Navarre, an English professor turned private investigator, scrapes by with small-time cases. That routine ends when Will “the Ghost” Stirman, a brutal felon linked to his mentor’s past, escapes from prison in a bloody breakout.

Stirman’s rampage spells danger for Erainya Manos, who fears for her adopted son and carries the weight of her late husband’s role in sending Stirman away. Determined to protect those he cares about, Tres gathers facts and realizes the stakes are far greater than he imagined. With Stirman closing in, Tres braces for a confrontation that may seal his fate.

Mission Road was originally published on June 28, 2005.⁠^[207-208]

In Mission Road, San Antonio private investigator Tres Navarre is thrust into a high-stakes situation when his friend Ralph Arguello arrives covered in blood. Ralph’s wife, homicide sergeant Ana DeLeon, lies comatose after being shot, and the police immediately point the finger at him.

Before slipping into unconsciousness, Ana had revived an 18-year-old homicide case involving a vicious figure whose death left the city reeling. Tres and Ralph find themselves targeted by both law enforcement and old criminal ties as they chase the evidence that could exonerate Ralph.

Rebel Island was originally published on August 28, 2007.⁠^[209-210]

In Rebel Island, Tres Navarre leaves his old investigations behind and enjoys a peaceful honeymoon with his wife, Maia, on Rebel Island. They arrive full of hope for their future, especially with a baby on the way. Then a corpse is discovered in room 12, yanking Tres back into the past he desperately wanted to forget.

Soon after, a second victim appears, and half-buried childhood memories surge. Then a massive hurricane barrels into the island, trapping everyone as more guests fall prey to a ruthless threat. Time is running out, and Tres may have to cross the line between payback and justice to save them all.

The Maze of Bones was originally published in September 2008.⁠^[214]

In The Maze of Bones, Grace Cahill’s death leaves her grandchildren, Amy and Dan, with a challenge outlined in her will. At the funeral, they learn that they, along with other Cahill relatives, have the chance to unlock the 39 Clues—hidden secrets that promise unimaginable power.

Faced with the decision to take $1 million or pursue the clues, Amy and Dan choose the latter. As they follow the trail of the clues, starting with Benjamin Franklin and leading them to places like Paris and Vienna, Amy and Dan encounter fierce competition from rival families.

Vespers Rising was originally published in April 2011.⁠^[215]

In Vespers Rising, Gideon Cahill discovers a powerful serum, only to be deceived by his friend, Damien Vesper. As the plague ravages Europe, Gideon hopes the formula will preserve lives, but Vesper seeks it for personal power.

Gideon’s children flee with portions of the serum before a devastating fire, leaving their mother, Olivia, determined to reunite them with the help of her unborn daughter, Madeleine. Years later, Madeleine attempts to bring her scattered siblings back together, only to face threats.