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

Rick Riordan, the mastermind behind the Percy Jackson series and its expansive universe, has created a literary world that intertwines modern-day adventures with ancient mythology. For readers new to his works, the question of “what order to read Rick Riordan books” is a common one. The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think, given the interconnected nature of his series. This article will guide you through the recommended reading order, while also exploring the thematic connections and narrative arcs that make Riordan’s books so compelling.

The Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series: The Gateway to Riordan’s Universe

The journey begins with Percy Jackson and the Olympians, a five-book series that introduces readers to Percy Jackson, a demigod son of Poseidon. The series is a perfect starting point, as it lays the foundation for the entire Riordan universe. The books, in order, are:

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)

This series not only introduces the concept of demigods but also sets the stage for the larger conflicts that span across Riordan’s other series.

The Heroes of Olympus Series: Expanding the Demigod World

Following the Percy Jackson series, The Heroes of Olympus picks up where the previous series left off, but with a broader scope. This series introduces Roman mythology alongside Greek, and features a diverse cast of characters. The reading order is:

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)

This series is crucial for understanding the larger narrative of Riordan’s universe, as it bridges the gap between the Greek and Roman pantheons and sets up future conflicts.

The Trials of Apollo: A Divine Perspective

After the events of The Heroes of Olympus, The Trials of Apollo series offers a unique perspective by following the god Apollo, who has been cast down to Earth as a mortal. This series delves deeper into the consequences of the previous books’ events and explores themes of redemption and identity. The books are:

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)

This series is a must-read for fans who want to see how the actions of the demigods have affected the gods themselves.

The Kane Chronicles: Egyptian Mythology Takes Center Stage

While the Percy Jackson series focuses on Greek and Roman mythology, The Kane Chronicles introduces readers to Egyptian mythology. This trilogy, while not directly connected to the Percy Jackson universe, is a fascinating exploration of a different mythological tradition. The books are:

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

Though not essential to understanding the main Riordan universe, The Kane Chronicles offers a rich, standalone experience that complements the other series.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: Norse Mythology Enters the Fray

Riordan’s exploration of mythology doesn’t stop with Greek, Roman, and Egyptian traditions. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard brings Norse mythology into the mix. This trilogy follows Magnus Chase, a demigod related to Annabeth Chase from the Percy Jackson series. The books are:

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

This series is a great addition for readers who want to explore the broader mythological world Riordan has created.

The Demigods and Magicians Collection: A Crossover Event

For those who want to see how the different mythological worlds interact, The Demigods and Magicians Collection is a must-read. This collection of short stories features crossovers between the Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles characters, offering a unique blend of Greek and Egyptian mythology. The stories are:

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

This collection is a fun and exciting way to see how Riordan’s different series can intersect.

Related Questions

1. What is the best order to read Rick Riordan’s books for a first-time reader?

   • Start with Percy Jackson and the Olympians, followed by The Heroes of Olympus, The Trials of Apollo, and then explore The Kane Chronicles and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard if interested in other mythologies.

2. Are Rick Riordan’s series interconnected?

   • Yes, the Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, and Trials of Apollo series are directly connected, while The Kane Chronicles and Magnus Chase series are more standalone but exist within the same broader universe.

3. Can I read The Kane Chronicles without reading the Percy Jackson series?

   • Yes, The Kane Chronicles is a standalone series that doesn’t require knowledge of the Percy Jackson books, though there are some crossover elements in The Demigods and Magicians Collection.

4. What is the significance of The Demigods and Magicians Collection?

   • This collection is significant because it brings together characters from the Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles series, offering a unique crossover experience that enriches the overall narrative of Riordan’s universe.

By following this reading order, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the rich, interconnected world that Rick Riordan has created, experiencing the full scope of his mythological storytelling.