Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series has become a global phenomenon, captivating readers with its action-packed blend of Greek mythology and contemporary adventure. New arrivals to this fantastical world might be curious: just how many Percy Jackson books are there?
“There’s more to the story than meets the eye. While the original series, “Percy Jackson & the Olympians,” holds the most fame, it’s just a single chapter in a much grander universe. Here’s a breakdown of the different series and the thrilling adventures that await:
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Core Adventure (6 Books)
This five-book series is where the journey begins! We meet Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old demigod son of Poseidon, who uncovers his true heritage. He embarks on epic quests to save the world from fearsome Greek gods and mythical creatures.
Prepare to be enthralled by these titles in order:
- The Lightning Thief (2005): Accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt, Percy embarks on a cross-country quest to retrieve it.
- The Sea of Monsters (2006): Percy and his companions journey to the Bermuda Triangle to find the Golden Fleece and save Grover, his satyr friend.
- The Titan’s Curse (2007): Percy and Annabeth must rescue Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, from the clutches of the evil Atlas.
- The Battle of the Labyrinth (2008): Daedalus’ labyrinth poses a threat to Camp Half-Blood, and Percy must navigate its deadly traps.
- The Last Olympian (2009): The fate of Olympus hangs in the balance as Percy confronts the mighty Kronos, the Lord of Time.
Bonus Book:
- “The Chalice of the Gods picks up with Percy and his friends on a new adventure, a decade after their victory against Kronos.”
The Heroes of Olympus: The Next Generation (5 Books)
Seven years after the original series, a new prophecy emerges. A new generation of demigods takes center stage, these heroes being the children of the “Big Three” gods (Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades), creating a whole new level of tension and power struggles.
The titles for this series are:
- The Lost Hero (2011): Jason, Piper, and Leo, three demigods with amnesia, must work together to find Hera, the missing queen of Olympus.
- The Son of Neptune (2013): Percy Jackson mysteriously appears at Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Half-Blood, with no memory of his past.
- The Mark of Athena (2014): Annabeth Chase leads a quest to find the Athena Parthenos statue, while Percy and Jason face off in a Roman war camp.
- The House of Hades (2014): Percy and Annabeth descend into the Underworld on a perilous mission.
- The Blood of Olympus (2015): The demigods unite for a final epic battle against the forces of Gaea, the Earth Mother.
The Trials of Apollo: A God’s Redemption (5 Books)
This series takes a unique twist. Apollo, the Olympian god of music, poetry, light, and healing, is punished by Zeus and forced to walk the earth as a powerless teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. To regain his godly form, he must complete five dangerous trials for the demigods.
The titles for this exciting series are:
- The Hidden Oracle (2016): Apollo awakens as a mortal and teams up with a new demigod named Meg McCaffrey to save Camp Half-Blood from a vengeful spirit.
- The Dark Prophecy (2016): Apollo and Meg travel to Indianapolis to find a hidden oracle and stop a prophecy that could destroy the world.
- The Burning Maze (2017): The quest takes Apollo and Meg to the heart of the Labyrinth, where they face powerful Roman emperors.
- The Tyrant’s Tomb (2018): Apollo, Meg, and a group of demigods travel to California to confront the Roman emperor Caligula.
- The Tower of Nero (2020): The final trial takes Apollo and his companions to face the emperor Nero in New York City.
With the recent release of “The Chalice of the Gods,” there are a total of 21 books in the ever-expanding Percy Jackson universe.Jackson universe! More Percy Jackson adventures: “The Chalice of the Gods” proves Riordan isn’t finished with Percy and his friends.
New Mythologies: Riordan has hinted at exploring other mythologies in future series.
Whether you’re a new reader or a seasoned demigod, there’s always something new to discover in the ever-growing Percy Jackson universe. So grab your favorite book, prepare for epic quests, and get ready to be swept away into a world of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures.
FAQs
How many Percy Jackson books are there?
As of June 2024, there are a whopping 21 books in the Percy Jackson universe, spread across five different series.
What is the reading order for the Percy Jackson books?
For the most fulfilling experience, it’s recommended to read the series in the order they were published:
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians (6 Books): This series introduces you to Percy Jackson and the core characters.
- The Heroes of Olympus (5 Books): The next generation of demigods takes center stage.
- The Trials of Apollo (5 Books): Apollo, in mortal form, must complete trials for the demigods.
- Bonus:
- Camp Half-Blood Series (Graphic Novels): A visual retelling of the original series.
- The Chalice of the Gods (2023): A recent addition featuring Percy and his friends on a new quest.
Can I read the Percy Jackson books in any order?
You can certainly jump around in the Percy Jackson series, but following the publication order offers a richer experience. This way, you’ll catch all the references and truly appreciate the character development, which unfolds most naturally when read in the intended sequence.
Where can I find the Percy Jackson books?
The Percy Jackson books are widely available in bookstores, online retailers, and libraries. You can also find audiobooks and ebooks for most of the series.
I’m new to mythology. Are the Percy Jackson books easy to read?
The Percy Jackson books are written in a fun and engaging style, making them perfect for young readers and adults alike. Even if you’re not familiar with Greek mythology, Riordan does an excellent job of weaving the stories into the narrative.
Bonus Tip: Check out the Percy Jackson fandom online for in-depth discussions, character analyses, and fan theories!
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