The fantasy novel series by Rick Riordan, often known as Percy Jackson & the Olympians, is about a young man named Percy Jackson who learns that he is a demi-god and the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.
In addition to two supplemental books that further explore Percy’s universe, there are graphic novels for each of the five epic novels in Riordan’s series.
One of the best-selling book series of all time, as of January 2022, the volumes had sold more than 180 million copies worldwide.
In 2010 and 2013, movies based on the first two books were released, with Logan Lerman as Percy Jackson, Brandon T. Jackson as Grover Underwood, and Alexandra Daddario as Annabeth Chase.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians, a TV series, is set to debut in 2024 on the Disney+ streaming platform.
Greek mythology is fascinating, and if you agree, then Percy Jackson is for you.
The series combines incredible fantasy with coming-of-age elements that make it perfect for avid readers of all ages.
When Rick Riordan started reading bedtime stories to his son Haley Riordan, who was then diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, the Percy Jackson series began to take shape.
Haley, his son, who was studying Greek mythology in second grade, asked him to read him Greek myth-based bedtime stories.
When Rick Riordan ran out of myths, his son proposed that he create new tales using both classic and modern legendary figures.
This inspired Riordan to develop the fictional Percy Jackson character.
The series, which is set in the mid-2000s, focuses on Perseus “Percy” Jackson, a young boy who learns he is a demigod and the son of Poseidon.
Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, the sons of Kronos, took a pledge to stop having children after World War II, which caused his father to abandon him.
The three gods’ demigod offspring are too powerful and have the potential to cause massive destruction, therefore the oath was taken.
When Percy learns that several people and legendary monsters are attempting to murder him because of his demigod status, latent strength, and expanding influence in the Greek world, his adventure takes an even more thrilling turn.
Percy learns that Camp Half-Blood, a Long Island training facility, houses even more demigods like him.
Percy begins his voyage across the terrifying magical regions with his friend Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, a satyr who he later learns is truly his protector.
As the threat posed by the Titans grows, Percy soon finds himself completing remarkable tasks, fulfilling prophecies, and engaging in combat with and for the gods.
At a crossroads, he must decide whether to aid in the world’s annihilation or its preservation.
Percy Jackson Books In Order
The Percy Jackson series should be read in the following order. Below, we’ll go through the books, as well as the pros and cons of each one.
Although Percy Jackson is a good kid, he struggles to concentrate in class and maintain self-control.
Being away at boarding school has recently gotten worse for Percy, who feared his pre-algebra teacher had changed into a monster and was attempting to kill him.
When Percy’s mother realizes this, she decides that it is time for him to learn the truth about his origins and to travel to the one place where he will be safe.
She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, a demigod summer camp, where he discovers that his biological father is Poseidon, the god of the sea.
As soon as a secret is revealed, Percy embarks on a journey across America with two of his friends—one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena—in order to reach the Underworld and stop a devastating battle between the gods.
Pros
Interesting and compelling characters.
Can be read by a broad age range.
Considered to be the Harry Potter of Greek mythology.
The Sea of Monsters, which is set in the summer following the events of the first book, continues Percy Jackson’s adventures as he helps his friends Grover, Annabeth, and Tyson overcome Greek mythological gods and monsters in contemporary society.
After a difficult summer and uneventful school year, Percy Jackson is eager to spend the upcoming summer at Camp Half-Blood.
However, things quickly shift when he has a dream in which his best friend Grover is being pursued by an unusual monster.
He learns that Camp Half-Blood is no longer a safe haven when he is ambushed by giants on his last day of school.
He must now work with his old friend Annabeth Chase and his new friend Tyson to determine who poisoned the magical bounds of the camp.
They must travel to the enigmatic Sea of Monsters if they are to save Grover and the camp.
Pros
Features more detail about Greek mythology that you might not have known before.
Positive messages about friendship, teamwork, and bravery.
Lots of action.
Cons
The stories of Greek mythology can be violent and disturbing.
The Titan’s Curse, the third book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians trilogy and the follow-up to The Sea of Monsters, tells the story of Percy Jackson’s adventures as he and his friends embark on a perilous journey to rescue his demigod friend Annabeth Chase and the Greek goddess Artemis, both of whom have been taken hostage by the Titans.
Percy Jackson gets an urgent distress call from his friend Grover and gets ready for battle right away.
When the demigods arrive to help, they learn that Grover has discovered two new, extremely strong half-bloods, whose parents are unknown.
However, there is more in store for them. The young heroes have just been caught in a cunning trap that the Titan lord Kronos has set up.
This third adventure in the series is hilarious and jam-packed with action, and it finds Percy facing his most perilous challenge yet.
Pros
Takes a more in-depth look at the characters and how they are evolving.
More mature than the last two novels.
Explores old characters’ backstories, and introduces new characters.
Percy is starting his freshman year, but things don’t go to plan when a strange human acquaintance and demon cheerleaders show up at his prospective new school.
Time is running short in this fourth book of the popular series as the battle between the Olympians and the malevolent Titan lord Kronos approaches.
As Kronos’s army gets ready to break through its previously impenetrable frontiers, even the safe sanctuary of Camp Half-Blood becomes more and more vulnerable by the minute.
In order to stop the invasion, Percy and his fellow demigods must embark on a journey into the Labyrinth, a vast underground environment filled with unexpected discoveries.
Pros
Brings a new level of maturity and darkness to the series.
Explores Percy’s emotions on a deeper level.
Some romantic themes.
Cons
Greek gods and Camp Half-Blood are less of a focus in this book
The half-bloods have spent the whole year training for battle with the Titans despite the knowledge of their slim chances of success.
The army of the terrible Titan Kronos is more powerful than ever, and his power only increases with the addition of each god and half-blood.
The rampaging monster Typhon is being fought off by the Olympians, but Kronos is advancing on New York City and Mount Olympus is essentially undefended.
Percy Jackson and a horde of teenage demigods must now thwart the Lord of Time.
Pros
Epic battle action.
Captivating and emotional story-telling.
Refers back to past teachings and how the characters have developed.
Cons
More emphasis on closure than character building.
Final Thoughts
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan is the contemporary interpretation of myths and heroes that many people have been yearning for.
The series gets off to a great start with The Lightning Thief, which introduces a likable group of characters that you’ll remember for a very long time.
Because of his love for his family, both blood and chosen, Percy is a hero who is brave and devoted for all the right reasons.
This makes him a sympathetic and endearing main character.
He isn’t the kind of hero who is dragged through his own journey against his will; instead, he is drawn into this fascinating new world alongside the reader and quickly learns to love it and the people in it.
Even while the series’ journeys have strong allegiances to Greek mythology, the youthful modern heroes who take them on make them seem brand-new and exciting.
Anyone who has ever felt like they don’t belong will find the plot of the first novel to be interesting and thrilling.
It’s a genuinely heartwarming tale about meeting friends who eventually become family in between all of the action, magic, and mysteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Will The Next Percy Jackson Book Be Published?
Rick Riordan is currently working on his new Percy Jackson book, The Chalice of the Gods. It is expected to be released in September 2023.
Which Percy Jackson Book Should I Read First?
The Lightning Thief is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
