The Olympians and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson are two book series that remind us of the cherished moments of our childhood. With the launch of the new Disney+ series based on these iconic stories, let’s explore what makes the Percy Jackson books so captivating. Reading them will enhance your enjoyment of the show.
About the Percy Jackson Series
Picture a world where modern-day Greek gods have children with demigod powers. This intriguing premise is the foundation of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The story begins with Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, who embarks on a journey through a hidden world filled with gods, goddesses, and their extraordinary children. Since 2005, two additional series, The Trials of Apollo and The Heroes of Olympus, have expanded the world, introducing new characters and keeping readers hooked.
How Many Books Are in the Series?
There are 17 books set in the Percy Jackson universe, divided into three series. As of 2023, the original Percy Jackson and the Olympians series contains six books, with The Chalice of the Gods being the latest addition.
1. The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson learns that he is not just an ordinary 12-year-old with ADHD and dyslexia but also the son of Poseidon. Accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt, Percy is sent to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods, where he must uncover the truth behind the theft.
2. The Sea of Monsters
In the second book, Percy and his friends embark on a dangerous journey to retrieve a powerful artifact to save Camp Half-Blood from collapsing defenses. Along the way, they confront numerous threats and unravel deep family secrets.
3 .The Titan’s Curse
Percy and his friends must confront Kronos, the ancient Titan, along with other new gods. Percy helps his friend Grover and battles a formidable monster while dealing with a curse tied to his fate.
4. The Battle of the Labyrinth
The war between the gods and Titans intensifies as Percy enters high school. He and his friends must navigate a complex maze to prevent the world from collapsing, drawing inspiration from the Greek myth of Daedalus and the Minotaur.
5. The Last Olympian
In the final chapter, Percy and his friends must protect Mount Olympus from the Titans. The battle shifts to the streets of Manhattan, where an epic confrontation leads to a world-changing conclusion.
6. The Chalice of the Gods
In 2023, Percy is about to start college but faces three trials to secure a letter of recommendation. With his friends by his side, he embarks on another thrilling adventure steeped in ancient myths, gods, and friendship.
The Olympian Gods and Goddesses in Order
1. The Lost Hero
This book introduces new characters, including Jason, who loses his memory and becomes entangled in the world of Olympians. Jason and his friends must locate Percy Jackson while uncovering shocking truths about Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter, a competing camp.
2. The Son of Neptune
Percy wakes up in California with no memory of his past. He discovers Camp Jupiter and must battle Roman gods in a struggle rooted in mythology.
3. The Mark of Athena
Percy and Annabeth reunite, but their happiness is short-lived as war looms. Annabeth must confront her destiny as the daughter of Athena while the duo travels to Rome.
4. The House of Hades
Percy and Annabeth find themselves in the underworld, while their friends assist them from above. They must confront Hades and thwart a plot to resurrect Gaea, the Greek goddess of the Earth.
5. The Blood of Olympus
In the final installment, Percy and Annabeth team up to stop Gaea’s plan to use demigod blood to rise to power. The gods must come together to pacify Camps Jupiter and Half-Blood in the face of their common enemy.
The Trials of Apollo in Order
1. The Hidden Oracle
As punishment, Zeus transforms Apollo into a teenager and sends him to New York City. To regain his godly status, Apollo enlists the help of Meg and Percy Jackson.
2. The Dark Prophecy
Apollo continues his mission to restore the Oracles but faces mythical creatures and the powerful Triumvirate Holdings.
3. The Burning Maze
Apollo battles the kings of Triumvirate Holdings while struggling to regain his immortality, resulting in the loss of close allies.
4. The Tyrant’s Tomb
To protect Camp Jupiter from Triumvirate Holdings, Apollo and his companions venture into an ancient cave, facing their ultimate challenge.
5. The Nero Tower
In the thrilling conclusion, Apollo and his divine friends confront their toughest trials yet in New York City, with family ties and loyalty tested to their limits.
6. The Sun and the Star
Nico di Angelo and Will Solace star in this stand-alone book, where they journey into the underworld, offering Percy Jackson fans a fresh narrative to enjoy.
Upcoming Percy Jackson Books
Rick Riordan has recently announced that Wrath of the Triple Goddess, the seventh book in the Percy Jackson series, will be released on September 23, 2024. Written from Percy’s perspective, it promises more adventures with him and his friends.
