How to read Percy Jackson books in order
Everything you need to know about the young adult novels.
If you've just finished watching the very first season of the magical Percy Jackson and the Olympians, you'll no doubt be wondering how and where you can get your hands on the books.
After all, the TV series from Disney Plus is planning to adapt the entirety of the book series and what better way to catch up ahead of the crowd than by reading it all first?
The Disney Plus TV series stars Walker Scobell (alongside a truly spectacular ensemble cast that includes names like Toby Stephens) as the titular demigod.
While he starts his life as just a typical 12-year-old, Percy ends up being pulled on adventure after adventure with friends Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Grover (Aryan Simhadri), after being accused of stealing a lightning bolt from Zeus (played by the late Lance Reddick).
The book series might not look too complex at a distance, mainly because most of it was released in chronological order; there are some viewers who doubtlessly will be confused and looking for where to start. And with this sprawling universe created by Rick Riordan being so fun? We can't blame them.
If you were impressed with the Disney Plus series and want to find out where to start Percy Jackson's journey in the original books, look no further! We have all the information you need right here.
How to read the Percy Jackson books in order
Below is the complete release order of the Percy Jackson books – including the spin-offs:
- 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)
- 6. The Lost Hero (2010)
- 7. The Son of Neptune (2011)
- 8. The Mark of Athena (2012)
- 9. The House of Hades (2013)
- 10. The Blood of Olympus (2014)
- 11. The Hidden Oracle (2016)
- 12. The Dark Prophecy (2017)
- 13. The Burning Maze (2018)
- 14. The Tyrant's Tomb (2019)
- 15. The Tower of Nero (2020)
- 16. The Chalice of the Gods (2023)
- 17. Wrath of the Triple Goddess (2024)
Read on for more details about how each series breaks down.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians (the original series)
The original five Percy Jackson books were released quickly in the mid to late noughties, introducing readers to series protagonists Percy, Annabeth, and Grover, and the gods of Olympus.
Two other novels have since been added to the original series, titled The Chalice of the Gods and Wrath of the Triple Goddess. These two books have been part of the Senior Year Adventures, with Percy and co being older.
These novels should be read in release date order, which also happens to be chronological. Ah, isn't it nice to have a straightforward timeline for a change?
- 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)
- 6. The Chalice of the Gods (2023)
- 7. Wrath o the Triple Goddess (2024)
You can buy a box set of the Percy Jackson books on Amazon.
The Heroes of Olympus
If you find yourself hooked by the original five books and are eager for more, the next step would be The Heroes of Olympus, which focuses on a prophecy first mentioned in Percy Jackson and The Last Olympian (book five).
- 6. The Lost Hero (2010)
- 7. The Son of Neptune (2011)
- 8. The Mark of Athena (2012)
- 9. The House of Hades (2013)
- 10. The Blood of Olympus (2014)
Buy The Heroes of Olympus box set on Amazon
The Trials of Apollo
Published after The Heroes of Olympus, the next five books follow the story of the god Apollo, who was cast down to Earth by his father, Zeus.
- 11. The Hidden Oracle (2016)
- 12. The Dark Prophecy (2017)
- 13. The Burning Maze (2018)
- 14. The Tyrant's Tomb (2019)
- 15. The Tower of Nero (2020)
The Senior Year Adventures
Rick Riordan delighted fans with a new entry in the Percy Jackson series in 2023, titled Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods.
This title stands apart from the original five books, with a far lower-stakes story, but is still considered part of Percy Jackson and The Olympics and is seen as the sixth book in that series. Notably, The Chalice of the Gods takes place after the spin-off series The Heroes of Olympus, but before The Trials of Apollo – so you would benefit from reading those books before jumping into this one.
However, the latest book in the Percy Jackson series was released in 2024, titled Wrath of the Triple Goddess.
It takes place directly after The Chalice of the Gods and is part of Percy and co's senior years. While the stakes are considerably lower, it doesn't stop the book from being an overall enjoyable experience.
- 16. The Chalice of the Gods (2023)
- 17. Wrath of the Triple Goddess (2024)
Buy Percy Jackson and the Chalice of the Gods on Amazon
Percy Jackson and the Olympians premiered on Disney Plus on Wednesday 20th December 2023. Sign up to Disney Plus for £8.99 a month or £89.90 for a year.
Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
