The Red Pyramid
The Red Pyramid - 2010
If you or your kid are more drawn to Egyptian mythology. Same Riordan formula with dual narrators and a sibling dynamic.
Beginner guide
The best Rick Riordan book to start with
A big catalog is intimidating. Here's exactly where to begin - and what to skip first. - Updated June 2026
Why start here
Percy Jackson is the foundation for Riordan's entire mythology universe. Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse series all branch from this starting point.
Percy's voice is one of the best in middle-grade fiction. He is funny, self-aware, and the kind of narrator who makes you want to keep reading.
Riordan originally created Percy for his son, who has ADHD and dyslexia. That personal connection shows in how the story handles neurodivergence with respect and humor.
The Greek mythology is accurate enough to hold up academically, but woven into modern life so naturally that you absorb it without effort.
Other good entry points
Depending on what you're in the mood for.
The Sword of Summer
The Sword of Summer - 2015
If Norse mythology and a slightly older, more laid-back protagonist appeal more. Magnus Chase is Percy's Norse cousin, literally.
The Lost Hero
The Lost Hero - 2010
If the reader already knows Greek mythology and wants to jump to the Roman-Greek crossover. Works better after Percy Jackson, but can technically stand alone.
What not to start with (yet)
Great books - just not first.
The House of Hades - 2013
Book 4 of Heroes of Olympus. Requires eight books of context across two series.
The Sun and the Star - 2023
A companion novel about Nico di Angelo that assumes full knowledge of both Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus.
Daughter of the Deep - 2021
A standalone inspired by Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. It is not mythology-based and feels very different from his core work.
Ready to start with The Lightning Thief?
Kindle, paperback, or listen free on Audible.
Frequently asked questions
Percy Jackson (5 books), then Heroes of Olympus (5 books). After that, Kane Chronicles, Magnus Chase, and Trials of Apollo can go in any order. The crossover short stories are optional.
They are written for ages 8 to 14, but plenty of adults read them. The humor lands for all ages, the mythology is genuinely well-researched, and the plotting is tighter than many adult series.
No. Rick Riordan Presents is an imprint where Riordan mentors other authors writing mythology-based stories from their own cultures. The books are not by Riordan, but he selected and endorsed them.
Contains affiliate linksUpdated June 2026