Rick Riordan
Making ancient mythology irresistibly fun and accessible for millions of young readers worldwide.
Biography
Rick Riordan is an American author best known for the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series that reimagines Greek mythology for modern young readers. Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1964, he spent fifteen years as a middle school English teacher before becoming a full-time writer. His books have sold over 45 million copies worldwide and spawned multiple bestselling series covering Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythologies. Riordan is widely credited with sparking a new generation's interest in classical mythology through humor, adventure, and diverse representation.
Best Starting Book
The Lightning Thief
A perfectly paced introduction to Riordan's mythological universe β funny, clever, and immediately addictive, it works equally well for young readers and adults.
Reading Order
The Lightning Thief
The book that started it all β a twelve-year-old discovers he's the son of Poseidon in this witty, fast-paced Greek mythology adventure.
The Last Olympian
The epic finale of Percy Jackson's original arc, delivering an emotionally satisfying payoff to the series' overarching prophecy.
The Lost Hero
Launches the Heroes of Olympus series, expanding the world to include Roman demigods and a new ensemble cast.
The Red Pyramid
A fresh entry point into Egyptian mythology through the Kane siblings β showcases Riordan's versatility beyond Greek myths.
The Sword of Summer
Tackles Norse mythology with Riordan's signature humor, introducing Magnus Chase in a wildly entertaining new series.