Why You Should Read the Series in Order
Sure, you could jump into the middle of the series, but you’d miss out on character growth, plot setups, and crucial moments of absolute chaos (in the best way). The arc is tightly woven—new characters come in, old ones evolve, and the events escalate into a final showdown that’ll hit harder if you’ve walked every step with the crew.
The events take place after the original Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and expand the mythos with characters from both Greek and Roman backgrounds. Riordan raises the stakes and adds more points of view, which makes reading the stories sequentially even more important.
The percy jackson heroes of olympus books in order
Here’s a nofuss guide to reading the series the way it was intended.
1. The Lost Hero
Meet Jason, Piper, and Leo—new demigods with their own problems and a serious case of missing Percy Jackson. This book introduces Camp Jupiter, the Roman version of Camp HalfBlood, and kicks off the sevendemigod prophecy.
2. The Son of Neptune
Percy’s back… with amnesia. He stumbles into Camp Jupiter and teams up with Hazel and Frank, two Roman campers with mysterious pasts. This is where the twin tracks of Greek and Roman divide really show up.
3. The Mark of Athena
Worlds collide: Greek and Roman demigods meet (awkwardly) and then sail off on the Argo II. Annabeth leads a quest that takes her straight into the belly of the beast—literally.
4. The House of Hades
Maybe the darkest in tone. Percy and Annabeth try to escape Tartarus (yes, that Tartarus), while the rest of the crew pushes on to close the Doors of Death. Major character growth across the board here.
5. The Blood of Olympus
The final stretch: The seven demigods face Gaea and her army of giants, trying to prevent the apocalypse. Everyone gets a payoff—and a few unresolved threads to hang future stories on.
What Makes This Series Stand Out
The Heroes of Olympus books lean heavier into Roman mythology compared to the original series. You also get multiple narrators, giving the story more range and emotional punch. Every character gets their moment, from Leo’s wit to Hazel’s quiet strength.
If the original Percy Jackson series was a sprint (fast, funny, tight), this one’s more of a marathon. More characters. Bigger stakes. Deeper themes like destiny, choosing your path, and facing old trauma.
And while Riordan keeps it middlegrade accessible, there’s still real tension, loss, and complexity. You’ll laugh, yeah—but don’t be surprised if you get gutpunched once or twice.
Beyond Just These Five Books
Reading the percy jackson heroes of olympus books in order sets you up for the larger Riordanverse: series like The Trials of Apollo, Magnus Chase, and The Kane Chronicles intersect with or reference these characters and events. Skipping around will cost you those “ahha” connections that make Riordan’s world feel bigger and more alive.
Final Word: Just Start at the Beginning
Don’t overthink it. You don’t need to memorize ancient lineage or build a map of Roman architecture. You just need the books—and the right order. Trust the process, start with The Lost Hero, and keep going.
Knowing the percy jackson heroes of olympus books in order isn’t gatekeeping. It’s the secret map through a mythological maze. Follow it, and you’ll get a rewarding payoff, rich storytelling, and maybe a few favorite new demigods.
