The author Rick Riordan has become synonymous with mythology-inspired adventure for middle-grade listeners, and now his best-known character has been introduced to a new legion of fans with the release of the Disney+ series. Whether you're a newcomer to Riordan's fantastical fiction or you're well versed, it can be challenging to keep track of the prolific writer's expansive world. That's why we've compiled this essential guide to all things Rick Riordan, celebrating his landmark series and the positive impact he's made on the kidlit landscape as a whole. 

Who is Rick Riordan?

Rick Riordan holds degrees in English and History from the University of Texas, and he got his start writing award-winning adult crime fiction. But his breakout hit was The Lightning Thief, the first installment of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Riordan began developing the story—about a young boy who discovers he is a demigod in a modern world where Greek gods still reign—while recounting similar legends to his son at bedtime. The evolution of Percy’s character was further inspired by his son's ADHD and dyslexia diagnoses, neurodivergent traits that are shared by the young demigod hero and prove to be assets in his adventures.

The success of The Lightning Thief and subsequent sequels inspired Riordan to write more spin-off series about Percy Jackson's world, as well as other retellings centered on Egyptian and Norse mythology. His works reignited an interest in mythology and folklore among countless young fans. In 2018, his publisher launched Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint that prioritizes diverse storytelling and publishes other writers' original fantasy and sci-fi stories inspired by mythology and folklore all around the world.

What are the best listens written by Rick Riordan?

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

In this six-book series, young Percy Jackson discovers that he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon. He is rushed off to Camp Half-Blood, both for his own protection and to learn more about his legacy. After finding out that his best friend, Grover Underwood, is actually a satyr, he makes another friend in Annabeth Chase, the demigod daughter of Athena. Their first quest begins when Percy is falsely accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt, a charge that sends our trio of heroes on a treacherous, cross-country road trip of epic proportions. But as the series progresses, this initial adventure pales in comparison to the dangers they'll face. Before long, Percy and his friends realize that Kronos and the Titans are trying to take over the world, and it's up to them to stop it.

All six of the audiobooks are impeccably narrated by Jesse Bernstein. The first five installments were released between 2005 and 2009 and contain a full story arc, but a sixth full-length story (The Chalice of the Gods) released in 2023 and serves as a bridge between the Heroes of Olympus series and the Trials of Apollo series. Thus far, the Percy Jackson series has inspired two feature-length films led by Logan Lerman, which released in 2010 and 2013, and more recently, a television series, starring Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson, Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase, and Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood, which premiered on Disney+ on December 19, 2023. While Riordan had limited creative control over the movie adaptions, he served as an executive producer on the television show and co-wrote the pilot.

The Heroes of Olympus 

In this sequel series, Riordan introduces a new camp for descendants of Roman gods and goddesses, Camp Jupiter. A prophecy is revealed and the seven demigods of Greek and Roman descent are tasked with keeping the peace between the two factions. Riordan introduces new characters Jason, Frank, and Hazel, and brings back Percy and his friends. Together, they prevent civil war while combatting beasts and villains from Roman mythology to stop Gaia from taking over. The audiobooks are narrated by Joshua Swanson and Nick Chamian.

The Trials of Apollo

In this series, the god Apollo has been transformed into a typical adolescent mortal by his father, Zeus, as punishment for his actions in the Heroes of Olympus series. Apollo is now Lester Papadopoulos, a teenager who finds himself on his own in New York City. He makes a new friend and together they travel to Camp Half-Blood, where Lester is certain he can regain his immortal status. Lester believes that his redemption journey should be easy, but when he learns that all of the world's oracles have stopped working, it's up to him to find and restore them if he's ever going to become a god again. Throughout this five-story journey, he's joined by many characters from the previous books as they work together to prevent evil from taking over yet again. The entire series is narrated by Robbie Daymond.

Kane Chronicles

The Kane Chronicles is a three-installment series set in the same world as Percy Jackson and the Olympians, but there is minimal crossover between characters and events. The series stars Carter and Sadie Kane, multiracial siblings descended from Egyptian pharaohs, and their adventures as Egyptian gods rise to power in the modern world. When their father disappears, the Kanes discover the magic that is in their bloodline and become hosts to the powers of Egyptian gods and goddesses. But the god of chaos has plans to take over the world and destroy everything they hold dear. Can Carter and Sadie stop him before it’s too late? The series features dual narration from Grace Capeless and James Fouhey.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Continuing in the style of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, this trilogy is about Magnus Chase, an orphan who discovers that he is the son of a Norse god called Freyr. Through some strange encounters with mighty mythological figures, Magnus learns that he plays a key part in plans to bring about a doomsday known as Ragnarok. He must work together with new friends in order to protect Asgard and stop the end of the world. This series has been celebrated for its diversity and representation, particularly with the portrayal of demigod Alex Pierro, a genderfluid child of Loki. The second book in the series, The Hammer of Thor won a Stonewall Award for such resonant character work.

Daughter of the Deep 

This standalone novel goes in a new steampunk direction but has all of Riordan's trademark adventure and high-stakes thrills. Inspired by Jules Verne's classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Daughter of the Deep stars Ana, a freshman at an elite oceanic academy whose class is undergoing a trial at sea. The stakes mount into a battle for survival when their school is destroyed by a rival, and the class must head out to sea to evade danger. In the midst of this crisis, Ana learns that the events of Jules Verne's novels actually did happen, and she is a descendant of Captain Nemo. Now, Ana is thrown into a battle for the proprietary technology of her ancestor—her very life depends on it. Award-winning narrator Soneela Nankani lends her remarkable talents to this audiobook.

The Sun and the Star

Co-written with Mark Oshiro, this spin-off standalone novel is a follow-up to The Tower of Nero. It follows fan favorites Nico and Will as they embark on a dangerous quest into Tartarus, the lowest part of the Underworld, to rescue a Titan named Bob. But the odds are stacked against their favor, as a prophecy suggests that this perilous journey could end in heartbreak. A.J. Beckles narrates.

What is “Rick Riordan Presents”?

Rick Riordan Presents is an imprint at Disney-Hyperion Publishing that was launched in 2018. The imprint specializes in original fantasy and science fiction for young listeners in the tradition of Riordan's work—adventure-packed stories about young people who discover a thrilling connection to mythologies and folklore.

While Riordan is not involved in the writing of these stories, he will occasionally offer editorial guidance and use his considerable platform to promote each release. The focus of this imprint is to champion diversity and inclusion, prioritizing "great middle grade authors from underrepresented cultures and backgrounds, to let them tell their own stories inspired by the mythology and folklore of their own heritage." Since its launch, Rick Riordan Presents has published more than 20 novels. Originally, the focus was on middle-grade adventure stories, but in 2022 the imprint published a YA novel by Daniel José Older, and is set to publish more YA stories in 2024.

Pandava by Roshani Chokshi

The first series to be published by Rick Riordan Presents follows Aru Shah and her friends who discover they are the reincarnated souls of the Pandava brothers. Soneela Nankani, the narrator of Daughter of the Deep, brilliantly performs this series based on Hindu mythology.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe and Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

Inspired by Cuban mythology, this award-winning duology follows Sal and Gabi, magicians attending Culeco Academy. After his mom dies, Sal discovers that he has the ability to travel across dimensions, kicking off on an incredible, universe-breaking adventure with his new friend, and kindred spirit, Gabi. Both books are narrated by Anthony Rey Perez.

Tristan Strong by Kwame Mbalia

At the start of this series, Tristan Strong is mourning the death of a friend when he's sent to Alabama to live with his grandparents. There, he discovers the ability to create a portal into the volatile, mysterious MidPass and a world inhabited by West African gods and African American folk heroes alike. Amir Abdullah narrates every wondrous installment.

A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

Set to release in 2024, this forthcoming retelling of the Medusa legend is set against the backdrop of Indian mythology.