Which books count as “new”?
Rick Riordan’s original Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is five books about a boy who discovers he is the son of a Greek god. Over the years Riordan expanded this world with other series, then brought Percy back to centre stage in later releases. The ones people usually mean by “new” are:
- The Chalice of the Gods (2023), a Percy-narrated adventure that is shorter and lighter in tone than the original run.
- The Sun and the Star (2023), a longer story co-written with Mark Oshiro that focuses on Nico di Angelo and Will Solace.
- Further follow-up novels released since. Publication details change, so check a publisher listing or library catalogue for the latest titles.
Because “new” keeps moving, it is worth confirming the current release list before you buy.
Are the newest books good?
Opinions are mixed, and that is useful to know before you start. Reviewers tend to agree on a few points:
- The voice is back. Percy’s wisecracking narration is the main reason fans return, and the newer books lean on it.
- The stakes are smaller. Compared with the original series, which builds toward a large war, the follow-ups feel gentler and more episodic.
- Nostalgia carries a lot. Readers who loved the originals tend to enjoy visiting old friends. Readers who found the original writing plain may find the same thing here.
Some critics have never been won over by the series, finding the prose simple and the overall arc less compelling than its reputation. Others, including readers who came to it as teenagers or adults, enjoy it precisely for its humor and pace. Both views are common.
What works and what feels different
What works: quick chapters, jokes, a clear sense of fun, and Greek myth made approachable. It is easy to pick up for a quick read.
What feels different: Percy is older, and the books are aimed at the same upper-middle-grade audience as before, so they do not become darker or more complex just because he has grown up. If you hope for a shift to adult storytelling, you may be disappointed. On the other hand, the lighter tone makes the books an easy pick for families, and our list of the best family book series to read together has similar options.
Is there LGBTQ representation?
Yes, in the wider series. Nico di Angelo is a well-known character in Riordan’s Greek-myth books who is gay, and The Sun and the Star centres on his relationship with Will Solace. The central Percy and Annabeth relationship in the newer Percy-focused books is a straightforward romantic one. If this matters to you for a family reading list, it is best to check a recent parent guide for the specific title, since representation varies by book.
What is the lowest rated Percy Jackson book?
There is no single reliable answer. Ratings change over time and differ between sites, and readers often rank entries differently depending on whether they weigh nostalgia, pacing or humor. If you want to compare, look at current ratings on a few review sites rather than relying on one number.
Is Percy Jackson appropriate for Christians?
This is a question families answer differently. The books are built on Greek mythology, in which the gods are treated as real characters in the story, and Riordan presents them as figures with human flaws. Some religious families are comfortable treating it as mythology and fiction. Others prefer to avoid stories with a polytheistic setting, or to read them together and discuss the differences. A parent who is unsure can preview the first book or read a few chapters aloud, then decide what suits their household.
Who should read the new books?
- Fans of the original series who want more time with familiar characters.
- Middle-grade and early teen readers looking for quick, humorous fantasy.
- Adults returning to the series who accept that it is written for younger readers.
It is a weaker starting point if you have not read the first series, since many references assume you know the history.
Where to start
Begin with the first book of the original series, The Lightning Thief, and move on only if you enjoy it. For teen readers who like fast-moving fantasy with secret identities and big powers, a different option is our Renegades book review.