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The Trials of Apollo Book Series: A Complete Guide to Rick Riordan’s Epic Saga
Written by:TheLitPerspective
If you’ve ever wondered what happens after Percy Jackson and the Olympians and The Heroes of Olympus, The Trials of Apollo is the thrilling next chapter in Rick Riordan’s Greek-mythology universe.
This five-book fantasy series follows the god Apollo, who is punished by Zeus and turned into a mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. To regain his godhood, Apollo must complete dangerous quests, survive deadly monsters, and—perhaps hardest of all—learn humility and compassion.
With action, humor, friendship, and lessons about courage and growth, this series has captured millions of young readers around the world.
Overview of the Series
- Author: Rick Riordan
- Genre: Fantasy / Mythology / Adventure
- Publisher: Disney Hyperion
- Books in the Series: 5
- Target Age Group: Ages 10 and up
- Setting: Modern-day United States blended with Greek and Roman mythology
The story blends humor and heroism with Riordan’s signature style—witty narrators, modern references, and heart-pounding quests that teach life lessons about friendship, identity, and responsibility.
The Five Books in Order of Publication
1. The Hidden Oracle (2016)
After angering his father Zeus, Apollo falls from Olympus as a powerless teen named Lester Papadopoulos. He must serve a demigod master and begin quests to restore the ancient oracles. Set at Camp Half-Blood, it introduces new heroes like Meg McCaffrey, a fierce daughter of Demeter.
2. The Dark Prophecy (2017)
Apollo continues his journey with Leo Valdez and Calypso to the American Midwest. They search for the second oracle, guarded by ancient threats. The story dives deeper into Apollo’s guilt over his past mistakes as a god.
3. The Burning Maze (2018)
A darker installment where Apollo faces deadly enemies in California’s Labyrinth. This book includes shocking twists and tragic moments that deeply affect fans.
4. The Tyrant’s Tomb (2019)
Set at Camp Jupiter, Apollo must unite Roman demigods to fight a growing evil. He learns true leadership and loyalty through pain and courage.
5. The Tower of Nero (2020)
The final showdown! Apollo returns to New York City to confront the cruel Emperor Nero and Python. It’s the moment of truth: Will he regain his godhood—or remain human forever?
How The Trials of Apollo Connects to Percy Jackson
The series is part of Rick Riordan’s shared “Camp Half-Blood Chronicles” universe.
It includes:
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians (5 books)
- The Heroes of Olympus (5 books)
- The Trials of Apollo (5 books)
Familiar faces like Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Nico di Angelo, and Will Solace return, giving longtime fans an emotional connection while introducing new readers to this myth-filled world.
Read also: Percy Jackson Books in Order | Percy Jackson Cabin Quiz
Main Characters
Apollo / Lester Papadopoulos
Once a proud god of music and prophecy, now a clumsy human. His journey teaches humility, empathy, and bravery.
Meg McCaffrey
A spirited daughter of Demeter who controls plants. She helps (and often bosses) Apollo around while hiding her own painful past.
Nico di Angelo & Will Solace
A beloved couple who help Apollo rediscover light through friendship and love.
The Triumvirate Holdings
A group of ancient Roman emperors reborn as immortal villains. They serve as the main antagonists, representing greed and power abuse.
Major Themes and Lessons
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Humility | Even gods need to learn empathy. |
| Friendship | True strength comes from teamwork. |
| Courage | Facing fear is what makes heroes. |
| Redemption | You can change no matter your past. |
| Identity | Who you are is more than your power. |
Rick Riordan balances humor with deep emotion, creating a story that entertains while teaching valuable moral lessons.
6. Why Readers Love the Series
Funny and Relatable Narrator
Apollo’s sarcastic internal monologue makes readers laugh even in dark moments.
Diverse and Inclusive Cast
Riordan champions diversity—featuring LGBTQ+ characters, heroes of color, and individuals with disabilities—helping readers see themselves in the story.
Blends Myth and Modern Life
From ancient gods texting to magical Uber drivers, the modern twist on Greek myths keeps the series fresh and funny.
Powerful Emotional Moments
The story deals with grief, self-doubt, and forgiveness—real-world emotions that help young readers grow emotionally.
Critical Reception and Popularity Statistics
- Over 100 million Rick Riordan books have been sold worldwide.
- The Hidden Oracle debuted at #1 on The New York Times Bestseller List.
- The series has been translated into 40+ languages.
- Goodreads ratings (as of 2025):
- The Hidden Oracle – 4.3/5 ⭐
- The Dark Prophecy – 4.4/5 ⭐
- The Burning Maze – 4.5/5 ⭐
- The Tyrant’s Tomb – 4.6/5 ⭐
- The Tower of Nero – 4.7/5 ⭐
Readers consistently praise the series for its mix of humor, action, and heartfelt storytelling.
Reading Order and Tips
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Start here to learn the basics of Camp Half-Blood.
- The Heroes of Olympus – Explores Greek and Roman heroes working together.
- The Trials of Apollo – Completes the arc and shows how Apollo learns to be human.
💡 Tip: Reading them in order helps you appreciate how Riordan connects characters and myths across all three series.
Fun Facts About The Trials of Apollo
- Apollo’s mortal form is inspired by the Greek concept of hubris (pride).
- The series contains over 60 references to real Greek myths.
- Rick Riordan wrote the final book during the COVID-19 lockdown, emphasizing themes of resilience and self-reflection.
- Each book’s title is a prophecy, mirroring Apollo’s role as the god of prophecy.
- Meg McCaffrey’s character was inspired by Riordan’s students who showed quiet strength.
Why This Series Matters for Young Readers
The Trials of Apollo is more than fantasy—it’s a lesson in growth and empathy.
Readers see a powerful being forced to face his flaws and become a better person.
That message resonates with kids and teens who are figuring out who they are and what kind of people they want to be.
It’s about real human change told through myth and magic.
Legacy and Future of the Camp Half-Blood Universe
Rick Riordan has confirmed that he will keep expanding his mythological universe.
In fact, new series like “The Sun and the Star” (2023)—focused on Nico and Will—connect directly to the events of The Trials of Apollo.
A Disney+ Percy Jackson TV series is also underway, bringing a new generation of fans into this myth-filled world.
This means Apollo’s story will remain relevant for years to come.
What Readers Can Learn from Apollo’s Journey
| Life Lesson | Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Admit your mistakes. | Growth starts when you accept your faults. |
| Rely on others. | No one wins alone – teamwork matters. |
| Be kind. | Even small acts of kindness create big change. |
| Find purpose in failure. | Each loss teaches a new strength. |
Apollo’s humility journey shows that heroism isn’t about power – it’s about heart.
Stats That Show Its Impact
- Estimated global readers: 30 million +
- Average reading time per book: 6–8 hours (80 pages/hour)
- Average Goodreads rating across all books: 4.5 ⭐
- Fan communities online: Over 500 active Reddit and Tumblr threads
- Educational use: Teachers report a 30% higher reading engagement when students use Riordan books in classrooms
(Source: Penguin Random House Children’s Publishing and Goodreads Community Stats)
Where to Start and How to Enjoy the Series
- Start with The Hidden Oracle. It sets the tone and introduces Meg.
- Read a book a month. Perfect for young readers or families reading together.
- Use audiobooks. Narrated versions add humor and emotion.
- Discuss themes. Talk about friendship, courage, and forgiveness with kids.
- Join fan forums. Engage with communities that analyze mythology and symbolism.
Final Thoughts
The Trials of Apollo book series is a masterpiece of modern mythology for a new generation.
It mixes ancient Greek legends with modern humor, offering a perfect blend of adventure and life lessons.
Whether you’re a longtime Percy Jackson fan or a new reader seeking a fun, meaningful series, Apollo’s journey from god to human and back will inspire you to be braver, kinder, and more self-aware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many books are in The Trials of Apollo series?
There are five books: The Hidden Oracle, The Dark Prophecy, The Burning Maze, The Tyrant’s Tomb, and The Tower of Nero.
2. Do I need to read Percy Jackson before this series?
It’s recommended but not required. You’ll understand references and character relationships better if you start with the Percy Jackson books.
3. Is The Trials of Apollo appropriate for kids?
Yes. It’s ideal for ages 10+ and teaches positive values like empathy, teamwork, and courage.
4. Will there be a movie or TV adaptation?
A Disney+ Percy Jackson series is in production, and future adaptations may include Apollo’s story if the show succeeds.
5. What’s next for Rick Riordan’s mythology universe?
After The Trials of Apollo, Riordan continues the universe with Nico di Angelo and Will Solace’s book (The Sun and the Star, 2023) and plans future projects in Greek and Egyptian mythology.
6. What makes Apollo a unique hero?
Unlike other heroes, Apollo starts as a flawed god who must learn how to be human. His growth feels real and relatable to readers of all ages.
7. Are there real Greek myths in the series?
Yes! Riordan weaves real myths about Oracles, Python, and the Delphic temples into the modern storyline.
8. What’s the overall message of the series?
That true power comes not from strength or status, but from kindness, humility, and courage to change.
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