Read the Trials of Apollo series in publication order: The Hidden Oracle, The Dark Prophecy, The Burning Maze, The Tyrant’s Tomb, and The Tower of Nero. This is the only order that makes narrative sense, because each book directly continues the story from where the previous one ended, and later books contain major spoilers for earlier ones.
Background: What Is The Trials of Apollo?
The Trials of Apollo is a five-book fantasy series by Rick Riordan, published between 2016 and 2020. It is the second direct sequel series to Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians and the first sequel series to The Heroes of Olympus. The series is set in the same universe as those books and follows the god Apollo, who is cast down to Earth as a mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos by his father, Zeus, as punishment for his role in the events of The Heroes of Olympus.
The series is written in first-person from Apollo’s perspective, which gives it a distinct voice from Percy Jackson’s snarky narration. Apollo is vain, dramatic, and overly fond of his own poetry, but he gradually becomes more humble and heroic over the course of the five books. The series is aimed at middle-grade readers but is widely read by older teens and adults, and it deals with themes of redemption, responsibility, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Why Publication Order Is the Only Correct Order
Unlike some series where books are loosely connected and can be read in any order, the Trials of Apollo is a single continuous story. Each book picks up immediately or shortly after the previous one ends, and the overarching plot—Apollo’s quest to restore the five oracles of Delphi and defeat the evil Roman emperors—spans all five volumes. Reading them out of order would spoil major plot twists, character deaths, and the resolution of long-running mysteries.
For example, The Burning Maze (book three) contains a major character death that is a direct consequence of events in The Dark Prophecy (book two). Similarly, The Tyrant’s Tomb (book four) resolves a cliffhanger from the end of book three. The final book, The Tower of Nero, brings the series to a definitive conclusion and ties up threads from every previous book. There is no standalone entry in the series; each book assumes you have read the ones before it.
Where Does It Fit in the Percy Jackson Universe?
The Trials of Apollo is set after the events of The Heroes of Olympus, which itself is a sequel to Percy Jackson & the Olympians. The series references characters and events from both earlier series, and while Riordan provides enough context for new readers to follow the plot, the emotional impact of many scenes depends on prior knowledge.
For example, the character of Leo Valdez, who appears prominently in The Burning Maze, has a backstory that is fully explored in The Heroes of Olympus. Similarly, the relationship between Apollo and his children—especially his demigod sons and daughters—carries more weight if you have read about them in earlier books. The series also features cameos from Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Nico di Angelo, and other beloved characters, but these appearances are not the focus of the story.
If you are new to Riordan’s world, you have two options:
- Read the entire Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series first (a total of 10 books) for maximum emotional payoff.
- Start with The Trials of Apollo and treat it as a standalone series, accepting that some references will go over your head.
Most fans recommend the first option, but the second is not unreasonable if you are short on time.
How to Choose the Right Reading Order for You
If you are already familiar with Riordan’s earlier work, the answer is simple: read the five Trials of Apollo books in order. If you are a newcomer, you might want to consider the following factors:
- Time commitment: The full Percy Jackson universe (including the original series, Heroes of Olympus, and Trials of Apollo) is 15 books. If you only want to read the Trials of Apollo, you can do so without reading the others, but you will miss some context.
- Spoiler sensitivity: The Trials of Apollo contains major spoilers for the endings of both earlier series. If you plan to read those eventually, read them first.
- Reading level: The Trials of Apollo is written for a slightly older audience than the original Percy Jackson series, but it is still accessible to middle-grade readers.
There is no such thing as a “chronological” order that differs from publication order, because the series is linear. Some fans suggest reading the companion books, such as Camp Half-Blood Confidential or Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods, but these are supplementary and not necessary to understand the plot.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that you can read the Trials of Apollo books as standalone adventures. This is not true. Each book ends on a cliffhanger that is resolved in the next volume, and the series has a single overarching villain (the Triumvirate of Roman emperors) that is not defeated until the final book.
Another issue is that some readers are put off by Apollo’s narration, which is deliberately self-absorbed and melodramatic. This is a stylistic choice, and it does improve as the series progresses. If you find the first book slow, try to stick with it—many readers report that the series gets better with each installment.
Finally, there is a common question about whether the series is appropriate for young readers. The books contain some violent scenes and character deaths, but they are handled in a way that is typical of middle-grade fantasy. There is no graphic gore or romance beyond mild crushes.
Comparison to Other Rick Riordan Series
The Trials of Apollo differs from Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus in several ways:
- Narrator: Apollo is a former god, so he has a much broader perspective than Percy or Jason. He is also older (in terms of experience) and more self-aware, even if he is often in denial.
- Tone: The series is darker than Percy Jackson, with more permanent consequences and a greater sense of loss. Apollo’s mortality is a constant theme, and he is genuinely in danger of dying.
- Structure: Each book follows a quest, but the quests are more interconnected than in the earlier series. The goal of restoring the oracles is consistent throughout.
- Romance: There is less focus on romantic subplots than in Heroes of Olympus, though Apollo’s own love life is a recurring joke.
If you enjoyed the character-driven humor of Percy Jackson, you will likely enjoy this series, but it is not a simple retread of the same formula.
Cost and Availability
The Trials of Apollo books are widely available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats. Prices vary depending on the retailer and format, but typical prices are:
- Hardcover: $15–$20
- Paperback: $8–$12
- E-book: $8–$10
- Audiobook: $15–$25 (or included with a subscription service like Audible)
Libraries are a free option, and the series is commonly stocked in both children’s and young adult sections. Used copies are often available for a few dollars on online marketplaces.
Safety and Accuracy in the Series
While the Trials of Apollo is a work of fiction, it does reference real mythological figures and places. Riordan takes creative liberties, but he generally stays true to the core myths. For example, Apollo’s children in the series—like Will Solace and Kayla—are not from any specific myth, but the god’s association with music, healing, and prophecy is accurate. The series also includes historical figures like the Roman emperors Commodus and Caligula, who are portrayed as evil immortals. This is a fictional twist, but their historical cruelty is exaggerated for effect.
Parents should note that the series includes some intense scenes, such as a character being tortured, and the death of a major character in book three. However, these are handled with sensitivity and are not gratuitous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to read Percy Jackson before Trials of Apollo?
It is strongly recommended, but not strictly required. The Trials of Apollo contains major spoilers for the endings of both Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus, and it features many returning characters. If you want to avoid spoilers, read the earlier series first. If you do not mind spoilers, you can start with Trials of Apollo, but you will miss some emotional context.
Is there a correct order to read the Trials of Apollo books?
Yes, the only correct order is the publication order: The Hidden Oracle, The Dark Prophecy, The Burning Maze, The Tyrant’s Tomb, and The Tower of Nero. The story is a continuous narrative, and each book ends on a cliffhanger that is resolved in the next.
Are the Trials of Apollo books suitable for adults?
Yes, many adults enjoy the series. It is written for a middle-grade audience, but it contains themes of loss, redemption, and personal growth that resonate with older readers. The humor is also more sophisticated than in the Percy Jackson series, thanks to Apollo’s witty narration.
What is the reading order for all Rick Riordan series?
The chronological order of the main series is: Percy Jackson & the Olympians (5 books), The Heroes of Olympus (5 books), The Trials of Apollo (5 books), and then The Sun and the Star (a spin-off featuring Nico and Will). There are also companion books like Demigods and Magicians, which are not essential.
Is there a movie or TV adaptation of Trials of Apollo?
As of now, there is no adaptation of the Trials of Apollo. A Disney+ series based on Percy Jackson is in production, but it has not yet covered the Trials of Apollo. If the Percy Jackson series is successful, it is possible that Trials of Apollo will be adapted later, but nothing has been announced.
Why is Apollo called Lester in the series?
When Zeus punishes Apollo, he transforms him into a mortal teenager and gives him the name Lester Papadopoulos. The name is a joke—Apollo finds it undignified—but it also serves to strip him of his godly identity. He uses the name throughout the series, and it becomes a symbol of his humility.
Related
- Moon Fragments in Mythology: What They Mean
- Moon Cult Mythology: Origins, Beliefs, and Deities
- Moon Deer Mythology: Origins and Meaning
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.