Rick Riordan is a New York Times bestselling author of numerous popular young adult book series, including the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the Heroes of Olympus series, and the Trials of Apollo series. Riordan’s books have captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of readers around the world and have been translated into over 40 languages.
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is perhaps Riordan’s most well-known and beloved work. The series follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a young demigod who discovers that he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. Along with his friends Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, Percy sets out on a series of quests to save the world of Greek mythology from destruction.
The Heroes of Olympus series picks up where the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series left off and introduces new characters and new challenges for Percy and his friends. The series follows the journeys of seven demigods who must unite to defeat the earth mother Gaea, and her army of monsters.
The Trials of Apollo series The series follows the god Apollo, who is cast down to earth by his father, Zeus, as punishment for his arrogance. Now, as a mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos, Apollo must embark on a series of dangerous trials to regain his godly powers and restore order to the world of the Greek gods. Throughout the series, Apollo must navigate treacherous quests and battle fearsome monsters alongside a diverse cast of demigods and mythical creatures. From battling a gang of Roman emperors to facing off against a powerful sorceress, Apollo's journey is full of twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Riordan's signature humor and fast-paced storytelling are on full display in The Trials of Apollo, making it an exciting and entertaining read for fans of the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series. But while the series is filled with action and adventure, it also tackles important themes like friendship, redemption, and the true meaning of heroism.
One of the things that set Riordan’s books apart from other young adult literature is their combination of humor and action. Riordan has a talent for blending witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments with intense fight scenes and heart-pounding adventures. This makes his books appealing to a wide range of readers aged 9-14 and older.
Another strength of Riordan’s books is their portrayal of diverse and multicultural characters. Many of his main characters come from marginalized backgrounds, such as Percy’s struggles with ADHD. Riordan’s books celebrate diversity and promote the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can be a hero.
In addition to his books, Riordan is also known for his philanthropic work. He has established the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, which seeks to publish books by underrepresented authors and featuring underrepresented cultures and mythologies. Riordan has also established the Rick Riordan Read-Along, a program designed to encourage young readers to read and learn about diverse cultures and mythologies.