
The Dark Prophecy
by Rick Riordan2 of 4
In The Dark Prophecy, the second installment of Rick Riordan’s The Trials of Apollo, the once-mighty god Apollo continues his hilarious and humbling journey as the mortal teenager Lester Papadopoulos. Stripped of his divine powers and forced to deal with the indignities of acne and flabby muscles, Lester must now travel across North America to find and protect the ancient Oracles. Alongside his demigod friends, he faces terrifying monsters and a secret society of Roman Emperors who want to control the future. This action-packed sequel is perfect for children who love fast-paced adventures and witty narration.
Ideal for readers interested in Greek and Roman mythology, Riordan’s signature blend of humor and high-stakes drama makes this a great choice for fans of the Percy Jackson series. As Lester learns what it truly means to be human, he discovers that courage and friendship are more powerful than any godly gift. This book is a must-read for middle-grade fans looking for a story that combines epic quests with relatable character growth.
Highlights:
- A hilarious and unique perspective from a fallen god learning humility.
- Exciting blend of modern-day settings and ancient mythological legends.
- Strong themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery.
- Fast-paced action that keeps young readers engaged from start to finish.

The Burning Maze
by Rick Riordan3 of 4
In The Burning Maze, the third installment of Rick Riordan’s hit series, the once-mighty god Apollo continues his humbling quest as the mortal teenager Lester Papadopoulos. Stripped of his divine powers, Lester must navigate the treacherous Labyrinth alongside his demigod master, Meg McCaffrey, and the beloved satyr Grover Underwood. Their mission takes them into the scorching American Southwest to face a terrifying Roman Emperor and a forgotten Oracle who speaks only in cryptic puzzles. This high-stakes adventure blends modern settings with ancient myths, delivering the signature wit and fast-paced action that fans of the Percy Jackson universe have come to love.
This book is perfect for children who love Greek mythology and readers interested in epic quests filled with humor and heart. While the story maintains Riordan's classic comedic tone, it also explores deeper emotional territory, making it a great choice for middle-grade readers ready for higher stakes and meaningful character growth. It is an ideal pick for those who enjoy stories about unlikely heroes, the value of friendship, and the journey toward self-redemption.
Highlights:
- Features the return of fan-favorite characters like Grover Underwood and Piper McLean.
- A thrilling exploration of the Labyrinth with a unique Southwest setting.
- Balances laugh-out-loud humor with poignant moments of sacrifice and bravery.
- Perfect for fans of the Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series.

The Tyrant's Tomb
by Rick Riordan4 of 4
In The Tyrant's Tomb, the fourth installment of Rick Riordan's thrilling Trials of Apollo series, the former god Apollo (now the awkward mortal teenager Lester Papadopoulos) faces his most daunting challenge yet. As he travels to Camp Jupiter in San Francisco, Lester must help the Roman demigods defend their home against an onslaught led by the cruel emperors of the Triumvirate. This high-stakes adventure is perfect for children who love Greek and Roman mythology, blending epic battles with Riordan's signature wit and heart.
Ideal for readers interested in heroic quests and complex character growth, this book explores deep themes of sacrifice, redemption, and what it truly means to be human. Fans of the Percy Jackson universe will find this a great choice for continuing their journey through modern-day myths. The story balances intense action with emotional moments, making it a compelling read for middle grade and young adult audiences alike.
Highlights:
- Action-packed defense of Camp Jupiter featuring Roman demigods.
- Deep character development as Apollo learns the value of mortality and empathy.
- A perfect blend of hilarious humor and high-stakes mythological drama.
- Features beloved characters from the wider Riordanverse in a climactic battle.

The Tower of Nero
by Rick Riordan5 of 4
The Tower of Nero brings Rick Riordan’s epic Trials of Apollo series to a thrilling and emotional conclusion. After a long and grueling journey across the United States, the fallen god Apollo—now known as the awkward mortal teenager Lester Papadopoulos—must return to where it all began: New York City. Alongside his master and friend, the powerful young demigod Meg McCaffrey, Apollo faces his final and most dangerous challenge yet. They must infiltrate the tower of the cruel Roman Emperor Nero to stop his destructive plans and restore the ancient Oracles once and for all.
This action-packed finale is perfect for children who love Greek and Roman mythology, witty humor, and high-stakes adventure. Readers who have followed Percy Jackson and the heroes of Olympus will find this a satisfying conclusion to a massive story arc. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in themes of redemption, the meaning of humanity, and the power of found family. Riordan’s signature blend of modern snark and ancient legend makes this a page-turner that keeps middle-grade and young teen readers engaged until the very last sentence.
Highlights:
- The epic conclusion to the five-book Trials of Apollo series.
- Features beloved characters from the broader Percy Jackson universe.
- A deeply moving character arc focusing on Apollo's journey from arrogance to empathy.
- Fast-paced action sequences and clever mythological reimagining.
- Explores complex themes like overcoming trauma and the importance of friendship.
