Many readers first discover Rick Riordan through Percy Jackson and later wonder how many books he has written in total. His expanding catalog spans multiple series, standalone novels, and co-authored projects, making it easy to lose track.
This article breaks down Rick Riordan’s published works in a clear, scannable format so you can quickly see the scope of his writing and where each book fits.
| Series / Title | Primary Character | Books in Core Series | Notable Spin-offs & Standalones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percy Jackson and the Olympians | Percy Jackson | 5 | The Heroes of Olympus (5), The Trials of Apollo (5), Magnus Chase (3) |
| The Heroes of Olympus | Jason, Piper, Leo, Percy, Annabeth | 5 | Related short stories and crossover appearances |
| The Trials of Apollo | Apollo (as Lester Papadopoulos) | 5 | The Dark Prophecy, The Burning Maze, The Tyrant’s Tomb, The Tower of Nero |
| Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard | Magnus Chase | 3 | Loki series and other interconnected mythology projects |
| Independent Novels & Collaborations | Various | Rooftoppers, Artemis Fowl (co-authored), Potions Mysteries | Illustrated editions and companion guides |
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series Depth
Core Story Arc and Re-releases
The original Percy Jackson series consists of five main books that follow the journey of the titular demigod. Rick Riordan later released a special edition that includes rewrites and updates, which some readers count separately, though the narrative content remains the same five-volume story.
Impact and Related Media
The series has expanded into graphic novels, activity books, and companion guides. These additional titles increase the total number of Rick Riordan books on shelves, even when the core story remains five distinct novels.
The Heroes of Olympus Series Reach
Connecting Multiple Mythologies
This sequel series features a larger ensemble and bridges Greek, Roman, and Egyptian mythology. It contains five core novels that continue the adventure started in Percy Jackson and deepen the overarching conflict.
Cross-series Characters and Cameos
Characters from the original series appear as supporting cast members, creating a sense of continuity. The expanded universe increases the overall count of books that carry the Rick Riordan name.
The Trials of Apollo Series Overview
Lester Papadopoulos Journey
Set in the same world as Percy Jackson, this series follows a god-turned-mortal through five volumes. Each book tackles themes of redemption, identity, and the evolving pantheon.
Linked Mythology and Spin-offs
Short stories and interconnected novels keep the world alive between main series. These additional releases add to the total number of Rick Riordan books available to readers.
Magnus Chase and Supporting Mythologies
Norse Mythology Focus
Magnus Chase brings the Norse tradition to life with three main books. Riordan further explores this mythology through related projects, increasing the breadth of his catalog.
Interwoven Storylines
Elements from this series link to the broader universe, referencing events and characters from both Percy Jackson and The Heroes of Olympus. These connections create more books under the Rick Riordan imprint.
Key Takeaways for Rick Riordan Readers
- Core series total fifteen main novels across Percy Jackson, The Heroes of Olympus, and The Trials of Apollo.
- Standalone titles such as Rooftoppers add to the count.
- Co-authored works like Artemis Fowl are included in the total.
- Graphic novels, activity books, and companion guides increase the number of Rick Riordan books available.
- Understanding which books are core, spin-off, or standalone helps you track how many you have read or plan to read.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many books did Rick Riordan write in his main series?
Across his major series, Rick Riordan has written fifteen core novels: five in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, five in The Heroes of Olympus, and five in The Trials of Apollo.
Do illustrated editions and companion books count as separate Rick Riordan books?
Yes, illustrated editions, graphic novels, and companion guides are additional Rick Riordan books, expanding the total beyond the core fiction series.
Can I count the Rooftoppers series when asking how many books Rick Riordan wrote?
Yes, standalone novels like Rooftoppers are authored by Rick Riordan and add to the overall count of his published works.
Does co-authoring Artemis Fowl change the number of books credited to Rick Riordan?
Yes, the co-authored Artemis Fowl novel is included when tallying how many books Rick Riordan wrote, even though it is not part of a series he solely created.