Biography
Bringing ancient mythology to life for a new generation of readers, Rick Riordan is best known for his Percy Jackson series, which brings the Greek gods into the 21st century, but has also written series exploring Egyptian and Viking myths and legends. Born in Texas, 1954, Riordan originally wanted to become a musician, enrolling in a music course at North Texas State University, before switching to study English and History. After graduation, he worked as a teacher for 8 years, married and had two children.
His first novel was published in 1997; Big Red Tequila, a fast-paced crime novel, became the first in the Tres Navarre series, a gritty series for adults starring a Texas private eye. While acclaimed by readers and critics alike and winning the Edgar Award, it was thanks to his children that Riordan found literary stardom.
Telling bedtime stories to his sons, Riordan often incorporated elements of Greek mythology. When his eldest son was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, Riordan wanted to create a story featuring a character with the same conditions, and Percy Jackson, son of the ancient Greek god Poseiden, was born. Blending ancient mythology with the everyday struggles of a pre-teen boy in the modern world, The Lightning Thief was a hit, topping the bestseller charts and being adapted into a film. Four more books in the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series were published, as well as a series of graphic novels.
A sequel to the series, The Heroes Of Olympus, is set in the same world of myths and legends and also includes elements of Roman mythology. While old characters return, a new cast of demigods must work together to protect the Earth from a new enemy. A third series, The Trials Of Apollo, sees the god return to Earth as a mortal to complete a quest set by Zeus.
As well as exploring the worlds of ancient Greek and Roman mythology, Riordan has also written The Kane Chronicles trilogy, in which two siblings battle the malevolent gods of Ancient Egypt, and the Magnus Chase & The Gods Of Asgard trilogy, which sees the titular hero pitted against the whims of the Norse gods.
Featuring relatable characters, plenty of action and adventure, and positive themes of friendship, self-acceptance and overcoming adversity, Rick Riordan’s children’s books offer a fast-paced, humorous and accessible way for younger generations to engage with the ancient world.
