Do they need to read Percy Jackson before starting these?

Ideally, yes. Trials of Apollo especially relies on characters and events from the previous series. Magnus Chase is more independent, but there are still fun crossovers that land better if they know the backstory.

Is Magnus Chase too violent for a 9-year-old?

It's 'fantasy violent.' Characters fight with swords and axes, and the main character dies in the opening to get to Valhalla. However, it's not gory. If they've handled Marvel movies, they'll be fine here.

What's the deal with the LGBTQ+ characters in these books?

Riordan includes diverse characters organically. Nico di Angelo (Greek) and Alex Fierro (Norse) are major characters with romantic interests and identity arcs. It's handled with respect and is widely praised for its positive representation.

Is this set worth the price compared to buying them individually?

Usually, yes. These 8-book sets are designed for binge-reading and typically save you about 20-30% off the individual paperback prices. Plus, they look great on a shelf.

Trials of Apollo & Magnus Chase Series 8 Books Collection Set By Rick Riordan – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Trials of Apollo & Magnus Chase Series 8 Books Collection Set By Rick Riordan

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book

93%

WISE Score

The ultimate 'what do I read after Percy Jackson?' starter pack that turns ancient gods into relatable, snarky teenagers.

Trials of Apollo & Magnus Chase Series 8 Books Collection Set By Rick Riordan

book

93%

WISE Score

The ultimate 'what do I read after Percy Jackson?' starter pack that turns ancient gods into relatable, snarky teenagers.

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Screenwise Verdict

If you want your kid to put down the phone and actually get lost in a book, this is the 'cheat code.' Rick Riordan is the gold standard for a reason. He doesn't talk down to kids, his jokes are actually funny, and he builds worlds that feel lived-in and urgent.

This specific 8-book set is a massive value play. It bridges the gap between the 'classic' Percy Jackson era and Riordan's more modern, inclusive storytelling. It's high-quality, high-stakes, and high-reward reading that stays relevant long after the first read.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 10-14 crowd. If they've finished Percy Jackson, they're ready. Advanced 9-year-olds will handle the vocabulary fine, but the emotional themes in Magnus Chase lean slightly older.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Rick Riordan is the king of the 'flawed hero' arc. While Apollo starts as a narcissistic jerk, his journey toward empathy and humanity is a masterclass in character growth. The books consistently model loyalty, sacrifice, and the idea that your mistakes don't have to define you.

Imaginative

The way Riordan weaves ancient Norse and Greek myths into modern-day settings—like a talking sword that loves pop music or a god of the sun becoming a flabby teenager named Lester—is top-tier world-building that encourages kids to look at history and architecture differently.

Safe

It's middle-grade fantasy, so expect 'mythological' violence—monsters getting dusted, some character deaths, and high stakes. There is some mild language and heavy themes like abandonment and identity, but nothing out of bounds for a 10-year-old.

Enriching

Your kid will accidentally become an expert in mythology. Beyond the lore, these series handle diverse identities (LGBTQ+ characters and various ethnic backgrounds) with a matter-of-fact grace that builds genuine empathy and social awareness.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Masterful world-building that makes ancient myths feel like they're happening in your own backyard.
Genuine humor that actually lands with kids (and adults), avoiding the 'cringe' factor of many middle-grade series.
Diverse representation including one of the best-written genderfluid characters in youth literature (Alex Fierro in Magnus Chase).
Educational stealth-mode where readers absorb complex mythological genealogies without realizing they're learning.

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What to Watch For

Magnus Chase deals with themes of homelessness and death (the main character dies in the first chapter to enter Valhalla), which might be heavy for more sensitive readers.
Apollo’s internal monologue in the first book can be intentionally annoying—he's a fallen god who thinks he's better than everyone. Some kids might find his arrogance grating until the character growth kicks in.
The violence is frequent; while usually bloodless (monsters turn to dust), characters do experience grief and permanent loss.

Conversation Starters

"If you were a fallen god like Apollo, what human thing would you miss the most?"
"Magnus Chase has to choose his own path despite what the 'prophecies' say. Do you think we control our own destiny?"
"Which mythology do you think has cooler monsters: Greek or Norse?"
"Apollo learns that being human is actually harder than being a god. Why do you think he feels that way?"

Deep Dive

The Post-Percy Landscape

For many parents, Percy Jackson was the gateway drug to reading. The 'Riordanverse' expanded significantly with these two series, and they aren't just more of the same. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard brings a gritty, urban-fantasy vibe to Norse mythology, while The Trials of Apollo serves as a direct sequel to the main Greek/Roman storyline, but from the perspective of a god who has been stripped of his powers.

Why These Series Matter Now

Riordan has evolved as a writer. While the early books were great, these later series tackle identity and social dynamics with much more nuance. In Magnus Chase, the inclusion of Alex Fierro—a genderfluid child of Loki—is handled with such normalcy that it provides a fantastic blueprint for kids navigating a diverse world. It’s not a 'lesson' book; it’s just a great story where everyone gets to see themselves represented.

Reading Order and Strategy

Technically, Trials of Apollo happens after the Heroes of Olympus series. If your kid hasn't read those, they might be a little confused by some cameos, but Riordan is good at catching readers up. Magnus Chase is mostly standalone, though it exists in the same universe (Magnus is Annabeth Chase's cousin). If you're looking for a way to keep a middle-schooler engaged during a long summer or a school break, this set is basically 3,000 pages of insurance against boredom.

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