Everything you need to know about the new Percy Jackson book 2023

Percy Jackson fans rejoice. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!

A new book in the Percy Jackson universe is coming this November, and it’s the first time since The Last Olympian that author Rick Riordan will dive back into the Percy Jackson POV in a full-length novel.

‘As you might imagine, this is the main request I get from readers: a sort of “Percy Jackson 6.”’ the author shared on his website. ‘For years, I resisted doing this because I was having too much fun writing from other points of view, expanding Percy’s world through other characters.’

But then, he was struck with an idea. When a Percy Jackson TV adaptation was first being pitched to Disney, Riordan hoped that a new book ‘might convince them to move things along.’ And while the TV show shaped up without the need for a new book, the author had already written up several outlines for potential new books.

When the TV show came out, the author decided it was the right time to revisit the idea of publishing something alongside the new TV show – something he knew his readers would love. ‘I didn’t want to publish something just to publish something. I wanted it to be a book you all might actually love, a kind of ‘thank you’ for sticking with me all these years as you waited for a better PJO adaptation.’

What we know so far

Based on a few hints from the book’s blurb and Riordan’s website, there are a few guarantees to be expected from the upcoming book:

• It will involve the same mix of real life and demigod life that PJ fans love. The book is set during Percy’s senior year of high school. Just like normal teenagers, he’s thinking about the future and beginning to apply for university. Unlike normal teenagers, however, Percy’s application to New Rome University requires recommendation letters from three gods. In typical demigod fashion, getting the letters will definitely involve a quest or two.
• The book centres around the main characters from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Percy, Annabeth and Grover will get most of the attention, but a few other favourites might pop up in the background.
• It’s still a middle-grade read. Even though Percy will be older in this book, it’s still very much written for middle-grade readers. ‘Middle grade sensibility is where I live, friends,’ says the author. ‘The tone is still the same, and the content is no more risqué than in the original series. I want the books to continue being suitable for middle grade readers, though readers of all ages are welcome!’
• Fear not, none of your favourite characters will die. . . we think. Because the book takes place before The Trials of Apollo, you can rest assured that the characters you love from that series will survive this book. Plus, on his website, Riordan stated that ‘he’s 95% sure, maybe 90%’, that ‘no deaths are currently on schedule for this book.’
• There might be more! Riordan teased the possibility of more books on his website. ‘Let’s see how it goes with Chalice of the Gods,’ he wrote. That man sure does love a cliffhanger!

Need a refresher? Brush-up on everything Percy Jackson here.