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Companion Guides and Novellas Reading Order.

Quick Answer

Start Companion Guides and Novellas by Rick Riordan with "The Demigod Files", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

Official supplemental material, short story collections, and mythological guidebooks for the Camp Half-Blood and associated worlds.

Reader's Guide

This series spans 9 main titles released between 2009 and 2008. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.

Is this helpful?
Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "The Demigod Files"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

Community Consensus

Low Debate

"The overwhelming consensus for the core novels starts with Chronicles (1-3) and moves directly to the Legends trilogy. Dragons of Summer Flame follows Legends. The Chaos War books should be read after Dragons of Summer Flame but before Dawning of a New Age. Secondary trilogies like Preludes, Dwarven Nations, and War of Souls are ranked low priority, while Kingpriest and Kang's Regiment are highly recommended optional reads."

Key Reddit Advice

Start with Chronicles 1-3, jump immediately to the Legends trilogy, and then read Dragons of Summer Flame.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Companion Guides and Novellas conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Companion Guides and Novellas. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "The Demigod Files" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Companion Guides and Novellas" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Reading Order9 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

The Demigod Files

Pub: 2009Optional4.5

In these top-secret files, Rick Riordan, Camp Half-Blood's senior scribe, gives you an inside look at the world of demigods that NO regular human child is allowed to see.These highly classified archives include three of Percy Jackson's most perilous adventures, a Spotter's Guide to Monsters, a Who's Who in Greek mythology, Percy's Summer Camp report and much more.So, if you're armed with this book, you'll have everything you need to know to keep you alive in your training. Your own adventures have just begun . . .

2

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Demigod Files".

When the god Apollo asks for a favour, it's never going to be straightforward. Percy Jackson is celebrating a friend's birthday when Apollo turns up. The god is supposed to perform on Mount Olympus, but one of his four beautiful singers is missing. So Percy sets off to bring her back - but one of the singers is after a shot at a solo career, and is holding up New York! With the bright lights of Broadway in the background, can Percy find the rogue performer, and return her to Apollo - in time for his big number on Mount Olympus?

3

The Demigod Diaries

Pub: 20123.5

Plot details hidden until you finish "Percy Jackson And The Singer Of Apollo".

Rick Riordan has now sold an incredible 55 million copies of his books worldwide

4

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Demigod Diaries".

"A publisher in New York asked me to write down what I know about the Greek gods, and I was like, 'Can we do this anonymously?' Because I don't need the Olympians mad at me again. But if it helps you to know your Greek gods, and survive an encounter with them if they ever show up in your face, then I guess writing all this down will be my good deed for the week." So begins Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, in which the son of Poseidon adds his own magic - and sarcastic asides - to the classics. He explains how the world was created, then gives listeners his personal take on a who's who of ancients, from Apollo to Zeus. Percy does not hold back: "If you like horror shows, blood baths, lying, stealing, backstabbing, and cannibalism, then read on, because it definitely was a Golden Age for all that."

5

Plot details hidden until you finish "Percy Jackson's Greek Gods".

Who cut off Medusa's head? Who was raised by a she-bear? Who tamed Pegasus? It takes a demigod to know, and Percy Jackson can fill you in on the all the daring deeds of Perseus, Atalanta, Bellerophon, and the rest of the major Greek heroes. Told in the funny, irreverent style readers have come to expect from Percy -- Provided by publisher.

6

Plot details hidden until you finish "Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes".

Calling all young magicians of Egypt! If the blood of the pharaohs runs in your veins, you can't afford to be without this guide to Ancient Egyptian deities and creatures, and Carter and Sadie Kane's world of magic. Greetings, initiate! Carter Kane, here. Congratulations on reaching Brooklyn House in one piece. This accomplishment signals that you're descended from Ancient Egyptian royalty, and you have magic powers. But what good is power without knowing how to use it? That's where this training manual comes in. Packed with quizzes, stories, and insights about Ancient Egyptian deities, creatures (the friendly and the deadly), the mysterious Duat, and more, this primer will prime those with the blood of the pharaohs to take their first steps down the path of the gods. You'll hear from me, other magicians (including my sister, Sadie), and even a few of the gods themselves. But beware of tricks and surprises: anything can happen in the world of Egyptian magic.

7

Plot details hidden until you finish "Brooklyn House Magician's Manual".

"A can't-live-without guide for guests of the Hotel Valhalla, this volume contains facts about the Norse gods as well as other characters and creatures you might encounter if you are fortunate enough to be chosen as one of Odin's brave warriors"--

8

Camp Half-blood Confidential

Pub: 2017Optional4

Plot details hidden until you finish "Hotel Valhalla Guide To The Norse Worlds".

A companion guide to THE TRIALS OF APOLLO series, set in the world of PERCY JACKSON. Camp Half-Blood FYI is the funny insider's guide to the demigod training camp in Long Island, narrated by none other than Percy Jackson himself, and other favourite characters will be heard from, too. In response to an awful camp orientation video created by the god Apollo, Percy Jackson and other residents of Camp Half-Blood answer such questions as "What is this place?" and "Do I get to keep the T-shirt?" Newbies can check out the section on the Divine Cabins, read up on Magical Landmarks, and consult the chapter of Training Arenas. But Camp Half-Blood Confidential explores much more than just the buildings and grounds. It includes info that can only be learned from those who live there. For instance, campers do not always co-exist in peace and harmony. The camp is not run with superior efficiency. Prophecies do not flow forth with great regularity. Sprinkled throughout are stories from heroes who have called Camp Half-Blood home or just passed through on their way to places unknown. Chiron himself introduces the book with a brief history of training based on his millennia of experience. And, of course, divine words of wisdom from the god Apollo himself are included, because the demigod authors would prefer not to be struck down by him, thank you very much.

9

Demigods And Monsters

Pub: 2008Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "Camp Half-blood Confidential".

Which Greek god makes the best parent? Would you want to be one of Artemis' Hunters? Why do so many monsters go into retail? Spend a little more time in Percy Jackson's world—a place where the gods bike among us, monsters man snack bars, and each of us has the potential to become a hero. Find out: Why Dionysus might actually be the best director Camp Half-Blood could have How to recognize a monster when you see one Why even if we aren't facing manticores and minotaurs, reading myth can still help us deal with the scary things in our own lives Plus, consult our glossary of people, places, and things from Greek myth: how Medusa got her snake hair extensions, why Chiron isn't into partying and paintball like the rest of his centaur family, and the whole story on Percy's mythical namesake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Companion Guides and Novellas series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Companion Guides and Novellas?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "The Demigod Files" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Rick Riordan intended.

Can I read Companion Guides and Novellas books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Companion Guides and Novellas universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.