NEW YORK – This fall, fans of Rick Riordan’s beloved “Percy Jackson” series will have the opportunity to delve into previously untold adventures at Camp Half-Blood, the demigod training camp, during times when Percy himself was not present.
On Tuesday, Random House Children’s Books revealed an exciting collaboration between Riordan and several co-authors for a new set of four middle-grade novels. These “Camp Half-Blood” books will be set in the timeline between Riordan’s initial novels, “The Lightning Thief” and “The Sea of Monsters.”
Since its debut in 2005, the “Percy Jackson” series has captivated a global audience, selling over 150 million copies and being translated into numerous languages. The series features cherished characters like Percy, the son of Poseidon, along with his loyal friends Grover Underwood and Annabeth Chase, the daughter of Athena. Inspired by his involvement with the Emmy-winning Disney+ adaptation of his work, Riordan expressed a newfound curiosity about the goings-on at Camp Half-Blood.
“It sparked my imagination to consider what was happening at camp during the gaps in the original series when Percy, Annabeth, and Grover were away,” Riordan explained. “This new series allows me to explore that concept while introducing a fresh set of demigod heroes, co-created with talented authors who can authentically portray these characters’ diverse backgrounds. It’s been an exhilarating experience!”
The inaugural book, titled “The Wild Zone,” is co-authored with Annebelle Oh and is set to be released on September 29. The subsequent books will see collaborations with Kyle Lukoff, Jade Adia, and Pablo Cartaya, with each book slated for release six months apart.
According to Random House, “The Wild Zone” will explore themes of “ancient threats and long-buried secrets.” As campers mysteriously vanish, unlikely new heroes must confront monsters, curses, and difficult decisions, all while learning the true meaning of belonging.
