Back to Galaxy
San Antonio, Texas, USA
Born 1964

Biography

Richard Russell "Rick" Riordan Jr. is an American author known primarily for his Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. Born in San Antonio, Texas, Riordan taught middle school in San Antonio for eight years before becoming a full-time writer. His breakthrough came with 'The Lightning Thief' in 2005, the first book in the Percy Jackson series, which reimagines Greek mythology in a modern setting. He continued to expand this mythological universe with subsequent series like 'The Heroes of Olympus' and 'The Trials of Apollo', incorporating Roman and Egyptian mythologies, and Norse myths in 'Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard'. Riordan's work is celebrated for its blend of humor, adventure, and relatable young protagonists, making ancient myths accessible and engaging for a new generation of readers. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been adapted into films and a television series.

Selected Thoughts

«"The real world is where the monsters are."»

«"Fairness... does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need."»

«"Knowing too much of your future is never a good thing."»

Writing Style

Riordan's writing style is characterized by a fast-paced narrative, often told from a first-person perspective, imbued with a distinctive humorous and sarcastic tone. He expertly weaves ancient mythology into contemporary settings, making complex pantheons relatable and exciting. His dialogue is witty and engaging, and he frequently incorporates cliffhangers to maintain reader interest. He excels at creating diverse and memorable characters who often deal with real-world issues alongside fantastical challenges.

Key Themes

Heroism and destinyFriendship and loyaltyFamily and parent-child relationshipsSelf-discovery and identityCoping with learning differences