Rick Riordan returns to the iconic trio that started it all with Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Senior Year Adventures. In this new trilogy, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover reunite for what might be their most unexpected and relatable challenge yet: helping Percy get into college. Told from Percy’s first-person perspective for the first time in over a decade, these books stay true to the original series’ tone, complete with hilarious chapter titles, absurd situations, and Percy’s signature sarcasm. For both longtime fans and newcomers, revisiting these beloved characters as they navigate the brink of adulthood is a delight.
Even with multiple world-saving feats under his belt, Percy Jackson still faces a daunting task—securing three letters of recommendation to attend New Rome University. His quirky Nereid school counselor, Eudora, is determined to help him tackle this challenge, which, of course, unfolds in true Camp Half-Blood style. Along for the ride are Percy’s brilliant girlfriend Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and his best friend Grover, now the newly minted Lord of the Wild. Together, the trio embarks on new quests that test their courage, wit, and friendship once again.
This series is designed with both new and returning readers in mind. Rick Riordan, affectionately known as “Uncle Rick” by his fanbase, pitched the trilogy while working on the TV adaptation of the original Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The first book, The Chalice of the Gods, is dedicated to the television cast, seamlessly connecting the new adventure to its roots. The book’s opening line—“Look, I didn’t want to be a high school senior.”—pays homage to the now-iconic start of the original series. For longtime fans, this blend of nostalgia and Riordan’s humor rekindles the magic of the early books, though the writing, still aimed at a middle-grade audience, occasionally feels at odds with its older characters. Nevertheless, the book struck a chord with readers, earning an average rating of 4.3/5 on Goodreads.
The sequel, Wrath of the Triple Goddess, amps up the stakes with a faster-paced narrative and appearances from more fan-favorite characters. Though the action-packed story could have benefitted from a slower moment or two to catch its breath, it remains a fun and exciting read. Dedicated to the crew of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV show following its successful first season, the second book leans even more heavily into references for longtime fans, earning an impressive 4.21/5 rating on Goodreads.
Overall, The Senior Year Adventures feels like reconnecting with old friends. While the stakes are more personal than apocalyptic, the series delivers heartfelt moments and plenty of laughs, resonating with fans who’ve grown up alongside Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. Whether you’re a lifelong follower of Camp Half-Blood or a newcomer to Riordan’s world, these books are a cozy, entertaining addition to the series.
