Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE TRIALS OF APOLLO

book

THE TRIALS OF APOLLO

Rick Riordan

As punishment from his father, Zeus, Apollo is stripped of his godly powers and sent to Earth as a mortal named Lester. (Ages 10 to 14)

Ages 11+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to middle-grade readers who can handle sustained fantasy violence, frightening monsters, character deaths and grief, while following a complex multi-book quest. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age11+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Religious themes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

References to modern culture are common, but the book is not an advertisement.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Important characters die or face serious loss, and grief and sacrifice are meaningful recurring elements.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of injuries from battles, but they remain standard for the middle-grade fantasy target audience.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild name-calling or mild insults, consistent with young adult/middle-grade character banter.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

Features diverse characters, including LGBTQIA+ representation, which is naturally integrated into the narrative.

Religious themes4/5
Why this rating?

Greek and Roman gods, oracles, myths and divine power are foundational to the setting and plot.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Features mild crushes and developing romantic feelings, appropriate for the middle-grade level.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Recurring monsters, perilous quests and supernatural threats may feel intense, but the middle-grade fantasy-adventure framing keeps it below sustained horror.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No focus on drugs or alcohol.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent fantasy battles, attacks, weapons, monsters and peril occur across the series; violence is adventurous but sometimes intense.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Facing monsters, tyrants, grief and personal flaws with loyalty and principled bravery is central across the series.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Inventive world-building reimagines classical mythology through modern settings, humor, quests and imaginative supernatural problems.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Characters represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds and identities, portrayed naturally as essential figures.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Exposure to Greco-Roman mythology, geography, and historical allusions.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, compassion, protection of vulnerable people and cooperation are repeatedly important to resolving conflicts.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes emphasize accountability, empathy, cooperation, resisting abuse of power and changing through responsible choices.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists often show growth from self-centeredness to altruism, serving as effective, albeit flawed, role models.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE TRIALS OF APOLLO would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE TRIALS OF APOLLO, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTHE TRIALS OF APOLLO
Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+A Forest DividedErin Hunter · 2015Ages 14+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating