ThePercy Jacksonseries has done quite well over the years, yet it’s undeniable that the books aren’t as big as their predecessor,Harry Potter,and there’s a reason why.Rick Riordan’s book series,Percy Jackson,is a five-book fantasy series that follows the eponymous Percy,a 12-year-old kid who discovers his estranged father is the Greek god, Poseidon. As a result, Percy goes to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods. While there, he makes new friends and sets off on important quests to keep the world safe.
As far as middle-grade book series go,Percy Jacksonis incredibly popular. After publishing the main five books in the series, Rick Riordan wrote a spinoff series including Percy calledThe Heroes of Olympus.In 2010, the firstPercy Jacksonbook was adapted into a movie. Three years later, the second book hit the big screen as well. More recently, Disney+ led a TV adaptation,Percy Jackson and the Olympians,that is still going strong. However, despite all this success,Percy Jacksonis still not the most well-known middle-grade fantasy series of all time.
Percy Jackson Is Harder For Adults To Get Into Than Harry Potter
How Percy Jackson Is Different From Harry Potter
The main reason whyPercy Jacksonhasn’t risen toHarry Potter’slevel of fame is because of the audience. BothPercy JacksonandHarry Potterare middle-grade series, which means they cater to children and young adults. Yet,Harry Potterappeals to adults in a way thatPercy Jacksondoes not. Because of the writing style and Percy himself,Percy Jacksonfeels much more geared towards a younger audience. Meanwhile,Harry Potter’s storytelling range is broad, making it easier for adults to delve into. Where Percy’s age is front and center, Harry’s doesn’t really play a huge part in his adventures.
9 Percy Jackson Book Characters Missing From Season 1 (Who Need To Appear In Season 2)
Although many vital book characters are included in Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 1, some missing ones should appear in season 2.
Although both characters are around the same age and are thrown into an entirely new world of magic and myth, the way they handle themselves is quite a bit different. Percy is somewhat brash and outspoken, whereas Harry is much quieter. WherePercy’s inner monologue is full of snappy quips and humor, Harry is more of an observer, at least in the early books. Much of this has to do withPercy Jacksonbeing written in first person, andHarry Potterbeing in third.
Percy Jackson’s Middle-Grade Writing Style Explains Why It Isn’t As Big As Harry Potter
Percy Jackson Feels Younger Than Harry Potter
Ultimately, the difference betweenPercy Jackson’swriting style andHarry Potter’sexplains why the latter is so much bigger. When readers open upPercy Jackson,they are directly inside Percy’s head. Along with the plot, they get all of Percy’s 12-year-old quirks, such as his sense of humor. On the other hand,readers ofHarry Potterare held at a distancebecause of the third-person writing. Harry is 11 years old, but he doesn’t feel like it, because the writing lacks any sense of Harry’s age. Readers aren’t part of Harry’s inner turmoil but are watching him from the outside.
Much ofPercy Jackson’scharm is Percy’s voice, yet that is exactly what pushes adult readers away.
Essentially,Harry Potter’sneutrality is what makes it so big. Although the story follows an 11-year-old boy, readers are not hyper-aware of his age. The book lacks a distinct voice that makes it easier for older readers to get into. Much ofPercy Jackson’scharm is Percy’s voice, yet that is exactly what pushes adult readers away. Percy is funny and sarcastic, but his narration feels like that of a 12-year-old. It is a hard fact to forget. Thus,Percy Jacksonfeels much more appropriate for young readers, whereasHarry Pottercan appeal to anyone, regardless of age.
Disney’s Percy Jackson TV Show & Rick Riordan’s New Books Could Draw New Audiences
Percy Jackson’s Future Explained
Regardless of how popularPercy Jacksonis compared toHarry Potter,Rick Riordan’s book series isn’t fading from the public eye any time soon. Disney+‘sPercy Jackson and The Olympiansseason 2is currently in development. On top of that,Rick Riordan is in the process of writing new booksin thePercy Jacksonseries.The Chalice of the GodsandWrath of the Triple Goddessare both newinstallments, which follow the protagonist as he prepares to go to college. Perhaps this aged-up version of Percy will be more appealing to older audiences.
Every Book In Percy Jackson and the Olympians
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2023
Wrath of the Triple Goddess
2024
Even ifPercy Jacksonnever reaches the heights ofHarry Potter,it is still a staple of the middle-grade genre. LikeHarry Potter,it was essential to many readers’ childhoods and remains a delight even for older fans. These new adaptations andsequels toPercy Jacksonare great because they keep the spirit of Percy alive.Harry Potteraside,Percy Jacksonhas also reached impressive levels of fame that should not be overlooked.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Cast
Percy Jackson and the Olympians follows the journey of Percy Jackson as he embarks on a perilous quest to return Zeus’s master bolt. Joined by friends Annabeth and Grover, Percy confronts mythical challenges, seeking to avert a divine war and discover his place in the world.
