Best Contemporary Fantasy Books April 2025

The Trials of Apollo: The Dark Prophecy

Lester Papadopoulos, once the mighty Apollo, continues his mortal journey in this thrilling sequel. Stripped of his godly powers and trapped in the body of a gawky teenager, Apollo faces new perils as he seeks to restore five ancient oracles. With his demigod friends by his side, he battles fearsome enemies and unravels cryptic prophecies. Riordan’s signature wit and heart-pounding action shine through, blending Greek mythology with modern-day challenges. A must-read for fans of Percy Jackson and mythology buffs alike.

The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle

After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disoriented, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus’s favor. But Apollo has many enemies – gods, monsters, and mortals who would love to see the former Olympian permanently destroyed. Apollo needs help, and he can think of only one place to go… an enclave of modern demigods known as Camp Half-Blood.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Ship of the Dead

Magnus Chase’s final quest is here, and it’s a doozy. Our favorite einherji must stop Loki from sailing Naglfar, the Ship of the Dead, and starting Ragnarok. No pressure, right? With his usual wit and a ragtag crew of demigods, einherjar, and… is that a talking sword? Magnus faces his toughest challenge yet. Riordan’s blend of Norse mythology and modern humor shines, making this a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable series. Prepare for laughs, tears, and maybe a flyting contest or two.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Hammer of Thor

Thor’s hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon–the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds. But this time the hammer isn’t just lost, it has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can’t retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants. Ragnarok will begin. The Nine Worlds will burn. Unfortunately, the only person who can broker a deal for the hammer’s return is the gods’ worst enemy, Loki–and the price he wants is very high.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer

Magnus Chase thought he was just another troubled teen, until the day he died and woke up as one of Odin’s chosen warriors. Now he’s racing against time to prevent Ragnarok, armed with a magical sword and a sarcastic sense of humor. Riordan’s signature blend of mythology and modern-day wit shines as Magnus navigates the bizarre world of Norse gods, making unlikely friends and facing deadly foes. It’s a wild ride that’ll leave you laughing, gasping, and eager for more.

The Heroes of Olympus: The Blood of Olympus

Though the journey has been perilous, Percy, Annabeth, and their demigod friends have finally reached the ancient lands. But the real battle is just beginning. As Gaea, the earth mother, stirs from her slumber, the seven heroes must unite Greek and Roman demigods to prevent her awakening. With old enemies lurking and new prophecies unfolding, every decision could mean life or death. Rick Riordan’s epic conclusion to The Heroes of Olympus series will leave readers breathless, as friendships are tested, sacrifices are made, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

The Heroes of Olympus: The House of Hades

Plunging into the depths of Tartarus, Percy and Annabeth face their greatest challenge yet. Meanwhile, their friends race against time to close the Doors of Death. Riordan’s masterful storytelling weaves Greek and Roman mythology into a heart-pounding adventure, filled with humor and unexpected twists. As the heroes confront their deepest fears, readers will find themselves captivated by the bonds of friendship and the power of sacrifice. A thrilling continuation of the series that will leave you breathless and eager for more.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Last Olympian

Percy Jackson’s epic journey reaches its thrilling climax in “The Last Olympian.” As Kronos’s army descends upon New York City, Percy and his demigod friends face their ultimate test. With Olympus hanging in the balance, Percy must confront his destiny and make heart-wrenching choices. Riordan’s masterful blend of Greek mythology and modern-day adventure kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters’ growth throughout the series truly shines here, making for an emotionally satisfying conclusion that left me both exhilarated and a little misty-eyed.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Titan’s Curse

Percy’s winter break takes a dangerous turn when his friend Annabeth goes missing. With time running out, he embarks on a perilous quest alongside his loyal companions and the mysterious Hunters of Artemis. As they face mythical monsters and treacherous gods, Percy uncovers a sinister plot that threatens Olympus itself. Riordan’s witty narrative and clever twists on Greek mythology make this a thrilling adventure that kept me up way past my bedtime. It’s amazing how he brings these ancient stories to life in a modern setting.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters

Percy’s second summer at Camp Half-Blood is anything but peaceful. The protective tree that guards the camp is dying, and monsters are slipping through its weakened defenses. To save the camp, Percy and his friends embark on a perilous quest to find the Golden Fleece in the treacherous Sea of Monsters. Along the way, they face mythical creatures, unexpected allies, and a prophecy that could change everything. Riordan’s witty narrative and clever twists on Greek mythology make this a thrilling adventure that’ll keep you turning pages late into the night.