Why we’re excited
Harper Rush arrives at Camp Half-Blood as a son of Aphrodite with good looks, quick charm and a family history he would rather not discuss. His father's arrest sent him to live with his grandparents, so camp looks like a clean start, until two of its people vanish in the Wild Zone and his mother turns up with an order nobody wants.
This is Book 2 of the new Camp Half-Blood series, written by Rick Riordan with Kyle Lukoff, and newcomers should begin with The Wild Zone. Readers raised on Percy Jackson will find the jokes and Greek myth they came for, with a new lead.
On our most-anticipated list since 31 October 2026. See all the most anticipated books →
What to know about The Rite of Aphrodite
The Rite of Aphrodite is Book 2 in the Camp Half-Blood series. The series begins with The Wild Zone.
We have reviewed 7 of Rick Riordan’s books, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5. Our favourite to date is Wrath of the Triple Goddess (4.5★).
From the publisher
DISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A HERO IN THIS MAJOR NEW SERIES FULL OF DEMIGODS, MONSTERS AND MYTHOLOGY, SET IN THE BESTSELLING WORLD OF PERCY JACKSON.
Welcome to Camp Half-Blood! The legendary secret sanctuary where demigod kids – the children of Greek gods and mortals – can discover their true potential.
As a child of Aphrodite, Harper Rush should be leading a charmed life. He has perfect hair and a winning smile, and he is finally living as the boy he was always supposed to be. But there’s no escaping the memories of the day the cops took Harper’s father away and he landed in the care of his grandparents. For Harper, Camp Half-Blood is the chance at a fresh start.
But camp comes with its own problems. His first night, Harper and three other newbies were caught out after curfew. Their rule-breaking made them friends, but Harper can’t shake the feeling that each of them is hiding a secret. Then there are the camper and satyr who went missing in the forbidden forest known as the Wild Zone.
Worst of all might be the arrival of the goddess of Aphrodite. Harper’s mom seems determined to avoid answering his questions. And her latest decree is scarier than any monster hiding in the a Camp Half-Blood dance. Will this week at camp cause more chaos and heartbreak than even demigods can handle? There will be no charming his way out of this one . . .
What readers can expect at CAMP
Amazing encounters with mythical creatures
Brand new characters – and familiar faces from the Percy Jackson world
Facts about Greek gods and mythology – because it’s always helpful to know who is trying to kill you!
A true sense of belonging in the world’s greatest magical dysfunctional family.
The unexpected!
Join the adventure, demigod. Your destiny awaits!
Description supplied by the publisher.
We haven’t read The Rite of Aphrodite yet. When our review goes up, it will replace this page.
