Read every series in the right order
The Kane Chronicles Books in Chronological Order – Complete Guide
Table of Contents
Looking for your next binge-worthy myth-fueled fantasy adventure? If you’ve devoured Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus, it’s time to step into the world of ancient Egyptian deities, possessed magicians, and shadow magic. The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan offers a whirlwind of spells, sarcophagi, and sibling snark—all told with Riordan’s signature wit.
This guide covers The Kane Chronicles books in chronological order, with detailed blurbs, audiobook tips, character arcs, and where to buy the right editions. Whether you’re just discovering Sadie and Carter Kane or revisiting their quest, we’ll help you navigate the sands of time—one scroll at a time.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Books in Series | 3 main novels |
| Total Page Count | ~1,410 pages |
| Read Time | ~28–35 hours |
| Reading Difficulty | Middle Grade to YA (Ages 9–15) |
| Genre | Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure |
| Content Warnings | Mild fantasy peril, Egyptian death lore, loss of parent |
| Media Adaptations | No official screen adaptation yet, but Disney+ adaptation announced |
| Ideal Age Range | 10–15 (but fun for myth-loving adults too!) |
About The Kane Chronicles Series
The Kane Chronicles centers on siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, whose lives are upended when their father accidentally unleashes an Egyptian god at the British Museum. Soon, the siblings discover they’re descendants of powerful pharaohs, with unique magical talents tied to the ancient gods.
Their adventure spans continents, dimensions, and the Duat (Egyptian underworld). Unlike the Percy Jackson books, which lean heavily on Greek myth, the Kane Chronicles dives deep into Egyptian mythology—scarabs, shabti, obelisks, and all.
If you’re a fan of fantasy series that balance humor, heart, and high stakes, this trilogy delivers.
The Kane Chronicles Books at a Glance
The Kane Chronicles Books in Chronological Order
1. The Red Pyramid
“We only have a few hours, so listen carefully. If you’re hearing this story, you’re already in danger.”
This thrilling first installment kicks off when Carter and Sadie reunite with their father at the British Museum—only to witness him shatter the Rosetta Stone and vanish in a storm of godly chaos. Set, the Egyptian god of evil, is loose, and it’s up to the siblings to navigate their newfound powers and a whole pantheon of gods—some helpful, some deadly. This book sets up the core mythology, introduces the House of Life, and sows the seeds for sibling trust (and rivalry).
- Page Count: 528
- Audiobook: ~14 hours | Dual narrators (Carter & Sadie)
- Themes: Family legacy, grief, discovering your power
- Sequel: The Throne of Fire
2. The Throne of Fire
“Gods are powerful, but only as powerful as the mortals who believe in them.”
Two months later, the Kanes are back—stronger, snarkier, and in even deeper trouble. They must awaken Ra, the sun god, in order to prevent Apophis (chaos incarnate) from rising. But the ancient gods are not easy to work with. This book expands the world significantly, introducing a host of new characters and magical spells, and shifting the stakes from personal survival to global chaos.
- Page Count: 451
- Audiobook: ~13 hours
- Themes: Leadership, sacrifice, ancient lore
- Sequel: The Serpent’s Shadow
3. The Serpent’s Shadow
“If this works, we’ll have saved the world. If not, we’re toast.”
The final showdown is here. Apophis is on the verge of destroying Ma’at (order), plunging the world into eternal darkness. Sadie and Carter must unify the gods, mortals, and magicians—even when their own allies seem ready to turn on each other. With an ancient spell and the help of a chaotic ghost, they take the final risk. This book is action-packed, surprisingly emotional, and a satisfying end to the trilogy.
- Page Count: 416
- Audiobook: ~12 hours
- Themes: Unity, redemption, the cost of power
Series Timeline & Character Development
Over the trilogy, Sadie and Carter undergo significant growth:
- Carter Kane: From cautious, rule-abiding son to brave leader and strategist.
- Sadie Kane: From impulsive, sarcastic rebel to powerful magician and diplomat.
- Theme Arc: Balancing family ties with magical duty, trust in oneself, and embracing dual heritage.
Novels Sorted by In-Universe Events
- The Red Pyramid
- The Throne of Fire
- The Serpent’s Shadow
Novels Sorted by Publication Date
- The Red Pyramid (2010)
- The Throne of Fire (2011)
- The Serpent’s Shadow (2012)
Companion Works & Extras
While there are no formal spin-off books within The Kane Chronicles, Sadie and Carter do appear in short crossover stories with Percy Jackson characters:
- The Son of Sobek
- The Staff of Serapis
- The Crown of Ptolemy
These three are available in the collection Demigods & Magicians.
Editions & Formats
| Format | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Hardcover | Color-coded spines, sturdy |
| Paperback | Light, travel-friendly |
| Kindle | Instant delivery, text-to-speech |
| Audible | Dual narration adds personality |
| Box Set | All 3 books, giftable |
Why Read The Kane Chronicles Books in Chronological Order?
Reading The Kane Chronicles books in chronological order preserves the:
- Character growth (Carter and Sadie build skills over time)
- World-building (you learn about the Duat and gods as the characters do)
- Plot continuity (magic systems and alliances escalate gradually)
You can read the trilogy back-to-back for one complete arc, then follow with the crossover stories to expand the RiordanVerse.
Author Spotlight: Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan is the king of kidlit mythology. A former middle school teacher, he began The Lightning Thief as a bedtime story for his son—and ended up launching a multiverse of god-filled adventures. Riordan’s works have sold over 35 million copies and been translated into 40+ languages. His signature style includes:
- Relatable teen narrators
- Smart humor
- Fast pacing
- Cultural myth deep-dives
He now runs Rick Riordan Presents, a publishing imprint supporting diverse myth-based authors.
Media Adaptations
Disney+ has confirmed a live-action adaptation of The Kane Chronicles! While still in development, Riordan has hinted at involvement in the script and casting.
There’s no official release date yet, but fans can expect the series to follow the tone and pacing of the books.
FAQs
What age group is The Kane Chronicles best for?
Ages 10+ is ideal. Middle school readers love the action and humor, but it’s complex enough for YA and adult fans too.
Do I need to read Percy Jackson first?
No! The Kane Chronicles stands alone. But there are fun crossovers for readers familiar with Percy’s world.
Are these books scary?
There are some creepy creatures and dark gods, but nothing gory or traumatic. Think PG adventure fantasy.
Is there a box set?
Yes, there are paperback and hardcover box sets available on Amazon—great value for gifting.
Is the Disney+ adaptation confirmed?
Yes, Disney+ is developing the show, with Rick Riordan attached as a creative lead.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Embark on Your Egyptian Adventure
Whether you’re new to The Kane Chronicles or rediscovering it after reading Percy Jackson, there’s something uniquely magical about Carter and Sadie’s myth-infused journey. Packed with ancient gods, fast-paced quests, and Riordan’s trademark humor, the trilogy offers a complete and satisfying arc that’s perfect for both middle grade and young adult readers.
By reading The Kane Chronicles books in chronological order, you’ll experience the story exactly as the author intended—watching the Kanes grow stronger with every page, unlocking deeper secrets of the Duat, and fighting the forces of chaos step by step.
Ready to get started? Grab The Red Pyramid, cue up the audiobook, and prepare to battle serpents, unlock spells, and maybe even save the world.
