How a 2023 fantasy novel became a global bestseller and a cultural touchstone

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Sun and the Star, a 2023 fantasy novel by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, follows two demigods on a perilous quest into the abyss of Tartarus. This immediate bestseller redefined the Camp Half-Blood Chronicles, blending mythological adventure with a deeply personal exploration of identity, darkness, and the power of connection.

Released on May 2, 2023, The Sun and the Star serves as the inaugural entry in The Nico di Angelo Adventures series. The narrative centers on Nico di Angelo and Will Solace, sons of the Greek gods Hades and Apollo, respectively. Following a prophecy delivered by the Oracle of Delphi, Rachel Elizabeth Dare, the pair descends into the dark depths of Tartarus to rescue a former Titan known as Bob, or Iapetus. Their journey is fraught with challenges, including confrontations with the demon Epiales and the primordial goddess of night, Nyx, who attempts to manipulate Nico by weaponizing his own inner darkness.

The collaboration between Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro was intentional, aimed at ensuring an authentic portrayal of Nico and Will, who are established as a young gay boy and a young bisexual boy. This focus on character depth extends to the thematic core of the book, where the protagonists must confront their insecurities and differences. Will, in particular, is encouraged by Persephone to embrace his own darkness rather than reject it, a lesson that proves vital when the pair faces Nyx’s army of cacodemons. By accepting their complexities, the demigods manage to free Bob and secure their escape, ultimately finding a more hopeful outlook on their future.

The novel’s commercial success was immediate and sustained. It topped multiple bestseller lists, including The New York Times and the American Booksellers Association IndieBound list, where it remained a fixture for 73 and 44 weeks, respectively. Beyond its commercial performance, the book received critical recognition, including the Common Sense Selection Seal for Families and a spot on the Kirkus Reviews Best Middle-Grade Fantasy list of 2023. Its global reach is evidenced by translations into 17 different languages, reflecting the enduring appeal of the Percy Jackson universe and the specific resonance of Nico and Will’s journey.

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