Burning Maze
by Rick Riordan
Bound to Stay Bound Books 2018
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- loyalty
- identity
- prophecy and fate
- sacrifice
- redemption
- grief and healing
About this book
In book three of The Trials of Apollo, the fallen god Apollo—now stuck as teen Lester Papadopoulos—must journey with demigod Meg through the Labyrinth to the American Southwest. Their mission: find a missing Oracle who speaks in riddles and stop a ruthless trio of Roman emperors from striking Camp Jupiter. Packed with monsters, wordplay, and nonstop action, it blends humor with high-stakes adventure. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson who enjoy fast-paced quests and myth-filled mysteries.
Setting: modern-day American Southwest and the Labyrinth (primarily Southern California deserts)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burning Maze right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Burning Maze. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include friendship, courage, loyalty.
How long does it take to read Burning Maze?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Burning Maze takes around 12h to finish. The book has 114,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Burning Maze have an AR quiz?
Yes — Burning Maze has an AR quiz available, worth 17 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Burning Maze?
Burning Maze has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.