The Burning Maze (the Trials of Apollo Book 3)
by Rick Riordan
Puffin 2019
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity and self-discovery
- friendship and loyalty
- courage
- redemption
- destiny and prophecy
- sacrifice
- resilience
- good vs. evil
About this book
Apollo, now a mortal teen named Lester, must brave the ever-shifting Labyrinth to free an oracle who speaks in riddles and stop a ruthless Roman emperor’s plot. Armed with only his wits, a ukulele, and help from friends both new and familiar, he faces monsters, traps, and cryptic prophecies. Fast-paced action mixes with laugh-out-loud humor and mythology in a quest that pushes Apollo to grow beyond his former godly ego. Perfect for middle-grade readers who love epic adventures, clever banter, and modern twists on Greek and Roman myths.
Setting: modern-day American Southwest and California, within the Labyrinth of Greek mythology
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Burning Maze (the Trials of Apollo Book 3) right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Burning Maze (the Trials of Apollo Book 3). The reading level is AR 5.4, 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 identity and self-discovery, friendship and loyalty, courage.
How long does it take to read The Burning Maze (the Trials of Apollo Book 3)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Burning Maze (the Trials of Apollo Book 3) takes around 11h to finish. The book has 110,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Burning Maze (the Trials of Apollo Book 3) have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Burning Maze (the Trials of Apollo Book 3) has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 The Burning Maze (the Trials of Apollo Book 3)?
The Burning Maze (the Trials of Apollo Book 3) has an AR reading level of 5.4, 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.