The Dark Prophecy
by Rick Riordan
Trials of Apollo 2017
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- redemption
- friendship
- loyalty
- courage
- fate and prophecy
- teamwork
- humor in adversity
About this book
Once the mighty sun god, Apollo is now a very mortal teenager named Lester—still stuck doing dangerous quests to earn back Zeus’s favor. In this second Trials of Apollo adventure, he teams up with loyal friends on a hilarious yet high-stakes journey to track down a lost oracle and stop a growing threat. Packed with fast-paced action, witty banter, and Greek myths in a modern world, it’s perfect for fans of Percy Jackson. Kids love Apollo’s over-the-top narration, clever humor, and the heartfelt bonds between the heroes.
Setting: modern-day American Midwest (including Indianapolis) in a world of living Greek mythology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Dark Prophecy right for my child?
Yes — The Dark Prophecy is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include identity, redemption, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Dark Prophecy?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Dark Prophecy takes around 11h to finish. The book has 110,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Dark Prophecy have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Dark Prophecy 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 Dark Prophecy?
The Dark Prophecy has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.