Rick Riordan is a prolific American author, celebrated for his series that creatively weave ancient mythologies into contemporary settings for young readers. His most famous creation, the Camp Half-Blood Chronicles, which includes the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, has achieved massive international success, with millions of copies sold and translations into numerous languages. Riordan's writing often draws inspiration from Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythologies, adapting them for a modern audience. He drew inspiration for the Percy Jackson series from bedtime stories he told his son, who has ADHD and dyslexia, leading Riordan to incorporate these traits into the protagonist.

Beyond his individual works, Riordan has also been instrumental in developing collaborative children's book series like The 39 Clues. He has received significant recognition for his contributions, including multiple awards. In recent years, Riordan has also become involved in television adaptations of his work, serving as an executive producer and co-writer for the Disney+ series based on Percy Jackson, for which he has won Emmy Awards. He also established the "Rick Riordan Presents" imprint to champion diverse authors writing mythology-based fiction.

Riordan's literary output is primarily characterized by its imaginative adaptation of world mythologies for contemporary children and young adults. He has masterfully blended elements from Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse traditions across several distinct novel series, including the Camp Half-Blood Chronicles, The Kane Chronicles, and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. While his narratives are inspired by historical mythological foundations, they also incorporate unique elements specific to his fictional universes. These adaptations often emphasize the interplay between human characters and divine beings, frequently utilizing anglicized names for mythological figures. Riordan has cited childhood exposure to myths, early introductions to Norse legends, and classic texts like The Iliad and The Odyssey as foundational influences. He also acknowledges Roger Lancelyn Green's "Tales of the Greek Heroes" as a significant inspiration for his approach to retelling myths.

Initially pursuing a career as a musician, Riordan transitioned to teaching English and Social Studies before embarking on his writing career. His early adult mystery series, Tres Navarre, garnered critical acclaim and awards such as the Shamus, Anthony, and Edgar Awards. His major breakthrough came with "The Lightning Thief" in 2005, the first book in the Percy Jackson series, which resonated widely with young readers. This success paved the way for numerous sequels and spin-off series, solidifying his reputation as a leading author in children's literature. Riordan has been a consistent recipient of the Goodreads Choice Award in the Middle Grade and Children's category. His involvement extends to media adaptations, including film and television, where he has taken on executive producer and writing roles, earning Emmy Awards for his work on the Percy Jackson Disney+ series.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Riordan's academic path included music studies before he focused on English and History at the University of Texas at Austin, later receiving teaching certification. He dedicated eight years to teaching before his writing career took precedence. His personal life includes his marriage to Rebecca "Becky" Klahn, with whom he shares two sons. The family relocated to Boston in 2013. Riordan pursued a master's degree in Gaelic literature from University College Cork, demonstrating a continued interest in literary and cultural studies. The inspiration for the Percy Jackson series stemmed from bedtime stories he shared with his son Haley, who was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, influencing the protagonist's characterization.