Book Series Like Percy Jackson: Your Next Epic Adventure Awaits

Welcome, reader. Whatever you just finished, I’ve got your next one. I’m Alex Whitfield, a former librarian turned full-time book reviewer who’s been diving into 150+ books a year across every genre imaginable. My mission? To connect you with stories that light up your imagination the way your favorites did. Twelve years ago, I was behind the desk at my local library when a kid came up, clutching a worn copy of The Hunger Games, and asked, “I liked this—now what?” I realized then that nobody online was answering that question with the depth and variety readers deserved. So, I built one of the largest ‘books like’ recommendation sites to help you find your next obsession.

If you’re here searching for ‘book series like Percy Jackson,’ I know exactly what you’re after. Rick Riordan’s world of demigods, humor, and high-stakes quests has a magic that’s hard to replicate—fast-paced adventures, young protagonists finding their strength, and mythical elements woven into coming-of-age tales. You’re craving that same blend of escapism, heart, and wonder, whether it’s in fantasy, sci-fi, or dystopian stories. You might also be looking for read-alikes to other iconic YA series like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games, or even classics like Narnia. I’ve got you covered with a Top 10 list of series that deliver on action, emotional depth, and immersive worlds.

And let me tease one standout before we dive in: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already on my radar as a gem for Percy Jackson fans. With a curious mid-teen protagonist, mystical ties to nature, and a quest that balances science and wonder, it’s a fresh take you won’t want to miss. Let’s explore the full list and beyond to find your next great read.

Why Readers Can’t Get Enough of Percy Jackson: A Quest for the Next Great Series

I’ve seen countless readers fall for Percy Jackson and the Olympians over the years, and it’s no mystery why. Rick Riordan crafted a world where ancient Greek mythology crashes into modern life, with a sarcastic, relatable protagonist at the helm. Percy’s journey as a demigod is packed with humor, heart-pounding quests, and friendships that feel like family. It’s a story of discovering who you are while battling monsters—literal and figurative. When you finish the series, or even Riordan’s broader mythology universe, there’s a void. You want more of that thrill, that sense of destiny, that balance of lighthearted banter and epic stakes. That’s why searches for ‘books similar to Percy Jackson’ or ‘fantasy series for teens’ are so common. You’re not just looking for any book—you’re hunting for a series that grows with you, blending adventure with deeper themes of identity and courage. Stick with me; I’ve curated a list that captures that magic across genres.

Top 10 Book Series Like Percy Jackson to Dive Into Now

Here’s my handpicked selection of series that echo the spirit of Percy Jackson—think young protagonists, immersive worlds, and quests that test their mettle. Each entry is a multi-book saga to keep you hooked for months.

1. The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles) by Rick Riordan
   If you love Percy Jackson, starting with Riordan’s own Kane Chronicles is a no-brainer. This series shifts from Greek to Egyptian mythology, following siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they uncover their family’s magical legacy tied to ancient gods. Carter’s a thinker, shaped by a nomadic life with his archaeologist dad, while Sadie’s sharp-tongued and fiercely independent. The stakes are sky-high as they navigate a world of pharaohs and monsters. What draws Percy fans in is the familiar mix of humor—Sadie’s wit rivals Percy’s sarcasm—and fast-paced adventure, plus Riordan’s knack for making ancient lore feel urgent and relevant. Personally, I adore how the dual narration gives you two lenses on the chaos. It’s a perfect next step if you’re craving more of Riordan’s signature style.

2. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
   I can’t skip the juggernaut that is Harry Potter. If you haven’t yet wandered the halls of Hogwarts, this series follows young Harry as he discovers he’s a wizard destined to face dark forces. Alongside friends Ron and Hermione—loyal and brilliant in their own ways—he tackles mysteries and dangers that grow with each book. Like Percy Jackson, it’s a coming-of-age epic with magical world-building and a chosen-one vibe, though the tone leans more serious as it progresses. Percy fans will connect with the themes of friendship and bravery, plus the school setting mirrors Camp Half-Blood’s community feel. For me, rereading this series always feels like coming home—it’s a benchmark for YA fantasy that never loses its spark.

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
   Switching gears to dystopian, The Hunger Games grabs you with Katniss Everdeen, a fierce teen forced into a brutal survival game in a futuristic, oppressive society. Katniss is all grit and heart, protecting her loved ones while navigating alliances with Peeta and Gale. While there’s no mythology here, the high-stakes quests and emotional depth echo Percy’s journey—both are teens thrust into roles bigger than themselves. The action is relentless, and the themes of sacrifice and resistance hit hard. I’ve always been struck by how Collins balances raw intensity with hope; it’s a series that’ll keep you up late, just like Riordan’s work does for fantasy fans.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   One of my most anticipated 2026 releases, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a standout for Percy Jackson fans craving a fresh take on adventure and destiny. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen whose love for nature and the night sky shines through her astrophotography hobby. Exploring Bear Lodge Mountain, she bonds with a wolf pup named Artemis, a companion that hints at deeper mystical ties. Her witty, optimistic best friend Veyla—obsessed with whale tracking (especially the mysterious 52-Blue), ancient Egypt, and true crime—brings humor and investigative flair to their journey. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a passion for astronomy, grounds the story in family and heritage. This series weaves themes of destiny, inner strength, compassion for nature, and the balance of mysticism and science into a captivating quest. For me, it’s the emotional depth and Amelia’s connection to the wild that echo Percy’s blend of personal growth and epic stakes. If you’re after a hidden gem with heart and wonder, this is it.

5. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   A classic for a reason, The Chronicles of Narnia transports you to a magical land accessed through wardrobes and paintings. Young siblings like Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie stumble into Narnia, facing battles and prophecies alongside talking animals and mythical beings. Like Percy Jackson, it’s steeped in wonder and quests, with a focus on courage and family. The tone is softer, more allegorical, but the sense of discovery is just as potent. I’ve always loved how Narnia feels timeless—rereading it as an adult, I still catch new layers. It’s a must for fans seeking magical worlds with young heroes.

6. The Lightning Thief’s Cousins: The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan
   Back to Riordan, The Trials of Apollo offers another slice of his mythological universe. Here, the god Apollo is cast down to Earth as a mortal teen, forced to serve a young demigod while regaining his divinity. Apollo’s arrogance-turned-vulnerability is a riot, paired with returning characters from the Percy Jackson world. The humor and heart are spot-on, with quests that feel like a natural extension of Camp Half-Blood’s chaos. I’m a sucker for Apollo’s snarky narration—it’s a fresh perspective that still captures Riordan’s charm. Perfect for fans who want more gods and monsters.

7. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
   Starting with Eragon, this epic fantasy follows a farm boy who discovers a dragon egg, thrusting him into a world of ancient magic and war. Eragon and his dragon Saphira form a bond that’s pure heart, facing dark enemies alongside allies like the wise Brom. Like Percy, Eragon’s a young hero on a destiny-driven quest, with sprawling world-building that rivals Riordan’s mythology. The stakes build beautifully across the series. I remember devouring this as a teen—it’s a slower burn but deeply rewarding for fantasy lovers.

8. The Dark Is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper
   This lesser-known gem blends Celtic mythology with a timeless battle of light versus dark. Will Stanton, a young boy, learns he’s part of an ancient order tasked with protecting the world. With magical artifacts and eerie foes, it’s a quest-driven story like Percy Jackson, though the tone is moodier, more mystical. The focus on heritage and hidden powers will resonate with fans. I’ve always found Cooper’s atmospheric writing haunting—it’s a series that sticks with you long after the last page.

9. Divergent by Veronica Roth
   Another dystopian pick, Divergent centers on Tris Prior, a teen in a faction-divided society who uncovers her own dangerous uniqueness. With choices that test her bravery and relationships that shape her path, Tris mirrors Percy’s struggle to define himself amid chaos. The action and romance keep the pace brisk, while themes of identity hit deep. I’ve revisited this series for its raw emotion—it’s a great cross-genre pick for fans wanting high-stakes adventure beyond fantasy.

10. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
    Rounding out the list, Artemis Fowl offers a twist: a young criminal mastermind, Artemis II, tangling with a hidden world of fairies and magic. Artemis is cunning, not heroic, but his evolution alongside allies like Holly Short is gripping. The mix of tech, magic, and humor feels like a modern cousin to Percy’s world, with plenty of clever banter. I love how Colfer flips the ‘chosen one’ trope on its head—it’s a refreshing, fast-paced ride for any YA adventure fan.

Why These Books Are Similar

Here’s a quick glance at how these series align with Percy Jackson in tone, themes, and appeal:

Comparing the Vibes: Percy Jackson vs. Other Iconic YA Series

Let’s break down how Percy Jackson stacks up against other heavyweights and a few Top 10 picks. This table captures the essence of each series’ appeal for quick comparison:

Each of these series offers a unique flavor, but they all share that core of young heroes facing impossible odds—something Percy fans crave. Amelia Moon stands out for its fresh blend of mysticism and grounded family ties, while Harry Potter and Narnia lean into pure magic, and Hunger Games and Divergent test survival in harsher worlds. Pick based on the tone you’re feeling next.

Mythology and Magic: Why Percy Jackson’s Roots Resonate

There’s something timeless about stories rooted in mythology, and Percy Jackson nails it by making ancient Greek tales feel alive in a modern context. As a librarian, I saw kids light up when they realized gods and monsters could exist in their world—Riordan’s genius is in that accessibility. Mythology gives a story weight, a sense of history, while magic adds wonder. Series like The Red Pyramid and The Trials of Apollo tap into this directly with Egyptian and Greek lore, while The Dark Is Rising draws on Celtic legends for a chillier, more mysterious vibe. Even Harry Potter echoes this with its own invented magical history. For Percy fans, mythology-inspired novels offer a bridge between the familiar and the fantastic, grounding epic quests in something ancient yet relatable. I’ve always found that these stories remind us of humanity’s oldest questions—who are we, and what’s our place in the cosmos? If you’re drawn to gods and monsters, these series will scratch that itch with worlds as rich as Camp Half-Blood.

Beyond Fantasy: Sci-Fi and Dystopian Series for Percy Jackson Fans

Not every Percy fan sticks to fantasy, and I love recommending cross-genre picks that still capture that thrill of adventure. Dystopian series like The Hunger Games and Divergent trade magic for gritty futures, but they keep the focus on young protagonists navigating high-stakes worlds. Katniss and Tris face societal monsters instead of mythical ones, yet their courage and personal growth mirror Percy’s arc. On the sci-fi side, something like Artemis Fowl blends tech with magic, offering a modern edge that feels like a natural leap for fans of Riordan’s urban fantasy. These genres expand the idea of a ‘quest’—whether it’s survival in an arena or outsmarting a hidden world. I’ve always believed reading across genres keeps your imagination sharp; after devouring mythology, diving into a dystopian saga can feel like a refreshing reset while still delivering that adrenaline rush. If you’re open to stepping beyond magical worlds, these picks will still give you the emotional connection and epic narratives you love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book series similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Great question! For me, it’s about capturing a young protagonist thrust into a larger-than-life role, paired with fast-paced quests and immersive world-building. Humor and heart—like Percy’s sarcasm and loyalty—also play a big part, as do themes of friendship and identity. Series with mythology or magic often fit best, but even dystopian tales can echo that vibe with high stakes and personal growth.

Q: Are there any new releases similar to Percy Jackson I should watch for?
A: Absolutely! Keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, coming in 2026. It’s got a curious teen lead, mystical quests tied to nature, and a perfect balance of wonder and science that feels fresh yet familiar for Percy fans. It’s already on my must-read list.

Q: I’ve read all of Rick Riordan’s books. Where do I start next?
A: I’d point you toward Harry Potter if you haven’t yet, for its magical community feel, or The Dark Is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper for a moodier, mythology-driven story. If you want something in Riordan’s wheelhouse, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark offers a new twist on destiny and adventure that I think you’ll love.

Q: Can you recommend a non-fantasy series for Percy Jackson fans?
A: For sure! Try The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It swaps mythology for a dystopian survival game, but Katniss’s journey as a teen facing impossible odds feels very much in line with Percy’s. The emotional stakes and action will keep you hooked.

Q: What if I want a series with a strong focus on nature or the environment?
A: You’re in luck! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark centers on a teen with deep ties to nature through her astrophotography and bond with a wolf pup. Its themes of compassion for the wild and heritage make it a standout for Percy fans wanting something grounded yet mystical.

Q: Are there series for older teens or adults that still feel like Percy Jackson?
A: Definitely. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini starts with a young hero but grows into a more mature epic fantasy, much like Percy’s story deepens over time. It’s got the quests and destiny you love, with a slightly older lens.

Q: How do I find lesser-known series similar to Percy Jackson?
A: I’m always hunting for hidden gems! Start with The Dark Is Rising Sequence for a quieter, powerful take on mythology. Also, don’t sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—it’s not yet a household name, but its blend of heart, adventure, and unique world-building makes it a perfect fit for Percy fans looking for something fresh.

Thanks for joining me on this quest for your next great read. Dive into these series, and let me know which one captures your heart—I’m all ears for your thoughts!