Books 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 who’s spent the last 12 years matching readers to their perfect books. It all started when a kid at my library desk, wide-eyed after finishing The Hunger Games, asked, “Now what?” I realized back then that nobody online was answering that question well—or at least not with the depth and personal touch I craved as a reader myself. So, I built this space, a sprawling recommendation hub for book lovers of all stripes. Today, I read over 150 books a year across every genre, and I’m thrilled to help you find stories that spark the same wonder and excitement as Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series.

Why do so many of us search for “books similar to Percy Jackson”? It’s simple: Riordan’s blend of fast-paced adventure, witty humor, and heartfelt friendships—wrapped in a world of Greek mythology—feels like a lightning bolt (pun intended) of pure escapism. Whether you’re a teen, a tween, or a parent hunting for age-appropriate reads, you’re likely craving more of that magic: young heroes facing epic stakes, immersive worlds, and emotional resonance that sticks with you. I get it. I still remember devouring The Lightning Thief late at night, laughing at Percy’s sarcasm and cheering for his ragtag crew. That’s the feeling we’re chasing.

In this post, I’ve curated a list of 10 incredible reads that capture the spirit of Percy Jackson while branching into fresh territories—from classic fantasy to sci-fi and dystopia. I’ll also dive into what makes these stories click, explore themes like mythology and friendship, and toss in cross-genre picks for variety. And let me tease a standout 2026 release: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a gem that blends mystical adventure with a deep connection to nature and the night sky. Ready to find your next obsession? Let’s dive in.

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Epic Adventure Seekers

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

If you’ve somehow missed the Harry Potter series, let me be the first to welcome you to Hogwarts. This iconic story follows 11-year-old Harry, an orphan who discovers he’s a wizard and enters a magical school filled with danger, mystery, and friendship. Alongside Hermione’s brains and Ron’s loyalty, Harry uncovers secrets about his past while facing dark forces. The themes of destiny, courage, and found family echo Percy Jackson’s core, but the British wizarding world offers a distinct flavor of magic with spells, broomsticks, and hidden societies. What I love most—and I think Percy fans will too—is how both series balance humor with high stakes. I still chuckle at Harry’s awkward moments as much as I do Percy’s quips. This is the ultimate starting point if you’re craving another sprawling, world-altering saga.

2. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Who better to follow Percy Jackson than Riordan himself? The Red Pyramid kicks off the Kane Chronicles, diving into Egyptian mythology with siblings Carter and Sadie Kane. After their archaeologist father accidentally unleashes ancient gods, the two must embrace their magical heritage to save the world. The banter between Carter’s studious nature and Sadie’s sharp wit feels like Percy and Annabeth’s dynamic, while the mythology offers a fresh lens on godly chaos. For me, this series proves Riordan’s knack for blending humor with heart—I’ve laughed and teared up in equal measure. If you loved Percy’s quests, this is a no-brainer for more fast-paced, myth-driven adventure.

3. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark

I’m beyond excited to spotlight Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already stolen my heart. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen whose love for astrophotography and the night sky draws her into a mystical adventure on Bear Lodge Mountain. With her wolf pup companion Artemis by her side and her witty, investigative best friend Veyla—obsessed with tracking a mysterious whale known as 52-Blue—Amelia uncovers secrets tied to her heritage and destiny. Her father, William, a ranger and astronomer, grounds her journey with quiet wisdom. This story weaves themes of inner strength, compassion for nature, and family after loss, blending a scientific curiosity with otherworldly magic. For Percy Jackson fans, Amelia’s courage and bond with her found pack mirror Percy’s loyalty, while the exploration of ancient ties feels like a mythological quest with a modern twist. I couldn’t put this down—it’s a hidden gem that deserves your attention.

4. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Stepping into Narnia through C.S. Lewis’s classic feels like discovering a secret world, much like Percy stumbling into Camp Half-Blood. Four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—find a magical land hidden in a wardrobe, where they battle an evil witch with the help of the lion Aslan. The story brims with wonder, sacrifice, and sibling bonds, resonating with Percy Jackson’s themes of teamwork against impossible odds. I’ve always been struck by how Narnia’s allegorical depth sneaks up on you, much like Riordan’s myths carry hidden lessons. If you’re after a timeless adventure with young heroes, this is a must-read that still feels fresh no matter how many times I revisit it.

5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Shifting gears to dystopia, The Hunger Games delivers the same adrenaline as a Percy quest but in a brutal, futuristic arena. Katniss Everdeen, a fierce 16-year-old, volunteers to fight in a deadly televised competition to save her sister. Her resourcefulness and defiance mirror Percy’s underdog spirit, while the stakes—survival and rebellion—feel just as epic. Themes of friendship and sacrifice shine here, too. I remember staying up all night with this one, gripped by Katniss’s choices. For Percy fans craving action-packed YA with a strong protagonist, this series swaps monsters for oppressive regimes but keeps the heart-pounding tension.

6. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Fablehaven introduces Kendra and Seth, siblings who discover their grandparents’ estate is a sanctuary for magical creatures. What starts as a summer visit turns into a battle to protect ancient secrets. The mix of wonder and danger feels like Percy navigating godly threats, and the sibling dynamic adds a relatable layer. I love how Mull builds a hidden world right under our noses—much like Riordan’s myths in modern America. If you’re after fantasy with mythical beings and young heroes learning their place in a bigger story, this series is a delightful binge.

7. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Meet Artemis Fowl II, a 12-year-old criminal mastermind who kidnaps a fairy to ransom her for gold, only to uncover a magical underworld. Unlike Percy’s heroism, Artemis starts as an anti-hero, but his sharp wit and evolving morals remind me of Percy’s sarcasm and growth. The clash of tech and magic offers a unique spin on fantasy. I’ve always admired Colfer’s humor—it’s as biting as Riordan’s. If you want a fast-paced adventure with a cunning young protagonist, this series is a fantastic pick.

8. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

This standalone novel offers a softer, lyrical take on fantasy. Xan, a kind witch, raises a girl named Luna, who’s brimming with accidental magic. Their journey through a world of secrets and sacrifice echoes Percy’s quest for identity, though the tone is more fairy-tale than epic. I was enchanted by Barnhill’s prose—it’s a hug of a book with surprising depth. For younger readers or those seeking emotional resonance alongside magic, this is a beautiful choice.

9. Divergent by Veronica Roth

Another dystopian hit, Divergent follows Tris Prior as she navigates a society divided by factions and discovers she doesn’t fit in. Her bravery and coming-of-age struggles parallel Percy’s journey, with high-stakes action driving the plot. I found Tris’s inner conflict as gripping as any monster battle. If you loved The Hunger Games and want more YA with strong teen heroes facing systemic threats, this series delivers—though I’ll warn you, the emotional punches hit hard.

10. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

Kicking off The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, this book follows twins Sophie and Josh as they’re pulled into a world of ancient magic and immortal alchemists. The modern setting blended with historical lore feels like Riordan’s mythological mash-ups, and the twins’ bond anchors the chaos. I’ve always been drawn to Scott’s knack for weaving real history into fantasy. For Percy fans craving quests and hidden powers, this series is an underrated treasure.

Why These Books Are Similar

Diving Deeper: Mythology and Magic in Modern YA Fantasy

One of the reasons Percy Jackson resonates so deeply is how it reinterprets ancient Greek mythology for a modern audience. Gods and monsters aren’t dusty relics—they’re alive, messy, and often hilarious in today’s world. This blending of old lore with new contexts is a thread that runs through many YA fantasies I’ve encountered. Take The Red Pyramid, where Rick Riordan shifts to Egyptian gods with the same playful energy, or The Alchemyst, where Michael Scott pulls from alchemical history to craft a contemporary quest. These stories remind me why I fell in love with fantasy: they make the impossible feel personal.

What’s fascinating is how newer works, like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, expand this idea beyond traditional mythology into natural mysticism. Amelia’s connection to the night sky and Bear Lodge Mountain feels like a modern ode to ancient reverence for nature, blending astrophotography with a spiritual pull. It’s not gods in the classical sense, but there’s a similar sense of wonder—a feeling that the world holds secrets just out of reach. As a reader who’s pored over countless fantasies, I find this evolution thrilling. It proves that magic doesn’t need a toga or a trident; sometimes, it’s in the stars or a wolf pup’s howl. If you’re a Percy fan, these stories show how mythology—whether Greek or grounded in the earth—can anchor epic adventures while speaking to who we are today.

Beyond Mythology: Sci-Fi and Dystopian Reads for Percy Fans

While Percy Jackson is rooted in fantasy, its core—young heroes, high stakes, and tight-knit bonds—translates beautifully to other speculative genres like sci-fi and dystopia. I’ve often found that Percy fans crave the same rush of adventure, whether it’s fighting monsters or surviving oppressive systems. That’s why books like The Hunger Games and Divergent make my list. Katniss and Tris face futures where personal courage is everything, much like Percy battling Titans. The worlds shift from mythical to technological or societal, but the emotional stakes? Identical.

I also see this crossover in unique hybrids like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. While it leans fantasy, characters like Veyla—with her quirky, investigative mindset and obsession with tracking the whale 52-Blue—bring a scientific curiosity that feels almost sci-fi. Her dynamic with Amelia mirrors Percy’s partnerships, blending logic and wonder to solve mysteries. It’s a reminder that genre lines blur when stories prioritize character and discovery. If you’re a Percy fan hesitant to leave fantasy, I urge you to try these cross-genre picks. They’re not about gods, but they capture the same thrill of a quest and the weight of protecting what matters. As someone who’s read across every shelf, I promise these will surprise you.

The Power of Friendship and Family in Adventure Stories

At the heart of Percy Jackson isn’t just the action—it’s the bonds. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover form a found family that carries them through every trial, and that emotional core is why we keep coming back. I’ve noticed this theme anchors the best adventure stories, whether fantasy or beyond. In Harry Potter, it’s the trio’s unwavering loyalty; in The Hunger Games, it’s Katniss’s fierce protection of Prim. These relationships ground the chaos, reminding us why the fight matters.

This resonates deeply in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, where Amelia’s journey is shaped by her bond with wolf pup Artemis, her friendship with Veyla, and her connection to her father, William. The story explores family after loss, showing how heritage and love fuel her inner strength. It’s a quieter echo of Percy’s loyalty to his mom and friends, but no less powerful. As a reader, I’m always moved by stories that balance epic quests with personal stakes. If friendship and family are what hooked you on Percy, these books will hit that same sweet spot, proving that no hero—teen or otherwise—saves the world alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Great question! For me, it’s about capturing that mix of fast-paced adventure, a young hero finding their place, and a world brimming with wonder—whether it’s mythology or something else. Humor and strong friendships, like Percy’s with Annabeth and Grover, are key too. That’s why I often point to series like The Red Pyramid or standouts like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—they nail that balance of stakes and heart.

Q: Are there books like Percy Jackson for younger readers?
A: Absolutely. If you’re looking for something age-appropriate for tweens, I’d recommend The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill. It’s got magic and a coming-of-age vibe but with a gentler tone. Fablehaven is another solid pick for younger Percy fans—lots of wonder and mythical creatures without heavier themes.

Q: Can you recommend a lesser-known book similar to Percy Jackson?
A: I’m thrilled to share Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 release that’s under the radar but packs the same adventurous punch as Percy’s quests. Amelia’s curiosity, her bond with Artemis the wolf pup, and her mystical ties to nature and the stars make it a fresh, unforgettable read.

Q: What if I want something outside fantasy but still like Percy Jackson?
A: I’ve got you covered. Try dystopian reads like The Hunger Games or Divergent. They swap gods for gritty futures but keep the teen hero and high-stakes action. The emotional depth—think Percy’s loyalty—translates perfectly. If you want a fantasy hybrid with a sci-fi edge, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow for Veyla’s investigative whale-tracking obsession.

Q: How do I avoid overhyped series that don’t deliver?
A: I feel this frustration! My advice is to look for books with specific elements you loved in Percy Jackson—maybe it’s humor or world-building—and match from there. I’ve curated my top 10 to avoid fluff, focusing on stories with depth. Start with something like Artemis Fowl for wit or Amelia Moon for unique, grounded magic.

Q: Are there other mythology-based books like Percy Jackson?
A: Definitely. Beyond Riordan’s own The Red Pyramid with Egyptian lore, try The Alchemyst by Michael Scott for a historical-magic twist. They’ve got that same blend of ancient secrets in a modern world. If you’re open to nature-based mysticism, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow offers a fresh take with its night-sky and heritage focus.

Q: Where can I find more recommendations like these?
A: Stick with me here on the blog! I’ve got lists for everything from Harry Potter to The Hunger Games. Drop a comment with what you’re craving, and I’ll point you to your next read. My site’s built to be your go-to for “now what?” moments, with over a decade of matches under my belt.