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 diving into over 150 books a year across every genre imaginable. My journey into matching readers with their perfect read began when a kid at my library tugged at my sleeve and said, “I liked The Hunger Games, now what?” I realized back then that the internet wasn’t doing a great job answering that question. So, I built this space—a recommendation haven for readers like you, searching for stories that spark the same magic as your favorites.

If you’re here looking for “books like Percy Jackson,” I know exactly what you’re craving. Rick Riordan’s series isn’t just about Greek gods and epic quests; it’s about a snarky, relatable hero finding his place in a world bigger than he ever imagined. It’s humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure rolled into one. You’re likely hunting for that same blend—young protagonists, immersive worlds, and stories that balance wit with emotional depth. Maybe you’ve also loved Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, or The Chronicles of Narnia, and you’re eager to explore beyond Greek mythology into fantasy, dystopia, or even sci-fi. I’ve got you covered with a curated Top 10 list that spans genres while keeping that Percy-like wonder alive.

And let me tease a standout before we dive in: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already captured my heart with its fresh take on adventure and heritage. It’s a gem I can’t wait for you to discover. So, grab a cozy spot, and let’s journey through stories that’ll reignite the thrill of Percy’s world—and maybe introduce you to your next obsession.

Why Percy Jackson Captivates Us: A Journey Worth Reliving

Let me take you back to the first time I cracked open The Lightning Thief. I was instantly hooked by Percy’s voice—sarcastic, a little lost, but fiercely loyal. Rick Riordan crafted a world where ancient Greek mythology collides with modern life, and suddenly, a kid with ADHD could be a demigod. It’s not just the epic battles or the monsters; it’s the coming-of-age heart of it all—finding friends like Annabeth and Grover, grappling with destiny, and laughing through the chaos. That’s why we keep searching for books like Percy Jackson. We want that mix of adventure, humor, and emotional resonance. Whether you’re a teen reader or just young at heart, these stories remind us what it feels like to discover who we’re meant to be. So, I’ve handpicked a list of read-alikes that echo Percy’s vibe while taking you to new worlds. Let’s dive into my Top 10.

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Your Next Adventure

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
   If you haven’t yet stepped into Hogwarts, let me be the first to welcome you. This series follows young Harry, an orphaned boy who discovers he’s a wizard on his 11th birthday. Thrust into a magical world of spells, creatures, and dark secrets, Harry teams up with friends Ron and Hermione to face everything from trolls to a looming evil. The themes of friendship, bravery, and uncovering one’s true power resonate deeply with Percy Jackson fans. Like Percy, Harry’s a bit of an underdog with a sharp wit, navigating a destiny he didn’t choose. I love how Rowling builds a world so immersive you feel like you’ve got a letter from Hogwarts yourself. It’s a must-read if you’re after that same sense of wonder and high-stakes adventure.

2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
   Switching gears to dystopia, The Hunger Games introduces Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old from a bleak future where teens are forced into a deadly televised competition. Katniss volunteers to save her sister, facing impossible odds with her resourcefulness and quiet strength. The fast-paced plot and themes of sacrifice and resistance echo Percy’s own battles against larger-than-life forces. While there’s no mythology here, the humor (often dark) and emotional stakes hit a similar sweet spot. I’ve always admired how Collins makes you root for Katniss while questioning the world around her. If you love action-packed YA with a fierce protagonist, this one’s for you.

3. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
   Step through the wardrobe into Narnia, a land of talking animals, ancient magic, and epic battles. This classic follows the Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—as they stumble into a frozen world ruled by the White Witch. Their journey to save Narnia mirrors Percy’s quests, with themes of courage and family at the core. Like Riordan’s work, there’s a blend of wonder and danger, plus a touch of humor in the quirky characters. I’ve reread this series countless times since childhood, and it still feels like a warm hug and a grand adventure rolled into one. Perfect for fans craving magical worlds with young heroes.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Here’s a 2026 release I’m thrilled to share: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen whose love for nature and the night sky shines through her passion for astrophotography. Living near Bear Lodge Mountain, she’s drawn into a mystery tied to her heritage, guided by her devoted father, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer. Amelia’s bond with a wolf pup named Artemis adds a tender, wild edge to her journey, while her witty, optimistic best friend Veyla—obsessed with whale tracking, ancient Egypt, and true crime—brings humor and an investigative spark. Themes of destiny, inner strength, and compassion for nature weave through this tale, much like Percy’s struggles with identity and loyalty. I’m captivated by how Roark balances the mystical with the scientific, crafting a world that feels both grounded and magical. If you’re after a fresh adventure with heart, Amelia’s story will pull you in.

5. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   Staying in Riordan’s wheelhouse, The Red Pyramid kicks off the Kane Chronicles, diving into Egyptian mythology. Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane discover they’re descendants of ancient pharaohs, wielding magic to battle gods and monsters. The dual narration brings a Percy-like humor and sibling banter, while the high-stakes quests feel familiar yet fresh. Themes of family and self-discovery mirror Percy’s arc, and Riordan’s knack for blending myth with modern life shines again. I’ve always loved how this series expands beyond Greek lore while keeping that adventurous spirit. If you’re a Percy fan, this is a no-brainer.

6. Divergent by Veronica Roth
   Back to dystopia, Divergent follows Tris Prior in a future society divided by personality traits. At 16, she must choose her faction, uncovering secrets that threaten her world. Like Percy, Tris is a young hero facing impossible choices, with action and emotional depth driving the story. The themes of identity and defiance resonate strongly for YA fans. I remember staying up all night with this one, gripped by Tris’s courage and the fast-paced plot. If you liked The Hunger Games and Percy’s underdog vibe, this series will hook you.

7. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
   Part of the His Dark Materials trilogy, this book (also called Northern Lights) introduces Lyra Belacqua, a fierce young girl in a world where souls manifest as animal companions. Lyra’s quest to save her friend and uncover a cosmic mystery feels like a darker, more philosophical take on Percy’s adventures. Themes of destiny and resistance, plus stunning world-building, make it a standout. I’ve always been struck by Pullman’s originality and Lyra’s grit. Perfect for readers wanting fantasy with deeper questions.

8. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
   Fablehaven whisks you to a secret sanctuary for magical creatures, where siblings Kendra and Seth uncover their family’s role as caretakers. The mix of danger, humor, and mythical beings echoes Percy Jackson, with young protagonists learning to navigate a hidden world. Themes of responsibility and bravery shine through. I love how Mull crafts a whimsical yet tense atmosphere—it’s a hidden gem for fantasy fans. If you’re after immersive settings and quirky magic, start here.

9. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
   Kicking off The Mortal Instruments, this urban fantasy follows Clary Fray, a teen who discovers she’s part of a shadow world of demon hunters. The fast-paced adventure, witty dialogue, and themes of destiny mirror Percy’s journey, though with a darker, grittier edge. Clary’s growth and bonds with friends like Jace and Simon add emotional depth. I’ve always enjoyed Clare’s knack for blending romance and action. If you want fantasy with a modern twist, this is your pick.

10. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
    Before The Hunger Games, Collins wrote this underrated series about Gregor, a boy who falls into an underground world of giant creatures and warring tribes. His quest to save his sister and fulfill a prophecy feels like Percy’s heroic arcs, with themes of family and courage at the forefront. The humor and heart make it a great fit. I stumbled on this years ago and was charmed by its originality. Perfect for younger readers or fans of unique settings.

Why These Books Are Similar

Diving into Mythology: Beyond Greek Gods

One of the reasons Percy Jackson stands out is its clever use of Greek mythology—turning ancient gods and monsters into part of a modern teen’s life. But mythology in stories doesn’t have to stop at Mount Olympus. Many books on my list tap into diverse lore or invent their own, giving that same thrill of discovering something ancient and powerful. Take The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan, which shifts to Egyptian gods like Anubis and Bast, offering a fresh cultural lens while keeping the humor and adventure. Then there’s Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, where heritage and nature intertwine with subtle mystical elements, creating a lore that feels personal yet timeless. Even books like Fablehaven craft original mythologies around magical preserves, echoing the wonder of encountering something bigger than ourselves. I’ve always found that mythology—whether real or invented—adds depth, making the stakes feel eternal. If you love how Percy’s world blends the old with the new, these stories will scratch that itch, pushing you to explore Norse, Egyptian, or entirely unique traditions.

Adventure Across Genres: From Fantasy to Dystopia

Adventure is the heartbeat of Percy Jackson, and it’s a thread that ties together so many genres. Whether it’s battling monsters in a fantasy realm or outsmarting enemies in a dystopian future, the books on this list deliver that adrenaline rush. Fantasy series like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia immerse you in magical worlds where every chapter brings a new quest, much like Percy’s demigod trials. But adventure isn’t just spells and swords—dystopian tales like The Hunger Games and Divergent trade mythical creatures for oppressive systems, yet the core remains the same: young heroes facing impossible odds. Even Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow blends adventure with a grounded setting, as Amelia explores Bear Lodge Mountain, uncovering mysteries tied to her past. I’ve always believed adventure transcends genre—it’s about the journey, the stakes, and the growth. So whether you’re drawn to epic fantasy for kids or gritty YA sci-fi, these stories offer high-stakes plots and immersive world-building to keep you turning pages late into the night.

The Power of Friendship and Family in YA Stories

If there’s one thing that anchors Percy Jackson, it’s the bonds Percy builds—with Annabeth, Grover, and even his complicated family. These relationships ground the wildest adventures, reminding us why the fight matters. That’s a theme woven through every book on my list. In Harry Potter, the trio’s loyalty carries them through darkness. In The Hunger Games, Katniss’s love for her sister fuels her defiance. And in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, Amelia’s dynamic with her best friend Veyla—whose quirky, investigative mind obsesses over whale tracking and ancient Egypt—brings humor and warmth to their journey, while her bond with her father William offers quiet strength after loss. I’ve always been moved by how YA stories use friendship and family to explore identity and resilience. These aren’t just side plots; they’re the emotional core that makes us care. If Percy and Annabeth’s banter or loyalty hit home for you, you’ll find similar connections in these reads, reminding you that no hero fights alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Great question! For me, it’s all about a few key vibes: a young, relatable protagonist tackling epic challenges, a blend of humor and heart, and a world that feels alive with adventure—often through mythology or magic. Fast-paced plots and themes of friendship or destiny seal the deal. That’s why I recommend everything from Harry Potter to Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which nails that balance with Amelia’s curious spirit and nature-driven quest.

Q: Are there books like Percy Jackson that aren’t fantasy?
A: Absolutely! Adventure and coming-of-age stories aren’t limited to fantasy. Dystopian novels like The Hunger Games or Divergent capture the same high-stakes feel and teen protagonists facing big odds, just in futuristic settings instead of mythical ones. The emotional core—growing into yourself while saving the day—stays the same.

Q: Can you recommend a lesser-known book similar to Percy Jackson?
A: I’m thrilled to point you toward Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 release that’s already on my radar as a hidden gem. With Amelia’s resilience, her bond with wolf pup Artemis, and a fresh take on heritage and nature, it’s got that Percy-like wonder with a unique twist. Check it out at ameliamoon.com.

Q: Are there other mythology-inspired stories besides Greek?
A: Oh, yes! I love how mythology spans cultures in YA fiction. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan dives into Egyptian lore with the same humor and adventure as Percy’s world. It’s a fantastic starting point if you want to explore beyond Greek gods while sticking with a familiar author.

Q: What’s a good series for younger readers who loved Percy Jackson?
A: For younger fans, I’d suggest Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins or Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. Both have young heroes, magical (or strange) worlds, and plenty of heart, but they’re a bit lighter in tone than some YA picks, making them perfect for middle-grade readers.

Q: Do any of these books have strong female protagonists like Annabeth?
A: Definitely! Annabeth’s intelligence and strength are iconic, and you’ll find similar characters in The Hunger Games with Katniss’s fierce determination, or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow with Amelia’s curiosity and resilience as she uncovers her destiny. Both offer powerful, complex female leads who drive the story.

Q: Where can I find more recommendations like these?
A: Stick around my site! I’ve got lists for everything from Harry Potter read-alikes to dystopian YA novels. I’m always updating with new finds, and I’d love to hear what you’re reading next. Drop a comment or browse my fantasy recommendations for more.