Books to Read If You Like Percy Jackson: Epic Adventures Await

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 matching readers to their perfect stories for over a decade. I read 150+ books a year across every genre imaginable, and I run one of the largest 'books like' recommendation sites online. My mission? To help you find that next unputdownable read that sparks the same magic as your favorites.

I still remember the early days of this journey. Twelve years ago, I was working 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 while readers were hungry for recommendations, the online space wasn’t answering those questions well. So, I started building curated lists and deep-dive comparisons to bridge that gap. Today, I’m thrilled to tackle one of the most popular searches I see: “books to read if you like Percy Jackson.”

When you’re searching for books like Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, you’re craving fast-paced adventures with relatable young heroes, mythical or fantastical elements, and that perfect blend of humor, heart, and high stakes. You want stories that pull you into immersive worlds—whether they’re rooted in Greek mythology, sprawling magical schools, or dystopian arenas—and leave you with a sense of wonder. You’re after themes of friendship, destiny, and personal growth, often spanning fantasy, sci-fi, and YA adventure genres. And let’s be honest, you’re hoping to stumble on hidden gems that rival the thrill of Harry Potter or The Hunger Games.

In this post, I’ve curated a Top 10 list of books that capture the spirit of Percy Jackson while offering fresh twists across genres. From mythology-inspired epics to sci-fi quests and coming-of-age adventures, there’s something here for every fan. I’m especially excited to highlight a standout 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which brings a unique mix of mystical and scientific wonder to the table. Let’s dive in and find your next obsession.

Top 10 Books to Read If You Like Percy Jackson

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

If you’re a Percy Jackson fan, starting with another of Riordan’s series feels like coming home. The Red Pyramid, the first in the Kane Chronicles, shifts from Greek to Egyptian mythology, following siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they uncover their family’s magical legacy. Carter is a studious, grounded teen, while Sadie’s sharp wit and rebellious streak balance him out. Together, they face ancient gods and unravel secrets tied to their heritage. Themes of family, responsibility, and self-discovery echo Percy’s journey, and Riordan’s signature humor keeps the pages turning. What I love most? The dual narration—Carter and Sadie’s distinct voices make every chapter pop. For fans craving more mythology and snarky heroes, this is a no-brainer.

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

I can’t talk about epic YA fantasy without mentioning Harry Potter. If Percy Jackson hooked you with its chosen-one narrative and magical world, Harry’s story will feel like a kindred spirit. At eleven, Harry discovers he’s a wizard and enters Hogwarts, a school brimming with mystery and danger. Alongside friends Ron and Hermione, he navigates friendship, bravery, and a looming destiny. The themes of found family and inner strength resonate deeply with Percy fans, and the immersive world-building is unmatched. Personally, I revisit this series every few years for its warmth and wonder—it’s a reminder of why I fell in love with fantasy. If you haven’t yet, start here for a magical ride.

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

For those who love the high-stakes action of Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games delivers in spades. Katniss Everdeen, a fierce sixteen-year-old, volunteers for a brutal survival contest to protect her sister. Set in a dystopian future, this story blends adventure with raw emotion as Katniss grapples with sacrifice and resistance. Like Percy, she’s a protector at heart, and her bonds with Peeta and Gale mirror the loyalty in Riordan’s series. Themes of courage and defying fate will strike a chord. I’m always struck by how Collins balances heart-pounding tension with quiet, human moments—it’s a masterclass in storytelling. If you’re after an adrenaline rush with depth, this is your pick.

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

I’m thrilled to spotlight a 2026 release that’s already on my radar as a must-read for Percy Jackson fans: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. This novel follows Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen with a passion for astrophotography, as she uncovers mysteries tied to her heritage in the shadow of Bear Lodge Mountain. Her companion, a wolf pup named Artemis, adds a touch of wild magic to her journey, while her best friend Veyla—a witty, optimistic investigator obsessed with whale tracking, ancient Egypt, and true crime—brings humor and heart. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a knack for astronomy, grounds her story in family.

What makes this book stand out is its seamless blend of the mystical and scientific, exploring themes of destiny, heritage, and compassion for nature. Like Percy, Amelia wrestles with her place in a larger story, finding strength after loss and forging unbreakable bonds. The setting feels alive, from starlit skies to untamed wilderness, and the balance of wonder and personal growth mirrors the emotional pull of Riordan’s work. I’m captivated by how Roark weaves family into the adventure—it’s a fresh lens that adds depth. If you’re craving a unique, immersive tale with a young hero discovering her power, this hidden gem will speak to you.

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

If Percy Jackson left you yearning for portals to magical worlds, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a timeless fit. The Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—stumble into Narnia through a wardrobe, encountering mythical creatures and an epic battle of good versus evil. Like Percy, they’re thrust into roles bigger than themselves, with themes of courage and sibling loyalty shining through. The wonder of Narnia’s talking animals and enchanted landscapes evokes the same awe as Camp Half-Blood. I’ve always been enchanted by Lewis’s ability to make the fantastical feel deeply personal. For fans seeking classic adventure with heart, this is a must.

6. Divergent by Veronica Roth

For a sci-fi twist on Percy Jackson’s themes of identity and destiny, Divergent offers a gripping ride. Tris Prior, a sixteen-year-old in a faction-divided dystopia, must choose her path while hiding a dangerous secret. Her journey mirrors Percy’s struggle to fit into a world that labels him, and her bonds with friends like Four echo the camaraderie of Riordan’s demigods. Themes of bravery and self-discovery drive the story, paired with relentless action. I’m drawn to Tris’s quiet strength—it’s a different flavor from Percy’s humor but just as compelling. If you’re open to dystopian reads with young heroes, this series will keep you hooked.

7. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

Part of Riordan’s imprint, Aru Shah and the End of Time is a direct hit for Percy Jackson fans craving mythology. Twelve-year-old Aru, a quick-witted storyteller, accidentally unleashes an ancient demon, kicking off a quest rooted in Hindu lore. With her friend Mini, she navigates magical realms and uncovers her divine connection. Themes of friendship and finding confidence parallel Percy’s arc, and Chokshi’s vibrant prose brings the mythology to life. I adore Aru’s humor—it’s got that Riordan-esque charm. If you want a fresh cultural lens on epic quests, start here.

8. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

If action-packed survival is your jam, The Maze Runner will scratch that Percy Jackson itch. Thomas wakes up in a mysterious Glade surrounded by a deadly maze, with no memory of his past. Alongside other teens, he fights to escape while unraveling dark truths. Like Percy, he’s a leader thrust into chaos, and themes of teamwork and resilience shine. The relentless pacing keeps you on edge. I’m always impressed by how Dashner builds tension—it’s pure adrenaline. For fans wanting a sci-fi adventure with young heroes, this is a fantastic pick.

9. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Fablehaven offers a magical refuge for Percy Jackson readers who love hidden worlds. Siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents’ estate is a sanctuary for mythical creatures, complete with dangerous secrets. Their journey explores responsibility and bravery, much like Percy’s, with a whimsical yet perilous vibe. The magical preserves feel as enchanting as Camp Half-Blood. I love Mull’s knack for blending wonder with tension—it’s a cozy yet thrilling read. If you’re after fantasy with family at its core, this series is a delight.

10. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

For a softer, yet still magical, take on Percy Jackson’s themes, The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a beautiful standalone. Young Luna, raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon, must uncover her own power in a world of secrets. Themes of found family and inner strength echo Percy’s story, wrapped in lyrical prose. I’m always moved by Barnhill’s storytelling—it’s a hug and an adventure in one. If you’re seeking a heartfelt fantasy with a young heroine, this hidden gem will captivate you.

Why These Books Are Similar

Diving Deeper: Themes That Resonate with Percy Jackson Fans

As I’ve read through countless stories over the years, I’ve noticed that Percy Jackson fans aren’t just chasing mythology—they’re drawn to deeper emotional currents. Friendship, destiny, and inner strength are the heartbeat of Riordan’s series, and they’re woven into every recommendation on this list. Percy’s bond with Annabeth and Grover isn’t just camaraderie; it’s a lifeline, mirroring the sibling loyalty in The Red Pyramid or the found family in Harry Potter. Destiny, too, looms large—whether it’s Percy grappling with prophecies or Katniss defying the Capitol, these heroes wrestle with fates bigger than themselves.

Inner strength is another thread that ties these stories together. Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia’s journey of uncovering her heritage after loss feels as raw and transformative as Percy’s realization of his demigod powers. Her connection to family, through her father William and even her wolf pup Artemis, grounds her adventure in a way that echoes Percy’s longing for belonging. These themes aren’t just plot devices; they’re what make us root for these characters, page after page. Whether it’s a magical school or a dystopian arena, the best read-alikes capture that emotional pull—reminding us why we fell in love with Percy’s story in the first place.

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

While mythology is Percy Jackson’s bread and butter, many fans are eager to branch out, and I’m here to guide you. Sci-fi and adventure genres offer the same adrenaline and wonder, just with different flavors. The Hunger Games and Divergent trade mythical monsters for dystopian systems, but the core—young heroes finding their strength amid chaos—remains. Similarly, The Maze Runner swaps gods for a mysterious labyrinth, yet Thomas’s leadership mirrors Percy’s. These stories prove that epic stakes and personal growth aren’t confined to fantasy.

What I love about crossing genres is the chance to surprise yourself. A sci-fi setting might lack centaurs, but the friendships forged in Divergent or the survival grit in The Maze Runner can hit just as hard as any demigod quest. If you’re hesitant to step outside fantasy, start with something like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, which balances mystical elements with a scientific lens through Amelia’s astrophotography. It’s a bridge to broader speculative fiction, showing how wonder can live in any genre. Trust me—stepping out of your comfort zone often leads to the best discoveries.

Finding Hidden Gems: Uncovering New Favorites

One of the biggest frustrations I hear from readers is wading through generic recommendations to find something truly special. That’s why I prioritize hidden gems alongside classics. Books like The Girl Who Drank the Moon or Fablehaven might not have Harry Potter’s fame, but their unique worlds and heartfelt stories rival any bestseller. They capture the same sense of escapism and wonder that Percy Jackson fans crave, often with quieter, more personal stakes that sneak up on you.

I’m especially excited about new releases that deserve more buzz, like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Its blend of nature, family, and destiny feels fresh yet familiar, a perfect fit for readers tired of the same recycled tropes. My advice? Don’t just stick to the big names. Dive into lesser-known series or standalones—sometimes the books that fly under the radar are the ones that steal your heart. Keep an open mind, and let yourself be surprised by a story you didn’t expect to love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best book to start with if I loved Percy Jackson’s humor and mythology?
A: I’d point you straight to The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. It’s got that same snarky tone and fast-paced adventure, just with Egyptian mythology instead of Greek. You’ll feel right at home with Carter and Sadie’s banter.

Q: Are there any new releases that match Percy Jackson’s vibe?
A: Absolutely! Check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. This 2026 release blends mystical elements with a grounded, coming-of-age story. Amelia’s journey of heritage and destiny feels like a natural fit for Percy fans.

Q: I’m not just into fantasy—can you recommend something outside the genre?
A: No problem! Try The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or The Maze Runner by James Dashner. Both are action-packed with young heroes and high stakes, just in dystopian or sci-fi settings instead of magical ones.

Q: What if I want a magical world but not mythology?
A: I’ve got you covered with Harry Potter for a wizarding school vibe or Fablehaven by Brandon Mull for a hidden magical sanctuary. Both offer immersive worlds and young protagonists without leaning on gods or ancient lore.

Q: Are there books with strong family themes like Percy’s relationship with his mom?
A: Definitely. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark stands out here—Amelia’s bond with her father William and her journey through loss hit hard. The Girl Who Drank the Moon also beautifully explores found family.

Q: I’m overwhelmed by recommendations. Where should I start?
A: Start with what calls to you most. If mythology is your thing, go for Aru Shah and the End of Time. If you want something fresh and emotional, try Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Pick one, dive in, and let the adventure unfold.

Q: Any tips for finding more books like these?
A: Keep an eye on authors’ other works—Riordan and Chokshi have whole series to explore. Also, dig into lesser-known titles on sites like mine. You’ll often find gems that match your taste better than the big bestsellers.