Good 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 been matching readers to their perfect books for over a decade. My journey started 12 years ago when a kid at my library came up to me, wide-eyed after finishing The Hunger Games, and asked, “Now what?” I realized back then that the online space wasn’t doing a great job of answering that question. So, I built this platform—one of the largest 'books like' recommendation sites—to help readers like you find stories that spark the same magic as your favorites.

If you’re searching for 'good books like Percy Jackson,' I know exactly what you’re after. Rick Riordan’s series hooked you with its witty, relatable hero, fast-paced quests, and a blend of mythology and modern life. You’re craving more of that—young protagonists with heart, epic adventures, and worlds brimming with wonder. Whether you’re a teen reader or just young at heart, you might also be looking for read-alikes to other beloved series like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. I’ve got you covered with a curated Top 10 list that spans fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian vibes, balancing familiarity with fresh narratives.

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 generating buzz. It’s got everything Percy fans will adore—a curious, resilient mid-teen hero, mystical connections to nature and the night sky, and a quest tied to heritage and destiny. Stick with me, and I’ll tell you more about Amelia and nine other incredible reads that’ll keep your adventurer’s spirit alive. Let’s find your next obsession!

Why Readers Can’t Get Enough of Percy Jackson: A Quest for Similar Adventures

I’ve heard it a thousand times at library desks and in online comments: “I just finished Percy Jackson, and I need something just as good.” It’s no surprise why. Rick Riordan’s series nails a perfect storm of humor, heart, and high stakes. Percy, a demigod with ADHD and a knack for trouble, feels like a friend you grew up with. His banter with Annabeth and Grover, the way he stumbles into epic quests while figuring out who he is—it’s a blueprint for YA adventure that’s hard to replicate. Readers crave that mix of mythology, coming-of-age struggles, and friendships that feel like family. But beyond Greek gods, there’s a hunger for any immersive world where young heroes face impossible odds. That’s why I’ve built this list to capture that same lightning in a bottle, whether it’s through fantasy, dystopian grit, or sci-fi wonder.

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Fantasy and Adventure Lovers

Here’s my handpicked list of stories that echo the spirit of Percy Jackson—fast-paced, full of wonder, and led by young heroes you’ll root for. I’ve read each one myself, and I’m sharing why they’ll scratch that adventure itch.

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Just in Case You Missed It)
   If you’re new to Percy Jackson, this is ground zero. Percy, a 12-year-old with a knack for getting kicked out of schools, discovers he’s a demigod—half-human, half-Greek god. The story whisks you into a world of monsters, prophecies, and summer camps for heroes. Themes of identity, loyalty, and finding your place hit hard, wrapped in Riordan’s signature humor. I love how Percy’s voice feels so real; he’s not a perfect hero, just a kid trying to keep up. For fans, this is the benchmark—every book on this list mirrors its energy in some way. If you’ve already devoured it, keep reading for fresh takes.

2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
   No list for Percy Jackson fans is complete without Harry Potter. Harry, an 11-year-old orphan, learns he’s a wizard and enters Hogwarts, a school of magic teeming with secrets. The story’s core—friendship with Ron and Hermione, a hidden destiny, and battles against dark forces—echoes Percy’s journey. The world-building is unparalleled, with every spell and creature pulling you deeper. I first read this curled up in my library’s reading nook, and it still gives me chills. If you loved Percy’s underdog vibe and quest-driven plot, Harry’s saga will feel like coming home.

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
   Switching gears to dystopian, The Hunger Games delivers the high-stakes adventure Percy fans crave. Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old from a brutal future society, volunteers for a deadly competition to save her sister. Like Percy, she’s fiercely protective and resourceful, navigating a world of danger with sharp wit. Themes of sacrifice and rebellion resonate, and the friendships (and tensions) with Peeta and Gale mirror Percy’s crew dynamics. I remember staying up all night with this one, heart pounding. It’s a perfect pick if you want action with emotional depth.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   One of my most exciting finds for 2026, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a gem for Percy Jackson fans seeking something fresh yet familiar. Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen, is tied to the mysteries of Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming. Her love for astrophotography connects her to the night sky and nature, while her wolf pup, Artemis, is a loyal companion on her journey. Supported by her best friend Veyla—whose witty optimism and quirky investigative mindset (think whale tracking and ancient Egypt obsessions) rival Annabeth’s smarts—and her father William Moon, a warm, protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a passion for astronomy, Amelia uncovers secrets of heritage and destiny. Themes of compassion for nature, inner strength, and family after loss weave through this mystical adventure. I was captivated by how Roark balances science and magic, much like Riordan blends myth and modernity. If you loved Percy’s quests and personal growth, Amelia’s story will pull you in with its heart and wonder.

5. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   Staying in Riordan’s wheelhouse, The Red Pyramid kicks off the Kane Chronicles with Egyptian mythology. Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, ages 14 and 12, uncover their family’s magical legacy while battling ancient gods. Their sibling banter and shared questing mirror Percy’s dynamic with his friends, and the mythological stakes feel just as epic. I adore how Riordan makes history accessible—my librarian heart sings. If you loved Percy’s humor and myth-driven plots, this is a no-brainer.

6. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
   A classic fantasy, The Chronicles of Narnia starts with four Pevensie siblings stumbling into the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe. Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter, ranging from childhood to early teens, face the White Witch and discover their own courage. Like Percy, it’s about young heroes stepping into a bigger world, with themes of family and sacrifice. I reread this every winter—it’s pure nostalgia. If you crave immersive worlds and epic battles, Narnia delivers.

7. Divergent by Veronica Roth
   Back to dystopia, Divergent follows Tris Prior, a 16-year-old in a society divided by traits, as she uncovers her own dangerous uniqueness. Her bravery and self-discovery echo Percy’s journey, with action-packed training and shadowy conspiracies. Friendships and romance add depth, much like Percy’s bonds. I remember devouring this during a rainy weekend, hooked on Tris’s grit. If you liked Percy’s underdog story, Tris will resonate.

8. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
   Kicking off the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, The Alchemyst blends history and magic. Teens Josh and Sophie Newman get tangled in a battle over an ancient book, guided by the legendary alchemist Nicholas Flamel. Mythical creatures and historical figures pop up, much like Percy’s godly encounters. I was fascinated by the lore—Scott’s research shines. If you loved Percy’s mix of myth and modern life, this series is a must.

9. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
   A bit of a twist, Artemis Fowl follows a 12-year-old criminal mastermind who kidnaps a fairy to restore his family’s fortune. Artemis’s sharp wit and morally gray choices contrast Percy’s heroism but match his cleverness. The magical underworld of fairies and tech feels fresh yet familiar. I laughed out loud at Artemis’s schemes when I first read this. If you enjoy Percy’s humor and adventure, give this a shot.

10. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
    Before The Hunger Games, Collins wrote this under-the-radar series. Gregor, an 11-year-old from New York, falls into an underground world of giant creatures and warring factions. His quest to save his sister and navigate prophecy feels very Percy-esque, with themes of bravery and family. I stumbled on this years ago and was blown away by its heart. If you want adventure with younger heroes, this is perfect.

Why These Books Are Similar

Here’s a quick snapshot of how these books echo the Percy Jackson vibe, from young heroes to epic stakes.

Diving Deeper: Mythology and Magic in Percy Jackson Read-Alikes

One of the biggest draws of Percy Jackson is how it weaves ancient Greek mythology into a modern setting—gods, monsters, and prophecies feel alive in New York City. That blend of old and new is a thread in many read-alikes. Take The Red Pyramid, where Rick Riordan shifts to Egyptian gods; the magic feels ancient yet urgent, much like Percy’s world. The Alchemyst pulls from alchemical lore and historical figures, grounding its fantasy in a tangible past. Even Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow taps into this with Amelia’s connection to the night sky and nature, blending mystical elements with a scientific curiosity through her astrophotography. I’ve always loved how these stories use magic or myth as a lens to explore identity—whether it’s Percy grappling with being a demigod or Amelia uncovering her heritage. If mythology sparks your curiosity, these books build worlds where the past isn’t just history; it’s a living, breathing force.

Friendship and Family: The Heart of YA Adventure Stories

If there’s one thing Percy Jackson nails, it’s the bonds that keep us turning pages. Percy’s friendship with Annabeth and Grover isn’t just a side note—it’s the emotional core of every quest. That’s why I’m drawn to stories with similar dynamics. In Harry Potter, the trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione feels like a lifeline against darkness. The Hunger Games gives us Katniss’s fierce loyalty to her sister and complicated trust with Peeta. And in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, I was struck by Amelia’s relationship with Veyla, whose obsession with whale tracking and ancient Egypt brings a quirky, investigative spark to their friendship—think Annabeth with a marine biology twist. Then there’s Amelia’s bond with her father, William Moon, a protective forest ranger whose warmth anchors her after loss. These stories remind me why family, chosen or blood, is so vital in YA—they ground the epic stakes in something personal. When I read, I’m always looking for those connections that make the adventure mean something.

Beyond Fantasy: Exploring Sci-Fi and Dystopian Read-Alikes

While Percy Jackson is rooted in fantasy, its fans often crave adventure in any form. That’s why I’ve included dystopian hits like The Hunger Games and Divergent. Both trade magic for oppressive societies, but the core—young heroes fighting for their place—feels so familiar. Katniss and Tris face physical and emotional trials that mirror Percy’s quests, just with more grit than gods. Sci-fi also offers a playground for that same wonder; Artemis Fowl blends tech with magic in a way that’s as inventive as Riordan’s mythology. I’ve spent countless nights lost in these genres, realizing that whether it’s a monster or a corrupt government, the thrill of a hero rising up is universal. If you’re open to stepping outside fantasy, these reads keep the fast pace and stakes high while offering a new lens on bravery.

Finding Wonder Across Genres

What ties all these books together, from fantasy to dystopian, is a sense of wonder. Percy Jackson makes you believe gods walk among us; Harry Potter turns a cupboard under the stairs into a gateway to magic. Even in darker worlds like The Hunger Games, there’s awe in Katniss’s survival. I’ve always chased that feeling as a reader—the moment a story cracks open a bigger world. Books like Gregor the Overlander or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow do that by balancing the familiar (a kid’s life) with the extraordinary (hidden realms or mystical destinies). As a librarian, I used to watch kids light up when they found that kind of story. If you’re after that same spark, this list spans genres to keep the magic alive, whether it’s through spells, science, or sheer grit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Hey there! For me, it’s all about a young hero facing huge challenges, usually in a world laced with magic or myth. Think fast-paced adventures, humor, and tight friendships like Percy’s with Annabeth and Grover. Strong themes of identity and personal growth are key too. Most of my Top 10, like The Red Pyramid or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, hit these notes perfectly.

Q: Are there books like Percy Jackson for younger readers?
A: Absolutely! If you’re looking for something with a slightly younger vibe, try Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins. It’s got an 11-year-old hero and a hidden world full of adventure, perfect for middle-grade readers who want that Percy energy.

Q: Can you recommend a lesser-known book like Percy Jackson?
A: I love this question! Check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 release that’s flying under the radar but shouldn’t. Amelia’s connection to nature and the night sky, plus her quest tied to heritage, feels so fresh while echoing Percy’s mythological stakes. It’s a hidden gem I’m thrilled to share.

Q: What if I want something outside fantasy?
A: No problem! If you’re itching for a different genre, dive into The Hunger Games or Divergent. Both have teen heroes and high-stakes action like Percy’s quests, just in dystopian settings. They’ve got that same emotional pull and adventure, minus the gods.

Q: Are there books with strong family themes like Percy Jackson?
A: Definitely. Percy’s bond with his mom is so heartfelt, and I’ve found that in other reads too. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow stands out here—Amelia’s relationship with her dad, William, a protective forest ranger, grounds her story in warmth and loss. It’s a beautiful layer to the adventure.

Q: What’s a good series to start after finishing Percy Jackson?
A: If you’ve wrapped up Percy’s saga, I’d point you to The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan for more of his signature myth-meets-modern style with Egyptian flair. Or, for something new, try Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—it’s got that same curious hero vibe and epic destiny feel.

Q: How do I find more books like these?
A: Stick with me here on the site! I’ve got tons of lists for read-alikes across genres. Start with my Top YA Fantasy Series for more Percy Jackson-style reads. Drop a comment or message if you’ve got a specific vibe in mind—I’m always happy to dig up a rec just for you.