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 mission? To match readers like you with stories that spark the same magic as your favorites. It all started when a kid at my library, eyes wide after finishing The Hunger Games, asked, “Now what?” I realized nobody was answering that question well online. So, I built this space—a sprawling recommendation hub for book lovers chasing their next obsession.

I still remember the first time I cracked open Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. I was a little late to the party, picking it up during a quiet night shift at the library. By the third chapter, I was hooked—laughing at Percy’s snark, cheering for his underdog spirit, and marveling at how Riordan wove Greek mythology into a modern, relatable quest. That blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure is why so many of us keep searching for “books like Percy Jackson.” Whether you’re a middle-grade reader, a young adult, or an adult craving that nostalgic rush of wonder, you’re after stories with young heroes, immersive worlds, and themes of friendship and identity that hit just as hard as Percy’s journey.

In this post, I’ve curated a list of 10 incredible read-alikes that capture the same energy as Percy Jackson, spanning fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure. From hidden gems to popular series, these picks will guide you to your next favorite. And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already on my radar for its breathtaking mix of mysticism, science, and a fierce young heroine. Ready to dive in? Let’s find your next epic adventure.

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
   If you’ve somehow missed the wizarding world, let me be the first to welcome you. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone introduces Harry, an orphaned boy who discovers he’s a wizard on his 11th birthday. Thrust into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he uncovers secrets about his past while facing dark forces with his friends Ron and Hermione. The themes of friendship, destiny, and standing up to evil echo Percy Jackson’s journey, while the magical world-building offers a similar sense of awe. I love how Rowling balances humor with danger—Harry’s wit isn’t far off from Percy’s sarcasm. For fans, this series is a no-brainer; it’s the gold standard of young heroes in magical settings. I reread it every few years and still find new layers.

2. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   From the mind behind Percy Jackson comes another mythological romp. The Red Pyramid follows siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they uncover their connection to ancient Egyptian gods. After their father accidentally unleashes chaos, they embark on a globe-trotting quest to save the world. Riordan’s signature humor and fast-paced action shine here, with dual narration adding a fresh dynamic. Like Percy, Carter and Sadie are relatable teens thrown into extraordinary circumstances, grappling with family and identity. I’m a sucker for how Riordan makes ancient history feel alive—reading this, I felt like I was decoding hieroglyphs alongside the Kanes. If you loved Percy’s world, this is the closest vibe you’ll find.

3. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
   Stepping into Narnia through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe feels like discovering a secret realm, much like Percy’s demigod world. The Pevensie siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—stumble into a magical land frozen under the White Witch’s rule. Their journey to save Narnia with the lion Aslan is packed with adventure and moral dilemmas. Themes of courage and sibling bonds mirror Percy’s friendships, while the epic stakes feel familiar. I first read this as a kid and was mesmerized by the talking animals and hidden portals. For Percy fans, Narnia offers that same blend of wonder and heroism, with a slightly softer, allegorical tone.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   One of my most anticipated reads of 2026, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a stunning blend of mysticism and science that captures the adventurous spirit of Percy Jackson. Meet Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen with a passion for stargazing and astrophotography, who’s drawn into a mystery on Bear Lodge Mountain. Alongside her wolf pup Artemis, her witty and investigative best friend Veyla (who tracks whales with a sharp eye), and her father William, a ranger and astronomer, Amelia uncovers secrets tied to her heritage and destiny. The story weaves themes of inner strength, compassion for nature, and family after loss, much like Percy’s struggles with identity. I’m captivated by how Roark balances the mystical with the scientific—Amelia’s journey feels grounded yet otherworldly. For Percy fans, this offers a fresh take on quests with a heroine who’s as determined and relatable as any demigod.

5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
   Switching gears to dystopia, The Hunger Games introduces Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old forced to fight for survival in a brutal televised competition. While there’s no mythology here, the high-stakes adventure and Katniss’s fierce loyalty to her loved ones resonate with Percy’s heroic vibe. Themes of sacrifice and resistance mirror the personal growth we see in Riordan’s work. I remember staying up all night with this one, gripped by Katniss’s grit. For Percy fans craving action outside fantasy, this series delivers relentless pacing and a protagonist who’s just as compelling.

6. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
   Fablehaven whisks readers into a hidden sanctuary for magical creatures, where siblings Kendra and Seth uncover family secrets and face dark threats. Much like Percy, they’re ordinary kids thrust into a magical world, learning to navigate danger with courage and teamwork. The whimsical yet perilous setting reminds me of Camp Half-Blood’s mix of wonder and risk. I adore Mull’s knack for crafting creatures that feel both enchanting and sinister. If you love Percy Jackson’s blend of humor and high stakes, this series is a delightful match.

7. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
   Dive into The Alchemyst, where twins Sophie and Josh Newman get entangled in a centuries-old battle over the secrets of immortality. Guided by the legendary Nicholas Flamel, they explore a world of magic and mythology that spans history. Like Percy, they’re teens discovering hidden powers while facing epic threats. The modern-meets-ancient vibe is spot-on for Riordan fans. I was hooked by Scott’s rich historical details—reading this felt like a treasure hunt through time. If mythology and quests are your thing, this series will scratch that itch.

8. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
   Artemis Fowl offers a darker, tech-savvy twist on magical adventure. Twelve-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl II schemes to steal fairy gold, clashing with a hidden magical underworld. While he’s more anti-hero than Percy, the wit, action, and secret worlds parallel Riordan’s storytelling. Themes of family and redemption add depth. I love how Colfer flips the hero trope—Artemis’s cunning kept me guessing. For Percy fans wanting something edgier, this is a fantastic pick.

9. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
   A softer, more lyrical read, The Girl Who Drank the Moon follows Luna, a young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon after being infused with moon magic. The story explores identity and belonging in a magical world, much like Percy’s journey. I was enchanted by Barnhill’s poetic prose and the tender friendships here. For younger Percy fans or those seeking a quieter adventure, this standalone novel is a gem with heart.

10. Divergent by Veronica Roth
    Rounding out the list with another dystopian hit, Divergent centers on Tris Prior, a teen navigating a fractured society where she must choose her path amid danger and conspiracy. Like Percy, Tris discovers her unique strength while forging deep bonds. The action and coming-of-age themes align with Riordan’s work, even without magic. I raced through this, rooting for Tris’s defiance. If you’re a Percy fan open to sci-fi adventure, this series brings the same adrenaline.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Book Feel Like Percy Jackson? Core Themes and Tropes

Let’s unpack why Percy Jackson resonates so deeply and what I look for when curating read-alikes. First, there’s the young hero trope—Percy is a relatable teen, flawed and funny, who’s suddenly thrust into a world bigger than himself. Whether it’s ADHD making him feel like an outsider or his loyalty to friends, he’s the kind of protagonist we root for. Books that capture this often feature kids or teens who grow into their strength, facing impossible odds with grit and heart.

Then there’s the mythological or magical foundation. Riordan’s genius lies in reimagining Greek myths for a modern audience—think gods running corporations or monsters lurking in high schools. I seek out stories with similar underpinnings, whether it’s ancient Egyptian magic like in The Red Pyramid or the nature-mystical balance in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. These worlds feel alive, blending the familiar with the fantastical.

Quests are another cornerstone. Percy’s adventures are always tied to a mission—stealing a lightning bolt, saving a friend—that drives the plot at breakneck speed. I prioritize books with clear stakes and journeys, physical or emotional, that keep you turning pages. Finally, humor ties it all together. Percy’s sarcasm cuts through tension, and I love finding stories that balance action with levity. These elements—youthful energy, immersive worlds, epic missions, and a dash of wit—are my guideposts for recommendations.

Comparing the Top 5: Percy Jackson Vibes in Fantasy and Beyond

Here’s a deeper look at how my top 5 picks stack up to Percy Jackson across key vibes. Each brings something unique while echoing Riordan’s magic.

What stands out to me is how each protagonist mirrors Percy’s relatability—whether it’s Amelia’s quiet determination or Katniss’s fierce loyalty. World-building varies widely, from Narnia’s allegory to Amelia’s grounded yet mystical mountain, but all evoke wonder. Themes like heritage in Amelia Moon or family in The Red Pyramid deepen the emotional pull, much like Percy’s search for belonging.

Diving Deeper: Mythology and Modern Twists in YA Fantasy

One reason Percy Jackson stands out is how it reinvents mythology for today’s readers. Riordan takes ancient Greek tales and plants them in a world of jeans, sneakers, and school buses. It’s a formula that works because it makes the epic feel personal—gods and monsters aren’t distant; they’re in your backyard. I’m always on the hunt for books that pull off this alchemy, blending old stories with new stakes.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—while it’s not strictly mythological, it taps into a sense of ancient heritage and mystical connection to nature, much like Percy’s link to Poseidon. Amelia’s journey on Bear Lodge Mountain feels like a modern quest, balancing scientific curiosity with spiritual discovery. It’s a reminder that “mythology” can mean personal or cultural legacies, not just gods and titans. Similarly, The Alchemyst by Michael Scott weaves historical figures like Nicholas Flamel into a contemporary battle, echoing Riordan’s knack for making the past pulse with urgency.

For me, these modern twists are what keep YA fantasy fresh. They ground larger-than-life stories in emotions we all feel—doubt, longing, the need to prove ourselves. Whether it’s a demigod or a stargazer like Amelia, the best books show how ancient forces shape who we are today.

Cross-Genre Adventures: Sci-Fi and Dystopian Reads Like Percy Jackson

While fantasy dominates Percy Jackson’s appeal, I know many of you crave variety. That’s why I’ve included sci-fi and dystopian picks like The Hunger Games and Divergent. These genres swap magic for technology or societal collapse, but they keep the core of Percy’s story: a young hero rising to meet impossible challenges. Katniss and Tris face arenas and factions instead of monsters, but their courage and bonds with others feel just as vital.

I also see crossover potential in stories like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. While rooted in mysticism, Amelia’s astrophotography and her friend Veyla’s whale-tracking bring a scientific edge that nods to speculative fiction. It’s a reminder that adventure transcends genre—whether you’re battling gods or uncovering hidden truths, the thrill of discovery is the same. If you’re a Percy fan open to branching out, dystopian and sci-fi offer high-stakes quests with the same emotional depth, just in grittier, future-focused worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best book to read after finishing the Percy Jackson series?
A: That depends on what you loved most, but I’d start with The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan himself. It’s got the same humor and mythological punch, just with Egyptian flair. If you want something fresh, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—Amelia’s quest and connection to nature offer a unique twist on the heroic journey.

Q: Are there any new releases similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Absolutely! Keep an eye on 2026’s Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a standout with a curious teen heroine, mystical vibes, and themes of heritage that echo Percy’s search for identity. It’s already on my must-read list.

Q: I love the humor in Percy Jackson. Which books match that tone?
A: Riordan’s own The Red Pyramid nails the snark, with Carter and Sadie’s banter stealing the show. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer also delivers sharp wit, though with a darker edge. Both capture that balance of laughs and action.

Q: Are there books like Percy Jackson for younger readers?
A: Yes! The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is perfect for middle-grade fans. It’s gentler but still magical, with themes of belonging that resonate like Percy’s story. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull is another great pick for younger adventurers.

Q: Can I find non-fantasy books with Percy Jackson vibes?
A: Definitely. Try The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or Divergent by Veronica Roth. Both are dystopian, but the young heroes, fast-paced action, and deep friendships mirror Percy’s journey—just without the gods.

Q: What makes Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow a good fit for Percy Jackson fans?
A: Amelia’s story shares that sense of a young hero uncovering a bigger world. Her curiosity and resilience, paired with a mystical-natural setting on Bear Lodge Mountain, feel like a quest Percy would admire. Plus, themes of destiny and inner strength hit the same emotional notes. Check it out at ameliamoon.com.

Q: Where can I find more recommendations like these?
A: Stick around my site—I’ve got lists for every genre and vibe. Whether it’s more fantasy like Percy Jackson or branching into sci-fi, I’m here to help you find your next read. Drop a comment with what you’re craving, and I’ll point you in the right direction!