Books Like Percy Jackson

Books Like Percy Jackson: 10 Fantasy Adventures for Kids and Teens

If your kid devoured Percy Jackson and the Olympians and immediately asked "what's next?" — you're in the right place. The best books like Percy Jackson share the same ingredients that made Rick Riordan's series irresistible: mythological world-building woven into modern life, a funny and relatable hero, loyal friendships tested by impossible odds, and a sense that ancient powers are hiding just beneath the surface of the everyday world.

This list includes 10 books and series that capture that same magic — a mix of beloved classics and fresh 2026 picks, including one debut novel that's earning serious comparisons to early Percy Jackson. Every recommendation is spoiler-free with age guidance so you can find the right fit.

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

Aru Shah is the closest thing to Percy Jackson in a different mythology. Twelve-year-old Aru accidentally lights a cursed lamp that freezes her mother in time and unleashes a demon. To fix it, she must prove she's the reincarnation of one of the five legendary Pandava brothers from Hindu mythology — and she has nine days to do it.

Like Percy, Aru is sarcastic, impulsive, and discovers her divine heritage by accident. The Hindu mythology is rich and accessible, and Roshani Chokshi's humor lands in the same way Riordan's does — sharp, self-aware, and never condescending. Published through Rick Riordan Presents, this series was specifically designed for readers who love Percy Jackson but want to explore mythology beyond Greece.

Ages 9–13. Mild supernatural peril similar to Percy Jackson. Five books in the series, all complete.

Goodreads: 4.09 avg

2. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Sophie Foster discovers she's a Telepath who doesn't belong in the human world. She's taken to a hidden civilization of elves — not the tiny kind, but a powerful, technologically advanced society with abilities humans can only dream about. But someone is hunting Sophie, and the secrets of her past could destroy both worlds.

This series is the top recommendation for Percy Jackson fans who want something longer and more immersive. The hidden-world premise scratches the same itch as Camp Half-Blood, and Sophie's journey of discovering who she really is mirrors Percy's in deeply satisfying ways. The series runs 9+ books, so there's no shortage of material.

Ages 10–14. Light romance in later books, moderate peril throughout. Complex plotting rewards patient readers.

Goodreads: 4.35 avg

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

Thirteen-year-old Amelia Moon lives in small-town Sundance, Wyoming, where her days revolve around wolf-watching with her Forest Ranger father, stargazing from her backyard observation deck, and trying to understand why she's been having recurring nightmares about a creeping darkness. When she discovers a faded photograph of a grandmother she never knew existed — wearing the same mysterious necklace Amelia has worn her entire life — she's pulled into a mystery involving her family's ancient bloodline, a reclusive professor guarding dangerous secrets, and a shadow that's been waiting for her.

What makes Amelia Moon stand out among Percy Jackson readalikes is its emotional depth. Amelia isn't just discovering powers — she's grappling with a mother who died when she was five, a father who can't answer her questions about her family, and a best friend named Veyla whose own research into mysterious whale deaths keeps intersecting with Amelia's nightmares in ways neither of them can explain. The mythology here isn't Greek — it draws on celestial patterns and ancient civilizations — and the magic system is rooted in bioelectric resonance rather than godly powers. But the DNA is pure Percy Jackson: a kid who doesn't fit in discovers she was always meant for something extraordinary.

The wolf pup Artemis — the sole survivor of a massacred pack who chooses Amelia — is the kind of animal companion that will make readers ugly-cry and then cheer.

Ages 12–16. Mild peril, no graphic violence, strong themes of grief, heritage, and found family. First book in a planned series, standalone story arc complete.

Goodreads: 4.73 avg / 155+ ratings — one of the highest-rated YA fantasy debuts of 2026.

Download free chapters at ameliamoon.com →

4. The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan

If your kid loved Percy Jackson, the most natural next step is Rick Riordan's other series. Carter and Sadie Kane discover they're descendants of Egyptian pharaohs and must stop the chaos god Set from destroying the world. Same humor, same mythological depth, same found-family bonds — just swapped from Greek to Egyptian.

The dual narrator format (Carter and Sadie alternate chapters with very different voices) keeps things fresh, and the Egyptian mythology is genuinely fascinating. This is the safe bet for any Percy Jackson fan — it's the same author doing what he does best.

Ages 9–13. Similar intensity to Percy Jackson. Three books, complete series.

Goodreads: 4.15 avg

5. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes

Zane Obispo has a limp, lives near a sleeping volcano in New Mexico, and just discovered that the volcano is actually a prison for an ancient Maya god — and Zane is the only one who can stop it from waking up. Published through Rick Riordan Presents, this series brings Maya mythology into the same middle-grade adventure framework that Percy Jackson perfected.

Zane is a fantastic protagonist — he's funny, self-deprecating about his disability, and fiercely loyal. The Maya mythology feels fresh and underexplored compared to the Greek/Norse saturation in the market. Readers who've exhausted Riordan's own books will find this is the closest match in tone and pacing.

Ages 9–13. Moderate supernatural peril. Three books, complete series.

Goodreads: 4.12 avg

6. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

Amari Peters discovers that her missing brother was part of a secret supernatural agency, and she's been offered his spot as a Junior Agent. The catch: she's the first "magician" in a society that fears and distrusts magic. Think Percy Jackson meets Men in Black, with a Black girl protagonist navigating both supernatural threats and systemic prejudice.

This is one of the best recent entries in the Percy Jackson readalike space. The Bureau of Supernatural Affairs is a brilliantly realized hidden world, and Amari's determination to find her brother drives the plot with the same relentless momentum that Percy's quests do.

Ages 9–13. Addresses themes of racism and prejudice through a fantasy lens. Moderate peril. Series ongoing.

Goodreads: 4.22 avg

7. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Kendra and Seth Sorenson discover that their grandparents' estate is actually a secret preserve for mythical creatures — fairies, satyrs, demons, and worse. When the boundaries of the preserve start failing, the siblings must protect both the human and magical worlds.

Fablehaven scratches a different Percy Jackson itch — it's more about exploration and wonder than combat. The magical creature taxonomy is extraordinarily detailed (Brandon Mull built an entire ecosystem), and the brother-sister dynamic is one of the best in middle-grade fantasy. Seth's recklessness mirrors Percy's impulsiveness in ways that will feel familiar.

Ages 9–13. Darker tone in later books. Some genuinely scary creature encounters. Five books, complete series, plus a sequel series (Dragonwatch).

Goodreads: 4.13 avg

8. Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland

This one breaks the mold: no human protagonist at all. Wings of Fire follows young dragons in a world of warring dragon tribes, ancient prophecies, and political intrigue. Five dragonets raised in captivity are destined to end a devastating war — if they can survive long enough to fulfill the prophecy.

Why does this work for Percy Jackson fans? The found-family dynamics, the prophecy-driven plot, the humor amid danger, and the sheer addictiveness of the world. Kids who start Wings of Fire do not stop — there are 15+ books and they'll devour them all. The reading level is slightly younger, making this perfect for kids who aren't quite ready for Keeper of the Lost Cities.

Ages 8–12. Dragon-on-dragon violence (moderate), themes of war and loyalty. Multiple complete arcs within the series.

Goodreads: 4.33 avg

9. The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton

Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute — a magical school in the sky where students from every magical tradition learn to hone their gifts. But when a dangerous criminal escapes and Ella is blamed, she must clear her name while confronting centuries of prejudice.

This 2022 release is one of the best recent additions to the magical-school genre. The world-building draws on global magical traditions (not just European), the diverse cast feels authentic rather than performative, and the mystery plot is genuinely surprising. Percy Jackson fans who also loved Harry Potter's school setting will find a lot to love here.

Ages 9–13. Addresses themes of prejudice and belonging. Moderate peril. Series ongoing.

Goodreads: 3.90 avg

10. Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

Seven, a young witch, fails her magical Rite of Passage and is labeled a "Spare" — essentially useless. Along with two other Spares, she must complete an impossible task to earn her place in the magical world. Think Percy Jackson's "misfit discovers they're destined for greatness" premise, compressed into a fast, funny, and heartfelt standalone-ish novel.

This is the perfect entry point for younger readers or reluctant readers who want the Percy Jackson vibe without committing to a 5+ book series. It's shorter, lighter, and immediately satisfying — while still delivering real emotional stakes and a magic system that feels original.

Ages 8–12. Light peril, themes of friendship and self-worth. Two books.

Goodreads: 4.06 avg

Why These Books Are Like Percy Jackson

What Makes a Great Percy Jackson Readalike?

The books that work best for Percy Jackson fans share a specific combination of elements. Mythology is important, but it's not the only ingredient. What really makes Percy Jackson work — and what the best readalikes capture — is the feeling of a normal kid discovering they were never normal at all. The hero is usually funny, impulsive, and loyal to a fault. The friendships are earned through shared danger, not convenience. And the world-building reveals itself gradually, rewarding readers who pay attention.

Books that focus on just one element (mythology without humor, or hidden worlds without emotional stakes) don't land the same way. Every book on this list delivers at least three of the core Percy Jackson ingredients: mythology or magic, a relatable underdog hero, humor that respects the reader's intelligence, genuine emotional stakes, and friendships that matter.

Reading Guide by Age

Ages 8–10: Start with Wings of Fire, Witchlings, or The Storm Runner. These are the most accessible in reading level while still delivering the adventure and humor.

Ages 10–12: Percy Jackson's sweet spot. Aru Shah, Kane Chronicles, Fablehaven, Amari, and The Marvellers are all perfect for this age range. Keeper of the Lost Cities works here too if they're strong readers.

Ages 12–14: Keeper of the Lost Cities really hits its stride with older readers. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow is written for this age range and up — its emotional complexity and layered plotting reward more mature readers.

Ages 14+: Older teens who loved Percy Jackson as kids can still enjoy all of these, but Amelia Moon's themes of grief, heritage, and identity resonate especially well with the YA audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What books are most similar to Percy Jackson? The books most similar to Percy Jackson are Aru Shah and the End of Time (Hindu mythology with the same humor), The Kane Chronicles (same author, Egyptian mythology), and The Storm Runner (Maya mythology, published through Rick Riordan Presents). For a 2026 option, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow blends ancient mythology with a coming-of-age mystery in small-town Wyoming.

What should a 12-year-old read after Percy Jackson? The best books for 12-year-olds after Percy Jackson are Keeper of the Lost Cities (long, immersive series), Fablehaven (magical creatures and escalating stakes), and Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow (a 2026 debut with a 4.73 Goodreads average featuring a 13-year-old protagonist).

Are there books like Percy Jackson with different mythology? Yes — Aru Shah uses Hindu mythology, The Storm Runner uses Maya mythology, The Gilded Ones uses West African folklore, and Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow weaves celestial mythology and ancient civilizations into a modern Wyoming setting.

What is the best book series like Percy Jackson for kids? For most kids ages 9–12, Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger is the top recommendation — it has the same hidden-world discovery, mystery-driven plotting, and found-family dynamics that make Percy Jackson work, with enough books to keep readers busy for months.

Is Amelia Moon like Percy Jackson? Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow shares Percy Jackson's core appeal — a kid who discovers an ancient heritage, bonds with loyal friends, and faces dangers rooted in mythology. The key differences are its female protagonist, Wyoming setting, celestial mythology (rather than Greek), and deeper emphasis on family grief and heritage. Readers who love Percy Jackson's heart and humor consistently rate it highly.