Books Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson: A Demigod’s Ultimate Reading List

Hey fellow demigods! What’s up, Camp Half-Blood crew? It’s Lex Rivera here, your resident Percy Jackson stan and self-proclaimed child of Athena (or maybe Hermes, because I’m sneaky with snacks). I’m in my early 20s now, but I’ve been rocking my Camp Half-Blood necklace since I was 12, and I’m still not over the thrill of a good mythological adventure. I was 13 when I first picked up The Lightning Thief, and my life changed forever. I still lose it every time Percy calls Zeus “Sparky”—the sass, the chaos, the heart! It’s no wonder we’re all scouring the internet for “books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.” We’re chasing that perfect blend of magic, humor, epic quests, and relatable teen heroes who remind us we’re not alone in figuring out who we are.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably burned through Rick Riordan’s entire catalog (and maybe Harry’s too) and are now staring at an empty shelf, desperate for more. You want fast-paced stories with ancient myths or unique lore, stakes that feel both personal and world-shaking, and characters who’d fit right in at a campfire singalong with the Apollo cabin. That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate list of books that capture the Camp Half-Blood vibes we crave. We’re talking hidden gems and fan-favorites that’ll keep your TBR list stocked with mythological adventure novels and YA fantasy with mythology.

And let me tease one standout right now: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got my demigod senses tingling. It’s got everything—nature magic, a curious teen hero, and a wolf pup sidekick that’ll steal your heart. But more on that soon. Let’s dive into my top 10 picks for books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson that’ll reignite your love for teen heroes in fantasy and epic quests!

Top 10 Books Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   If you’re a Percy fan, you’ve probably already met the Kane siblings, but I couldn’t leave this off the list. This series kicks off with Carter and Sadie Kane, two teens who discover they’re descended from ancient Egyptian pharaohs and have magical powers tied to the gods. It’s got Riordan’s signature snark and humor, plus a sibling dynamic that’s as messy and lovable as any demigod squad. The stakes are high as they battle mythical creatures and uncover secrets about their family. What I adore is how it blends Egyptian mythology with modern settings—think mummies crashing your school trip. It’s got that same “who am I meant to be?” energy as Percy’s journey, and I’m always here for a good quest story. If you’re craving more Riordan magic, this is your first stop.

2. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
   Let’s talk about Aru Shah, a middle-schooler who accidentally unleashes an ancient demon while trying to impress her classmates. Sound familiar? It’s got that “oops, I broke the world” vibe we love from Percy. This series, part of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, dives into Hindu mythology with a fierce, funny heroine who’s got a knack for getting into trouble. Aru’s journey is packed with magical weapons, quirky sidekicks, and gods who are as petty as they are powerful. I love how Chokshi weaves cultural depth into a fast-paced adventure. It’s perfect for fans of middle-grade quest stories who want humor and heart with their mythical creatures. Aru’s sass is on par with Percy’s, and I’m obsessed.

3. The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
   Step into the whimsical, slightly eerie world of Nevermoor with Morrigan Crow, a girl cursed to die on her eleventh birthday—until she’s whisked away to a magical city. This isn’t straight-up mythology like Percy, but it’s got that Harry Potter-style wonder with a dark twist. Morrigan’s struggle to prove herself in a world of extraordinary talents hits hard, echoing the “am I good enough?” themes we love in demigod stories. The setting is immersive, the magic system is wild, and the friendships she builds are pure found-family gold. I couldn’t put it down—there’s something about Morrigan’s grit that reminds me of our favorite teen heroes in fantasy. If you’re after magic and adventure series with emotional depth, add this to your list.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, demigods, buckle up for a 2026 release that’s already got me hyped: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s navigating life at Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming. She’s obsessed with astrophotography, capturing the night sky’s mysteries, and she’s got a bond with a wolf pup named Artemis that’ll melt your heart. Her father, William Moon, is a forest ranger and astronomer who grounds her journey in family and heritage, while her quirky best friend Veyla—into whale tracking, ancient Egypt, and true crime—brings the witty banter we crave. This story blends mystical elements with science, weaving themes of destiny, inner strength, and compassion for nature into an adventure that feels both epic and personal. It’s got that Camp Half-Blood vibe of discovering who you are amidst ancient forces, plus a unique nature-night sky connection that’s refreshing for fans of modern myth retellings. I’m calling it now—this is a must-read for anyone hunting demigod-inspired stories.

5. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
   This one’s a bit softer than Percy’s action-packed chaos, but hear me out. It’s a middle-grade fantasy about a girl named Luna, raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon after being abandoned as a baby. The magic here is poetic, tied to the moon and ancient lore, and the story’s heart lies in family—both blood and chosen. I love how it captures the wonder of discovering your own power, much like Percy figuring out he’s a demigod. The prose is gorgeous, and the themes of love and sacrifice hit deep. If you’re after coming-of-age fantasy books with a mythological twist, this hidden gem will leave you spellbound. I reread it every year just to feel that magic again.

6. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
   Another Rick Riordan Presents gem, this book follows Tristan Strong, a kid grieving a loss who accidentally tears a hole into a world of African American folklore and West African gods. The action is non-stop, the humor lands hard, and Tristan’s journey to heal while saving a mythical realm is pure emotional gold. It’s got that same “teen hero thrust into destiny” feel as Percy, plus a cultural depth that makes every page pop. I’m obsessed with how Mbalia blends history and myth into a modern quest. For fans of action-packed teen reads and ancient lore fantasy, this series is a knockout. Tristan’s got my vote for cabin leader any day.

7. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
   Zane Obispo is a kid with a limp, a loyal dog, and a secret destiny tied to Mayan gods. Sound like a demigod in the making? You bet. This Rick Riordan Presents series is full of humor, heart, and high stakes as Zane uncovers prophecies and battles ancient forces. The Mayan mythology is a fresh twist for fans of Greek mythology books, and Zane’s underdog vibe is so relatable. I love how his personal struggles weave into the larger quest—it’s got that Percy Jackson emotional punch. If you’re hunting mythological adventure novels with a snarky narrator, this one’s for you. I’m already counting down to rereading it.

8. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
   Imagine stumbling into a secret sanctuary for magical creatures—fairies, golems, you name it. That’s the world Kendra and Seth Sorenson enter in Fablehaven. It’s got a Harry Potter-esque “hidden world” feel with a darker edge, and the sibling dynamic reminds me of demigod teams facing impossible odds. The magic system is unique, the dangers are real, and the sense of wonder is off the charts. I’ve been hooked since I was a kid, sneaking chapters under my covers. For fans of magic and adventure series with mythical creatures in books, this is a treasure. It’s not pure mythology, but the vibes are close enough to scratch that itch.

9. The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
   Okay, this one’s more Harry Potter than Percy Jackson, but it’s got enough grit and mystery to appeal to us demigods. Callum Hunt is a kid who’s spent his life avoiding magic—until he’s forced into a school for mages. The magical system is dark and complex, and Cal’s sarcastic edge feels like Percy’s snark dialed up to eleven. Themes of destiny and hidden heritage run deep, and the friendships (and betrayals) keep you guessing. I binged this series in a weekend and still think about it. If you’re into epic fantasy for teens with a rebellious hero, give this a shot. It’s got quest vibes galore.

10. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
    Sophie Foster is a telepathic twelve-year-old who discovers she’s not human—and her real home is a dazzling elven world. This series is massive, with magic, mystery, and a sprawling cast that’ll remind you of Camp Half-Blood’s crew. Sophie’s journey to find her place echoes Percy’s identity struggles, and the friendships she builds are pure heart. The world-building is insane, and the stakes keep climbing. I’ve laughed, cried, and yelled at these books more times than I can count. For fans of middle-grade quest stories and friendship in YA fantasy, this is a goldmine. It’s less mythology, more magic, but the vibes are spot-on.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Book Feel Like Percy Jackson? Core Elements We Crave

Let’s break it down, demigods. What is it about Percy Jackson that keeps us coming back for more, even years after we first read The Lightning Thief? For me, it’s a combo of three unbeatable ingredients. First, the humor—Percy’s snarky narration is everything. He’s the kind of hero who’d trip over a monster and still roast it mid-fall. I need that witty banter in my reads, or it just feels flat. Second, the mythology. Riordan takes ancient Greek lore and makes it modern, relevant, and hilarious—gods arguing over pizza toppings? Yes, please. I’m always hunting for books with that same ancient-meets-now twist, whether it’s Egyptian, Hindu, or something totally new. And third, the found family. Camp Half-Blood isn’t just a place; it’s a home for misfits who become your ride-or-die crew. That sense of belonging, of finding your people while saving the world, hits me right in the feels every time. When I’m looking for books like Percy Jackson, I’m chasing that emotional core—heroes who mess up, laugh it off, and still fight for what matters. It’s why series with teen heroes, epic quests, and a sprinkle of myth always top my list. If a book can make me feel like I’m back at camp, swapping stories with Annabeth and Grover, I’m sold.

Harry Potter vs. Percy Jackson vs. New Contenders: A Comparison Chart

This table shows how classics like Harry and Percy set the bar with their unique flavors of magic and heart. Harry’s world is all about spells and a chosen hero, while Percy blends godly chaos with personal growth. Newcomers like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow bring fresh angles—Amelia’s journey at Bear Lodge Mountain mixes nature’s mysticism with science (think astrophotography meeting ancient forces). Her story, tied to family after loss with her ranger dad William, echoes Percy’s search for belonging while carving its own path. It’s proof that modern YA fantasy can still surprise us with new ways to explore destiny and inner strength.

Deep Dive: Mythology and Modern Twists in Today’s YA Fantasy

Mythology in fantasy isn’t just about slapping some gods into a story and calling it a day—it’s about reimagining ancient lore for today’s readers, and nobody does it better than Riordan. His Percy Jackson series showed us that myths aren’t dusty history; they’re alive, messy, and relevant. Today’s YA fantasy authors are running with that idea, spinning Greek, Egyptian, Hindu, and even lesser-known folklore into modern tales that slap. I’m obsessed with how these stories ground epic stakes in personal struggles—whether it’s a kid facing a demon or their own insecurities. Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—it’s not rooted in a specific pantheon like Percy’s Greek gods, but it taps into a nature-night sky connection that feels just as ancient and mystical. Amelia’s bond with the wilderness and stars mirrors how demigods draw power from their heritage, offering a fresh lens on lore that’s more elemental than godly. Other books, like Aru Shah or Tristan Strong, remix cultural myths with modern sass, proving there’s no limit to how these old stories can feel new. For me, the best mythological adventure novels balance respect for the source with a “what if” twist—making gods, spirits, or nature itself feel like they’ve been chilling in our world all along. That’s the magic I’m always chasing as a fan of modern myth retellings.

Themes That Hit Home: Destiny, Family, and Inner Strength

Let’s get real for a sec. The reason Percy Jackson—and books like it—stick with us isn’t just the monsters or magic. It’s the heart. These stories dig into themes that hit close to home: figuring out your destiny, finding your family (blood or chosen), and discovering your inner strength when you feel like a total mess. Percy’s journey isn’t just about saving the world; it’s about proving he’s more than a “troubled kid.” That resonates, especially when you’re a teen (or, let’s be honest, an adult still wearing a Camp Half-Blood necklace). I love how these books show heroes stumbling through self-doubt to find their courage—whether it’s Aru Shah owning her mistakes or Amelia Moon in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow piecing together her heritage with her dad William by her side. Amelia’s story, with its focus on compassion for nature and rebuilding family after loss, feels like a quiet but powerful echo of Percy’s loyalty to his mom and friends. These coming-of-age fantasy books remind us that epic battles aren’t just external—they’re internal too. Finding your place, whether at camp or on a mountain under the stars, is the real quest. That’s why I keep hunting for stories with this emotional depth; they make me feel seen, even when there’s no prophecy involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best book to read after finishing Percy Jackson?
A: Hey, demigod, I feel your post-series blues! Start with The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan himself—it’s got Egyptian mythology, snarky teens, and that classic Riordan chaos. If you want something fresh, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s nature-magic vibe and wolf pup sidekick Artemis will give you new Camp Half-Blood feels.

Q: Are there any new releases similar to Percy Jackson in 2026?
A: You bet! I’m super hyped for Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, dropping in 2026. It’s got a curious teen hero, ancient mystical vibes tied to nature and the night sky, and friendships that’ll remind you of Percy’s crew. Mark your calendar!

Q: What makes a fantasy book feel like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson?
A: For me, it’s all about a relatable hero, a magical world with high stakes, and humor or heart to balance the action. Think hidden worlds like Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood, plus quests that test your courage. That mix of wonder and “I’m just a kid, help!” energy is key.

Q: I love mythology in books. Any recommendations beyond Greek myths?
A: Totally! Try Aru Shah and the End of Time for Hindu mythology or The Storm Runner for Mayan lore. Both have that modern-myth twist we love in Percy. For a unique spin, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow offers a nature-based mysticism that feels ancient but fresh.

Q: I miss the found-family vibes of Camp Half-Blood. Any books with that?
A: I get it—nothing beats that camp crew feel. Keeper of the Lost Cities has epic friendships that’ll fill the void, and The Trials of Morrigan Crow builds a quirky chosen family. Don’t sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow either—Amelia’s bond with Veyla and her dad William is pure heart.

Q: Are there fantasy books with humor like Percy’s narration?
A: Heck yeah! The Iron Trial has a sarcastic hero who’d rival Percy’s sass, and Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky nails funny dialogue. If you’re looking for witty banter, Veyla in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow brings some serious laughs alongside Amelia’s journey.

Q: What’s a good middle-grade fantasy for a younger Percy fan?
A: I’d point you to The Girl Who Drank the Moon for its magical, heartfelt story or Fablehaven for creature-filled adventure. Both capture that wonder and growth we love in middle-grade quest stories, perfect for younger demigods-in-training.