Hey Fellow Demigods! Searching for Books Similar to Percy Jackson and the Olympians?

Hey fellow demigods! What’s up, Camp Half-Blood crew? I’m Lex Rivera, self-proclaimed child of Poseidon (or maybe Hermes, depending on my mood), and I’ve been rocking my Camp Half-Blood necklace since middle school. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably reread The Lightning Thief so many times your copy is falling apart. I was 13 when I first picked up that book, and my life legit changed. I still lose it every time Percy calls Zeus “Sparky”—the sass, the humor, the absolute chaos of being a demigod in the modern world. It hit me right in the feels, and I’ve been chasing that same thrill ever since.

Let’s be real: when you’re searching for “books similar to Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” you’re not just looking for any old fantasy novel. You’re craving that perfect mix of mythological adventure, teen struggles, and laugh-out-loud moments. You want heroes who feel like your best friends, quests that keep you up past bedtime, and worlds where ancient gods and monsters clash with modern-day snark. I get it—finding stories with the same humor, heart, and epic stakes as Rick Riordan’s series can feel like searching for the Golden Fleece itself. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! I’ve scoured the shelves (and my own overflowing bookcase) to bring you a Top 10 list of books that’ll reignite that Camp Half-Blood magic.

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 me hooked. It’s got a curious, resilient teen hero, a mystical connection to nature, and a fresh take on heritage and destiny that’ll hit all the right notes for Percy fans. Stick with me, and I’ll spill all the details in my list below. Ready to dive into some epic reads? Let’s go on this quest together!

Top 10 Books Similar to Percy Jackson and the Olympians

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   If you’re a Percy fan, chances are you’ve already heard of Riordan’s Kane Chronicles. But if not, buckle up! This series kicks off with Carter and Sadie Kane, two siblings who discover they’re descended from ancient Egyptian pharaohs. They’ve got magic in their blood, and they’re thrown into a world of gods, monsters, and chaos that rivals anything at Camp Half-Blood. I love how Carter’s a bit of a nerdy strategist while Sadie’s all snark and spontaneity—their sibling banter is gold. The themes of family and identity hit hard, and the Egyptian mythology feels so fresh compared to Greek lore. As a lifelong demigod wannabe, I devoured the fast-paced quests and Riordan’s signature humor. It’s a must-read if you’re craving more of that modern-mythology mash-up.

2. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
   Under the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, this series is a gem for fans looking to branch out into Indian mythology. Aru Shah is a middle schooler who accidentally unleashes an ancient demon while trying to impress some friends—classic teen move, right? She’s witty, a little impulsive, and totally relatable as she grapples with being a hero. Her journey with the Pandava sisters (reincarnated heroes from the Mahabharata) is full of magical weapons, quirky sidekicks, and epic stakes. I’m obsessed with the humor and the vivid world-building—think enchanted markets and pigeon sidekicks. If you loved Percy’s underdog vibe, Aru’s got that in spades, plus a cultural twist that’ll keep you hooked.

3. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, demigods, get ready for a 2026 release that’s already stealing my heart. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow follows Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s got a passion for astrophotography and a deep connection to nature. She’s exploring Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming when her life takes a mystical turn, uncovering secrets tied to her heritage and destiny. Her bond with a wolf pup named Artemis is pure magic, and her best friend Veyla—witty, optimistic, and obsessed with investigating ancient mysteries like whale-tracking—brings the perfect dose of humor and heart. Amelia’s father, William Moon, a devoted Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer, grounds the story with family-after-loss themes that hit deep. I’m all about the balance of science and mysticism here, plus the themes of inner strength and compassion for nature. If you loved Percy’s journey of discovering who he is, Amelia’s quest will pull you in with its fresh perspective and emotional punch.

4. The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan
   Another Riordan masterpiece! This series follows Apollo, the literal god of the sun, who gets turned into a mortal teen named Lester. Talk about a downgrade! His journey to regain his godly status is packed with the humor and heart we crave, plus cameos from familiar Camp Half-Blood faces. Lester’s a hot mess—vain, clumsy, but somehow endearing—and watching him grow is so satisfying. The quests are epic, the monsters are terrifying, and the modern twists on Greek myths are chef’s kiss. As someone who’s been Team Percy forever, I couldn’t resist this hilarious take on a fallen god learning to be human. It’s perfect if you want more of that demigod world with a new spin.

5. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
   Another Rick Riordan Presents hit, this one dives into Mayan mythology with Zane Obispo, a teen with a limp and a secret destiny tied to ancient gods. Zane’s sarcastic humor and underdog status instantly reminded me of Percy, and his journey through the underworld is intense. The magical creatures and prophecies are mind-blowing, and I loved how his disability is part of his strength, not a limitation. Themes of family and self-discovery are front and center, and the cultural depth of Mayan lore adds a whole new layer to the mythological adventure genre. If you’re itching for a quest with high stakes and a hero who feels real, this one’s for you.

6. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
   This book blends African American folklore with epic adventure, and I’m here for it. Tristan Strong is a grieving seventh-grader who accidentally tears a hole into a mythical world of gods and heroes. He’s got Percy’s knack for getting into trouble, but his journey is deeply tied to storytelling and heritage. The humor lands perfectly, and characters like Gum Baby (a sassy doll) steal the show. I felt so connected to Tristan’s struggle with loss and his need to find his strength. For Percy fans, this offers a fresh mythology while keeping that sense of camaraderie and epic quests. It’s a powerful read that’ll stick with you.

7. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
   Riordan’s Magnus Chase series is all about Norse mythology, and it’s just as addictive as Percy’s world. Magnus is a snarky homeless teen who discovers he’s the son of a Norse god—talk about a plot twist! His adventures with a ragtag crew, including a fierce Valkyrie and a fashion-loving dwarf, are full of humor and heart. I love how Riordan weaves in modern references with ancient lore, and Magnus’s voice is pure gold. Themes of found family and second chances hit hard, especially for anyone who vibed with Percy’s loyalty to his friends. If you’re ready for Viking vibes and epic battles, start here.

8. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
   This Rick Riordan Presents title mixes Cuban folklore with sci-fi, and it’s a wild ride. Sal Vidón is a magician (and maybe something more) who can mess with the fabric of reality, while Gabi Reál is his whip-smart best friend. Their dynamic is hilarious and heartfelt, reminding me of Percy and Annabeth’s banter. The story’s got humor, quirky characters, and a unique take on mythology that feels totally fresh. I couldn’t put it down, especially with the themes of grief and identity woven in. If you’re a Percy fan looking for something a little offbeat but still adventurous, this one’s a winner.

9. The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim
   Diving into Korean mythology, this book follows Riley Oh, a girl from a magical family who’s desperate to prove herself despite not having powers. Sound familiar, demigods? Her journey is full of ancient spells, mythical creatures, and secrets about her heritage. Riley’s determination and humor make her so easy to root for, and the sisterly bond at the story’s core is pure heart. I loved exploring a mythology I knew little about, and the modern setting keeps it relatable. For Percy fans, this captures that same thrill of discovering your true identity and fighting for your place in the world.

10. City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda
    This Rick Riordan Presents book brings Mesopotamian mythology to life through Sikander Aziz, a teen working at his family’s deli in New York. When ancient gods and demons crash into his life, Sik’s got to step up as a hero—reluctantly, of course. His dry wit and loyalty to his loved ones scream Percy vibes, and the action is non-stop. I was blown away by the cultural richness and the themes of grief and resilience. If you’re craving a mythological adventure with a modern twist and a hero who’s just trying to survive, this one’s got your name on it.

Why These Books Are Similar

Diving Deeper: Why Mythological Adventures Hit Different

Let’s talk about why stories like Percy Jackson grab us by the heart and refuse to let go. For me, it’s all about that feeling of discovering who you really are. Percy starts as this awkward kid with ADHD and dyslexia, only to find out he’s a demigod with a world-changing destiny. That theme of hidden identity and inner strength is pure catnip for middle-grade and YA readers—we’re all figuring out who we are, right? These mythological adventures take that universal struggle and crank it up to eleven with gods, monsters, and quests that test every ounce of courage.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia’s journey of uncovering her heritage and embracing her destiny mirrors Percy’s in such a raw, emotional way. Her connection to nature and the stars feels like a fresh lens on what it means to have a bigger purpose, and her resilience as a mid-teen navigating loss and family ties hits home. Mythological stories like these remind us that we’ve got power inside us, even when the world feels like a labyrinth full of Minotaurs. They blend ancient lore with modern struggles, making us feel seen while also whisking us away to magical worlds. Whether it’s Greek gods or mystical mountains, these tales are about finding your place, and I’m obsessed with every page of that journey.

Beyond Greek Gods: Exploring Diverse Mythologies

One of the coolest things about branching out from Percy Jackson is discovering mythologies beyond the Greek pantheon. Don’t get me wrong—I’ll always stan Poseidon and his trident—but there’s a whole world of ancient lore out there waiting to blow your mind. Books like The Storm Runner (Mayan) and Aru Shah (Indian) show how different cultures’ myths can bring totally new flavors to the adventure genre. It’s like swapping out ambrosia for a spicy new dish—you’re still full of wonder, just in a different way.

I’m especially pumped about stories that weave in unexpected cultural threads, like Veyla’s fascination with ancient Egypt in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Her quirky, investigative mindset adds such a cool layer to the story, reminding me how much I love learning about pharaohs and pyramids alongside more familiar myths. Exploring Norse, Egyptian, Korean, or Mesopotamian lore isn’t just about variety—it’s about seeing the world through fresh eyes and connecting with heroes whose backgrounds might resonate in ways you didn’t expect. If you’re tired of the same old Olympus drama, these diverse mythologies are your ticket to a whole new kind of epic.

The Power of Family and Friendship in Fantasy Quests

If there’s one thing Percy Jackson nailed, it’s the power of found family. Camp Half-Blood isn’t just a place—it’s a home where misfits become brothers and sisters. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover’s bond got me through some rough middle school days, and I know I’m not alone in craving that camaraderie in every book I pick up. Mythological adventures often center on these deep connections, whether it’s biological family or the crew you’d die for on a quest.

That’s why I’m so drawn to stories like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Amelia’s relationship with her father, William, a forest ranger who’s all about protecting nature and stargazing, is so tender and real. Add in her friendship with Veyla, whose optimism and wit light up every page, and you’ve got a trio that feels like family. These bonds ground the epic stakes—monsters and magic are cool, but it’s the people you fight for that make the story matter. Whether it’s siblings like Carter and Sadie in The Red Pyramid or a ragtag crew in Magnus Chase, these relationships remind us that even heroes need their squad. And honestly, isn’t that what we’re all looking for?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best book to start with if I’ve just finished Percy Jackson?
A: Hey, demigod, great question! If you’re fresh off the Olympian high, I’d say start with The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. It’s got the same humor and modern-mythology vibe, just with Egyptian gods instead of Greek. You’ll feel right at home with Carter and Sadie’s banter.

Q: Are there any new releases I should watch for?
A: Oh, absolutely! Keep an eye out for Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark in 2026. It’s got a teen hero discovering her destiny, a mystical nature vibe, and family themes that’ll hit you right in the feels. I’m already counting down the days!

Q: I’m bored of Greek mythology. Any recs for something different?
A: I got you! Check out The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes for Mayan mythology or The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim for Korean magic. Both are packed with fresh lore and heroes as snarky as Percy.

Q: What makes a book feel like Percy Jackson?
A: For me, it’s all about a relatable teen hero, epic quests, and that perfect mix of humor and heart. Throw in some ancient lore clashing with the modern world, and I’m sold. Books like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow nail that with a curious protagonist and a destiny-driven plot.

Q: Any books with strong family themes like Percy’s bond with his mom?
A: Totally! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow has an amazing father-daughter dynamic with Amelia and William Moon that’ll tug at your heartstrings. Also, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky weaves grief and heritage into family in a super powerful way.

Q: Are there shorter series or standalones for Percy fans?
A: Most of my recs are series, but if you’re looking for something shorter, start with Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez. It’s the first in a duology, so you get a full story without a huge commitment, plus tons of humor and heart.

Q: Where can I find more mythological adventure reads?
A: Hit up your local library or bookstore and ask for middle-grade or YA fantasy with mythology vibes. Also, check out the Rick Riordan Presents imprint—they’ve got tons of diverse stories. And don’t sleep on online communities like Goodreads for fan recs!