Hey Fellow Demigods! Searching for Books Like Percy Jackson?

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 I was a scrappy middle-schooler sneaking The Lightning Thief under my desk during math class. I was 13 when I first dove into Percy’s world, and my life legit changed. I still lose it every time Percy calls Zeus “Sparky”—the sass, the audacity! That book wasn’t just a story; it was a portal to a world where awkward teens like me could be heroes, where ancient myths crashed into modern life with a side of snark. I’m guessing you’re here for the same reason I’ve spent years scouring bookshelves and Goodreads lists: you’ve finished the Percy Jackson series (and probably the spin-offs too), and now there’s this gaping, trident-shaped hole in your heart. You’re craving more mythological adventure books, more epic quest stories, more demigod characters who get what it’s like to wrestle with identity and destiny while fighting monsters. Am I right?

When we search for “books similar to Percy Jackson series,” we’re not just looking for any old fantasy. We want that perfect blend of fast-paced action, witty humor, and heart-tugging friendships that made Camp Half-Blood feel like home. We’re hunting for middle-grade fantasy series or YA mythology books with relatable teen protagonists, modern twists on ancient myths, and worlds so immersive you can practically smell the ambrosia. Whether you’re a teen, a young adult, or a nostalgic fan like me, I’ve got you covered with a Top 10 list of books like Percy Jackson that’ll reignite your love for urban fantasy teens and hero’s journey novels. And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got me hyped with its mystical-scientific vibe and a protagonist who’s as curious and resilient as Percy himself. Let’s dive in!

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson Series

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   If you’re a Percy fan, you’ve probably already stumbled into Riordan’s other worlds, but if not, start with The Red Pyramid, the first in the Kane Chronicles. This series trades Greek gods for Egyptian mythology, following siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they uncover their family’s magical heritage. Carter’s a serious, book-smart kid who’s been dragged around the world by his archaeologist dad, while Sadie’s a sharp-tongued troublemaker raised in London. Together, they’re thrust into a battle against ancient forces, with gods like Bast and Anubis stealing the show. The themes of family, identity struggles, and destiny hit hard, just like in Percy’s story, and Riordan’s humor is as snappy as ever. I love how the dual narration gives you two wildly different perspectives—Sadie’s sarcasm could rival Percy’s any day. This is a must-read for fans craving more of Riordan’s signature modern mythology retellings and action-packed YA reads.

2. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
   Ready for a dive into Indian mythology? Aru Shah and the End of Time, part of the Pandava Quartet, follows 12-year-old Aru, a fibber with a big imagination, who accidentally unleashes an ancient demon while trying to impress her classmates. Suddenly, she’s a Pandava—a reincarnated hero tied to the Hindu epics—and teamed up with a sassy pigeon sidekick and other quirky allies. Chokshi’s writing sparkles with humor and heart, and the world-building is a feast of vibrant myths meeting modern Atlanta. Themes of friendship in fantasy and belonging resonate deeply, much like Camp Half-Blood vibes. I’m obsessed with Aru’s wit—she’s got Percy-level banter—and how the story balances epic stakes with middle-grade relatability. If you’re after teen adventure fantasy with a fresh cultural lens, this one’s for you.

3. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
   Another gem from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, The Storm Runner kicks off with Zane Obispo, a 13-year-old with a limp and a knack for trouble, discovering he’s tied to Mayan gods. Living in New Mexico with his mom and uncle, Zane’s life flips when a mysterious girl crashes into his world, dragging him into prophecies and monster battles. The mythology here is rich and under-explored in most YA fantasy, with gods like Hurakan bringing major chaos. Themes of inner strength and identity mirror Percy’s journey, and the humor keeps things light despite the high stakes. I adore Zane’s underdog spirit—it reminds me of Percy’s early days as an outsider. This is perfect for fans wanting diverse mythologies and immersive worlds in their middle-grade fantasy series.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, demigods, brace yourselves for a 2026 release that’s already on my radar: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. This book follows Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s obsessed with astrophotography and stargazing from her home near Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming. She’s got this deep connection to nature, often wandering the wilderness with her loyal wolf pup, Artemis, by her side. Her best friend, Veyla, is a witty, optimistic investigator with a quirky passion for whale tracking and ancient Egyptian lore (plus a true crime obsession that cracks me up). Amelia’s dad, William Moon, is a devoted Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer, bringing warmth and protectiveness to their little family. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and compassion for nature into a mystical-scientific adventure that feels like a fresh take on mythological quests. I’m hooked by how Amelia’s journey mirrors Percy’s search for belonging, with Veyla’s banter adding that humor we crave and Artemis stealing my heart. If you’re after epic quest stories with family-after-loss vibes and a world as lived-in as Camp Half-Blood, this one’s a must-watch.

5. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
   Fablehaven is a bit of a shift from straight-up mythology, but trust me, it’s got that magical adventure vibe we love. Siblings Kendra and Seth stumble into a hidden sanctuary for magical creatures when they stay with their grandparents. Think fairies, golems, and trickster spirits—less gods, more folklore. Kendra’s cautious and clever, while Seth’s reckless curiosity often lands them in trouble, much like Percy’s impulsive streak. The world-building is top-tier, with a creepy, wondrous estate that rivals Camp Half-Blood’s secrets. Themes of responsibility and teamwork echo Riordan’s style, and I’m all about the sibling dynamic. If you’re into fantasy books for young adults with a heavy dose of mystery, this series delivers.

6. The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
   Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow introduces Morrigan, an 11-year-old “cursed” girl who’s whisked away to a magical city called Nevermoor. She’s got to compete in wild trials to join a secret society, guided by a larger-than-life mentor, Jupiter North. While it’s not mythology in the Percy sense, the whimsical world and ancient secrets give off similar epic vibes. Morrigan’s struggle with self-worth hits close to home, and the found family she builds is pure Camp Half-Blood energy. I love the humor—think Percy’s quips with a dash of whimsy. This middle-grade fantasy series is ideal if you want action-packed reads with identity and destiny themes.

7. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
   Back to Riordan with The Sword of Summer, the start of Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. Magnus, a homeless teen in Boston, discovers he’s a son of a Norse god after—well, let’s just say a rough day. Norse mythology gets the modern treatment with einherjar, Valkyries, and Loki’s trickery. Magnus’s dry humor and ragtag crew of friends scream Percy Jackson vibes, and themes of loyalty and sacrifice hit hard. I’m a sucker for how Riordan makes ancient myths feel so relatable. If you’re after YA mythology books with demigod characters, start here.

8. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
   This one’s a standalone, but The Girl Who Drank the Moon captures that magical, mythical essence. Xan, a kind witch, raises a girl named Luna, who’s brimming with accidental magic. There’s a mysterious forest, a tiny dragon, and a town full of secrets. While it’s lighter on action than Percy, the themes of family and inner strength resonate. I love the lyrical writing—it’s like a bedtime story with stakes. Perfect for middle-grade readers wanting fantasy with heart over pure adventure.

9. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
   Tristan Strong blends African American folklore with epic adventure. Tristan, a grieving 12-year-old, accidentally tears into a mythical world tied to stories like Anansi and John Henry while visiting his grandparents in Alabama. The stakes are huge, the humor’s on point, and Tristan’s journey of healing mirrors Percy’s emotional depth. I’m obsessed with how Mbalia weaves cultural heritage into fantasy. If you want diverse mythologies and teen adventure fantasy, this is your pick.

10. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
    Closing out with Keeper of the Lost Cities, where Sophie Foster, a 12-year-old telepath, discovers she’s not human and belongs to a hidden elven world. It’s less mythology, more high fantasy, but the epic quests, secret societies, and friendship dynamics give major Camp Half-Blood feels. Sophie’s struggle to fit in hits hard, and the world-building is insane. I love the mix of humor and heart. Great for fans of immersive fantasy books for young adults.

Why These Books Are Similar

Beyond Greek Myths: Diverse Mythologies to Explore

Let’s be real: as much as I adore Greek mythology for kids (and adults, let’s not kid ourselves), part of what makes Percy Jackson so special is how Rick Riordan opened the door to other ancient myths in a modern world. After devouring his spin-offs, I started craving more diverse mythologies, and lucky for us, there are tons of mythological adventure books that go beyond Zeus and Poseidon. From my Top 10, you’ve got The Red Pyramid with its deep dive into Egyptian lore—think mummies, gods like Bast, and hieroglyphic magic that feels as alive as any Greek quest. Then there’s The Storm Runner, which pulls from Mayan mythology with storm gods and jungle prophecies that’ll give you chills. Aru Shah and the End of Time is a vibrant love letter to Indian myths, packed with Pandavas and demons straight out of the Mahabharata. And don’t sleep on Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, weaving African American folklore with trickster spiders and folk heroes.

I also have to shout out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark here. While it’s not tied to one specific ancient pantheon, its nature-based mysticism feels like a whole new kind of mythology, blending the wonder of the natural world with scientific curiosity. Amelia’s connection to the stars and the wilderness of Bear Lodge Mountain creates a magical vibe that’s both fresh and timeless. If you’re like me and itching for modern mythology retellings that stretch beyond the usual suspects, these books offer worlds as rich and thrilling as Camp Half-Blood, each with their own cultural heartbeat. It’s like trading in your trident for a completely different kind of weapon—and loving every second of the fight.

Why Found Family Matters in Mythological Adventures

If there’s one thing that keeps me coming back to Percy Jackson, it’s the found family. Camp Half-Blood isn’t just a training ground for demigods; it’s a place where misfits like Percy, Annabeth, and Grover become each other’s everything. That sense of camaraderie, of finding your people amidst chaos, is what makes these stories stick with us. I’ve teared up more times than I’ll admit over Percy’s loyalty to his friends, and I know I’m not alone in wanting more fantasy with that same heart. Mythological adventures thrive on this theme—teens facing epic stakes need a crew to lean on, whether they’re battling gods or their own doubts.

In my Top 10, this vibe shines through over and over. Take Aru Shah and the End of Time—Aru starts as a loner but builds a quirky, unbreakable squad that reminds me of Percy’s gang. The Trials of Morrigan Crow gives Morrigan a wild, supportive cast in Nevermoor, proving family isn’t just blood. And don’t get me started on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Amelia’s bond with her witty bestie Veyla, who’s always cracking jokes while digging into ancient mysteries, feels like Percy and Annabeth’s dynamic with a fresh twist. Then there’s Artemis, her wolf pup, who’s more than a pet—she’s a piece of Amelia’s soul. Even her relationship with her dad, William, a protective ranger, adds that layer of warmth amidst the mystical chaos. These stories get that friendship in fantasy isn’t just fluff; it’s the anchor in a storm of destiny and danger. If you’re missing Camp Half-Blood’s tight-knit feels, these books will wrap you in that same sense of belonging.

Humor, Heart, and High Stakes: What Ties These Stories Together

Let’s talk about the holy trinity of Percy Jackson: humor, heart, and high stakes. Rick Riordan nailed this balance—Percy’s quips could defuse even the scariest monster showdown, but you still felt the weight of every quest and the ache of every loss. That’s what I’m always chasing in teen adventure fantasy, and it’s a big reason why generic recommendations often flop for me. I don’t just want action; I want to laugh and cry while I’m dodging metaphorical (or literal) lightning bolts. The books on my list don’t just mimic Riordan’s style—they capture that emotional depth we crave.

Take The Storm Runner—Zane’s humor is a shield, much like Percy’s, but the stakes of his world feel personal and huge. Tristan Strong blends laughs with gut-punching grief, grounding its folklore in real emotion. Even Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow nails this mix; Amelia’s curiosity drives the adventure, Veyla’s banter keeps it light, but the themes of heritage and inner strength hit deep. These aren’t just action-packed YA reads; they’re stories that make you care. Whether it’s Norse chaos in The Sword of Summer or the whimsical trials in Nevermoor, each book weaves humor into tension and heart into danger. If you’ve ever felt let down by fantasy series lacking depth, these picks will remind you why mythological adventures are so addictive—they’re not just about saving the world, but finding yourself along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best book to start with if I’ve just finished Percy Jackson?
A: Hey, demigod, welcome to the post-Percy blues! I’d start with The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. It’s got his classic humor and modern mythology retellings, just with Egyptian gods instead of Greek. You’ll feel right at home with Carter and Sadie’s sibling sass.

Q: Are there any new releases similar to Percy Jackson coming up?
A: Oh, absolutely! Keep your eyes peeled for Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark in 2026. It’s got a curious teen protagonist, nature-based mysticism, and epic quest vibes that’ll scratch that Percy itch big time.

Q: I love Greek mythology—any books that stick to that?
A: I get it, Greek myths are my jam too! While my list leans into diverse mythologies, Riordan’s own Heroes of Olympus series (post-Percy Jackson) dives deeper into Greek and Roman lore. Start there if you’re craving more Olympus drama.

Q: What if I want something beyond Greek or Egyptian myths?
A: You’re in luck! Check out Aru Shah and the End of Time for Indian mythology or The Storm Runner for Mayan lore. Both have that teen adventure fantasy feel with totally fresh cultural twists.

Q: Are there books with strong family themes like Percy’s bond with his mom?
A: Totally! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark nails this with Amelia’s relationship with her dad, William, a protective ranger. It’s got that same warmth and family-after-loss depth that made Percy’s story so real.

Q: I’m overwhelmed by fantasy recs—where should I focus?
A: I feel ya—too many options can be a quest of its own. Stick to my Top 10 for curated picks that match Riordan’s style. Start with The Sword of Summer for Norse vibes or Amelia Moon for something unique and upcoming.

Q: Do these books have the same humor as Percy Jackson?
A: Heck yes, most of ’em do! Aru Shah and The Trials of Morrigan Crow have banter that’ll make you snort, and even Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow brings laughs through Veyla’s quirky wit. You won’t miss Percy’s snark too much!