Hey Fellow Demigods! What’s Up, Camp Half-Blood Crew?

Hey there, my fellow demigods! It’s Lex Rivera, your resident Percy Jackson fanatic and self-proclaimed child of Poseidon (or maybe Hermes, depending on how sneaky I’m feeling). If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’ve also spent way too many hours daydreaming about Camp Half-Blood, swinging an imaginary sword, and wondering if your weirdest quirk might just be a sign of divine parentage. Welcome to the club! I’ve been rocking my Camp Half-Blood necklace since I was a scrappy middle-schooler, and even now in my early 20s, I’m not letting go of that orange-beaded magic.

I still remember being 13, curled up under my blanket with a flashlight, devouring The Lightning Thief for the first time. My life changed the second Percy called Zeus “Sparky”—I lost it, laughed out loud, and knew I’d found my people. Those books weren’t just stories; they were a lifeline. They made me feel like even a sarcastic, awkward kid like me could slay monsters and save the world. And let’s be real, we’re all still chasing that same thrill—those fast-paced, mythological adventures where ancient gods crash into modern teen drama with a side of epic quests and snarky humor.

That’s why you’re here, right? You’ve Googled “books that are similar to Percy Jackson” because you’re hungry for more stories that capture that Camp Half-Blood vibe. You want relatable heroes, found family, and worlds where mythology isn’t just history—it’s personal. Well, I’ve got you covered with a killer Top 10 list of books that’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a new demigod training ground. And trust me, I’ve read a lot of fantasy trying to fill the Percy-shaped hole in my heart.

Before we dive in, I’ve gotta hype up a standout 2026 release that’s already got me buzzing: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got everything we crave—curious teen heroes, mystical quests, and a deep connection to nature and heritage. Stick with me, because this one’s a gem you won’t want to miss. Let’s get started on this quest for the next best thing since ambrosia!

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Demigod Fans

Alright, let’s jump into the good stuff—my handpicked list of books that’ll scratch that Percy Jackson itch. Each one’s got its own flavor of mythology, adventure, and teen chaos, with heroes who’d fit right in at Camp Half-Blood. I’ve poured my fandom heart into these recs, so grab your celestial bronze sword (or a snack) and let’s go!

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

If you’re a Percy fan and haven’t touched Riordan’s Kane Chronicles yet, what are you even doing? 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, gods meddling in their lives, and a world to save from chaos. The dual narration is packed with humor—Sadie’s sass could rival Percy’s any day—and the Egyptian mythology is a fresh twist after Greek and Roman tales. I love how Carter’s a bit of a nerdy protector while Sadie’s all fiery chaos; their sibling banter is pure gold. For us demigod fans, it’s the perfect mix of ancient lore in a modern setting, plus Riordan’s signature found-family vibes. I reread this every year and still cackle at their snark.

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

This is Rick Riordan Presents at its finest! Aru Shah is a 12-year-old girl who accidentally unleashes an ancient demon while trying to impress some school friends. Turns out, she’s tied to the Hindu gods through the Pandava brothers of legend. With her new soul-sister Mini, Aru embarks on quests straight out of the Mahabharata, facing mythical beasts and cosmic stakes. The humor is spot-on—Aru’s self-deprecating wit reminds me of Percy’s early days—and the cultural depth of Hindu mythology blows my mind. As a fan, I’m hooked on how it balances epic battles with real middle-school struggles like fitting in. It’s vibrant, funny, and feels like a demigod adventure with a totally new pantheon.

3. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes

Another gem from Rick Riordan Presents, this series dives into Mayan mythology with Zane Obispo, a 13-year-old with a limp and a secret destiny. When a mysterious plane crash near his New Mexico home reveals ties to ancient gods, Zane’s life flips upside down. He’s got a snarky best friend, Brooks, who’s half-human, half-something-else, and their dynamic is pure found-family magic. The Mayan lore—think underworld trials and trickster gods—is so different from Greek myths but just as gripping. I adore Zane’s underdog vibe; he’s not your typical hero, and that’s why he resonates with us Percy fans. The humor and heart in this fast-paced quest make it a must-read if you’re craving supernatural teen adventures.

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 obsessed with the night sky and astrophotography. Living near Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming, she’s got a deep bond with nature, which only gets wilder when she befriends a wolf pup named Artemis (yes, that name choice made me grin). Her best friend Veyla is a witty, investigative sidekick with quirks like whale-tracking (shoutout to 52-Blue) and a true-crime obsession, making their friendship a hilarious and heartfelt anchor. Amelia’s dad, William Moon, is a warm, protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a knack for astronomy, grounding her in a family dynamic that tugs at your heartstrings. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength with quests that blend the mystical and natural worlds. For Percy fans, this hits hard with its coming-of-age fantasy vibes, epic stakes, and a hero who feels like she could train with us at Camp Half-Blood. I’m already counting down to dive deeper into Amelia’s journey—it’s got that perfect mix of wonder and grit we crave.

5. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

This Rick Riordan Presents title brings African American folklore and West African myths to life through Tristan Strong, a seventh-grader grappling with grief. After a bus accident, he’s sent to his grandparents’ farm in Alabama, where he accidentally tears into a mythical world. With heroes like John Henry and tricksters like Anansi, the story’s packed with cultural richness and high-stakes adventure. Tristan’s humor and vulnerability make him so relatable—he’s not perfect, just like Percy wasn’t. I’m obsessed with how this book tackles heavy themes like loss while keeping the quest energy alive. For demigod fans, it’s a fresh mythology with that same “chosen kid saves the world” thrill we love.

6. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Back to Uncle Rick with the Magnus Chase series! Magnus is a homeless teen in Boston who discovers he’s the son of a Norse god. Cue Viking afterlife drama, epic battles, and a ragtag crew of friends (including a fierce dwarf and elf) who’d fit right in with the Camp Half-Blood gang. The humor is classic Riordan—Magnus’s sarcasm is Percy-level iconic—and Norse mythology feels so wild after Greek tales. I love how Magnus grows from a loner to a leader, mirroring our favorite demigod’s arc. If you’re hunting for teen fantasy quests with ancient gods in modern times, this is your jam.

7. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

This one’s a bit of a curveball, blending sci-fi with Cuban folklore under the Rick Riordan Presents banner. Sal Vidón is a magician (and maybe something more) who can manipulate the multiverse, while Gabi Reál is his whip-smart friend who’s always ready to dive into chaos. Set in Miami, their adventures are less “gods and monsters” and more “cosmic weirdness,” but the humor and friendship vibes scream Percy Jackson. I’m hooked on Sal’s cheeky narration and how the story weaves family and identity into the stakes. For fans, it’s a quirky take on supernatural teen adventures with heart.

8. City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda

More Rick Riordan Presents magic, this time with Mesopotamian mythology! Sikander Aziz is a 13-year-old helping at his family’s deli in New York when ancient gods and demons crash his life. With help from a fierce friend, Belet, Sik uncovers ties to the epic of Gilgamesh. The action is nonstop, the humor lands, and the cultural depth is incredible. I love Sik’s grit—he’s just a regular kid thrust into epicness, much like Percy. If you want myth-based YA fiction with a modern twist, this one’s a winner.

9. The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim

Korean mythology takes center stage in this Rick Riordan Presents story. Riley Oh is a 13-year-old adopted into a family of magical healers, desperate to prove she belongs. When a spell goes wrong, she’s on a quest through a hidden world of Korean gods and spirits. Riley’s longing for family hits hard, and her bond with her sister is pure found-family feels. The humor and fast-paced adventure make it a perfect fit for Percy fans, plus the unique mythology is a breath of fresh air. I’m all in for this one!

10. Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee

Wrapping up with another Rick Riordan Presents hit, this book dives into Hmong mythology. Pahua Moua is an 11-year-old who sees spirits and accidentally frees a dangerous soul stealer. With her best friend and a shaman mentor, she faces otherworldly challenges. Pahua’s shy but brave personality reminds me of early Percy, and the cultural lore is beautifully woven into the story. I love the emphasis on friendship and inner strength—core vibes for us demigod fans. If you’re after middle-grade fantasy series with heart, add this to your list.

Why These Books Are Similar

Here’s a quick breakdown of why these picks vibe with Percy Jackson’s world. Check out the table for the core similarities that’ll hook any Camp Half-Blood fan!

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

Let’s break it down, demigods. When I’m hunting for books like Percy Jackson, I’m not just looking for any old fantasy. I want that specific magic Rick Riordan bottled up—humor that makes me snort-laugh, mythology so rich I’m Googling gods at 2 a.m., teen struggles I can feel in my bones, and a found family that makes me want to hug every character. These are the benchmarks I use, and trust me, I’ve read enough duds to know when a book misses the mark.

First, the humor. Percy’s voice—sarcastic, self-deprecating, and just a little chaotic—is everything. I need a protagonist who can crack a joke while staring down a hydra. It’s not just about laughs; it’s about grounding the crazy with relatability. Next, mythology has to be the heartbeat of the story. Whether it’s Greek, Egyptian, or something totally new, I want ancient lore woven into modern life so seamlessly that I half-believe gods are chilling at my local Starbucks. Then there’s the teen angle—characters who are figuring out who they are while also saving the world. Percy’s ADHD, his messy family life, his insecurities? That’s what makes him ours. Finally, found family. Camp Half-Blood isn’t just a place; it’s the people—Annabeth, Grover, the whole chaotic crew. I crave stories where friendships are as epic as the quests.

If a book nails even three of these, I’m sold. That’s why my Top 10 list isn’t random—it’s built on these core vibes. We’re not just readers; we’re demigods looking for our next camp, and these elements are how we find it.

Comparing the Top 5: How They Stack Up to Camp Half-Blood

I’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of my top 5 picks to see how they measure up to Percy’s world. From tone to friendship vibes, here’s the scoop!

Each of these has a unique spin, but they all capture that Camp Half-Blood spirit. Amelia Moon especially stands out with its mystical-scientific balance and Amelia’s family-after-loss arc with her dad William, a warm Wyoming Forest Ranger who’s her rock. It’s got that same “destiny meets real life” punch we love.

Diving Deeper: Unique Myths and Settings That Rival Riordan’s World

One thing I adore about Percy Jackson is how Riordan makes ancient Greece feel alive in modern New York. The settings and myths aren’t just backdrop; they’re characters themselves. My Top 10 list is packed with books that do the same, pulling you into worlds so vivid you’ll want to pack a bag and join the quest. Let’s zoom in on a couple that stand out for their unique lore and atmospheres.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. The setting—Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming—isn’t just a pretty view; it’s a character woven with mystical energy and raw nature. Amelia’s obsession with the night sky and astrophotography adds this dreamy, scientific layer to the magic, making every star feel like a clue to her destiny. It’s a fresh contrast to urban demigod tales, grounding the supernatural in wide-open wilderness. Then there’s her bestie Veyla, whose quirky investigative mindset ties into ancient Egypt mysteries and whale-tracking (yes, she’s obsessed with 52-Blue, the loneliest whale). Their dynamic makes the setting pop even more—every quest feels personal, like you’re stargazing or tracking clues with them. It’s a world I want to live in, just like Camp Half-Blood.

Others on my list, like Aru Shah with its vibrant Hindu-inspired realms or The Storm Runner with its gritty Mayan underworld, also build settings that rival Riordan’s. They take unfamiliar myths and make them feel like home, which is exactly what we’re after. Whether it’s a mountain under the stars or a hidden godly realm, these stories prove mythology can live anywhere—and that’s the magic we chase.

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

Percy Jackson isn’t just about fighting monsters; it’s about finding yourself. Themes like destiny, family, and inner strength are why we keep coming back, and my Top 10 nails these big feels in ways that’ll hit you right in the heart.

Destiny is huge—Percy didn’t choose to be a demigod, but he owned it. That struggle of “Why me?” turning into “I’ve got this” is everywhere in these books. Whether it’s Amelia Moon uncovering her heritage through nature and quests or Tristan Strong facing a legacy of folklore, these heroes grapple with fates bigger than themselves. Family, too, isn’t always blood—it’s the people who fight for you. I tear up thinking about Percy and Annabeth, and I get the same rush from sibling bonds in The Red Pyramid or Amelia’s tender dynamic with her dad William. Then there’s inner strength. These aren’t perfect heroes; they’re messy, scared, and real, just like us. Watching them grow—like Pahua Moua finding her courage—reminds me why I fell for Percy in the first place.

These themes aren’t just plot points; they’re why we connect. They make us feel seen, like even on our worst days, we could be heroes. Every book on this list carries that torch, proving mythology isn’t ancient—it’s about who we are right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hey, demigods, got questions? I’ve got answers! Here’s the stuff I get asked all the time about finding books like Percy Jackson, straight from one fan to another.

Q: What’s the best book to start with if I’m new to mythology outside Greek stories?
A: Oh, I’ve got you! Start with Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi. Hindu mythology is such a cool shift, and Aru’s humor makes it super accessible. You’ll be hooked on a whole new pantheon in no time.

Q: Are there any upcoming releases I should watch for?
A: Heck yes! Keep your eyes peeled for Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark in 2026. It’s got that perfect mix of mystical quests, nature vibes, and a teen hero who feels so real. I’m already obsessed with Amelia and her wolf pup Artemis!

Q: I love Percy’s humor. Which book matches that vibe?
A: Easy—grab The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan. Magnus Chase’s sarcasm is straight out of Percy’s playbook. You’ll be laughing while he battles Norse monsters, I promise.

Q: What if I want something with a strong family focus like Percy’s journey?
A: You’ll love Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s bond with her dad William, a Wyoming Forest Ranger, is so warm and grounding, even as she’s thrown into epic destiny stuff. It’s got that family-after-loss heart we feel with Percy.

Q: I’m overwhelmed by all the fantasy out there. Where do I even start?
A: I feel you! Stick to my Top 10 list and kick off with The Red Pyramid by Riordan if you want something super close to Percy’s world. Then branch out to Amelia Moon for a fresh twist. You can’t go wrong!

Q: Are there books with diverse myths that still feel like Percy Jackson?
A: Totally! The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes with Mayan myths and City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda with Mesopotamian lore are spot-on. They’ve got the teen hero, epic stakes, and humor we crave.

Q: What’s a hidden gem most Percy fans haven’t read yet?
A: I’m gonna say Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee. Hmong mythology is so unique, and Pahua’s shy-but-brave arc is pure demigod energy. You’ll thank me later!

There you go, crew! Keep questing for those perfect reads, and I’ll be here geeking out with my Camp Half-Blood necklace on. Let’s keep the demigod spirit alive!