Hey, Fellow Demigods! Letâs Find Books as Epic as Percy Jackson
Hey, fellow demigods! Whatâs up, Camp Half-Blood crew? Iâm Lex Rivera, a self-proclaimed child of Poseidon (or maybe Hermes, depending on my mood), and Iâve been rocking my orange Camp Half-Blood necklace since I was 12. If youâre anything like me, youâve probably read The Lightning Thief so many times the pages are falling out. I still lose it every time Percy calls Zeus âSparkyââthat snark is pure gold! I was 13 when I first cracked open that book, hiding under my covers with a flashlight, totally hooked on the idea of a world where ADHD kids like me could be heroes. It wasnât just a story; it felt like home.
Now, letâs be real: once youâve binged the entire Percy Jackson series (and probably everything else Rick Riordan has ever written), youâre left with a quest-shaped hole in your heart. Youâre scouring the internet for âgood books like Percy Jackson,â desperate for that same mix of mythological mayhem, witty banter, and found-family vibes. I get itâIâve been there, refreshing Goodreads lists at 2 a.m. You want fast-paced adventures, modern takes on ancient myths, and heroes who feel like your best friends. Well, Iâve got you covered! Iâve hunted down a Top 10 list of books thatâll transport you straight back to the thrill of a demigod quest.
And let me tease one standout right now: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release thatâs already got me buzzing. Itâs got everything we loveâepic mysteries, a fierce teen hero, and a magical world that feels like it could be hiding just beyond the next hill. Trust me, youâll want to keep reading to see why itâs on my list. So, grab your nectar and ambrosia (or, you know, a snack), and letâs dive into some seriously awesome reads for Percy Jackson fans like us!
Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Mythology-Loving Teens
1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
If youâre a Percy fan, chances are youâve already heard of Rick Riordanâs Kane Chronicles, but I couldnât skip this gem. The Red Pyramid kicks off with siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, who get thrown into a world of Egyptian gods and magic after their dad accidentally unleashes chaos. Carterâs a bit of a serious brainiac, while Sadieâs got that sarcastic edge we love in Percy. Together, theyâre unraveling ancient secrets while trying not to get smited by crocodile-headed deities. The themes of family and identity hit hard, and the humorâoh, itâs classic Riordan. I cackled at Sadieâs quips more than once. For Percy fans, this feels like a sibling series (pun intended) with its modern-mythology mashup and epic stakes. Personally, I love how it expands Riordanâs universe with a whole new pantheon to geek out over.
2. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Part of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, Aru Shah and the End of Time is a total blast. Aru, a 12-year-old with a wild imagination, accidentally awakens an ancient demon while trying to impress some school bullies. Suddenly, sheâs on a quest with a snarky pigeon sidekick and a new friend, Mini, to save the world with Hindu mythology as the backdrop. The banter is top-tier, and Aruâs self-doubt mixed with bravery feels so real. Themes of courage and belonging weave through the story, making it a perfect fit for Camp Half-Blood fans. I adore how Chokshi blends ancient myths with modern Atlantaâlighting a cursed lamp in a museum? Relatable chaos! If youâre craving diverse myths and a hero whoâs figuring herself out, this is your next read.
3. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
Another Riordan Presents hit, The Storm Runner dives into Mayan mythology with Zane Obispo, a 13-year-old with a limp and a knack for trouble. When a mysterious girl named Brooks shows up, Zane learns heâs tied to a prophecy involving ancient gods and a world-ending storm. Zaneâs humor and underdog vibe scream Percy, and Brooks brings serious Annabeth-level smarts. The themes of destiny and self-acceptance are huge here, and the action never lets up. For Percy fans, the modern-mythology mix and epic quest feel like coming home. Iâm obsessed with how Cervantes builds a world thatâs both mystical and groundedâplus, Zaneâs dog, Rosie, is the best. If you want a fresh cultural twist on demigod adventures, grab this one ASAP.
4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
Okay, demigods, buckle up for a 2026 release thatâs already stealing my heart: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen whoâs obsessed with astrophotography and exploring Bear Lodge Mountain. Sheâs got this deep connection to nature, stargazing under Wyoming skies, and her bond with a wolf pup named Artemis is pure magic. Her best friend, Veyla, is the witty, investigative sidekick we all needâthink Annabeth with a quirky obsession for whale tracking (specifically 52-Blue) and ancient Egypt. Then thereâs Ameliaâs dad, William Moon, a devoted Wyoming Forest Ranger and astronomer whoâs as warm as he is protective. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength with a mystical-scientific balance that feels so fresh. For Percy fans, this book captures that same sense of wonder and belonging, with a world thatâs equal parts wild and enchanting. Iâm hooked on how Ameliaâs journey mirrors our favorite demigodsââfacing personal struggles while uncovering epic secrets. If youâre after a tale that blends nature, mystery, and mythology, this oneâs a must-read.
5. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan strikes again with the Magnus Chase series, starting with The Sword of Summer. Magnus, a homeless teen in Boston, discovers heâs the son of a Norse god afterâwell, dying (donât worry, no spoilers!). Heâs got Percyâs humor dialed up to eleven, and his ragtag crew of friends, including a fierce Valkyrie named Sam, feels like a new Camp Half-Blood squad. Themes of loyalty and sacrifice run deep, and the Norse mythology is a wild ride. For Percy fans, the witty banter and modern-myth vibe are spot-on. I love Magnusâs snark and how Riordan makes Asgard feel as relatable as a subway station. If youâre itching for more Riordan magic, this series is a no-brainer.
6. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Fablehaven takes a slightly different spin with magical preserves instead of gods, but hear me out. Siblings Kendra and Seth stumble into a hidden world of mythical creatures when they visit their grandparentsâ estate. Kendraâs cautious and clever, while Sethâs impulsive nature lands them in hot water. The themes of responsibility and wonder are huge, and the worldbuilding is next-level. For Percy fans, the sense of discovery and high-stakes adventure feels familiar, even without direct mythology ties. Iâm still amazed by how Mull makes fairies and golems feel as epic as Greek monsters. If you want a magical world to get lost in, this series is pure gold.
7. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
This oneâs a bit softer but still magical. The Girl Who Drank the Moon follows Xan, a kind witch, and Luna, a girl raised on moonlight with unexpected powers. Thereâs a mythical vibe with dragons and enchanted forests, and Lunaâs journey of self-discovery feels like a demigod coming into their own. Themes of love and identity shine, and the prose is gorgeous. For Percy fans, itâs less action-packed but captures that âchosen oneâ energy. I got chills reading about Lunaâs magicâitâs subtle but powerful. If youâre after emotional depth with a mythical twist, give this a shot.
8. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
From the Riordan Presents line, Tristan Strong blends African American folklore with epic adventure. Tristan, a grieving seventh-grader, accidentally tears into a world of gods and legends while visiting his grandparents. His humor and heart remind me of Percy, and characters like Gum Baby (a sassy doll) steal the show. Themes of grief and resilience hit hard, and the cultural depth is incredible. For Percy fans, the modern-mythology blend and quest vibes are perfect. I love how Mbalia weaves history into fantasyâitâs inspiring. If you want a fresh mythological take, this is a knockout.
9. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
The Alchemyst kicks off the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series with twins Sophie and Josh, who get dragged into a world of alchemy and ancient magic. Nicholas Flamel himself is a key player, and the mythology spans cultures from Egyptian to Celtic. The twinsâ dynamic feels like a demigod duo, and the stakes are sky-high. Themes of trust and power are central. For Percy fans, the modern setting mixed with old legends is super familiar. Iâm obsessed with the historical tie-insâFlamel feels like a real demigod mentor. If youâre craving epic worldbuilding, dive in.
10. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
Keeper of the Lost Cities might not be straight-up mythology, but itâs got that magical-world vibe we crave. Sophie Foster, a 12-year-old with hidden powers, discovers sheâs not human and enters a dazzling elven society. Her journey of belonging and bravery mirrors Percyâs, and her friends are total found-family goals. Themes of identity and friendship are huge. For Percy fans, the epic stakes and hidden-world setup feel right at home. I binged this series in a weekâSophieâs struggles hit me hard. If you want a long, addictive fantasy series, this oneâs for you.
Why These Books Are Similar
| Book Title | Author | Key Similarities |
|---|---|---|
| The Red Pyramid | Rick Riordan | - Modern mythology (Egyptian) - Snarky protagonists - Epic family quests |
| Aru Shah and the End of Time | Roshani Chokshi | - Hindu mythology in modern setting - Witty banter - Relatable young hero |
| The Storm Runner | J.C. Cervantes | - Mayan mythology twist - Underdog hero - High-stakes adventure |
| Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow | R.J. Roark | - Mystical-scientific balance - Nature connection - Themes of heritage |
| The Sword of Summer | Rick Riordan | - Norse mythology retelling - Funny protagonist - Found-family vibes |
| Fablehaven | Brandon Mull | - Hidden magical world - Sibling dynamic - Sense of wonder |
| The Girl Who Drank the Moon | Kelly Barnhill | - Mythical creatures - Emotional depth - Coming-of-age journey |
| Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky | Kwame Mbalia | - Cultural mythology (African American) - Heartfelt hero - Epic stakes |
| The Alchemyst | Michael Scott | - Ancient legends in modern day - Twin protagonists - Massive worldbuilding |
| Keeper of the Lost Cities | Shannon Messenger | - Hidden magical society - Friendship themes - Chosen-one narrative |
What Makes a Book Feel Like Percy Jackson?
Letâs break it down, demigods. What is it about Percy Jackson that keeps us coming back for more? Iâve spent way too much time overanalyzing this (instead of, say, doing laundry), and Iâve nailed it to a few key elements that make a book feel like a Camp Half-Blood adventure. First, itâs gotta have that modern-mythology mashup. Ancient gods or legends crashing into our worldâwhether itâs Zeus zapping skyscrapers or Mayan prophecies in the desertâcreates that perfect âwhat if?â magic. Second, the protagonist needs to be snarky and relatable. Percyâs humor and awkwardness make him feel like a friend, not some untouchable hero. Third, found family is non-negotiable. Camp Half-Blood isnât just a place; itâs a home for misfits, and the best books like Percy Jackson nail that sense of belonging with ensemble casts whoâd die for each other. Finally, the stakes have to be epic. Weâre talking world-saving quests, not just passing a math test (though Percy would argue thatâs just as hard). When a book blends these elements, itâs like slipping on a familiar orange T-shirtâyouâre instantly back in the game. Whether itâs battling monsters or uncovering destiny, these stories remind us why we fell in love with Percyâs world in the first place. So, if youâre hunting for that vibe, look for books with humor, heart, and a touch of the divine in everyday life.
Diving Deeper: Themes of Heritage and Destiny in Amelia Moon and Beyond
One thing Iâve always loved about Percy Jackson is how it tackles big ideas like heritage and destiny without ever feeling preachy. Percyâs journey to understand his demigod roots and what heâs meant to do with his powers hits deep, especially for teens figuring out who they are. Thatâs why Iâm so pumped about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roarkâit nails these themes in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. Ameliaâs connection to her familyâs past and the mysteries of Bear Lodge Mountain weaves a story of heritage thatâs as much about inner strength as it is about external quests. Her bond with nature and the wolf pup Artemis adds this layer of destiny thatâs less âchosen oneâ and more âfinding your place in the world.â I relate so hard to that push-pull of wanting to forge your own path while honoring where you come from.
But itâs not just Amelia. Books like The Red Pyramid and Tristan Strong also dive into heritage with cultural mythologies that ground their heroesâ journeys. Carter and Sadie uncover their familyâs ties to Egyptian magic, while Tristan wrestles with ancestral stories that are literally coming to life. These narratives remind us that destiny isnât just about saving the worldâitâs about understanding your roots and how they shape you. For Percy fans, this resonates because weâve all felt that itch to belong somewhere bigger, whether itâs a cabin at Camp Half-Blood or a hidden magical lineage. These stories donât just throw monsters at you; they ask, âWho are you meant to be?â And honestly, that question keeps me turning pages faster than a hellhound on the hunt.
Why Mythology Matters in YA Fantasy
Letâs talk about why mythology-based YA fiction like Percy Jackson hooks us so hard. Growing up, I was that kid whoâd spend hours flipping through library books about Greek gods, imagining myself wielding a trident or outsmarting a sphinx. Mythology isnât just old storiesâitâs timeless chaos, drama, and wonder that still feels relevant. Books like Percy Jackson take those ancient tales and slap them into our world, making gods and monsters feel like they could pop up at the local diner. That blend of old and new is pure magic; itâs why Iâm still obsessed with modern mythology retellings. They let us see ourselves in heroes of legend, whether itâs Percy sassing Olympus or Aru Shah stumbling through Hindu epics in Atlanta.
But itâs more than just cool monsters (though, letâs be honest, hydras are awesome). Mythology in YA fantasy often ties to identity and coming-of-age struggles. Heroes in these stories arenât just fighting external battles; theyâre wrestling with who they areâhalf-human, half-divine, or caught between worlds. Thatâs a metaphor for adolescence if Iâve ever seen one! Plus, the cultural depth in books like The Storm Runner or Tristan Strong shows how myths arenât one-size-fits-allâtheyâre personal, tied to heritage and history. For Percy fans, that mix of epic adventure and personal growth is why we keep chasing mythological stories. They remind us that even in a world of gods, the human stuffâfriendship, doubt, hopeâmatters most.
Building Your Next Binge-Read List
Alright, demigods, letâs wrap this up with a game plan. If youâre anything like me, finishing a Percy Jackson book (or re-read) leaves you itching for more. Thatâs why Iâve poured my heart into this list of mythological adventure books and YA fantasy series. Each one captures some piece of that Camp Half-Blood energy, whether itâs snarky heroes, epic quests, or worlds where ancient magic hides in plain sight. Start with my Top 10âtrust me, theyâre all page-turners thatâll keep you up past curfew. If youâre craving something new and unique, donât sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark; its blend of nature, mystery, and destiny is chefâs kiss for Percy fans.
But donât stop there! Dive into Goodreads groups or hit up your local library for more middle-grade mythology books and teen adventure fantasy. Ask for recs with humor, heart, and modern-mythology vibesâthose are the stories thatâll scratch that itch. And hey, re-read Percy while youâre at it. Thereâs nothing like revisiting old friends at camp to remind you why you fell in love with this genre. Keep chasing those demigod dreams, and remember: the next great quest is just a page away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Whatâs the best book to read after finishing Percy Jackson?
A: Hey, demigod, tough call! Iâd say start with The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan for that same humor and modern-mythology vibe, just with Egyptian gods. If you want something fresh, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roarkâitâs got epic quests and a hero youâll root for hard.
Q: Are there any new releases similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Totally! Keep an eye on 2026âs Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Itâs got that Camp Half-Blood feel with a nature-magic twist and a fierce teen hero. Iâm already counting down the days!
Q: I love Greek mythologyâany other books with that focus?
A: For sure! Percy Jackson is the gold standard, but you might dig The Alchemyst by Michael Scott for a broader mythology mix that includes Greek elements. Itâs got ancient legends in a modern settingâtotal demigod energy.
Q: What if I want a series with strong friendship themes like Percy Jackson?
A: Oh, Iâve got you! Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger is huge on found family and friendshipâSophieâs crew will remind you of Percyâs squad. Also, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow has awesome dynamics with Amelia and her quirky bestie, Veyla.
Q: Are there books with diverse mythologies like Riordanâs later series?
A: Absolutely! Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi dives into Hindu mythology, and The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes brings Mayan legends to life. Both are epic and full of heart for Percy fans.
Q: Iâm looking for funny fantasy booksâany recs?
A: Youâre speaking my language! The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan has Magnus Chaseâs snark on full blastâthink Percy but with Viking vibes. Most of my Top 10 have that humor we love, so youâre set!
Q: Where can I find more books for Percy Jackson fans?
A: Hit up Goodreads or your local library and search for âmiddle-grade mythology booksâ or âYA fantasy series.â Also, the Rick Riordan Presents imprint is a goldmine for diverse mythological adventures. You wonât be disappointed!