Reading Guide
    Fantasy
    Romance
    Middle Grade (8–12)

    Books Like Percy Jackson: 12 Reads You'll Love

    If you want more of Percy Jackson's adventure, start with Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer.

    Updated July 2026

    Books like Percy Jackson: 12 picks. Hand-picked reads with the same mood and themes, including Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer.

    You devoured every word of Percy Jackson, didn't you? That feeling of discovering a world hidden just beneath our own, where ancient myths clash with modern-day struggles—it’s intoxicating. You’re not just looking for another fantasy; you’re looking for that specific spark, that blend of humor, heart, and high stakes that makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters. We’ve all been there, closing the last page and immediately wondering, “What’s next?” You want more Books Like Percy Jackson, and you’re in the right place. What was it about Percy, Annabeth, and Grover that hooked you so completely? Rick Riordan has a knack for making sprawling, complex mythologies feel utterly accessible and, dare I say, cool. His prose is an effortless flow of witty banter and quick-fire action, never getting bogged down in exposition. You probably loved how the characters, despite their divine parentage, felt so incredibly real – dealing with ADHD, dyslexia, and the ever-present drama of being a teenager, all while fighting monsters and saving the world. It’s that perfect cocktail of ancient grandeur meeting everyday relatable struggles, wrapped in a narrative that pushes you forward with urgent quests and genuine emotional payoffs. The overarching themes of loyalty, identity, and finding your place in a chaotic world resonate deeply, making you cheer for every victory and ache with every setback. Riordan truly turned mythology into a playground for modern storytelling. So, when you’re hunting for your next read, you’re likely chasing that specific magical alchemy. Maybe it’s the thrill of a young protagonist discovering extraordinary powers, or the camaraderie of a found family facing impossible odds. Perhaps it’s the fresh, contemporary spin on classic legends, or simply the joy of a good, old-fashioned adventure filled with humor and heart. You want to feel that same giddy excitement, that sense of wonder, and that deep connection to characters who are just trying their best in a world far bigger than they ever imagined. It's more than just fantasy; it's a particular kind of vibrant, character-driven storytelling that’s hard to find. This list is tailored for middle-grade and young adult readers, generally ages 8-16, who appreciate stories with clear stakes, imaginative worlds, and positive themes of friendship and courage. While some books might touch on darker elements, none delve into overly mature or graphic content. Think exciting quests, not grimdark fantasy; heroic journeys, not gritty realism. We’ve scoured the literary landscape to bring you a collection of books that echo the spirit of Percy Jackson, but also offer fresh perspectives and new mythologies to explore. You’ll find stories brimming with diverse pantheons, unique magical systems, and protagonists who, much like Percy, are thrust into extraordinary circumstances and rise to the challenge. Consider this your Reading Atlas to new adventures, whether you’re looking for more Greek gods, curious about other world myths, or just crave that perfect blend of action and heart. Get ready to dive into worlds teeming with magic, monsters, and heroes just waiting to be discovered!
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    12 books like Percy Jackson

    A ranked list of books similar to Percy Jackson — if you liked it, start at the top and work down. Each pick includes why it works and who it's for.

    1

    Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer

    by Rick Riordan

    If you loved Percy's snark and the mythological hijinks, you'll feel right at home with Magnus Chase. This series dives headfirst into Norse mythology with Rick Riordan’s signature humor and fast-paced adventure. It's a fantastic blend of high stakes and laugh-out-loud moments, just like you expect. Perfect for when you're looking for that familiar Riordan vibe but want to explore a different pantheon.

    2

    The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle

    by Rick Riordan

    You appreciate a good character arc, and this series delivers! Follow the god Apollo, stripped of his powers and cast to Earth as a mortal teenager, navigating the modern world with plenty of indignity and ancient squabbles. It’s packed with Greek mythology, hilarious situations, and a genuine quest for redemption. This is ideal if you’re eager to stay in the world of Greek myths but want a fresh perspective and a new set of challenges.

    3

    Aru Shah and the End of Time

    by Roshani Chokshi

    Prepare to fall for Aru Shah, a mischievous heroine who, much like Percy, accidentally kicks off an epic quest tied to ancient mythology. This series brilliantly blends Hindu mythology with a contemporary setting, featuring a relatable protagonist figuring out her destiny. It's full of humor, magic, and the importance of found family, making it a fantastic pick if you're looking for diverse myths and a compelling female lead.

    4

    Lore Olympus: Volume One

    by Rachel Smythe

    If the allure of the Greek gods was your jam but you're ready for a more mature, visually stunning take, dive into Lore Olympus. This graphic novel retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth is absolutely gorgeous, exploring complex relationships and trauma with incredible depth. It's a different flavor of mythology, a romance-focused webcomic that will utterly captivate you if you're craving artistic storytelling and intricate character dynamics.

    5

    Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

    by Kwame Mbalia

    This book brings you another reluctant hero thrust into a magical world, reminiscent of Percy's journey. Tristan Strong, dealing with grief, accidentally punches a hole into a world where African American folk heroes and West African gods are real, launching him into an incredible adventure. It's rich with culture, mythology, and a heartfelt exploration of courage and storytelling. Pick this up if you're looking for powerful new mythologies and a relatable protagonist facing big emotions.

    6

    Amari and the Night Brothers

    by B.B. Alston

    If you loved the idea of a secret magical world operating alongside our own, Amari and the Night Brothers will sweep you off your feet. Amari, searching for her missing brother, discovers a hidden Bureau of Supernatural Affairs and must prove herself despite widespread prejudice. It's a dazzling urban fantasy with a vibrant magical school, thrilling mysteries, and a protagonist who never gives up. This is a great choice if you enjoyed the 'chosen one' trope and a sense of wonder.

    7

    Paola Santiago and the River of Tears

    by Tehlor Kay Mejia

    For an adventure steeped in rich cultural mythology, much like Percy's introduction to Greek gods, meet Paola Santiago. She’s a science-minded girl who doesn't believe in superstitions until she's pulled into a terrifying mystery involving La Llorona and other creatures from Mexican folklore. It’s spooky, thrilling, and full of heart, exploring themes of family and belief. This is perfect if you’re looking for a hero who questions everything and a unique mythological landscape.

    8

    Children of Blood and Bone

    by Tomi Adeyemi

    Ready for an epic fantasy with a powerful magic system and high stakes, much like the battles Percy faced? Children of Blood and Bone thrusts you into a world where magic has been suppressed, and a courageous heroine must fight to bring it back. While YA, it definitely offers that grand scale and deep world-building. It explores themes of oppression, destiny, and rebellion with stunning force. This is for you if you're ready for a fierce, world-shaking adventure.

    9

    The City of Ember

    by Jeanne DuPrau

    Sometimes, the 'secret world' aspect of Percy Jackson is what truly draws you in, and The City of Ember delivers that in spades. While not mythological, it presents a unique, enclosed community with a ticking clock and two young protagonists uncovering a grand mystery. It's a wonderfully atmospheric read focused on courage, puzzle-solving, and finding hope in challenging circumstances. Pick this if you love a good enigma and resourceful kids saving the day.

    10

    Fablehaven

    by Brandon Mull

    Imagine finding out your grandparents are caretakers of a secret preserve for magical creatures – the kind of discovery that fueled Percy Jackson’s world. The Fablehaven series immerses you in a rich, imaginative world teeming with fairies, ogres, and other fantastical beings, and it’s up to two siblings to protect it. It’s classic middle-grade fantasy with a strong sense of wonder and escalating adventures. Great if you’re craving detailed magical worlds and brave kids confronting ancient evils.

    11

    Artemis Fowl

    by Eoin Colfer

    If Percy Jackson’s cleverness and the blend of ancient lore with modern tech captivated you, then meet Artemis Fowl. This series features a young, highly intelligent criminal mastermind who discovers the existence of a hidden, technologically advanced fairy world. It’s sharp, witty, and full of gadgets and magic, offering a different kind of thrill. Choose this if you're in the mood for an anti-hero, intricate plots, and a delightful mix of fantasy and science fiction.

    12

    Spirit Hunters (Cassidy Blake, Book 1)

    by Victoria Schwab

    For a spooky take on kids discovering a hidden world, similar to Percy stumbling into Camp Half-Blood, you might love Cassidy Blake. She can see ghosts, and her parents hunt them, leading her to a particularly haunted Edinburgh. It's got atmospheric settings, a witty narrator, and a compelling mystery about what lies beyond the veil. This is perfect if you enjoy a touch of the supernatural, a strong sense of place, and a journey of self-discovery.

    Why readers loved Percy Jackson

    You devoured every word of Percy Jackson, didn't you? That feeling of discovering a world hidden just beneath our own, where ancient myths clash with modern-day struggles—it’s intoxicating. You’re not just looking for another fantasy; you’re looking for that specific spark, that blend of humor, heart, and high stakes that makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters. We’ve all been there, closing the last page and immediately wondering, “What’s next?” You want more Books Like Percy Jackson, and you’re in the right place.

    Across thousands of reviews, readers keep coming back to the same notes: adventure, mystery, found family. Every book on this list was chosen because it delivers on at least two of those threads.

    Shared themes & tropes

    The threads that connect these recommendations to Percy Jackson.

    Who this list is for

    Age group

    Middle Grade (8–12)
    Young Adult

    Genre fit

    Fantasy
    Romance
    Thriller / Mystery
    Literary Fiction

    Perfect for readers who want…

    • adventure — without losing what made Percy Jackson special.
    • mystery — without losing what made Percy Jackson special.
    • found family — without losing what made Percy Jackson special.
    • greek mythology — without losing what made Percy Jackson special.
    • quest — without losing what made Percy Jackson special.
    • chosen one — without losing what made Percy Jackson special.

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