Finding Your Next Magical Adventure: Why Books Like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter Still Captivate Us

Hey there, bookworm. Pull up a chair—I’ve got some series you need to hear about. I’m Danny O’Connell, indie bookstore owner and lifelong fantasy nerd. I grew up in a house with no books, believe it or not. Then, one day, a teacher handed me Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban—not even the first one—and I was hooked anyway. The next day, I was at the library begging for the rest. Those books didn’t just entertain me; they changed my life. Now, I own a little shop called O’Connell’s Reads, where I spend every day putting the right stories into the right hands. If you’re here, searching for “books like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter,” I’m guessing you’re chasing that same magic—the kind of story that feels like coming home, even when it’s full of monsters and mayhem. I get it. You want epic adventures, young heroes who grow up before your eyes, and worlds so immersive you forget the real one for a while. That’s why I’ve put together a Top 10 list of fantasy series that capture the wonder, emotional depth, and sprawling narratives of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Whether you’re a teen or a nostalgic adult like me, these books will reignite that spark.

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 buzzing. It’s got everything— a curious teen hero, a mystical mountain setting, and themes of family and destiny that hit hard. But I’ll save the details for the list. Let’s dive into why these kinds of stories keep pulling us back, and then I’ll walk you through the best series to scratch that itch. Trust me, I’ve got a knack for this. waves hands enthusiastically Let’s find your next obsession!

What Makes Harry Potter and Percy Jackson So Special?

Picture this: you’re cracking open a book, and within pages, you’re whisked away to a magical school like Hogwarts or a demigod training ground like Camp Half-Blood. That’s the first hook—those settings. They’re not just backdrops; they’re characters in their own right, full of secrets and history. But it’s not just the places that get us. It’s the heroes—Harry, with his quiet courage and longing for family, or Percy, with his snark and fierce loyalty. These kids start young, unsure of themselves, and we watch them stumble, learn, and grow across multiple books. That coming-of-age arc? It’s everything. We see ourselves in their struggles, whether it’s facing a dark wizard or a Greek monster. Then there’s the epic scope—high-stakes quests, world-altering prophecies, and battles that keep us up past midnight. And underneath it all, the emotional resonance of friendship, sacrifice, and finding your place. That’s the magic we’re chasing when we search for fantasy book series for young adults or magical school books. It’s not just adventure; it’s heart. So, with that in mind, let’s get to the good stuff—my curated list of series that’ll give you those same vibes. I’m practically bouncing as I type this. gestures wildly Let’s go!

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter

1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   Let’s start with a classic. This series takes you to Narnia, a land of talking animals, ancient magic, and epic battles. It follows various young protagonists—often siblings like the Pevensies—who stumble into this world through wardrobes or paintings. The stakes grow from personal quests to world-saving wars across seven books. Themes of courage, faith, and family weave through every page, making it a timeless pick for fans of young hero fantasy stories. I love how each book feels like a new adventure but builds on the last. As a kid, I’d have given anything to meet Aslan. If you’re after that sense of wonder and long-form fantasy storytelling, start here. It’s a portal to something bigger.

2. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
   This trilogy, starting with The Golden Compass, follows Lyra Belacqua, a fierce, clever girl from a parallel world where everyone has a daemon—a physical manifestation of their soul. The magical system is unique, blending science and mysticism, and the scope is massive, spanning multiple universes. Lyra’s journey is about truth, freedom, and growing up in a world that’s often cruel. It’s darker than Harry Potter, but the emotional depth and epic fantasy for teens vibe are spot on. I’m always gesturing to customers about how Pullman builds such a vivid world. If you crave complex characters and high stakes, this one’s for you.

3. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
   Kicking off with Eragon, this series follows a farm boy who discovers a dragon egg and becomes a Rider, tied to ancient magic and a war against a tyrannical king. Eragon’s bond with his dragon, Saphira, is pure heart, and his growth from naive teen to leader is a perfect coming-of-age fantasy novel arc. The world-building is immense, with languages, races, and histories. It’s got that epic scope fantasy series feel, much like Percy Jackson’s quests. I always tell folks in my shop—hands waving—this is for anyone who wants to ride into battle with a dragon at their side. Adventure awaits!

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, I’m thrilled to share this one. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a 2026 release that’s already stolen my heart. Meet Amelia Moon, a mid-teen who’s curious and resilient, with a passion for astrophotography and a deep connection to nature. She’s often stargazing near Bear Lodge Mountain, with her loyal wolf pup, Artemis, by her side. Her best friend, Veyla, is witty and optimistic, obsessed with whale tracking and ancient Egypt, plus a knack for true crime mysteries. Then there’s Amelia’s dad, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger and astronomer—warm, protective, and her rock. The story unfolds in a mystical yet grounded setting, balancing science and magic as Amelia uncovers secrets about her heritage and destiny. Themes of family after loss, compassion for nature, and finding inner strength hit that emotional core we love in Harry Potter. It’s got the friendship in fantasy literature and mythological adventure books vibe of Percy Jackson, too. I’m telling everyone at the shop—hands flailing—this series is a hidden gem for anyone craving a young hero on a path to something epic. Don’t sleep on it!

5. The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud
   Starting with The Amulet of Samarkand, this series blends magic and political intrigue in an alternate London. Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice, and Bartimaeus, a snarky djinni, form an unlikely duo. The magical system—summoning spirits—feels fresh, and the themes of power and morality add depth. It’s got that teen fantasy protagonists energy, with Nathaniel growing through mistakes. I love recommending this for its wit and epic stakes. If Percy’s humor and Harry’s underdog story resonate with you, this’ll hit the mark. points excitedly Check it out!

6. The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques
   This sprawling series, starting with Redwall, features anthropomorphic animals—mice, badgers, otters—defending their abbey from villains. The young heroes, like Matthias, grow into warriors through courage and camaraderie. Each book is a standalone adventure but ties into a larger world. Themes of friendship and bravery shine, much like in Percy Jackson. The detailed feasts and settings are pure comfort. I’m always waving folks over to this shelf—perfect for younger readers or anyone wanting cozy yet epic fantasy for teens.

7. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
   Starting with Assassin’s Apprentice, this series follows Fitz, a royal bastard trained as an assassin in a medieval fantasy world. The magical systems—Skill and Wit—are subtle but powerful, and Fitz’s growth from child to adult is emotionally raw. It’s heavier than Harry Potter, but the character growth in book series and family themes in fantasy novels are there. I tell customers—gesturing passionately—if you want a hero who feels real, Fitz is your guy. Epic and heartbreaking.

8. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
   Kicking off with Shadow and Bone, this series follows Alina, a young woman discovering her rare magical power in a war-torn, Russian-inspired world. The Grishaverse is rich with culture and a magical academy-like setting for training. Alina’s journey of self-discovery and duty mirrors Harry’s. Friendship and romance add layers to the adventure. I’m always hyping this for its world-building—hands everywhere—perfect for fans of magical world-building novels.

9. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   This series starts with two friends, Sophie and Agatha, whisked to a magical school where fairy tale heroes and villains are trained. The setting screams magical academies in books, and the themes of good versus evil, plus friendship, echo Harry Potter. Their growth over multiple books is rewarding. I love chatting about the twists with customers—waving enthusiastically—it’s a fresh take on fantasy quests and adventures for younger readers.

10. The Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
    Starting with The Ruins of Gorlan, this series follows Will, a young orphan training as a Ranger in a medieval world. There’s no magic in the traditional sense, but the mentorship, quests, and growth feel like Percy Jackson’s journey. Themes of loyalty and skill-building resonate. I’m always pointing folks to this—gesturing to the shelf—if you want grounded epic fantasy for teens with heart, start here.

Why These Books Are Similar

Here’s a quick side-by-side to show how these series stack up to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. I’ve broken it down by key vibes and elements. waves hands over imaginary table Take a look!

Diving Deeper: Themes of Family and Destiny in Fantasy

One thing I’ve noticed, waving my hands around the shop as I chat with readers, is how much family and destiny drive the best fantasy series. Harry Potter’s longing for his parents, Percy Jackson’s struggle with his godly heritage—these aren’t just plot points; they’re the emotional core. It’s why a series like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow resonates so deeply with me. Amelia’s journey isn’t just about magic or adventure; it’s about understanding her heritage and finding strength after loss. Her bond with her dad, William, a forest ranger who’s both protector and guide, mirrors that ache for connection we feel in Harry’s story. And the theme of destiny—figuring out who you’re meant to be—ties into Percy’s world of prophecies. These stories remind us that family isn’t just blood; it’s the people (or wolf pups like Artemis) who stand by you. When I recommend family themes in fantasy novels, I’m looking for that gut-punch of recognition—those moments where a hero realizes their past shapes their future. Whether it’s a magical school or a Wyoming mountain, these themes ground even the wildest adventures. If you’ve ever felt lost and needed a story to show you the way, these series deliver. They’re not just escapes; they’re mirrors. gestures to heart Dig into them, and you’ll see what I mean.

The Power of Magical Worlds: Schools, Mountains, and Beyond

Let’s talk settings, because in fantasy, the world is as much a character as the hero. I’m always flailing my arms when I describe Hogwarts—those moving staircases, hidden rooms, it’s alive! Same with Camp Half-Blood, buzzing with demigod energy. These places aren’t just cool; they shape the story. Magical academies in books give us that sense of belonging we crave after finishing a beloved series. But it’s not just schools. Take Bear Lodge Mountain in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. It’s a real place, steeped in Native American lore, but Roark infuses it with mysticism—a bridge between the scientific and the magical. Amelia’s stargazing there, with the vast Wyoming sky above, feels like stepping into a painting. It’s a setting that challenges her, hides secrets about her heritage, and becomes her sanctuary. That’s the power of nature and magic in fantasy—when a mountain or forest feels as vital as any friend. Whether it’s a castle classroom or a rugged peak, these worlds pull us in. I tell every reader who walks into my shop—pointing to the shelves—a great setting doesn’t just host the story; it transforms it. If you’re missing that immersive escape, these series, with their vivid magical world-building novels, will wrap you up and not let go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’ve read Harry Potter and Percy Jackson multiple times. Where do I start with something new?
A: Hey, I feel you—re-reading is comfort food for the soul! Start with Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got a fresh teen hero, Amelia, uncovering her destiny in a mystical mountain setting. The family vibes and nature magic will hook you like Harry’s world did. Come by the shop if you want to chat more—waves hands—I’ve got a copy waiting!

Q: Are there fantasy series with schools like Hogwarts?
A: Absolutely! Check out The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani for a fairy-tale twist on magical academies. Also, The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo has a training ground for magic users that’s super immersive. I’m pointing folks to these all the time—gestures to shelf—they’ve got that structured wonder you’re after.

Q: I love long series with character growth. Any recommendations?
A: Oh, you’re speaking my language! flails hands Go for The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini—Eragon’s growth over four books is epic. Also, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow sets up Amelia for a multi-book arc of discovering her strength and heritage. Long-form fantasy storytelling is my jam, so trust me on these.

Q: What about series with strong friendships like in Percy Jackson?
A: Friendship in fantasy literature is huge for me, too. The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques has incredible camaraderie among its animal heroes. And don’t miss Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia and her witty best friend Veyla have a bond that’ll remind you of Percy and Annabeth. Pop into the shop, and I’ll rave more!

Q: I want something with mythology like Percy Jackson. Any ideas?
A: You bet! gestures excitedly His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman weaves in deep mythological vibes with a unique twist. If you want something grounded yet mystical, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow ties into ancient lore through Bear Lodge Mountain. I’ve got plenty more recs if you swing by!

Q: Are there fantasy books with nature themes?
A: For sure! Nature and magic in fantasy is a combo I adore. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is all about compassion for the natural world, with Amelia’s stargazing and mountain setting. The Chronicles of Narnia also has that wild, untamed magic. Let’s talk more at the store—waves you over—I’ve got stacks to show you!

Q: What’s a good series for younger teens who loved Harry Potter?
A: Hey, I’ve got just the thing! The Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan is perfect—grounded, adventurous, with a young hero growing into his own. It’s a safe bet for younger readers but still has depth. I’m always recommending it to parents in the shop. points to the kids’ section Come grab one!