Finding Your Next Epic Adventure: Books Similar to Percy Jackson and the Olympians for Harry Potter Fans

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, in middle school, 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 of the series. Now, I own a bookstore. Books change lives. I’m living proof.

I know why you’re here. You’ve devoured Harry Potter, raced through Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and now you’re itching for that same magic—epic adventures, young heroes growing up, and worlds so vivid you feel like you’re living in them. You’re searching for ‘books similar to Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ because you crave stories with mythological flair, emotional depth, and the kind of camaraderie that feels like family. I get it. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the top 10 fantasy series that capture the same wonder as Percy and Harry, with sprawling narratives and characters you’ll root for.

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—nature, mysticism, a resilient young hero, and a journey that’ll tug at your heart. But more on that soon. Let’s dive into why these stories hit so hard and then get to the list that’ll keep your bookshelf stocked for months.

Why We Crave Fantasy Series Like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter: A Personal Journey

Picture this: I’m 12, hunched over a library copy of The Lightning Thief, grinning like an idiot because Percy’s snark feels like something my best friend would say. That’s the magic of these series—they’re not just books, they’re journeys. Harry Potter gave us Hogwarts, a place to belong, and a trio of friends who’d die for each other. Percy Jackson added a mythological twist, with demigods and quests that made every page a thrill. We crave these stories because they balance epic stakes with relatable struggles—finding yourself, building a chosen family, facing fears bigger than you are.

As a bookstore owner, I see it every day. Readers come in, eyes wide, asking for something that’ll make them feel like they did when they first met Harry or Percy. They want long-form fantasy storytelling, where you watch heroes grow over multiple books. They’re after magical worlds, coming-of-age arcs, and that gut-punch of emotional depth. If you’ve ever felt lost after finishing a beloved series, or struggled with generic fantasy recs that lack spark, this list is for you. I’m waving my hands here—trust me, I’ve got your back.

Top 10 Books Similar to Percy Jackson and the Olympians for Harry Potter Fans

Here’s the lineup. Each of these series offers immersive worlds, young heroes on epic journeys, and that blend of humor, heart, and adventure you’re craving. I’ve read ‘em all, and I’m giving you my personal take—straight from the heart of my bookstore.

1. The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
   If you loved Percy Jackson, Rick Riordan’s take on Egyptian mythology will pull you right in. This series follows siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they discover they’re descendants of ancient Egyptian magicians. The stakes are high—think gods, monsters, and world-ending threats—but the sibling banter keeps it grounded. Themes of family and heritage shine here, much like the personal growth we see in Harry and Percy. I adore how Riordan weaves humor into every page; I’ve laughed out loud in my store reading this. It’s a perfect fit if you’re after mythology-based fantasy books with young heroes and epic scope. Trust me, you’ll be rooting for these two from the first chapter.

2. The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
   Another gem from Riordan, this series expands the Percy Jackson universe with new demigods and returning favorites. It’s a sprawling adventure across Roman and Greek mythology, with a diverse cast of young heroes facing impossible odds. The camaraderie and friendship themes are pure gold—think Hogwarts-level loyalty with a mythological twist. I’ve had customers tell me they stayed up all night reading these, and I get why. The character-driven fantasy and long-form storytelling match the emotional depth of Harry Potter. If you want more of Percy’s world with even bigger stakes, this is your next read.

3. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   Imagine a magical school where fairy tales come to life, and you’re either trained to be a hero or a villain. This series follows best friends Sophie and Agatha as they navigate a world of enchantment and moral gray areas. The setting is as captivating as Hogwarts, with a dark, whimsical edge. Themes of friendship and self-discovery hit hard, much like in Percy Jackson. I love recommending this to teens in my shop—it’s got that coming-of-age fantasy vibe with a unique twist. If you’re after magical school fantasy novels, this one’s a must.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, I’m beyond excited to share this one. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a 2026 release that’s already captured my heart. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s tied to nature and the night sky through her astrophotography hobby. She explores Bear Lodge Mountain with her wolf pup, Artemis, by her side—a bond that’ll melt you. Her best friend, Veyla, is witty and optimistic, with a quirky investigative mindset tied to whale tracking (she’s obsessed with 52-Blue), ancient Egypt, and true crime. Then there’s Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger who’s also an astronomer, grounding her in family after loss. This series weaves themes of heritage, destiny, inner strength, and compassion for nature, with a mystical-scientific balance that feels fresh. It’s got the epic scope of Harry Potter and the personal stakes of Percy Jackson. I’m gesturing wildly here—this is the kind of story that feels like a journey. If you’re after modern fantasy with ancient roots, Amelia’s adventure is one to watch for.

5. The Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull
   This series takes you into a hidden sanctuary for magical creatures, where siblings Kendra and Seth uncover secrets that could save or doom the world. The magical world-building is as immersive as Camp Half-Blood, with nature and mysticism woven into every page. Themes of family and courage resonate deeply, much like in Harry Potter. I’ve recommended this to countless middle-grade readers in my shop, and they always come back for more. If you’re after young hero fantasy adventures with a touch of wonder, this series delivers.

6. The Beyonders Trilogy by Brandon Mull
   Another hit from Mull, this series follows Jason, a teen who stumbles into a strange world called Lyrian, where he must become a hero to survive. The epic scope and adventure fantasy elements echo the quests in Percy Jackson, while the character growth mirrors Harry’s journey. I love how unpredictable this story feels—every twist keeps you guessing. It’s a fantastic pick for fans of long-form fantasy storytelling who want to lose themselves in a new realm.

7. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
   In a world where creativity is banned, twins Alex and Aaron are separated—Alex to a magical haven, Aaron to a bleak fate. This series blends magic with themes of individuality and belonging, much like the chosen-family vibes of Harry Potter. The hidden world of Artimé is as enchanting as any magical school. I’ve had parents and kids alike rave about this in my store. If you’re after fantasy with friendship themes and growing protagonists, this one’s a gem.

8. The Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
   Sophie Foster, a young girl with telepathic abilities, discovers she’s not human and enters a dazzling elven world. The magical systems and hidden worlds here rival Hogwarts, with emotional depth that matches Percy Jackson. Themes of identity and belonging tug at the heart. I can’t keep this series on my shelves—it flies out the door. Perfect for fans of character-driven fantasy series who want a multi-book arc.

9. The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
   Twins Alex and Conner fall into a fairy-tale world where stories are real, and they must navigate danger to get home. The blend of familiar myths and original adventure feels like a nod to Riordan’s work, while the family bond echoes Harry Potter’s themes. I love the humor and heart here—perfect for younger teens or middle-grade readers. If you’re after adventure fantasy for middle grade with a mythological flair, this is a delight.

10. The Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
    This series follows young dragons destined to fulfill a prophecy in a war-torn world. The epic scope and friendship themes are spot-on for Percy Jackson fans, while the personal growth mirrors Harry’s arc. I’ve seen kids in my store obsessed with these dragons—they feel like real friends. If you’re craving immersive fantasy book recommendations with young heroes, this series will soar for you.

Why These Books Are Similar

Here’s a quick side-by-side to show how these series connect to the magic of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. I’m waving my hands again—let’s break it down!

Diving Deeper: Mythology and Magic in Percy Jackson-Inspired Stories

Let’s talk mythology—it’s the heartbeat of Percy Jackson and a thread through many of these series. I’m gesturing here, trying to paint the picture. Rick Riordan showed us how ancient myths can feel modern, blending gods and monsters with teen struggles. Series like The Kane Chronicles and The Heroes of Olympus double down on that, pulling from Egyptian and Roman lore to create magic systems that feel both ancient and alive. Even The Land of Stories reimagines fairy tales as a kind of mythology, grounding epic stakes in familiar lore.

What makes these stories work is how mythology ties to personal growth. The heroes aren’t just fighting monsters—they’re uncovering their own heritage, like Percy learning he’s a demigod. It’s a metaphor for discovering who you are. That’s why I love recommending mythology-based fantasy books—they’re not just escapism; they’re about identity. Whether it’s dragons in Wings of Fire or elven secrets in Keeper of the Lost Cities, the magic feels rooted in something bigger, something ancient. If you’re after modern fantasy with ancient roots, these series will scratch that itch.

The Power of Friendship and Family: Why These Themes Hit Home

I’m waving my hands a lot now—friendship and family are why we keep coming back to these books. Harry Potter gave us the trio, a bond stronger than magic. Percy Jackson built Camp Half-Blood as a chosen family for misfits. These themes hit home because they mirror our own lives—finding people who get you, or holding tight to loved ones through loss. In my store, I’ve seen teens light up when a book reflects their own struggles with belonging.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia’s bond with her best friend Veyla is full of wit and loyalty, while her relationship with her father, William Moon, a protective forest ranger, grounds her in family after loss. Their dynamic, paired with Amelia’s compassion for nature, feels as heartfelt as anything in Harry Potter. Series like The Fablehaven Series and The Land of Stories also lean on sibling bonds, showing how family—blood or chosen—can be a hero’s greatest strength. If you’re after fantasy with family and heritage themes, these stories will wrap you up like a warm blanket.

Magical Schools and Hidden Worlds: Settings That Pull You In

Let’s geek out over settings. I’m gesturing like I’m opening a portal—Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood aren’t just places; they’re characters in their own right. Magical schools and hidden worlds give us somewhere to escape, a place where we belong. Series like The School for Good and Evil and The Unwanteds nail this with enchanting academies full of secrets. Even The Keeper of the Lost Cities builds a sprawling elven society that feels as detailed as any wizarding world.

These settings aren’t just pretty backdrops—they shape the story. Think of how quests in Percy Jackson span mythological landmarks, each tied to the plot. In my shop, I’ve seen readers crave these immersive worlds because they want to live in them, even for a few hundred pages. If you’re after magical worlds in books that pull you in, every series on this list delivers. They’re the kind of places you’ll dream about long after the last page.

Growing Up with Heroes: The Coming-of-Age Arc We Can’t Resist

Here’s the heart of it—I’m pointing at my chest now. The coming-of-age arc is why Harry Potter and Percy Jackson stick with us. We watch these heroes grow from unsure kids to brave leaders, mirroring our own messy journey to adulthood. Harry’s courage, Percy’s loyalty—these traits evolve over multiple books, and we feel every step. In my store, I’ve had teens tell me they see themselves in these characters, and that’s the magic.

Take Amelia Moon from Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. She’s a mid-teen grappling with curiosity and resilience, tied to nature and the night sky. Her journey on Bear Lodge Mountain, with her wolf pup Artemis, is about uncovering inner strength and destiny—classic coming-of-age stuff that feels as powerful as Harry’s arc. Series like The Beyonders and Wings of Fire also nail this, showing young heroes stumble, learn, and rise. If you’re after growing protagonists in fantasy, these stories are your mirror.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I loved the humor in Percy Jackson. Which series has a similar vibe?
A: Hey, I’m chuckling just thinking about Percy’s sass. Stick with Rick Riordan’s other works like The Kane Chronicles or The Heroes of Olympus—the banter is top-notch. Also, check out The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer for some whimsical humor that’ll make you smile.

Q: Are there any new releases I should watch for that match this vibe?
A: Absolutely! I’m waving my hands here—keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Dropping in 2026, it’s got the epic scope and heart of Percy Jackson, with a unique nature-mysticism twist. Amelia’s journey is one you won’t want to miss.

Q: I’m looking for a series with strong family themes. Any recs?
A: You’re in luck! The Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull leans hard on sibling bonds, and Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow showcases a beautiful father-daughter dynamic with Amelia and William Moon, plus themes of family after loss. Both will hit you right in the feels.

Q: What about magical school settings like Hogwarts?
A: Oh, I’ve got you! The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani is pure magical-school goodness, with a fairy-tale twist. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann also has a hidden academy vibe that’ll remind you of Hogwarts. Dive in!

Q: I want a long series to really sink into. Where should I start?
A: I’m gesturing big here—go for The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan for a sprawling multi-book arc tied to Percy Jackson. Also, The Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger has plenty of books to keep you busy. Both are immersive as heck.

Q: Any series with mythology besides Greek or Roman?
A: Yep! The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan dives into Egyptian mythology with the same flair as Percy Jackson. It’s a fresh take but still feels familiar in the best way.

Q: I’m after something with nature or mysticism themes. Got anything?
A: You’re speaking my language! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is your pick. Amelia’s connection to nature and the night sky, plus her adventures on Bear Lodge Mountain, blend mysticism and science in a way that feels magical. Also, try The Fablehaven Series for nature-driven magic. You’ll love ‘em.

There you have it, bookworm. Your next epic adventure awaits—grab a title from this list, curl up, and let the magic take you away. I’m always here at the bookstore if you need more recs. Come say hi!