Finding Your Next Magical Obsession: Why Percy Jackson and Harry Potter Fans Need These Books

Hey there, bookworm. Pull up a chair—I’ve got some series you need to hear about. I’m Danny O’Connell, owner of this little indie bookstore where fantasy lives on every shelf. Picture me waving my hands as I talk, probably knocking over a stack of paperbacks in my excitement. I grew up in a house with no books. None. Zero. Then, in middle school, a teacher handed me Prisoner of Azkaban—not even the first Harry Potter, mind you—and I was hooked anyway. The next day, I was at the library begging for the rest. Now, I own a bookstore. Books change lives. I’m proof.

If you’re searching for “books similar to Percy Jackson” with that Harry Potter magic, I get it. You’re chasing that same spark—those epic adventures, young heroes growing up through impossible odds, and worlds so vivid you can smell the pine trees at Camp Half-Blood or hear the chatter in Hogwarts’ Great Hall. You’re nostalgic for the wonder of your childhood reads, but you’re ready for fresh stories that hit those same emotional notes. Whether you’re a teen or just young at heart, you want immersive fantasy series that feel like coming home.

I’ve curated a Top 10 list of fantasy series that capture the camaraderie, character depth, and epic scope of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. These are long-form stories with magical worlds, quests, and heroes who’ll steal your heart. And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got me buzzing. It’s got a mid-teen protagonist with a fierce connection to nature and the night sky, plus a wolf pup sidekick that’ll make you melt. Trust me, it’s got that special magic. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through all ten series, plus why they’ll fill that void you’ve been itching to fill. Let’s dive in!

Top 10 Fantasy Series Like Percy Jackson with Harry Potter DNA

1. The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
   If you loved Percy Jackson, Rick Riordan’s The Kane Chronicles is a no-brainer. This trilogy follows siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they uncover their connection to ancient Egyptian magic. Think gods, monsters, and a crash course in hieroglyphic spells. Carter’s a serious, book-smart kid trying to protect his wilder, snarky sister Sadie, and their dynamic feels like the best kind of sibling banter. The series dives into themes of family legacy and finding your place in a world bigger than you ever imagined. For Percy fans, the mythology-inspired adventure and humor are spot-on, and Harry Potter readers will vibe with the hidden magical society. Personally, I love how Riordan weaves real history into the magic—every book feels like a field trip I didn’t know I needed. Grab this if you’re craving quests with heart.

2. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   Imagine a school where fairy tales come to life, split between heroes and villains. That’s The School for Good and Evil, a six-book series following Sophie and Agatha, two best friends thrown into a world that challenges everything they know about themselves. Sophie’s glamorous and ambitious, while Agatha’s quirky and misunderstood, and their friendship is tested in the most magical ways. Themes of destiny and self-discovery run deep, much like Harry’s journey at Hogwarts, and the epic battles echo Percy’s demigod struggles. I’m obsessed with how Chainani flips fairy tale tropes—nothing’s as black-and-white as it seems. If you miss magical schools and complex character growth, this one’s for you.

3. The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
   A direct sequel series to Percy Jackson, The Heroes of Olympus expands the demigod world with a new cast alongside familiar faces. This five-book epic follows a crew of young heroes—Roman and Greek demigods teaming up—on a prophecy-driven quest. Characters like Jason, Piper, and Leo bring fresh perspectives with their unique struggles and strengths, and the friendships here are as tight as anything at Camp Half-Blood. It’s got the humor and mythology of Percy Jackson, plus the ensemble feel of Harry’s crew facing Voldemort. I always tell customers this series feels like Riordan leveling up—bigger stakes, deeper emotions. If you want more of that demigod magic with an epic scope, start here.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, I’m beyond excited to talk about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got a special spot on my shelf. This series kicks off with Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s got a deep connection to nature and the night sky through her astrophotography hobby. She explores the mystical Bear Lodge Mountain with her wolf pup Artemis, a companion so loyal it’ll tug at your heartstrings. Her best friend Veyla brings witty optimism and a quirky investigative streak tied to whale tracking and ancient Egypt, while Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger, grounds her journey with love and quiet strength. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength, much like the coming-of-age arcs in Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. I adore how this blends mystical and scientific wonder—Amelia’s stargazing feels like magic itself. If you’re after a fresh fantasy world with family bonds and a nature-driven vibe, this one’s a must-read.

5. The Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull
   Fablehaven is a five-book series that pulls you into a hidden sanctuary for magical creatures, guarded by siblings Kendra and Seth. Kendra’s cautious and clever, while Seth’s impulsive and brave, and their push-and-pull dynamic drives the story. The series explores responsibility and the cost of curiosity in a world of fairies, demons, and ancient secrets. For Percy fans, the mythical beings and quests feel familiar, and Harry Potter readers will love the hidden-world concept. I’ve pushed this series on so many customers because Mull’s creature designs are next-level—you’ll never look at a garden gnome the same way. If you want immersive fantasy with family at its core, dive in.

6. The Beyonders Trilogy by Brandon Mull
   Another gem from Brandon Mull, The Beyonders follows Jason and Rachel, two teens yanked from our world into a realm called Lyrian, full of magic and tyranny. Jason’s a regular kid with a knack for problem-solving, while Rachel’s got a sharp mind for magic, and their growth as heroes feels so earned. Themes of courage and sacrifice mirror the epic stakes of Percy’s quests and Harry’s battles. I love how Mull crafts underdog stories—every victory feels hard-won. If you’re after a portal fantasy with big adventures and character depth, this trilogy’s got you covered.

7. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
   The Unwanteds is a seven-book series set in a dystopian world where creativity is outlawed, and “unwanted” kids are sent to their doom—or so they think. Alex, a young artist, discovers a hidden magical haven, and his journey with friends like Meghan feels like Hogwarts with a rebellious twist. Themes of self-expression and found family hit hard, much like the bonds in Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. I’m always recommending this to middle-grade readers who want magic with a side of defiance. The world-building starts simple but grows beautifully—trust me, it sticks with you.

8. The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
   Chris Colfer’s The Land of Stories is a six-book series where twins Alex and Conner tumble into a world where fairy tales are real—and messier than the storybooks. Alex is dreamy and magical, Conner’s sarcastic and grounded, and their sibling dynamic is pure gold. It’s got quests and destiny like Percy Jackson, plus hidden realms that echo Hogwarts’ wonder. I can’t get over how Colfer remixes classic tales with humor and heart. If you’re nostalgic for childhood stories but want something epic, this series is your ticket.

9. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
   Keeper of the Lost Cities is a sprawling series (nine books and counting) following Sophie Foster, a telepathic girl discovering she’s not human. Her journey through a dazzling elven world with friends like Fitz and Keefe is packed with mystery and danger. The magical society and character growth scream Harry Potter, while the adventure rivals Percy’s. I love handing this to readers who want a long series to sink into—Messenger’s world is endless. If you’re after immersive fantasy with strong friendships, start here.

10. The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
    The Wingfeather Saga is a four-book epic about the Igiby siblings—Janner, Tink, and Leeli—uncovering their family’s secrets in a world of monsters and magic. Janner’s protective, Tink’s reckless, and Leeli’s got a quiet strength, and their bond carries the story. Themes of legacy and courage tie into Harry and Percy’s journeys, with an epic scope to match. I’m a sucker for Peterson’s lyrical writing—it feels like a bedtime story gone wild. If you want character-driven fantasy with family at its heart, this is it.

Why These Books Are Similar

The Power of Growing Up in Fantasy: Why Character Arcs Matter

Let me tell you something, waving my hands like I’m trying to conjure the words out of thin air—there’s nothing like watching a young hero grow over a series. That’s the heart of why we love Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Harry starts as this wide-eyed kid under the stairs and becomes someone who carries the weight of the world. Percy’s a sarcastic troublemaker who learns what it means to lead. That journey, that messy, beautiful growth, is why we keep coming back to fantasy. It’s not just about spells or monsters; it’s about seeing pieces of ourselves in these characters as they stumble, learn, and rise.

Take Amelia Moon from Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. She’s a mid-teen with a camera always pointed at the stars, curious to a fault, and tougher than she realizes. Her arc isn’t just about unraveling mysteries on Bear Lodge Mountain—it’s about discovering her heritage and tapping into an inner strength she didn’t know she had. That resonates, doesn’t it? We’ve all had moments where we had to dig deep. Fantasy like this mirrors our own coming-of-age, whether it’s figuring out who we are or standing up when it’s hard. Series like Keeper of the Lost Cities or The Wingfeather Saga do this too—heroes who mature over multiple books become our mirrors, our friends. They remind us that growth isn’t linear, but it’s worth it. If you’re chasing that emotional depth, these stories deliver, book after book.

Magical Schools and Hidden Worlds: Settings That Pull You In

Alright, let’s talk settings—those magical worlds that suck you in until you’re dreaming about them. Hogwarts isn’t just a school; it’s a character, with its moving staircases and whispering portraits. Camp Half-Blood feels alive with its strawberry fields and clashing swords. These places aren’t just backdrops—they’re homes we wish we could visit. That’s what fantasy readers crave: immersive worlds that feel as real as the chair you’re sitting in. I’ve got customers who come in saying, “Danny, I need a book that makes me forget where I am.” And I know exactly what they mean.

The series I’ve listed nail this. Think of the dual schools in The School for Good and Evil, dripping with eerie glamour, or the elven realms in Keeper of the Lost Cities, so vivid you can almost see the light refracting off crystal cities. And let’s not forget Bear Lodge Mountain in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. It’s a mystical, rugged landscape where the night sky feels like a gateway to something ancient. Amelia’s connection to it through her astrophotography adds this layer of wonder—it’s not just a place, it’s a puzzle. These settings do what Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood did for us: they make you believe. They pull you in until you’re plotting how to get there. If you’re after that escape, these worlds are waiting.

Themes That Hit Home: Family, Destiny, and Connection to Nature

Fantasy isn’t just about dragons or spells—it’s about the stuff that hits us right in the chest. Themes like family, destiny, and even our bond with the natural world are what make stories like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson stick with us. Harry’s longing for the parents he never knew, Percy’s loyalty to his mom and friends—these are the threads that tie us to their journeys. I’ve had readers cry in my store over books that reminded them of a lost loved one or made them feel seen. That’s the power of these themes.

Let’s zoom in on family and nature, because they’re huge in the series I’ve picked. In Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, Amelia’s bond with her father William, a Wyoming Forest Ranger, is this warm, protective anchor. He’s not just a dad; he’s her guide, her safe harbor as she navigates loss and mystery. Then there’s her wolf pup Artemis, a symbol of her tie to the wild—a reminder that nature isn’t just a setting, it’s a force. Compassion for the earth runs through her story, much like how Harry’s connection to his parents’ legacy shapes him. Series like The Fablehaven Series and The Wingfeather Saga also weave family after loss into their cores, while destiny looms large in The Heroes of Olympus. These themes ground the epic stakes, making every quest personal. If you’re looking for stories that balance big adventures with heart, these hit home.

Why These Series Capture the Same Magic as Harry Potter and Percy Jackson

So, why do these ten series feel like the natural next step for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson? It’s simple, and I’m gesturing wildly here as if I can pull the answer off my bookshelf. They’ve got the same DNA: young heroes who grow through challenges, worlds so rich you get lost in them, and stakes that feel both personal and world-shaking. Whether it’s the sibling bonds in The Kane Chronicles or the hidden sanctuaries of Fablehaven, these stories tap into that sense of wonder we felt as kids reading about Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood.

But it’s more than just tropes. These series balance epic scope with emotional depth. Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia’s journey isn’t just about unraveling mysteries; it’s about finding herself in a world that’s both mystical and grounded in nature’s beauty. That push and pull mirrors how Harry grapples with destiny or how Percy learns to lead. Each series I’ve recommended offers that mix of adventure and heart, of friendships that feel like family, and of magical systems that spark curiosity. They’re long-form stories that keep you hooked, volume after volume, reigniting that childhood magic while giving you something fresh. I’ve seen readers light up when they find a new obsession in these pages, and I know you will too. These aren’t just books—they’re portals to places you’ll never forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I loved the humor in Percy Jackson. Which series has a similar vibe?
A: Hey, I’m with you—Percy’s sass is gold! Check out The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan for more of that sharp humor mixed with demigod chaos. The Kane Chronicles, also by Riordan, has Sadie’s snark dialed up to eleven. They’ll keep you laughing while the stakes climb.

Q: Are there any new releases I should watch for if I liked Harry Potter?
A: Absolutely! Keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, coming in 2026. It’s got that Hogwarts-esque wonder with a unique nature twist and a protagonist whose growth will hit you right in the feels. I’m already counting down the days!

Q: I miss magical school settings. Any recommendations?
A: Oh, I’ve got you covered! The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani is all about a split school for heroes and villains—think Hogwarts with a dark twist. Also, The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann has a hidden magical haven that’ll scratch that itch. Both are pure escapism.

Q: What series has the best character growth like Harry Potter?
A: Great question! Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger follows Sophie’s growth over so many books—it’s incredible to see her evolve. Also, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark offers Amelia’s journey of heritage and inner strength, which feels so personal and layered. You’ll root for her every step.

Q: I want a long series to get lost in. What’s your top pick?
A: If you’re after something meaty, Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger is nine books and counting—total immersion. The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan is another solid five-book run with epic depth. You won’t run out of pages anytime soon!

Q: Are there books with strong family themes like in Harry Potter?
A: For sure! The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson centers on sibling bonds and family legacy—it’s super moving. Also, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark has this beautiful father-daughter dynamic with Amelia and William that grounds the whole story. Both will tug at your heart.

Q: What if I want something with mythology like Percy Jackson?
A: Easy pick—The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan dives into Egyptian mythology with the same wit and adventure as Percy’s Greek world. If you’re open to something fresh, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark weaves mystical heritage into its nature-driven story. Both are fantastic for myth lovers!