Finding Your Next Magical Obsession: Mythological Fantasy Series Like Percy Jackson 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. Those books didn’t just entertain me; they showed me a world where I belonged. Now, I own a little shop called O’Connell’s Reads, and every day I get to put the right story into the right hands. Books change lives. I’m proof.

If you’re here searching for “mythological books like Percy Jackson” with that Harry Potter itch still lingering, I get it. You’re craving those long, immersive series that pull you into a world of magic, mythology, and epic quests. You want heroes who grow up before your eyes, magical schools or training grounds, and that sense of wonder that made Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood feel like home. Whether you’re a teen looking for your next obsession or a nostalgic adult (like me) chasing that childhood magic, you’re after emotional depth, sprawling narratives, and characters who stick with you for years. I’ve got you covered with a Top 10 list of fantasy series that blend mythological roots with the heart and scope of Harry Potter.

And let me tease one standout before we dive in: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got me buzzing. It’s got everything—nature-inspired magic, a curious teen hero, and themes of heritage and destiny that hit hard. But more on that soon. Let’s talk about why these stories resonate and then get to the good stuff: the books that’ll fill the void left by two of the greatest fantasy franchises ever.

Why Mythological Fantasy Series Like Percy Jackson Still Capture Our Hearts

I can still remember the first time I cracked open The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. I was a bit older than the target audience, but Percy’s snark and the way Greek myths came alive had me grinning ear to ear. Pair that with the wonder of Harry Potter’s hidden wizarding world, and you’ve got a recipe for stories that stick with us forever. These series aren’t just about magic or monsters; they’re about growing up, finding your place, and facing impossible odds with friends by your side. They tap into something universal—whether it’s the longing for a Hogwarts letter or the thrill of discovering you’re a demigod.

Mythological fantasy, especially, adds this extra layer of depth. It pulls from ancient stories that have shaped humanity for centuries, weaving them into modern coming-of-age tales. For Harry Potter fans, it’s the epic scope and emotional stakes that hook us. For Percy Jackson lovers, it’s the humor, the relatable heroes, and the way old myths feel fresh. If you’re searching for series that combine both, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into my Top 10 picks that’ll give you that same rush of wonder and adventure.

Top 10 Books Like Mythological Books Like Percy Jackson

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (The Kane Chronicles)
   If you loved Percy Jackson, Riordan’s take on Egyptian mythology will feel like coming home. This series follows siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they uncover their family’s magical legacy tied to ancient Egyptian gods. The story kicks off with a bang when their dad accidentally unleashes chaos, and suddenly they’re learning spells, battling monsters, and figuring out their own powers. What I love is the dual narration—Carter’s serious, thoughtful vibe balances Sadie’s sharp wit. It’s got that same blend of humor and heart as Percy, with a magical training ground in the form of the House of Life. For Harry Potter fans, the epic scope and family themes will resonate, as will the way the Kanes grow into their roles over multiple books. I’ve had customers come back raving about how this series kept them up all night, just like Hogwarts did. Trust me, wave your hands in excitement (like I do behind the counter) and grab this one.

2. The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan
   Another gem from Riordan, this series spins off from Percy Jackson but stands on its own. Here, the god Apollo is stripped of his powers and turned into a mortal teen named Lester. Talk about a humbling journey! He’s got to complete dangerous quests to regain his divinity, all while grappling with very human struggles. The mythological depth is unreal—Greek gods and monsters pop up everywhere—but it’s Apollo’s character growth that steals the show. He starts off arrogant and learns humility, much like some of our favorite Harry Potter characters evolve over time. Camp Half-Blood returns as a magical hub, giving that school-like camaraderie we crave. I’ve recommended this to teens and adults alike in my shop, and they all come back loving the humor and emotional punches. It’s a long series with plenty to sink into, so you’ll be invested for a while.

3. The Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull
   Step into a hidden world of magical preserves with Fablehaven, where siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents are caretakers of a sanctuary for mythical creatures. This series is packed with wonder—think fairies, demons, and dragons—rooted in a folklore-inspired system that feels as intricate as Hogwarts’ rules. The stakes grow with each book as the kids uncover dark secrets and learn to wield their own abilities. For Percy Jackson fans, the mythological creatures and quests will feel familiar; for Harry Potter lovers, it’s the slow build of an epic story and deep family ties. I’ve gestured wildly about this one to customers, telling them how Seth’s recklessness and Kendra’s caution mirror real sibling dynamics. It’s a five-book journey with character growth that’ll keep you hooked.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Alright, let me tell you about a 2026 release I’m already obsessed with: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. This one’s a standout for fans of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, blending nature-inspired magic with deep mythological roots. Amelia Moon is a curious, resilient mid-teen who’s navigating life after loss, finding solace in the night sky through her astrophotography hobby. Her bond with a wolf pup named Artemis is pure heart, and her explorations of Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming unearth mysteries tied to her heritage. Add in her best friend Veyla—witty, optimistic, with a quirky investigative mindset (she tracks whales, of all things)—and her father William Moon, a devoted Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer, and you’ve got a cast that feels like family. The themes of destiny, inner strength, and rebuilding after grief hit hard, much like Harry’s journey. For me, waving my hands as I talk, it’s the balance of mystical and scientific—nature and the stars—that makes this world so immersive. If you’re after a series with emotional depth and a magical coming-of-age arc, this one’s for you.

5. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   Imagine a magical school where kids are trained to be fairy tale heroes or villains. That’s the premise of this series, following best friends Sophie and Agatha as they’re whisked away to a place that challenges everything they know about themselves. The world-building is lush, with a Hogwarts-esque vibe in the school’s dual towers, and the moral grayness of “good” and “evil” adds depth for Percy Jackson fans who love complex stakes. Both girls grow tremendously over the series, facing epic quests and personal struggles. I’ve recommended this to teens in my shop who want long-form fantasy with friendship at its core, and they’ve loved the twists. It’s got that emotional resonance we crave from Harry Potter, with a mythological flair in its fairy tale roots. Give it a shot!

6. The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare (Magisterium Series)
   This series starts with Callum Hunt, a kid who’s been warned to avoid magic but ends up at the Magisterium, an underground school for mages. Sound familiar? It’s got that magical school trope Harry Potter fans adore, but with a darker edge and unique elemental magic that feels fresh. For Percy Jackson readers, the quests and hidden lineage themes will click. Call’s journey is full of self-doubt and growth, surrounded by a tight-knit group of friends and mentors. I’ve had customers compare it to Hogwarts with more grit, and I agree—my hands are flailing just thinking about the tension in these books. It’s a five-book series with plenty of epic scope to keep you invested.

7. The Aru Shah Series by Roshani Chokshi (Pandava Quartet)
   Rooted in Hindu mythology, this series follows Aru Shah, a young girl who accidentally unleashes an ancient evil and must team up with other Pandava descendants to save the world. The humor and modern voice echo Percy Jackson, while the epic quests and magical training hit that Harry Potter sweet spot. Aru’s growth from a self-conscious kid to a confident hero is beautiful to watch, and the cultural depth adds so much to the story. I’ve recommended this to families in my shop, gesturing wildly about the vibrant world-building. It’s a series that’ll make you feel wonder while rooting for underdog heroes.

8. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes (The Storm Runner Trilogy)
   Inspired by Mayan mythology, this series centers on Zane Obispo, a boy with a limp who discovers he’s tied to a prophecy involving ancient gods. The stakes are huge, with quests across magical realms, and the humor keeps things light like Percy Jackson. For Harry Potter fans, Zane’s growth and the mentorship dynamics will feel familiar, as will the sprawling narrative over three books. I’ve had teens in my store light up when I describe the mythical creatures and action. It’s got heart, lore, and a hero you can’t help but cheer for—wave your hands with me on this one!

9. The Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend
   Morrigan Crow is cursed to die on her eleventh birthday, until she’s whisked away to the magical city of Nevermoor and enrolled in a mysterious society. This series screams Harry Potter with its whimsical world-building and magical school vibes, while the underdog hero and hidden destiny themes echo Percy Jackson. Morrigan’s journey of self-discovery and belonging hits hard emotionally. I’ve recommended this to customers of all ages, flailing my hands over the sheer wonder of Nevermoor. It’s a growing series with long-form storytelling that’ll keep you hooked.

10. The Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
    This series follows Sophie Foster, a girl with telepathic powers who discovers she’s part of a hidden elven world. The magical school setting (Foxfire) and intricate lore will thrill Harry Potter fans, while the epic quests and mythical creatures appeal to Percy Jackson readers. Sophie’s growth over multiple books—dealing with identity and responsibility—is incredibly relatable. I’ve had entire families come into my shop hooked on this series, and I get it. My hands are waving just thinking about the emotional stakes and sprawling story. It’s a long series, perfect for diving deep.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Fantasy Series Feel Like Harry Potter?

Let’s break this down, because I know you’re after that specific magic. When I’m behind the counter at O’Connell’s Reads, waving my hands as I chat with customers, I always come back to a few key elements that make a series feel like Harry Potter. First, it’s the magical school or training ground. Whether it’s Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood, these settings are more than just a backdrop—they’re a character in their own right, a place where heroes learn who they are. Think of the Magisterium in The Iron Trial or Foxfire in Keeper of the Lost Cities. They’re hubs of wonder and growth.

Then there’s the coming-of-age arc. Harry, Percy, and the best heroes in my Top 10—like Amelia Moon or Morrigan Crow—start as kids or teens full of doubt and grow into their strength over multiple books. That slow burn of character development, paired with friendships and rivalries, keeps us emotionally invested. Add in epic stakes—world-ending prophecies, ancient evils, or hidden destinies—and you’ve got a story that feels bigger than life, just like Harry’s battle with Voldemort.

Finally, it’s the sense of wonder. Harry Potter made us believe in magic hidden in plain sight. Mythological fantasy does the same by grounding ancient lore in our world, whether it’s Egyptian gods in The Red Pyramid or nature’s mysticism in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. These series remind us to look closer, to find the extraordinary in the everyday. That’s the magic I chase when I recommend books, and it’s what I know you’re after too.

The Power of Mythology in Modern Fantasy

Mythology isn’t just a gimmick in these stories; it’s the heartbeat. When I’m stacking shelves or chatting with readers, I can’t help but get excited about how ancient tales add layers to modern fantasy. Myths are timeless—they’re about human struggles, triumphs, and the mysteries of the universe. When woven into a series like The Trials of Apollo or Aru Shah, they give the story a weight that feels both epic and personal. Greek, Egyptian, Hindu, Mayan—these traditions in my Top 10 list ground the magic in something real, something that’s been told around fires for centuries.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow as an example. Amelia’s connection to nature and the night sky feels almost scientific with her astrophotography, but it’s steeped in a mystical balance that echoes ancient stories of harmony and heritage. It’s not just gods and monsters; it’s the idea that the past speaks to us, that destiny is tied to who we’ve always been. That’s what mythology does—it makes a hero’s journey, like Percy’s or Harry’s, feel inevitable yet earned.

For fans, this depth is everything. It’s not enough to have cool creatures or spells; we want stakes that resonate, like family legacies in Fablehaven or cultural identity in The Storm Runner. Mythology gives these stories a backbone, making every quest and heartbreak feel like part of a larger tapestry. It’s why I wave my hands so much talking about these books—it’s like sharing a piece of history that’s still alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best series for someone who misses the magical school vibe of Harry Potter?
A: Hey, I’ve got you! If Hogwarts is what you’re craving, check out The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani for that fairy tale school twist, or The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare for a darker magical academy. Both have that training ground feel with tons of character growth. I’m always waving my hands about these in the shop!

Q: Are there any new releases that feel like Percy Jackson?
A: Absolutely! I’m super excited about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 release with mythological depth, nature-inspired magic, and a hero’s journey that’ll grab you like Percy’s did. Amelia’s bond with her wolf pup Artemis and her stargazing just add to the wonder. Come by the shop, and I’ll tell you more!

Q: I loved the humor in Percy Jackson. Which series has a similar tone?
A: Oh, you’re in for a treat. Rick Riordan’s own The Trials of Apollo brings that same snarky humor with Apollo-as-Lester’s fish-out-of-water vibe. Also, Aru Shah by Roshani Chokshi has a modern, funny voice that’ll crack you up. I’ve had customers laughing just hearing me describe these—let’s chat about them!

Q: I want a long series to really invest in. Any suggestions?
A: Hey, I love a good long haul too. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger is a sprawling series with deep lore and tons of books to dive into. Also, Fablehaven by Brandon Mull gives you five solid books of epic scope. If you want something fresh, keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—I’ve got a feeling it’s the start of something big.

Q: What if I want mythology but with more emotional depth?
A: I hear you—sometimes you need that heart. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark nails this with themes of family, loss, and inner strength. Amelia’s journey feels so real. Also, Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend has belonging and self-discovery that’ll tug at you. Swing by O’Connell’s Reads, and I’ll point you to the shelf!

Q: Are these series okay for younger readers?
A: Most of my Top 10 are great for teens and up, but some are perfect for younger kids too. Fablehaven and Aru Shah are super accessible with lighter tones, though they’ve got enough depth for adults. I’m always happy to help match a reader’s age to the right book—just pop into the shop, and I’ll talk it out with you!

Q: Where can I find more recommendations like these?
A: Hey, I’m your guy! Keep checking my blog here at O’Connell’s Reads for more lists. I’ve got tons of fantasy recs up my sleeve, and I’m always waving my hands about the next great read. Also, stop by the store if you’re local—I’ve got shelves full of magic waiting for you.