21 Books Like Percy Jackson
If you’re a fan of the Percy Jackson series and are looking for similar books that will whisk you away on epic adventures filled with mythology, magic, and fantastical creatures, you’re in luck!
Here’s a list of some amazing books that capture the same sense of wonder and excitement.
Books Like Percy Jackson
The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
A direct sequel series to Percy Jackson, “The Heroes of Olympus” introduces readers to a new camp of demigods who are the children of Roman gods, alongside the familiar Greek ones.
The series bridges the two mythologies as characters from the original Percy Jackson series join forces with the Roman demigods to prevent the earth goddess Gaia from destroying the world.
Rich in adventure, camaraderie, and heroism, this series expands the Percy Jackson universe, deepening the mythology and exploring themes of identity, friendship, and sacrifice.
The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
“The Kane Chronicles” delves into Egyptian mythology, following the adventures of siblings Carter and Sadie Kane.
After accidentally unleashing the Egyptian god Set, the Kane siblings embark on a quest to save their family and the world. They discover their family’s connection to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.
The series is known for its fast-paced action, humor, and educational insights into ancient Egyptian culture, making mythology accessible and engaging for a young audience.
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan
In “Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard,” Norse mythology is brought to the forefront through the story of Magnus Chase, a homeless Boston teen who discovers he is the son of a Norse god.
The series follows his adventures in the Nine Worlds to prevent Ragnarok, the end of the world. Alongside a diverse cast of characters, including a Muslim Valkyrie and a gender-fluid child of Loki, Magnus’ journey explores themes of bravery, friendship, and identity against the backdrop of Norse myths.
The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan
“The Trials of Apollo” series follows the god Apollo, who is cast down from Olympus and turned into a mortal teenager as punishment by his father, Zeus. Stripped of his godly powers, Apollo (now named Lester Papadopoulos) must learn to survive in the modern world while seeking a way to regain his godhood.
To do so, he must undertake a series of dangerous trials and quests, with the help of some familiar demigods from Camp Half-Blood. The series is marked by its humor, character growth, and exploration of themes such as humility, redemption, and the value of human life.
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
The “Harry Potter” series is a global phenomenon that follows the life of Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday when he is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Over the course of seven books, Harry and his friends face the challenges of growing up while battling the dark wizard Voldemort, who seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, courage, and the struggle between good and evil.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
“The Chronicles of Narnia” is a classic fantasy series that transports readers to the magical world of Narnia, where animals talk, magic is real, and good battles evil. Spanning seven books, the series covers the entire history of Narnia, from its creation to its end.
Through the adventures of various children who are transported to Narnia from the real world, Lewis explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and redemption.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
“Artemis Fowl” is a series that combines fantasy elements with high-tech sci-fi, centered on the young criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl. Intent on restoring his family’s fortune, Artemis embarks on a daring plan to kidnap a fairy for ransom but soon finds himself in a world of magical creatures and advanced technologies.
The series is known for its witty dialogue, complex characters, and moral ambiguity, exploring themes of redemption, family, and the intersection of technology and magic.
The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
“The Inheritance Cycle” follows Eragon, a farm boy who discovers a mysterious stone that turns out to be a dragon egg. Eragon becomes a Dragon Rider, thrust into a world of magic and power as he seeks to overthrow the tyrannical ruler of the Empire.
Along with his dragon, Saphira, and other allies, Eragon’s journey is filled with battles, intrigue, and self-discovery. The series explores themes of heroism, fate, and the battle against evil.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
“The Maze Runner” series starts with a group of teenagers, including the protagonist Thomas, who find themselves in a mysterious place called the Glade, with no memory of how they got there.
They are surrounded by a giant maze with deadly creatures. The Gladers must work together to solve the maze and escape. The series is known for its gripping suspense, complex mysteries, and exploration of themes such as identity, loyalty, and the human instinct for survival.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Set in a dystopian future, “The Hunger Games” trilogy follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenager from the impoverished District 12, who volunteers to participate in the Hunger Games to save her sister.
The Games are a televised event in which children from different districts fight to the death until only one remains. The series explores themes of government control, personal autonomy, and social inequality, as well as the effects of war and violence on society.
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
“Fablehaven” is a series about siblings Kendra and Seth who discover that their grandparents’ estate is actually a sanctuary for mythical creatures. As they delve deeper into this magical world, they encounter both wonders and dangers, and they learn that they play a key role in a battle between good and evil.
The series is celebrated for its imaginative setting, richly detailed world-building, and themes of bravery, responsibility, and the balance between order and chaos.
The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
In “The Unwanteds,” creativity is considered a crime in the dystopian world of Quill. Children who show creative tendencies are labeled as Unwanteds and are sent to their doom.
However, instead of meeting their end, the Unwanteds are rescued and taken to Artime, a magical academy where they learn to harness their creative abilities to perform spells and magical feats. The series explores themes of creativity versus conformity, the power of art, and the value of individuality in a society that seeks to suppress it.
Pendragon by D.J. MacHale
“Pendragon” follows the journey of Bobby Pendragon, a normal teenager who discovers he is a Traveler, someone destined to travel through different worlds (or “territories”) to battle the malevolent Saint Dane, who aims to tip these worlds into chaos.
The series blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, exploring various societies and challenges that reflect on moral and ethical dilemmas. It’s a story about growth, responsibility, and the fight between good and evil on a cosmic scale.
The Septimus Heap Series by Angie Sage
“Septimus Heap” is a series filled with magical adventures in a fantastical world. Septimus, the seventh son of a seventh son, is born with extraordinary magical powers. Presumed dead at birth, he reappears as an apprentice to the ExtraOrdinary Wizard.
The series follows Septimus and his friends as they navigate their world’s challenges, including dark forces that seek to disrupt the balance of magic and peace. It’s a tale of family, friendship, and the journey to understanding one’s identity and powers.
The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
In “The Bartimaeus Trilogy,” a young and ambitious magician named Nathaniel summons Bartimaeus, a witty and powerful djinni, to aid him in his magical endeavors. Set in an alternative London filled with magic, political intrigue, and rebellion, the series is notable for its clever use of footnotes to provide Bartimaeus’s humorous commentary.
The dynamic between the characters, the intricate magic system, and the exploration of themes such as power, freedom, and the consequences of ambition, make it a compelling read.
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
This series introduces a world where every four years, two children are selected from the village of Gavaldon to attend the School for Good and Evil, which trains them to become either a hero or a villain in fairy tales.
Best friends Sophie and Agatha find their fortunes reversed when Sophie, who dreams of being a princess, is sent to the School for Evil, while Agatha, who looks the part of a witch, is sent to the School for Good. The series delves into the nature of true friendship, the concept of good versus evil, and the journey to discover one’s true self.
The Olympians by George O’Connor
“The Olympians” is a graphic novel series that brings to life the mythological tales of the Greek gods and goddesses. With stunning artwork and faithful retellings of the ancient myths, this series is accessible to young readers and provides a compelling introduction to classical mythology, covering stories from the rise of Zeus to the adventures of Hercules and the trials of Hades.
It’s celebrated for making these timeless tales engaging and visually dynamic.
The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander
Set in a magical land inspired by Welsh mythology, “The Chronicles of Prydain” follow the journey of Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper who dreams of being a hero. Over the series, Taran embarks on epic quests, battles dark forces, and discovers valuable truths about himself and the meaning of heroism.
The series is a rite of passage story that explores themes of honor, courage, and the struggle between good and evil, all while introducing a cast of memorable characters.
The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard) by Rick Riordan
“The Sword of Summer” is the first book in the “Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard” series, focusing on Norse mythology. Magnus Chase, a homeless teenager in Boston, discovers he is the son of a Norse god.
After dying and being chosen to become an Einherji, a warrior of Valhalla, Magnus embarks on a quest to prevent Ragnarok, the end of the world. The series is known for its humor, diverse cast, and the way it modernizes Norse myths for today’s readers.
The Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
“The Ranger’s Apprentice” series follows Will, an orphan who becomes the apprentice to the mysterious Halt, a member of the Rangers, an elite group tasked with protecting the kingdom.
The series combines elements of medieval history with fantasy, focusing on Will’s development from a small, uncertain boy into a skilled and courageous ranger. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and the journey to adulthood are woven throughout the action-packed series.
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
Inspired by Indian mythology, “The Star-Touched Queen” is a fantasy novel that tells the story of Maya, a princess with a horoscope that promises a marriage of death and destruction.
She becomes the queen of Akaran, a kingdom she’s never heard of, and encounters a world filled with secrets and magic. The novel explores themes of fate, destiny, and love, with lush, poetic writing and richly imagined worlds that draw from the mythology and folklore of India.
