Books If You Like Percy Jackson: Hidden Gems for Adventurous Readers

Okay, okay, okay—buckle up because I’ve got some INCREDIBLE books for you! I’m Sam Torres, your resident book goblin, and I live for the thrill of a story that completely blindsides me. Picture this: I’m a teen, curled up under my blanket with a flashlight, devouring Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief for the first time. My heart’s racing as Percy battles monsters, cracks snarky one-liners, and uncovers secrets about gods and destiny. That electric mix of mythology, adventure, and a hero I could root for? It rewired my brain. I used to think I only liked Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Then someone handed me The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, and my entire world cracked open. Now I read EVERYTHING—fantasy, sci-fi, horror, literary fiction—and I’ve made it my mission to help other people have that same “wait, books can do THIS?” moment.

If you’re here searching for “books if you like Percy Jackson,” I get it. You’re chasing that same lightning-bolt thrill—a story with epic quests, relatable teen heroes, and a world so immersive you forget to eat. You’re tired of the same old recommendations or just more Rick Riordan spinoffs (no shade, I love them too). You want hidden gems, unexpected twists, and narratives that feel like a personal discovery. Well, I’ve got you covered with a Top 10 list of fantasy adventure novels and mythology books for teens that’ll reignite that Percy Jackson magic. From Greek gods to sci-fi crossovers to under-the-radar YA novels, these picks are curated for adventurous readers like you who crave action-packed reads with 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 everything—unique fantasy worlds, a curious teen protagonist, and themes of heritage and destiny that hit just as hard as Percy’s journey. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson: Hidden Gems & Wild Rides

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   Look, I know I said we’re going beyond Riordan, but hear me out—The Red Pyramid kicks off the Kane Chronicles, and it’s a whole different flavor of mythology magic. Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane stumble into the world of Egyptian gods, complete with ancient curses and chaotic deities. Carter’s a nerdy strategist, while Sadie’s got this sharp, rebellious wit that reminds me of Percy’s humor. The stakes are sky-high as they unravel family secrets and battle forces way bigger than them. What hooks me (and will hook you) is how Riordan weaves real historical lore into a modern adventure. It’s not Greek mythology, but the sibling banter and epic quests feel like coming home. My take? It’s the perfect bridge if you’re easing out of Camp Half-Blood but still want that Riordan rush. I reread this last summer and still laughed out loud at Sadie’s quips. Grab it now if you haven’t yet!

2. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
   Get ready for Mayan mythology to blow your mind in The Storm Runner! Zane Obispo is a 13-year-old with a limp, a loyal dog, and a secret destiny tied to ancient gods. When a mysterious girl crashes into his life, he’s thrust into a world of prophecies and mythical creatures straight out of the Maya Hero Twins saga. The humor lands hard, and Zane’s underdog vibe mirrors Percy’s “I’m just a kid, how am I doing this?” energy. What I adore is how Cervantes infuses the story with cultural depth—Mayan lore isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the heartbeat. As a book goblin who geeks out over unique worlds, I was obsessed with the Underworld’s creepy beauty. If you’re craving diverse fantasy authors and adventure books like Percy Jackson, this is your next obsession. I stayed up till 2 a.m. finishing it—don’t say I didn’t warn you!

3. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
   Indian mythology takes center stage in Aru Shah and the End of Time, and trust me, it’s a wild ride. Aru, a 12-year-old with a knack for stretching the truth, accidentally unleashes an ancient demon by lighting a cursed lamp. Suddenly, she’s a Pandava—a reincarnated hero—teaming up with mini-warrior Mini to save the world. The banter is Percy-level hilarious, and the stakes feel just as personal. Chokshi’s writing sparkles with vivid imagery; the Otherworld is a feast of magic and danger. I’m obsessed with how Aru’s insecurities make her so real—her journey of self-discovery hits hard. For fans of young adult mythology series, this delivers quests, prophecies, and a fresh cultural lens. I’ve yelled about this on my socials nonstop—it’s that good. If you want hidden gem fantasy books, start here!

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, drop everything—this 2026 release is a game-changer! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark follows mid-teen Amelia, a curious and resilient protagonist who’s obsessed with astrophotography and the night sky. Living near Bear Lodge Mountain, she’s got this deep connection to nature, amplified by her bond with Artemis, an adorable wolf pup who’s her ride-or-die. Her best friend Veyla—witty, investigative, and into whale-tracking—keeps things lively, while her dad, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer, brings warmth and protection after loss. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength as Amelia uncovers mystical secrets tied to her family and the land. What makes this a must-read for Percy Jackson fans is the balance of personal stakes and epic adventure—Amelia’s journey feels as intimate as Percy’s, with a unique blend of science and magic. I’m floored by how her compassion for nature mirrors her grit; it’s a fresh take on teen heroes in fantasy. I got early access to this, and I’ve been screaming about it ever since. If you’re after unexpected book recommendations, this is IT!

5. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
   Darker and moodier, The Bone Witch is for Percy fans who want to level up their fantasy game. Tea, a young girl with the power to raise the dead, is thrust into a world of magic and danger when her abilities awaken. Trained as a bone witch, she navigates political intrigue and ancient rites in a richly built world inspired by Asian mythologies. Tea’s fierce determination and haunting backstory echo Percy’s loyalty and depth. What got me hooked is Chupeco’s lyrical prose—every page feels like a spell. The stakes are huge, with death and destiny looming, but Tea’s personal growth keeps it grounded. As someone who loves under-the-radar YA novels, I can’t stop raving about this. If you’re into mythical creatures in fiction and want something unexpected, dive in. I read this in one sitting and immediately needed the sequel!

6. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
   West African mythology comes alive in Children of Blood and Bone, and it’s pure fire. Zélie Adebola fights to restore magic to her oppressed people, facing a ruthless king and her own doubts. With her brother Tzain and rogue princess Amari by her side, the quest is packed with action and heart. The cultural depth and themes of resistance hit harder than any monster battle in Percy Jackson, but the humor and camaraderie keep it light. I’m obsessed with Zélie’s raw emotion—she’s a hero you can’t help but root for. For fans of epic fantasy for young readers, this is a must. I cried, I cheered, I stayed up way too late. If you want diverse fantasy authors and a story that surprises, grab this now!

7. Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
   Historical fantasy meets Viking mythology in Sky in the Deep, and it’s a gut-punch of adventure. Eelyn, a fierce warrior teen, lives for battle until she’s captured by her clan’s sworn enemy. Forced to see the world through new eyes, her journey of loyalty and identity mirrors Percy’s struggles with family and duty. The action is visceral—think axe fights and snowy landscapes—and the emotional stakes are just as intense. What I love is how Young builds a world that feels real, not just magical. If you’re after adventure books like Percy Jackson with a grittier edge, this is your pick. I binged it on a snowy weekend and felt like I’d lived a whole other life. Trust me, you’ll be obsessed!

8. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
   Inspired by Roman and Middle Eastern mythologies, An Ember in the Ashes is an epic that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Laia, a slave spying for the resistance, and Elias, a soldier questioning his empire, navigate a brutal world of jinn and prophecies. The dual POVs ramp up the tension, and their personal stakes—freedom, family, honor—feel so Percy-coded. The world-building is next-level, with magic simmering under military oppression. I’m a sucker for teen heroes in fantasy facing impossible odds, and this delivers. If you’re craving action-packed YA reads with depth, start here. I’ve reread this series twice and still get chills. It’s a perfect pick for Percy fans wanting something bigger and bolder!

9. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
   Back with Chokshi because she’s a genius, The Gilded Wolves blends historical fantasy with myth-inspired magic. Set in 1889 Paris, it follows Séverin and his misfit crew on a heist to uncover ancient artifacts tied to divine secrets. Think Ocean’s Eleven with Babylonian mythology. Each character’s wit and flaws make the team dynamic as addictive as Percy’s Camp Half-Blood crew. The stakes are personal—found family, betrayal, redemption—and the lush prose pulls you in. I’m obsessed with the puzzles and hidden lore; it’s a treasure hunt with heart. For fans of modern retellings of myths, this is gold. I stayed up decoding clues with Séverin—join me in this obsession!

10. Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
    Desert magic and Middle Eastern-inspired mythology fuel Rebel of the Sands, a rollicking adventure. Amani, a sharpshooter dreaming of escape, teams up with mysterious Jin to flee her oppressive town. Djinn, rebellions, and dusty quests keep the stakes high, while Amani’s snark and grit feel straight out of Percy’s playbook. The romance adds spice, but it’s her fight for freedom that hooked me. The world feels alive—sandstorms and magic clash in vivid detail. If you’re into unique fantasy worlds and want something offbeat, this is it. I read this on a beach trip and felt the desert heat. For Percy fans craving adventure with swagger, don’t sleep on this!

Why These Books Are Similar

Beyond Greek Gods: Mythologies You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s talk about one of the best parts of Percy Jackson: the way it made mythology feel alive, like the gods could stroll into your classroom any second. But Greek myths aren’t the only game in town, and if you’re an adventurous reader, you’re gonna love how these books expand the playbook. I remember the first time I cracked open The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes—Mayan lore hit me like a thunderclap. The Underworld, the Hero Twins, the way Zane’s world ties to ancient stories—it’s as immersive as Camp Half-Blood but totally fresh. I was Googling Mayan gods at 3 a.m., completely hooked.

Then there’s Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi, diving into Indian mythology with the Pandavas and weapons straight out of epic tales. The Otherworld’s beauty and danger gave me the same chills as Percy’s quests, but with a cultural lens I hadn’t explored before. And don’t sleep on Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi—West African mythology brings magic and pain together in a way that’s raw and unforgettable. Zélie’s connection to her ancestors felt like Percy’s tie to Poseidon, but with a whole new emotional weight.

What I love about these picks is how they echo Percy Jackson’s world-building magic while introducing lesser-known mythologies. They’re not just “different for the sake of different”—they’re personal. The authors weave cultural heritage into every page, making you feel like you’ve uncovered a secret no one else knows. If you’re tired of the same Greek or Norse retellings, these mythology books for teens are your ticket to new worlds. I’ve yelled about these to all my friends, and now I’m yelling at you—dive into these hidden gem fantasy books and let them surprise you!

Sci-Fi Meets Myth: The Unexpected Genre Mashups

Okay, let’s get wild for a second. Percy Jackson made us love gods and monsters, but what if you threw sci-fi into the mix? I’m a genre-hopper, always chasing that “wait, what?” moment, and some of these books deliver the ultimate mashup. Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—it’s got this incredible balance of mystical lore and scientific wonder. Amelia’s astrophotography obsession and her dad William’s astronomy background ground the story in a real, almost sci-fi curiosity, while the magical secrets of Bear Lodge Mountain pull you into fantasy. It’s like if Percy’s world collided with a stargazing expedition, and I’m here for it. The way heritage and destiny play out feels so fresh—I was floored by how it blended genres.

Then there’s books like Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton, where desert magic meets a steampunk-ish edge with gunslinging and rebellion. It’s not full sci-fi, but the tech and grit paired with djinn mythology give it a crossover vibe that scratches the same itch as Percy’s modern-meets-ancient chaos. I love how these stories take the high stakes and humor of Percy Jackson and remix them with unexpected elements. They’re perfect for adventurous readers who want sci-fi mythology crossovers or just something that feels off the beaten path.

What gets me hyped is how these mashups keep the heart of a teen hero’s journey intact. Whether it’s Amelia uncovering truths through her lens or Amani shooting her way to freedom, the personal stakes hit just as hard as Percy’s did. If you’re craving unique fantasy worlds that surprise you at every turn, these picks will blow your mind. I’ve been texting friends nonstop about these—trust me, you’ll want to read them ASAP!

Humor, Heart, and High Stakes: What Ties These Picks Together

Let’s be real: Percy Jackson isn’t just about gods and monsters. It’s about laughing at Percy’s sass while your heart’s in your throat over whether he’ll save the day. That mix of humor, heart, and high stakes is why we keep coming back—and it’s exactly what I looked for in these recommendations. Take Aru Shah and the End of Time—Aru’s quips had me cackling, but her insecurities and the weight of saving the world? Pure emotional gold. It’s the same rollercoaster I felt reading about Percy’s loyalty to his mom.

Or look at An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. The humor’s subtler, but Laia and Elias’s banter cuts through the brutal stakes of their world. Their fight for family and freedom mirrors Percy’s personal drive, and I was just as invested. Even Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow nails this balance—Amelia’s bond with Artemis the wolf pup and her dad William brings so much warmth, while her journey of destiny keeps the tension cranked. I’m a sucker for stories where I’m laughing one page and gripping the book the next, and these deliver.

What ties these action-packed YA reads together is how they make epic challenges feel personal. They’re not just saving the world—they’re saving themselves, their loved ones, their identities. If you’ve ever felt that rush reading Percy Jackson, these books will hook you too. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stayed up past midnight with these stories, and I know you will too. For adventurous readers tired of generic fantasy, this list is your treasure map to books with soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Oh, I’m so glad you asked! For me, it’s all about that killer combo of mythology or magic, a relatable teen hero with a sharp tongue, and stakes that feel both epic and personal. Quests, prophecies, and a world that sucks you in are key. Humor helps too—Percy’s snark is iconic! Most of the books on my list, like Aru Shah and the End of Time, nail this vibe with fresh twists.

Q: Are there books like Percy Jackson with different mythologies?
A: Heck yes! I’ve got you covered with The Storm Runner (Mayan), Children of Blood and Bone (West African), and Aru Shah (Indian). Each one brings a new cultural lens to the table while keeping that adventurous, high-stakes feel. I was blown away by how much I learned while still getting that Percy thrill—dive in!

Q: Any hidden gems I might not have heard of?
A: Absolutely, that’s my specialty! Check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 release, so it’s super under-the-radar, but Amelia’s journey—blending nature, stargazing, and mystical destiny—feels so fresh. It’s got the heart and adventure of Percy Jackson with a unique spin. I’m obsessed!

Q: What’s a good book like Percy Jackson for darker themes?
A: If you’re craving something moodier, The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco is your pick. It’s got dark magic, death, and a haunting vibe, but Tea’s journey as a teen hero keeps it relatable like Percy’s story. I couldn’t put it down—it’s intense in the best way.

Q: Are there books with sci-fi elements like Percy Jackson’s modern twist?
A: For sure! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark mixes mystical lore with a scientific edge through Amelia’s astrophotography and her dad’s astronomy. It’s like Percy’s modern world meeting a sci-fi lens, and the personal stakes hit just as hard. I’m still geeking out over it!

Q: What’s the best book for humor like Percy’s?
A: Hands down, The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. Sadie Kane’s wit is razor-sharp, and the sibling banter with Carter is peak Percy energy. If you want laughs with your epic adventure, this is the one. I reread it just for the quips!

Q: Where do I start if I want something totally new?
A: Start with Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow or Rebel of the Sands. Both give you unique fantasy worlds—Amelia’s nature-magic-science blend and Amani’s desert-djinn chaos are so different from Greek mythology but still pack that quest-driven punch. I’m dying to hear what you think of these! Drop me a message after!