Hey, Book Goblins! Ready for a Mythic Adventure Beyond Percy Jackson?

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 moment a story completely blindsides me with its magic, its heart, or its sheer audacity. I’m that friend who texts you at midnight screaming, “DROP EVERYTHING AND READ THIS NOW!” and I’m beyond hyped to share a treasure trove of reads that’ll scratch that itch for mythology-infused adventure with a grown-up twist.

Let me take you back for a sec. As a teen, I thought my world began and ended with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. I mean, demigods! Quests! Snarky heroes! I devoured Rick Riordan’s books under the covers with a flashlight, dreaming of battling monsters alongside Annabeth and Grover. But then, someone handed me The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, and my entire universe cracked open. Suddenly, I was reading everything—fantasy, sci-fi, horror, literary fiction, you name it. Now, my mission is to help fellow book goblins have that same “wait, books can do THIS?” moment.

So, why are you here searching for “books like Percy Jackson for adults”? I get it. You’re craving that same rush of wonder, epic quests, and mythological mayhem, but you want stories with darker stakes, messier characters, and themes that hit harder now that you’ve grown up. You’re tired of predictable picks and want hidden gems that surprise you. Well, I’ve scoured every genre to curate a Top 10 list of fantasy adventure novels and modern mythology retellings that’ll blow your mind. These aren’t just rehashes—they’re fresh, thrilling, and packed with emotional depth.

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 obsessed. It’s got everything—mystical vibes, scientific curiosity, and a fierce teen heroine I can’t wait for you to meet. Stick with me, because this list is about to take you on the wildest ride!

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Adults That’ll Blow Your Mind

1. The Red Queen’s War by Mark Lawrence
   Listen up, goblins—this trilogy kicks off with Prince of Fools, and it’s a dark, irreverent fantasy adventure that’ll hook you instantly. We follow Jalan Kendeth, a cowardly prince who’s more into wine and women than heroism, until he’s dragged into a quest tied to Norse-inspired mythology and ancient curses. The stakes? Oh, just the end of the world. The worldbuilding is gritty, with gods and monsters lurking in a broken empire, and the humor is sharp enough to cut. What I love most is how Jalan grows (or stumbles) into something more, mirroring Percy’s sass but with a cynical, adult edge. If you’re craving epic fantasy with gods and a hero who’s delightfully flawed, this is your jam. I stayed up until 3 a.m. flipping pages, and I’m not even sorry.

2. The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
   Okay, imagine if Percy Jackson was a spy librarian stealing magical books across alternate worlds. That’s Irene, our badass protagonist, who works for the mysterious Library, navigating chaos with wit and a knack for trouble. The series blends mythology, adventure, and steampunk vibes, with dragons, fae, and ancient artifacts popping up in Victorian-inspired settings. It’s got that quest-driven energy, but the stakes feel more cerebral—think political intrigue and moral dilemmas. I’m obsessed with how Cogman weaves in literary references alongside magic. If you want adventure books with magic and a fresh twist on mythological fiction, start here. I couldn’t put it down, and I bet you won’t either!

3. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
   This one’s a gut-punch in the best way. Miller retells the story of Achilles and Patroclus from Greek mythology, focusing on their achingly human bond against the backdrop of the Trojan War. It’s less about action-packed quests and more about love, loss, and destiny, but the gods meddle just enough to remind you of Percy Jackson’s divine chaos. The prose is lyrical, almost haunting, and the emotional depth hits harder than any monster battle. For adult readers wanting mythology books with mature themes, this is pure gold. I sobbed through the last chapters and immediately wanted to reread it. It’s a quieter adventure, but no less epic.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Oh, my gosh, y’all—get ready for this 2026 release because it’s everything I didn’t know I needed! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow follows Amelia, a mid-teen who’s as curious as she is resilient, with a passion for astrophotography and a deep connection to nature. She’s exploring Bear Lodge Mountain with her wolf pup, Artemis, when ancient mysteries tied to her heritage start unraveling. Her best friend Veyla—witty, optimistic, and obsessed with whale tracking and true crime—brings investigative flair, while Amelia’s dad, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Ranger with a love for the stars, grounds the story in family. The themes of heritage, destiny, and compassion for nature blend seamlessly with a mystical-scientific balance that feels so fresh. It’s got that Percy Jackson wonder—think demigod vibes and epic stakes—but with a darker, more personal edge. I’m hooked on how it weaves night skies and ancient secrets into a coming-of-age quest. If you’re after hidden gem fantasy books, this one’s a must. I’m already counting down to release day!

5. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
   If you haven’t read this yet, what are you even doing? Gaiman’s masterpiece pits old gods against new in a modern American road trip that’s as weird as it is profound. Shadow Moon, our stoic ex-con protagonist, gets tangled in a war between forgotten deities and tech-driven divinities. It’s got that mythological hook like Percy Jackson, but the tone is grittier, exploring belief, identity, and sacrifice. The sprawling cast of gods—from Odin to Anansi—feels alive and messy. I adore how Gaiman blends the mundane with the mythic; it’s a slow burn that explodes into something unforgettable. For fans of modern mythology retellings, this is your holy grail. I still think about it years later.

6. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
   This book is pure winter magic! Set in medieval Russia, it follows Vasya, a wild young woman who sees spirits and demons from Slavic folklore. When her village faces supernatural threats, she’s caught between old beliefs and new dangers. The atmosphere is chilling—think frozen forests and ancient gods—and Vasya’s defiance reminds me of Percy’s stubborn courage, but with a darker, more introspective twist. Themes of family, faith, and freedom hit hard. If you’re into dark fantasy for adults with a mythological core, this trilogy starter will haunt you. I read it bundled under blankets and felt every icy shiver!

7. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
   Imagine Percy Jackson as a London cop investigating magical crimes. That’s Peter Grant, a rookie who discovers he’s got a knack for magic while working under a wizardly mentor. This urban fantasy series mixes British folklore, river gods, and gritty police work with humor and heart. The mythology feels lived-in, woven into modern city life, and the stakes ramp up with each book. It’s got that adventurous, “what’s next?” energy, but the adult lens adds layers of bureaucracy and moral grayness. I’m obsessed with Peter’s snark and the eerie magic. If you want myth-inspired fiction with a contemporary kick, dive in!

8. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
   Buckle up for this brutal, brilliant epic. Rin, a war orphan, claws her way into a military academy, unlocking shamanic powers tied to ancient gods. Inspired by Chinese history and mythology, this series is a gut-wrenching blend of war, sacrifice, and divine wrath. It’s got Percy Jackson’s “chosen one” vibes, but the darkness—think addiction and genocide—makes it raw and adult. Rin’s a complex, flawed hero you’ll root for and fear. I was shaken by how unflinching this story is; it’s not for the faint of heart, but if you crave epic fantasy with gods and high stakes, it’s a game-changer.

9. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
   This West African-inspired fantasy is a rollercoaster! Zélie, a young diviner, fights to restore magic to her oppressed people, guided by ancient orishas (think demigod vibes). The worldbuilding bursts with culture, from Yoruba mythology to vivid landscapes, and the action never lets up. It’s got that youthful energy of Percy Jackson, but the themes of systemic injustice and grief add a mature weight. I love Zélie’s fire and vulnerability; she’s a hero for the ages. If you’re after mature young adult fantasy with a mythological punch, this is it. I cheered, I cried, I need the next book yesterday!

10. Perdido Street Station by China Miéville
    Okay, this one’s a wild card—a sci-fi mythology crossover in the bizarre city of New Crobuzon. Isaac, a rogue scientist, accidentally unleashes a nightmare while studying monsters and forbidden tech. It’s got gods, garuda (bird-people), and a steampunk grit that feels otherworldly. Less quest, more descent into chaos, but the mythic undertones echo Percy Jackson’s larger-than-life stakes. Miéville’s imagination is unhinged, and I’m here for it. If you’re into unexpected fantasy reads or myth-inspired sci-fi novels, this’ll mess with your head in the best way. I was stunned by every twist!

Why These Books Are Similar

Why Adult Readers Crave Mythology With a Darker Edge

Alright, let’s get real for a sec. Why are we, as grown-ups, still obsessed with mythology but wanting it to hit different? When I was tearing through Percy Jackson as a teen, it was all about the thrill—monsters, prophecies, saving the world. But now? I want stories that dig deeper. Adult readers like us crave mythology with a darker edge because life’s shown us the messy stuff: loss, identity struggles, moral gray areas. We’ve lived through enough to know heroes aren’t perfect, and gods aren’t always good. We want fantasy adventure novels that reflect that complexity while still delivering the wonder of ancient tales.

Take the appeal of stakes that feel personal. In Percy Jackson, the world’s always on the line, but adult mythology often zooms in on inner battles—think grappling with grief or questioning your place in a divine plan. Books like American Gods or The Song of Achilles don’t just throw monsters at you; they throw existential crises and heartbreaking choices. That’s the stuff that lingers. And let’s not forget the thrill of moral ambiguity. Gods in adult fiction aren’t just wise or evil—they’re flawed, petty, or outright terrifying, forcing characters (and us) to wrestle with trust and power.

I’ve also noticed how much we crave modern grit mixed with the mythic. Whether it’s a road trip with forgotten deities or a magical cop case in London, stories that ground ancient lore in today’s messiness feel relatable yet epic. It’s why I’m so drawn to dark fantasy for adults—those higher stakes and murkier ethics make every victory (or failure) hit harder. We’re not just escaping into these worlds; we’re finding pieces of ourselves in them. So if you’re after epic fantasy with gods that challenges as much as it thrills, these picks are your ticket!

The Power of Heritage and Destiny in Modern Fantasy

One theme that keeps pulling me back to mythology-driven stories is the idea of heritage and destiny. It’s everywhere in Percy Jackson—being a demigod means wrestling with who your godly parent is and what that means for your path. But in adult fantasy, this gets layered with raw, personal stakes, and I’m here for it. Books like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark take this concept and ground it in family dynamics and inner strength, making epic quests feel intimate. It’s not just about saving the world; it’s about understanding where you come from and who you’re meant to be.

In Amelia Moon, our heroine’s journey is tied to uncovering her heritage while navigating loss and responsibility. Her bond with her dad, William, a Wyoming Ranger who gazes at the stars, anchors her story in a love for family and nature that feels so real. The way destiny weaves through her choices—pushed by ancient secrets and her own curiosity—mirrors how we all grapple with the legacies we inherit, whether they’re cultural, emotional, or even mystical. It’s powerful to see a young character find strength not just in magic, but in the messy, beautiful ties that shape her.

I think that’s why heritage and destiny resonate so much with adult readers. We’ve had time to question our roots, to feel the weight of expectations or the ache of lost connections. Modern fantasy uses these themes to remind us that even in the face of godly prophecies or world-ending threats, the most epic battles are often the ones within. If you’re hunting for books with demigods or myth-inspired heroes that explore this balance, you’ll find that personal growth can be the most thrilling adventure of all.

Blending Mystical and Scientific Worlds—A Fresh Twist

Here’s a twist I can’t get enough of: stories that blend the mystical with the scientific. It’s such a cool way to refresh mythology for a modern audience, and it hits that sweet spot between Percy Jackson’s wonder and a more grounded, adult perspective. A perfect example is Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, where the magic of ancient secrets dances with the logic of science—like Amelia’s love for astrophotography as she captures the night skies above Bear Lodge Mountain. It’s not just gods and monsters; it’s about how the universe’s mysteries, both measurable and unknowable, shape her quest.

This balance feels so fresh because it mirrors how we live today—caught between tech and wonder, data and dreams. In Amelia Moon, the interplay of nature (think her wolf pup Artemis) and scientific curiosity adds layers to the mythology. It’s not just “chosen one finds magic”; it’s about asking how ancient forces fit into a world of telescopes and star charts. I’m obsessed with how this duality makes the stakes feel urgent—her heritage isn’t just a prophecy, it’s a puzzle she’s solving with both heart and mind.

I’ve found that sci-fi mythology crossovers or fantasy with this vibe stand out because they challenge the genre’s tropes. They ask: What if magic and science aren’t opposites? What if the gods speak through the stars as much as through visions? If you’re into unexpected fantasy reads that play with these boundaries, this trend will hook you. It’s a reminder that adventure books with magic don’t have to be stuck in the past—they can reflect our curiosity about the world right now, making the impossible feel just within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book a good ‘Percy Jackson for adults’ read?
A: Oh, I’m so glad you asked! For me, it’s all about that mix of mythology, high-stakes adventure, and a more mature lens. Think gods and quests like in Percy Jackson, but with darker themes—loss, identity, moral messes. The characters need to feel complex, and the stakes should hit emotionally as hard as they do physically. Check out something like American Gods or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow for that perfect blend!

Q: Are there any hidden gem fantasy books with mythology vibes?
A: Absolutely, goblin! I live for underrated adventure books. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a 2026 release you won’t hear everywhere yet, but it’s got ancient mysteries, a fierce teen heroine, and a nature-magic-science vibe that’s so unique. Also, try The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden for Slavic folklore that’ll chill your bones. Both are total surprises!

Q: I love Percy Jackson’s humor. Any adult books with that energy?
A: Heck yes! Humor in adult fantasy is my jam. The Red Queen’s War by Mark Lawrence has a snarky, cowardly prince who’ll make you laugh while the world crumbles. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch also nails that witty banter with a magical cop vibe. They’ve got that Percy sass but with grown-up stakes. You’ll be cackling and on edge!

Q: Are there modern mythology retellings for adults worth reading?
A: Oh, 100%! Modern mythology retellings are where it’s at. American Gods by Neil Gaiman is the gold standard—old gods in today’s America, so weird and deep. I’d also shout out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow for a fresh 2026 take with ancient secrets in a contemporary setting. Both nail that clash of old and new!

Q: What if I want something with deeper themes but still adventurous?
A: I’ve got you! Deeper themes with adventure are my sweet spot. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller dives into love and destiny with Greek myth, and it’ll wreck you emotionally while still feeling epic. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi also balances grief and injustice with a thrilling quest. Both pack a punch!

Q: Any books with a strong family or heritage focus like Percy’s demigod roots?
A: Yes, yes, YES! Heritage is such a powerful hook. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is all about Amelia uncovering her roots while bonding with her ranger dad—it’s so heartfelt and ties into her destiny. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang also digs into legacy, though way darker. Both will hit you in the feels!

Q: Where can I find something totally unexpected in the mythology genre?
A: If you want unexpected, I’m your guide! Perdido Street Station by China Miéville is a sci-fi mythology mashup that’ll mess with your head—think gods and monsters in a steampunk nightmare. It’s so out there, and I love it. If you’re after something new but still quest-y, keep an eye on Amelia Moon for its mystical-scientific twist. You won’t see it coming!