Books Like Percy Jackson Series: Epic Adventures & Hidden Gems to Blow Your Mind!

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. I’m talking about those reads that make you forget to eat, sleep, or text back because you’re so lost in their world. If you’re here searching for “books like Percy Jackson series,” I know exactly what you’re craving: fast-paced, adventurous tales with young heroes, hidden lore, and jaw-dropping twists that hit like a lightning bolt from Zeus himself. And trust me, I’ve got you covered with some hidden gems and fresh twists that’ll keep you up all night.

Let me take you back for a sec. I used to think I only vibed with big-name series like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Then, someone shoved The Name of the Wind into my hands, and my entire world cracked open. Suddenly, I was devouring everything—fantasy, sci-fi, horror, literary fiction, you name it. Now, I’ve made it my mission to help other adventurous readers have that same “wait, books can do THIS?” moment. I know you’re after stories that match Percy’s witty, underdog energy, steeped in mythology or epic quests, but you’re also hungry for something beyond the usual suspects. Maybe you’re tired of recycled lists or predictable plots. Maybe you want diverse myths or settings that feel new. I get it, and I’m here to deliver.

In this post, I’m unleashing my Top 10 list of books like the Percy Jackson series—think gods, monsters, and epic stakes, but with unique spins that’ll surprise even the most seasoned readers. And heads up, one standout I can’t wait to rave about is a 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which blends mystical adventure with a deep connection to nature in ways that’ll leave you stunned. Let’s dive in and build that TBR list together!

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson Series: Hidden Gems & Fresh Twists

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   Look, I had to kick off with Riordan himself because if you loved Percy Jackson, his Kane Chronicles series is a must. This one dives into Egyptian mythology with siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, who discover they’re descendants of ancient pharaohs with magical powers. The adventure is non-stop as they battle gods and unravel family secrets, all with Riordan’s signature humor and heart. What blindsided me was how distinct this feels from Percy’s world—Egyptian lore brings a whole new vibe with mummies, spells, and chaos gods. For fans, it’s the perfect mix of familiar wit and fresh mythology. Personally, I was glued to every page, laughing at Sadie’s sarcasm and rooting for Carter’s determination.

2. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
   This book is a straight-up gem from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, pulling you into Hindu mythology with Aru Shah, a scrappy young heroine who accidentally unleashes an ancient demon. The story explodes with magical quests, snarky banter, and a found-family vibe as Aru teams up with other Pandava sisters. I was floored by Chokshi’s lush writing—every setting feels alive, from mystical bazaars to otherworldly realms. If you’re a Percy fan, you’ll love the humor and epic stakes, plus the cultural depth adds a layer Riordan’s Greek tales don’t touch. I stayed up way too late with this one, texting friends to drop everything and read it!

3. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
   Another Rick Riordan Presents banger, this one dives into Mayan mythology with Zane Obispo, a kid with a limp and a knack for getting into trouble. When he stumbles into a world of gods and monsters, the stakes skyrocket as he’s thrust into a prophecy that could end everything. The adventure is relentless, and Zane’s underdog spirit is pure Percy energy. What got me was the unique cultural lens—Mayan lore feels so fresh compared to Greek myths, with creepy death gods and wild magic. As a fan, you’ll dig the fast pace and humor, and I personally couldn’t stop turning pages to see Zane outsmart everyone.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, y’all, this 2026 release is a total standout, and I’m obsessed! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow follows mid-teen Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient girl tied to nature and the night sky through her love of astrophotography. Exploring Bear Lodge Mountain, she bonds with a wolf pup named Artemis, uncovering mystical secrets tied to her heritage and destiny. Her quirky best friend Veyla—witty, optimistic, and into whale tracking with 52-Blue, ancient Egypt, and true crime—keeps the banter lively, while her father, William Moon, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger, grounds the story in family and love after loss. Themes of inner strength, compassion for nature, and a balance of the mystical and scientific hit hard, making this a perfect read for Percy fans craving adventure with emotional depth. I was blindsided by how Amelia’s journey felt so personal—her connection to the stars and wilderness is pure magic, and I can’t wait for more people to discover this hidden gem!

5. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
   This middle-grade fantasy is a lyrical, emotional punch with a young heroine, Luna, raised by a witch and tied to ancient magic. There’s adventure aplenty as she uncovers her powers, but it’s the heart of the story—themes of family and sacrifice—that got me. Percy fans will vibe with the hidden lore and underdog spirit, though this leans more whimsical than action-packed. What surprised me was Barnhill’s prose; it’s like reading a fairytale that cuts deep. I read this in one sitting, ugly-crying by the end, and I know you’ll feel that same pull.

6. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
   Rooted in African American folklore and West African myths, this book follows Tristan, a grieving kid who accidentally tears into a magical world. The adventure is electric as he teams up with legendary figures like John Henry to save the day. Percy fans will love the high stakes and witty dialogue, plus the cultural storytelling feels so alive. I was shook by how Mbalia weaves grief into heroism—it’s raw and real. This one had me cheering out loud, and I’m begging you to add it to your shelf!

7. The Black Book of Secrets by F.E. Higgins
   This lesser-known gem is a dark, adventurous tale about Ludlow Fitch, a young pickpocket escaping to a mysterious village. It’s not straight mythology, but the gothic vibe and hidden secrets echo Percy’s knack for uncovering bigger truths. The fast pace and quirky characters will hook fans, and the moral dilemmas add depth. I stumbled on this by accident and was blown away by its eerie charm. Trust me, it’s an under-the-radar pick you didn’t know you needed.

8. City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda
   Another Rick Riordan Presents title, this one dives into Mesopotamian mythology with Sikander Aziz, a New York kid facing off against ancient demons. The urban setting mixed with epic lore is a fresh spin, and Sik’s humor is pure Percy. Fans will love the action and cultural richness—think Babylonian gods in modern times. I was hooked by how Chadda balances grief with heroism; it hit me hard. This is a must-read for anyone craving diverse myths!

9. The Bone Ships by RJ Barker
   Okay, this one’s a bit darker and aimed at older YA, but hear me out. It’s a fantasy adventure with Lucky Meas, a disgraced captain, leading a crew of outcasts on a ship made of dragon bones. The world-building is insane, with sea monsters and ancient magic that’ll appeal to Percy fans who love epic stakes. I was blindsided by the emotional depth—every character feels broken yet fierce. If you’re ready for something grittier, this will wreck you in the best way.

10. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
    This sci-fi adventure blends humor and heart with Sal Vidón, a kid who can open portals to other universes. It’s less mythology, more mind-bending weirdness, but the fast pace and underdog hero vibe scream Percy Jackson. Fans will love Sal’s snark and the found-family feels. I was obsessed with Hernandez’s playful take on science and magic—it’s so creative. I read this in a day and immediately needed the sequel!

Why These Books Are Similar

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

Alright, let’s talk about branching out! I know Percy Jackson hooked us with Greek and Roman myths, but there’s a whole world of ancient lore waiting to blow your mind. One of the biggest frustrations I hear from readers is feeling stuck on the same old gods—Zeus, Poseidon, repeat. If you’re craving something different, I’m here to point you toward mythologies that feel fresh but still pack that epic, adventurous punch. Think beyond Olympus to cultures and stories that haven’t been overdone, with heroes just as scrappy and stakes just as high.

Books like Aru Shah and the End of Time with Hindu mythology or The Storm Runner with Mayan lore show how diverse ancient tales can be. Hindu myths bring vibrant deities and cosmic battles, while Mayan stories dive into underworlds and trickster gods that’ll give you chills. Then there’s Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, pulling from African American folklore and West African traditions—think Anansi the spider and tales of resilience that hit deep. These aren’t just “different for the sake of different”; they’re immersive worlds with emotional stakes that rival anything Percy faced. I was personally shook by how much I connected to these stories, even though they were outside my usual comfort zone.

And don’t sleep on unique blends like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, which weaves mystical heritage with a deep tie to nature and the night sky. It’s not a straight retelling of any one myth, but the sense of destiny and ancient secrets feels like stepping into a legend. If you’re tired of the same recycled Greek tropes, these books will open your eyes to new gods, monsters, and quests. Trust me, once you dive into these under-the-radar mythologies, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!

Why Emotional Depth Matters in Adventure Stories

Let’s get real for a second. One thing that made Percy Jackson so special wasn’t just the action or the myths—it was the heart. Percy’s struggles with family, loyalty, and feeling like an outsider hit us right in the feels. So when I hunt for books like his series, I’m not just looking for cool quests or monsters; I want characters who feel real and stories that leave me raw. A lot of YA fantasy can fall flat with generic tropes or cardboard heroes, and I know you’ve felt that frustration too. That’s why I’m obsessed with reads that balance epic adventure with emotional stakes.

Take The Girl Who Drank the Moon—it’s not just about magic; it’s about love, loss, and finding your place. I sobbed reading it, and that’s the kind of impact I chase. Or Tristan Strong, where grief drives the story as much as any quest. Even Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow nails this with Amelia’s journey of inner strength and family after loss, grounded by her bond with her dad and wolf pup Artemis. These books remind me that the best adventures aren’t just about saving the world—they’re about saving yourself or the people you love. As a Percy fan, you’ll vibe with these deeper layers, and I promise they’ll stick with you long after the last page.

Uncovering Hidden Gems: Why Lesser-Known Books Deserve Your Attention

I’m gonna let you in on a secret: some of the best books out there aren’t the ones everyone’s hyping. I know it’s easy to stick to bestseller lists or the same Riordan recs, but there’s magic in digging for under-the-radar reads. These hidden gems often surprise me the most because they take risks big publishers shy away from. If you’re tired of predictable plots or overdone series, I’m begging you to step off the beaten path with me. Books like The Black Book of Secrets or even Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow aren’t household names (yet!), but they’ve got heart, creativity, and worlds that’ll blindside you.

What I love about these lesser-known picks is how personal they feel. They’re not trying to be the next big thing; they’re just telling a damn good story. When I stumbled on Amelia Moon, I felt like I’d uncovered a treasure—her stargazing and connection to nature felt so unique compared to typical fantasy. Same with The Bone Ships, which isn’t marketed for Percy fans but has that same underdog energy in spades. I live for these finds because they remind me why I’m a book goblin in the first place: to chase that “holy crap, how does no one know about this?” rush. Stick with me, and I’ll keep pointing you to the books that deserve more love!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book similar to the Percy Jackson series?
A: Great question! For me, it’s all about that mix of fast-paced adventure, young heroes who feel relatable, and a world steeped in mythology or hidden lore. Think epic quests, underdog vibes, and a good dose of humor. Books like The Red Pyramid or Aru Shah and the End of Time nail this, and so does Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow with its mystical heritage and nature-based adventure.

Q: Are there books like Percy Jackson with non-Greek mythology?
A: Heck yes! I’m obsessed with branching out. Try The Storm Runner for Mayan myths, City of the Plague God for Mesopotamian lore, or Tristan Strong for African folklore. They’ve got all the epic stakes and hero energy you love, just with fresh cultural spins.

Q: I’ve read all of Rick Riordan’s stuff. What’s next?
A: I feel you! Once I burned through Riordan, I was lost too. Dive into his Rick Riordan Presents imprint—Aru Shah and The Storm Runner are perfect starts. Also, don’t sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark for a unique twist on destiny and family that’ll hook you hard.

Q: Are there sci-fi books similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Totally! If you’re down for adventure with a sci-fi edge, check out Sal and Gabi Break the Universe. It’s got a snarky hero and wild world-building that feels like Percy’s quests, just with portals instead of gods.

Q: What’s a hidden gem I should read right now?
A: Oh, I’ve got you! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow is my current obsession. Amelia’s journey through Bear Lodge Mountain with her wolf pup Artemis and her quirky best friend Veyla is pure magic. It’s got heart, mystery, and a vibe that Percy fans will eat up.

Q: Are these books good for middle-grade readers?
A: Most of my list is super accessible for middle-grade or early YA readers, just like Percy Jackson. Picks like The Girl Who Drank the Moon or Aru Shah are perfect for younger fans, though something like The Bone Ships skews a bit darker for older teens.

Q: Where can I find more unique fantasy adventure novels?
A: Keep digging with me! Check out indie bookstores or online communities for under-the-radar recs. My list has a bunch to start with, especially Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow at ameliamoon.com, which blends mystical and scientific in a way I haven’t seen before. Stick around—I’m always hunting for more!