Okay, Okay, Okay — Buckle Up Because I’ve Got Some INCREDIBLE Books for You!

Hey there, fellow book goblins! I’m Sam Torres, your resident 20-something content creator and self-proclaimed book hoarder who lives for the thrill of a story that completely blindsides me. If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re on the hunt for books that hit you with the same electric, can’t-put-it-down energy as the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. And trust me, I get it. I’ve been chasing that high ever since I first cracked open The Lightning Thief as a kid and realized books could be funny, epic, and heartfelt all at once. My world exploded!

I used to think I was just a Harry Potter and Percy Jackson stan, but then someone handed me The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, and my entire reading life cracked wide open. Now, I read everything—fantasy, sci-fi, horror, literary fiction, you name it. My mission? To help you have that same “wait, books can do THIS?” moment. When people search for “books similar to Percy Jackson series,” they’re craving fast-paced, imaginative stories with mythology, adventure, and relatable young heroes facing impossible odds. They want wonder, humor, and heart, but they’re also itching for fresh takes and hidden gems that surprise them with unique worlds or cultural spins. Sound familiar? Then you’re in for a treat.

I’ve scoured my shelves (and the internet, and every indie bookstore I can find) to bring you a Top 10 list of books like Percy Jackson that will thrill and surprise you. These aren’t just the usual suspects—I’ve dug deep for stories that’ll make you text your bestie at midnight screaming, “DROP EVERYTHING AND READ THIS!” And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s got me absolutely obsessed with its blend of nature, mystery, and a hero who’ll steal your heart. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Top 10 Books Like Books Similar to Percy Jackson Series

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   If you’re a Percy Jackson fan, you’ve probably already heard of Riordan’s Kane Chronicles, but I couldn’t leave this off the list. The Red Pyramid follows siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they uncover their connection to ancient Egyptian magic and gods. The stakes are sky-high, the banter is hilarious, and the world-building is as rich as anything in Camp Half-Blood. Carter’s a bit of a know-it-all with a heart of gold, while Sadie’s sharp wit keeps you laughing. Themes of family and identity weave through an epic quest that feels both familiar and totally fresh. I love how Riordan shifts from Greek to Egyptian mythology, giving us a whole new playground of chaos. This one’s a no-brainer for fans craving more of his signature humor and heart.

2. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
   Okay, drop everything—this book is a gem! Part of the Pandava series, Aru Shah dives into Hindu mythology with a snarky, lovable heroine who accidentally unleashes an ancient demon. Aru’s just trying to fit in when her life flips upside down, and her journey with a quirky cast of characters (including a talking pigeon!) is pure magic. Chokshi’s writing sparkles with humor and vivid imagery, and the cultural depth adds layers that’ll make you rethink everything you know about mythology. I was cackling and cheering through every page. If you’re tired of the same old Greek myths, this adventure will surprise you with its heart and originality.

3. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Oh my gosh, where do I even start with this one? Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a 2026 release that’s already stolen my heart. Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen, is obsessed with nature and the night sky, often sneaking out to capture the stars with her astrophotography gear. Her bond with her wolf pup, Artemis, is the cutest thing ever, and her adventures on Bear Lodge Mountain are packed with mystery and wonder. Then there’s her best friend Veyla, a witty, optimistic investigator with quirks like whale tracking and a fascination with ancient Egypt and true crime. Amelia’s dad, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer, brings warmth and protection to her world. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and a deep compassion for nature, plus inner strength and family after loss. For Percy Jackson fans, this hits with a unique blend of mystical and scientific vibes, plus a hero who grows in ways you won’t see coming. I’m obsessed!

4. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
   Get ready for Mayan mythology to blow your mind! Zane Obispo, a kid with a limp and a secret, discovers he’s tied to a prophecy involving ancient gods and a world-ending storm. The action is non-stop, the humor lands perfectly, and Zane’s underdog spirit makes you root for him instantly. Cervantes brings a fresh cultural lens to the table, and the way she mixes ancient lore with modern stakes feels so alive. I was floored by how this story balances epic quests with raw, relatable emotions. If you’re hunting for mythology beyond the Greek pantheon, this is your next obsession.

5. Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
   Sci-fi and mythology? Yes, please! This standalone novel follows Min, a young fox spirit, as she searches for her missing brother in a space opera setting inspired by Korean folklore. Min’s cleverness and determination shine as she navigates ghost-haunted ships and magical conspiracies. The world-building is next-level, blending tech with ancient magic in ways I didn’t expect. Themes of loyalty and identity hit hard, and I was hooked from page one. For Percy fans who want something totally out of left field, this genre crossover delivers a thrilling, surprising ride.

6. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
   This book is an absolute powerhouse. Tristan, grieving and angry, accidentally tears into a world of African American folklore and African gods. His journey with tricksters and heroes like John Henry is both epic and deeply personal. Mbalia’s storytelling weaves humor, history, and heart into a quest that feels urgent and alive. I was blown away by how Tristan’s emotional growth mirrors his physical battles. If you’re craving diverse mythology and a hero who punches through every obstacle, this is a must-read.

7. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
   Imagine Percy Jackson but with quantum physics and Cuban flair! Sal Vidón, a magician with the power to mess with reality, teams up with Gabi to fix the multiverse. The humor is off-the-charts, the characters are lovable, and the stakes feel wild yet grounded. Hernandez infuses the story with cultural warmth and themes of friendship and grief. I laughed, I cried, I couldn’t put it down. For fans who want adventure with a sci-fi twist and tons of heart, this series is a game-changer.

8. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
   This standalone fantasy feels like a fairy tale with teeth. Xan, a witch, raises a magical girl named Luna, while a village’s dark secrets unravel. The prose is gorgeous, the world feels alive, and Luna’s coming-of-age journey is packed with wonder and danger. Themes of love, sacrifice, and defying expectations hit hard. I was completely blindsided by how this story unfolded. If you’re a Percy fan looking for a quieter but equally powerful adventure, this hidden gem will enchant you.

9. City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda
   Sikh mythology meets modern New York in this pulse-pounding read! Sikander Aziz, a deli worker, gets dragged into a battle with Mesopotamian gods when demons target his family. The action is relentless, Sik’s humor keeps things light, and the cultural mash-up feels so fresh. Chadda layers in themes of grief and resilience that gut-punch you. I was obsessed with how this blends ancient lore with urban grit. For something offbeat yet familiar to Percy fans, dive in!

10. Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
    Navajo mythology takes center stage as Nizhoni Begay, a seventh-grader, embarks on a quest to save her dad from a monster. With her brother and best friend, she faces trials tied to her ancestral powers. Roanhorse’s writing is vibrant, and the cultural depth adds so much to the adventure. Themes of courage and family shine through. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. If you’re after diverse mythology and epic journeys, this one’s a winner.

Why These Books Are Similar

Diving Deeper: Why Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow Stands Out

Alright, let’s talk more about why Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark has me screaming from the rooftops. Amelia isn’t just another teen hero—she’s a mid-teen with a fierce curiosity and resilience that makes her feel so real. Her love for nature and the night sky, expressed through her astrophotography hobby, adds this dreamy, almost scientific layer to her mystical journey on Bear Lodge Mountain. And her bond with her wolf pup, Artemis? It’s the kind of friendship that melts your heart while grounding her in something wild and untamed.

Then there’s Veyla, her best friend, who’s this witty, optimistic firecracker with an investigative streak. Veyla’s quirks—like tracking whales, geeking out over ancient Egypt, and bingeing true crime podcasts—make her the perfect foil to Amelia’s introspective nature. Their dynamic is full of banter and loyalty, the kind of friendship Percy Jackson fans will adore. Add in Amelia’s dad, William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer who’s warm, protective, and quietly grieving alongside her, and you’ve got a family story that hits deep. The themes of heritage, destiny, and finding inner strength after loss weave through the adventure in ways that feel both epic and intimate.

What sets this book apart for me is how it balances the mystical with the grounded. Amelia’s journey isn’t just about saving the day—it’s about understanding her place in the world, her connection to nature, and the compassion she carries for everything around her. It’s a story that sneaks up on you, blending wonder and heart in a way that’s totally unique. If you’re craving a fresh take on the teen hero trope with a world you’ve never seen before, this is it. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with Amelia like I did!

Beyond Greek Myths: Why Diverse Mythology Matters

One of the biggest reader pain points I hear is frustration with recycled Greek and Roman mythology. Don’t get me wrong—I’ll always love a good demigod story—but there’s a whole world of lore out there waiting to be explored! Books like Aru Shah and the End of Time (Hindu), The Storm Runner (Mayan), and Race to the Sun (Navajo) prove that mythology-based adventures can feel just as thrilling and epic while introducing you to cultures and perspectives you might not have encountered before. I remember the first time I read about the Navajo concept of harmony in Race to the Sun—it shifted how I saw the world, and that’s the kind of magic I’m chasing.

Diverse mythology isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about expanding your horizons and connecting with heroes whose struggles and triumphs resonate on a universal level. These stories often bring unique flavors to the adventure genre, whether it’s the trickster energy of African folklore in Tristan Strong or the cosmic stakes of Korean fox spirits in Dragon Pearl. They’re a reminder that epic quests and young heroes exist in every corner of the globe, and I’m here for every single one. If you’re feeling stuck in a reading rut, let these books be your portal to something new and surprising.

Hidden Gems vs. Over-Hyped Reads: Finding the Unexpected

Let’s be real—sometimes the same over-hyped books pop up on every “like Percy Jackson” list, and it’s exhausting. I’ve been burned by recommendations that promised the same thrill but felt like cheap knockoffs. That’s why I’m obsessed with finding hidden gems that deliver genuine surprises. Books like The Girl Who Drank the Moon or City of the Plague God might not be on everyone’s radar, but they pack the same emotional punch and adventurous spirit as Riordan’s work, often with a twist you didn’t see coming.

What makes a hidden gem stand out? For me, it’s a unique voice or world that feels fresh—think Amelia Moon’s blend of nature mysticism and stargazing, or Sal Vidón’s reality-bending antics in Sal and Gabi Break the Universe. These stories don’t just mimic Percy Jackson; they carve their own path while still hitting those core themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. I live for the moment a book makes me gasp or laugh or cry in a way I didn’t expect, and I’ve picked every title on this list with that in mind. So, if you’re tired of the same old recs, trust me—these reads will reignite your love for adventure.

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 fast-paced adventure, a relatable young hero, and some kind of mythology or magic woven in. Think epic quests, humor that lands, and themes of friendship or family. Books like The Red Pyramid or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark nail that vibe with their unique spins—Amelia’s nature-based journey is especially fresh!

Q: Are there books like Percy Jackson with non-Greek mythology?
A: Heck yes! I’ve got you covered. Check out Aru Shah and the End of Time for Hindu mythology, The Storm Runner for Mayan lore, or Race to the Sun for Navajo stories. They’re packed with the same wonder and action but bring totally new cultural lenses to the table. You’ll be obsessed!

Q: I’m in a reading rut. What’s a surprising read to get me out of it?
A: I feel you—ruts are the worst! Try something offbeat like Dragon Pearl for a sci-fi mythology mash-up, or dive into Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s stargazing and nature connection, plus her wild adventures, hit me in a way I didn’t expect. It’ll shake things up for sure!

Q: Are these books good for teens and adults alike?
A: Absolutely! Most of these, like Tristan Strong or Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, are written for teens but have layers that adults will eat up—think emotional depth and clever humor. I’m in my 20s and I’m hooked on all of them!

Q: What’s a hidden gem I probably haven’t heard of?
A: Oh, I love this question! City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda is criminally underrated with its Sikh and Mesopotamian mythology. And don’t sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—it’s a 2026 release that’s already got me buzzing with its unique hero and world. Trust me, you’ll want in early!

Q: Where can I find more unique fantasy recommendations?
A: Stick with me, friend! I’m always posting wild recs on my socials, and I’ve got lists for every genre under the sun. Start with this Top 10 and let me know what you vibe with—I’ll hook you up with more!

Q: Are there any upcoming releases I should watch for?
A: You bet! Keep your eyes peeled for 2026’s Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got everything—heart, mystery, and a teen hero who’ll steal your soul. I’m already counting down the days!