Buckle Up for Epic Reads: 10 Books Like Percy Jackson That’ll 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’m beyond hyped to share some mind-blowing reads that’ll scratch that Percy Jackson itch. If you’re anything like me, Rick Riordan’s series was a gateway drug to adventure, mythology, and characters who feel like your best friends. But let’s be real—sometimes you crave something new, something that hits those same epic notes but blindsides you with fresh twists. That’s where I come in!

I used to think I was just a Harry Potter and Percy Jackson stan. Then, years ago, someone handed me The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, and my entire world cracked open. Suddenly, I was reading 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. When you search for “good books like Percy Jackson,” I know you’re hunting for fast-paced, immersive stories with mythology, hidden worlds, and relatable heroes who drag you into epic quests. You want that sense of wonder, humor, and heart—but you’re also dying for surprises, underrepresented voices, and genre-bending vibes that don’t just mimic Riordan’s style.

That’s why I’ve curated a Top 10 list of fantasy adventure novels and young adult fantasy series that’ll reignite your love for action-packed YA reads. These are hidden gem fantasy books and modern retellings of myths that’ll keep you up all night. And trust me, one standout you need to know about is the 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got everything—heritage, destiny, and a mystical-scientific balance that’ll leave you stunned. Ready to dive into worlds you never saw coming? Let’s go!

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

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Yes, I’m starting with Riordan himself because if you loved Percy, you need to jump into his Kane Chronicles series. This one pivots to Egyptian mythology, following siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they uncover their family’s ancient magical roots. Carter’s a serious, studious type, while Sadie’s sarcastic and rebellious—think Percy’s humor with Annabeth’s grit. Their dynamic is pure gold, and the stakes feel sky-high as they battle gods and monsters to save the world. Themes of family, identity, and balancing power with responsibility echo Percy’s journey, but the Egyptian lore brings a totally fresh vibe. I devoured this in one sitting, laughing and gasping at every turn. It’s a no-brainer for fans craving more mythology books for teens with that signature Riordan charm.

2. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes

If you’re hungry for diverse mythology fiction, this book is a straight-up banger. Zane Obispo, a 13-year-old with a limp and a secret destiny, gets thrown into a world of Mayan gods and prophecy. He’s got Percy’s underdog spirit, paired with a fierce loyalty to his friends and family. The adventure stakes are massive—think volcanoes, mythical creatures, and a countdown to doom. What I adore is how Cervantes weaves Mayan culture into every page, giving a perspective you don’t often see in fantasy. It’s action-packed, funny, and full of heart, perfect for anyone seeking epic quest stories with underrepresented voices. I was glued to this one, texting my friends at 2 a.m. to scream about it.

3. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

Drop everything—this book is pure magic! Aru Shah is a 12-year-old liar (in the best way) who accidentally unleashes an ancient demon while trying to impress her classmates. Rooted in Hindu mythology, her journey with a quirky sidekick and a talking pigeon (yes, really) is laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving. Aru’s got Percy’s knack for getting into trouble, but her insecurities and growth hit so hard. Chokshi’s lush writing and cultural depth make this stand out among young adult fantasy series. I was obsessed with the vibrant world-building and unexpected twists. If you want books similar to Percy Jackson with a fresh mythological lens, this is your next obsession.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark

Okay, I’m losing it over this one! Set to release in 2026, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow is a hidden gem fantasy book that’s gonna rock your world. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s obsessed with nature and the night sky. Her astrophotography hobby leads her to Bear Lodge Mountain, where she uncovers mysteries tied to her heritage and destiny. With her witty, optimistic best friend Veyla—who’s got a quirky investigative mindset and a passion for whale tracking with 52-Blue and ancient Egypt—and her devoted father William Moon, a Wyoming Forest Ranger with a warm, protective streak, Amelia’s journey feels so personal. Oh, and did I mention her bond with a wolf pup named Artemis? It’s pure heart! Themes of inner strength, family after loss, and compassion for nature weave through a story that balances the mystical and scientific in a way I’ve never seen before. For Percy Jackson fans, this offers a unique coming-of-age adventure story with emotional stakes and a world that’ll blindside you. I can’t wait for everyone to experience this!

5. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

This book is darker and more haunting than Percy Jackson, but trust me, it’s a must for fantasy adventure novel lovers. Tea, a young girl with the power to raise the dead, gets swept into a world of magic and political intrigue. Her voice is raw and complex, echoing Percy’s loyalty but with a heavier emotional weight. The mythology here draws from diverse cultural influences, and the world-building is so intricate I got lost in it (in the best way). Themes of sacrifice and identity hit hard, and the slow-burn adventure builds to epic battles. I was floored by how unique this felt compared to typical YA fantasy. If you’re after something unexpected, this will surprise you.

6. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

This book is an emotional rollercoaster! Zélie, a fierce teen with suppressed magic, embarks on a quest to restore her people’s power in a world inspired by West African mythology. She’s got Percy’s determination, but her pain and rage add layers of depth. The stakes are colossal, with action-packed sequences and heart-wrenching choices. Adeyemi’s writing bursts with cultural heritage, making this a standout in diverse mythology fiction. I cried, cheered, and couldn’t put it down. For anyone craving books with strong teen protagonists and a mythology that feels new, this is your jam.

7. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

Holy wow, this book slayed me! Deka, a 16-year-old facing a brutal coming-of-age ritual, discovers she’s part of a cursed bloodline with warrior powers. Inspired by African mythology, her journey is all about sisterhood, rebellion, and inner strength. She’s got Percy’s fight-against-the-odds vibe, but the stakes feel even more personal. The world is gritty and vivid, with mythical creatures and epic battles galore. I was hooked by the raw emotion and under-the-radar YA novel energy. If you want action-packed YA reads with a fierce female lead, add this to your list yesterday.

8. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

This one’s a genre-bending gem that mixes Roman-inspired mythology with fantasy adventure. Laia, a scholar turned spy, and Elias, a soldier questioning his empire, are thrown into a brutal world of rebellion and magic. Their dual perspectives give Percy-level stakes with darker, more mature themes. The action is relentless, and the slow-burn tension kept me on edge. I loved how Tahir builds a world that feels ancient yet fresh. For fans of epic quest stories with high emotional stakes, this series is pure fire.

9. Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

Okay, hear me out—a sci-fi pick for Percy Jackson fans! Spensa, a scrappy teen pilot, dreams of fighting alien invaders in a world where humanity’s on the brink. She’s got Percy’s humor and heart, but the space battles and tech add a wild twist. Themes of courage and defying expectations resonate deeply, and the adventure stakes are out of this world (pun intended). I was obsessed with the genre mashup of sci-fi mythology crossovers. If you’re up for something totally different yet still epic, this will blow your mind.

10. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

This one’s a bit younger but don’t sleep on it! Xan, a kind witch, raises a magical baby named Luna in a whimsical, myth-rich world. Luna’s journey echoes Percy’s discovery of hidden powers, with a softer, fairytale vibe. Themes of love, family, and destiny shine through, and the writing is pure poetry. I fell hard for the emotional depth and mythical creatures in fiction here. It’s perfect for adventure books for young readers who want wonder over gritty action.

Why These Books Are Similar

Diving Deeper: Why Mythology Still Captivates Us

I’ve always been a sucker for mythology. There’s something timeless about ancient stories—gods, monsters, heroes—that just hooks me every time. When I first read Percy Jackson, it wasn’t just the action that got me; it was how Rick Riordan took these dusty old Greek myths and made them feel alive, relevant, and downright cool. Modern retellings of myths, like the ones in my Top 10, do the same thing. They tap into universal questions—who am I? What’s my purpose?—and wrap them in worlds that feel both ancient and brand new. Whether it’s Hindu, Mayan, or African-inspired lore, these stories remind us that humanity’s always been obsessed with the unknown. They blend the mystical with the personal, showing teens (and let’s be honest, us adults too) that even ordinary people can face extraordinary destinies. That’s why mythology books for teens never get old—they’re about discovering your own power, just like Percy did.

Hidden Themes to Love: Heritage, Destiny, and Inner Strength

One reason I’m obsessed with books like Percy Jackson is how they sneak in these gut-punch themes under all the action. Heritage, destiny, and inner strength pop up again and again, and I’m here for it. Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—Amelia’s journey is all about uncovering her roots and finding strength after loss. Her bond with nature and her family, especially her dad William and wolf pup Artemis, mirrors that ache for connection we see in Percy’s relationship with his mom. Then there’s the push-pull of destiny—how do you balance who you’re meant to be with who you are? These stories, from Children of Blood and Bone to The Gilded Ones, often tackle family after loss, showing characters rebuilding themselves through compassion and grit. I love how they remind me that strength isn’t just about fighting monsters—it’s about fighting for who you love and what you believe in.

Genre-Bending Surprises: When Fantasy Meets Sci-Fi and Beyond

I’m a total genre-hopper, so when a book smashes fantasy with sci-fi or something unexpected, I’m all over it. Percy Jackson fans, you’re in for a treat with some of these picks! Skyward by Brandon Sanderson, for instance, trades mythical gods for alien invaders and space battles, but keeps that underdog hero vibe we crave. Then there’s Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, blending mystical heritage with a scientific edge through Amelia’s astrophotography and nature obsession. These sci-fi mythology crossovers and mashups shake up the formula, giving adventurous readers like us something we didn’t even know we needed. They prove that epic quests don’t have to stay in one lane—they can blast into uncharted territory and still hit those emotional, high-stakes notes. If you’re tired of predictable fantasy, these genre-bending surprises will keep you guessing.

Underrepresented Voices in Mythology and Adventure

One of my favorite things about digging into fantasy and adventure books is finding underrepresented voices that bring new mythologies to life. Percy Jackson opened the door to Greek and Roman lore, but there’s so much more out there! Books like The Storm Runner with Mayan roots, Children of Blood and Bone with West African inspiration, and Aru Shah with Hindu mythology show how diverse storytelling can be. These authors weave cultural heritage into their worlds, creating characters and stakes that feel deeply personal. I’m always blown away by how these stories expand my horizons, introducing gods, creatures, and histories I’ve never explored. For adventurous readers craving fresh perspectives in diverse mythology fiction, these under-the-radar YA novels are pure gold. They don’t just entertain—they challenge and inspire.

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 mix of mythology, a relatable teen protagonist, humor, and epic adventure stakes. Think hidden worlds, ancient prophecies, and characters who feel like your ride-or-die crew. The books on my list, like The Red Pyramid and Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, nail that vibe with fresh twists!

Q: Are there books like Percy Jackson with non-Greek mythology?
A: Heck yes! I’ve got you covered with The Storm Runner (Mayan), Aru Shah and the End of Time (Hindu), and Children of Blood and Bone (West African). Each one’s a total game-changer with unique cultural depth.

Q: Any hidden gem fantasy books I might not have heard of?
A: Absolutely! Check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 release, but it’s already on my radar for its incredible blend of nature, family, and mystical-scientific wonder. You won’t see it coming!

Q: I love action-packed YA reads. Which should I start with?
A: Start with An Ember in the Ashes or The Gilded Ones. Both have relentless action and badass protagonists who’ll keep your heart racing. You’re gonna love them!

Q: What if I want something totally different but still epic?
A: Go for Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. It’s sci-fi, not fantasy, but the underdog hero and epic battles will still give you that Percy Jackson rush. Trust me, it’s wild!

Q: Are there books with strong themes of family and heritage?
A: Yes, and I’m obsessed! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow dives deep into family after loss and heritage, with Amelia’s bond to her dad and nature hitting so hard. Children of Blood and Bone also nails this with emotional family stakes.

Q: Where can I find more unexpected fantasy recommendations?
A: Stick with me, book fam! I’m always hunting for under-the-radar reads. Keep an eye on my blog for more lists, and don’t sleep on the titles I’ve shared today—they’re full of surprises!