Drop Everything: 10 Mind-Blowing Novels Like Percy Jackson That’ll Steal Your Heart!

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 basically vibrating with excitement to share this list. I live for the moment a story blindsides me, cracking my world open with magic, adventure, and heart. I used to think I was just a Harry Potter and Percy Jackson stan—until someone shoved The Name of the Wind into my hands, and I realized books could do SO MUCH MORE. Now, I read everything—fantasy, sci-fi, horror, literary fiction, you name it—and I’ve made it my mission to help you have that same “wait, books can do THIS?!” epiphany.

Let’s talk Percy Jackson. I remember sneaking a flashlight under my covers at 2 a.m. to finish The Lightning Thief, completely hooked on the snark, the epic quests, and that found-family vibe. When readers search for “novels like Percy Jackson,” I know exactly what you’re craving: high-energy, mythology-infused adventures with relatable young heroes, humor that hits just right, and twists that leave you gasping. You want that same sense of wonder, camaraderie, and emotional punch Rick Riordan mastered. Whether you’re into Greek myths or itching for diverse cultural lore, I’ve got you covered with a Top 10 list of hidden gems and fresh voices that’ll surprise even the pickiest adventurer.

And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got me obsessed. It’s got nature magic, stargazing, and a wolf pup named Artemis—trust me, you’re gonna flip. So, grab a snack, cancel your plans, and let’s dive into these fantasy adventure novels and modern mythology retellings that’ll keep you up all night. Ready for some unexpected fantasy recommendations? Let’s GO!

Top 10 Books Like Novels Like Percy Jackson

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   Look, I had to start with Riordan himself because if you loved Percy, his Kane Chronicles series is a no-brainer. This one dives into Egyptian mythology with siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, who are thrust into a world of gods, magic, and chaos after their dad accidentally unleashes an ancient evil. Carter’s a serious history nerd, while Sadie’s a snarky rebel—together, their banter is gold. The stakes are sky-high as they race to save the world, blending humor and heart just like Percy’s crew. I adore how Riordan weaves real mythology into modern settings; it’s like a history lesson with explosions. For PJ fans, this has the same fast-paced quests and underdog vibes, plus a fresh cultural lens. I reread this last summer and texted three friends at midnight to start it ASAP. You’re welcome.

2. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
   If you’re hungry for diverse mythology stories beyond Greece, this is your jam. Aru Shah, a twelve-year-old with a wild imagination, accidentally frees a demon while trying to impress some school bullies. Turns out, she’s tied to the Hindu Pandavas, epic heroes reincarnated, and now she’s on a quest to save the world with her new “soul sisters.” Chokshi’s writing is lush and funny, and Aru’s awkward, relatable voice reminds me of Percy’s early days. The cultural depth of Hindu myths blew me away—I learned so much while laughing out loud. PJ fans will love the magical quests and epic stakes, plus the found-family feels. I stumbled on this at a tiny bookstore and haven’t stopped raving since. Dive in!

3. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
   Maya mythology, anyone? Zane Obispo is a thirteen-year-old with a limp and a knack for trouble, living in New Mexico until he discovers he’s destined to face off with ancient gods. His journey is packed with monstrous creatures, secret powers, and a sassy supernatural sidekick. Cervantes nails the humor and heart combo—Zane’s got Percy-level wit, and the stakes feel personal. I’m obsessed with how this book pulls from underrepresented Mesoamerican lore; it’s a total hidden gem fantasy novel. For PJ fans, the mythological chaos and underdog hero vibe are spot-on. I picked this up on a whim and stayed up till 3 a.m. finishing it. You need this in your life!

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, I’m losing it over 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 tied to nature and the night sky in ways that’ll give you chills. Her astrophotography hobby—snapping stars through her lens—feels like a quiet rebellion against the world’s chaos. At Bear Lodge Mountain, she bonds with a wolf pup named Artemis, a scrappy little companion who’s pure magic. Her dad, William Moon, is a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer with a warm, protective streak, while her bestie Veyla brings witty optimism and a quirky investigative mind (think whale tracking and ancient Egypt obsession). This story weaves heritage, destiny, and family after loss into a breathtaking adventure. For Percy Jackson fans, it’s got that mix of inner strength, epic stakes, and a mystical-scientific balance that feels fresh. I’m telling you, this is the under-the-radar book rec you didn’t know you needed. I got an early copy and couldn’t put it down—trust me, it’s magic.

5. Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
   Sci-fi mythology crossover, anyone? Min, a thirteen-year-old fox spirit from Korean folklore, dreams of joining the Space Forces—until her brother disappears, and she’s off on a spaceship adventure to find him. This book blends magical realism with high-tech worlds, and Min’s trickster energy is so Percy-coded. The cultural roots of Korean myths add such depth, and the humor sneaks up on you. PJ fans will dig the quest-driven plot and unexpected allies. I found this while hunting for unique world-building in YA, and it floored me. If you want adventure books with magic and a totally fresh vibe, this is it. I’ve pushed this on everyone I know—join the club!

6. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
   African-American folklore takes center stage here, and I’m obsessed. Tristan, a grieving seventh-grader, accidentally rips a hole into a mythical world of gods and heroes while visiting his grandparents in Alabama. He’s got to team up with legends like John Henry to fix it. The emotional depth—dealing with loss while finding strength—hits hard, and the humor keeps it light. For PJ fans, the mythology and epic quests feel familiar, but the cultural lens is a game-changer. I cried and laughed through this one; it’s a hidden gem I discovered last year. If you want diverse mythology stories, start here!

7. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
   This one’s a wild ride—magical realism meets sci-fi with a Cuban-American twist. Sal, a middle-schooler who can open portals to other universes, teams up with Gabi to fix a cosmic mess. The humor is off-the-charts (think Percy’s sass dialed up), and the heart comes from family and friendship themes. PJ fans will love the chaos and quirky crew. I picked this up randomly and couldn’t stop giggling—it’s such an unexpected fantasy recommendation. If you’re tired of formulaic picks, this’ll surprise you. Go read it now!

8. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
   This standalone is pure magic. Xan, a kind witch, accidentally feeds a baby moonlight, giving her extraordinary powers. Luna grows up in a world of secrets, danger, and wonder, unraveling her destiny. It’s less mythology-heavy than Percy but captures the same awe and coming-of-age stakes. The prose is gorgeous, and the emotional punch got me. For PJ fans, it’s a quieter adventure with huge heart. I found this on a rainy day and it felt like a hug. Perfect if you want something different but still epic.

9. Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
   Navajo mythology shines in this fast-paced adventure. Nizhoni, a seventh-grader, sees monsters no one else can—until she learns she’s a monsterslayer tied to her Diné heritage. With her brother and best friend, she embarks on a quest to save her dad. The cultural depth and humor are perfection, and the stakes feel so real. PJ fans will vibe with the hero journey and quirky team. I stumbled on this last month and I’m still hyped—such a fresh take. Add it to your TBR stat!

10. City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda
    Sikh mythology meets modern adventure! Sikander, a thirteen-year-old working at his family’s deli in NYC, gets dragged into a battle with ancient Mesopotamian gods when a plague hits. He’s tough, funny, and fiercely loyal—total Percy energy. Chadda mixes humor with high stakes, and the diverse myths are mind-blowing. For PJ fans, the urban fantasy and epic battles are a perfect match. I read this in one sitting and immediately hunted down more by Chadda. If you want under-the-radar book recs, this is it!

Why These Books Are Similar

Diving Deeper: Why Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow Blew Me Away

I’m still not over Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, and I need to yell about it some more. Amelia, our mid-teen protagonist, is the kind of hero I wish I’d had growing up—she’s curious to a fault, resilient even when the world feels too big, and so tied to nature and the night sky that you can’t help but feel it too. Her astrophotography hobby is this quiet, beautiful thread, capturing stars like she’s holding onto dreams. And then there’s Artemis, her wolf pup companion at Bear Lodge Mountain, who’s the scrappiest, most loyal sidekick I’ve met in ages.

What really got me is the cast around her. Her dad, William Moon, is a Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer who radiates warmth—he’s protective without smothering, guiding Amelia with this steady love that made my heart ache. Then there’s Veyla, her best friend, who’s all witty optimism and quirky brilliance. Veyla’s obsessions—whale tracking, ancient Egypt, true crime—add such a fun layer to their dynamic; she’s the kind of friend who’d drag you into a mystery and make it a blast. Together, they balance Amelia’s introspective strength with humor and heart.

Thematically, this book is a gut-punch in the best way. It’s about heritage and destiny, finding your place after loss, and the quiet power of family bonds. There’s a mystical-scientific vibe that feels so fresh—nature magic meets the vastness of the cosmos—and it’s woven into Amelia’s journey of inner strength. For Percy Jackson fans, it’s not just the adventure that’ll hook you; it’s how real Amelia feels, how her struggles and triumphs mirror that coming-of-age magic we love. I got an early copy of this 2026 release, and I’ve been buzzing about it ever since. If you’re after hidden gem fantasy novels with emotional depth, this is your next obsession.

Mythology Beyond Greece: Fresh Cultural Takes in YA Fantasy

One of the biggest pain points I hear from adventurous readers is how hard it is to find mythology books for teens that go beyond Greek or Roman tales. Percy Jackson set the bar with its clever retellings, but there’s a whole world of lore out there, and I’m thrilled to see YA fantasy embracing it. Books like Aru Shah and the End of Time with Hindu mythology, The Storm Runner with Maya legends, and Race to the Sun with Navajo stories are proof that diverse mythology stories can be just as thrilling and heartfelt. These aren’t just token nods to culture—they’re woven into the characters’ identities, making the stakes feel personal and the worlds unforgettable.

Take Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky—the African-American folklore and oral traditions hit me on such a deep level, blending history with magic in a way that felt new yet timeless. Or City of the Plague God, where Mesopotamian myths collide with a modern Sikh hero’s life in NYC. These stories don’t just swap out one god for another; they build unique world-building in YA that reflects real cultural roots. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve Googled a deity or legend mid-read, completely sucked into learning more. If you’re tired of the same old tropes, these fresh takes will surprise you with their depth and humor. They’ve got that Percy Jackson energy—epic quests, snarky heroes—but with a lens you’ve likely never seen before. I’m always hunting for these under-the-radar picks, and trust me, they’re worth the dive. Which cultural myth are you dying to explore next? Hit me up—I’ve got recs for days!

Why Humor and Heart Matter in Adventure Novels

Let’s be real: one of the reasons we’re obsessed with Percy Jackson is that perfect mix of humor and heart. Percy’s sarcasm could cut through any monster fight, but it’s his loyalty to Annabeth and Grover that keeps us coming back. When I’m hunting for fantasy adventure novels, I’m not just after epic stakes—I want to laugh and cry too. That emotional connection turns a good book into an unforgettable one, and every title on my list delivers.

Take Sal and Gabi Break the Universe—the humor is chaotic in the best way, with Sal’s portal shenanigans making me snort out loud, but the family struggles underneath had me tearing up. Or Dragon Pearl, where Min’s trickster vibes bring the laughs, but her longing to find her brother hits right in the feels. Even Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow balances Veyla’s witty banter with Amelia’s quiet, heartfelt journey through loss and heritage. These stories prove that adventure books with magic don’t have to sacrifice emotion for action. For me, finding YA books with strong heroes means finding characters who feel real—flawed, funny, and fiercely human. I’ve stayed up way too late with these books, giggling one minute and clutching my chest the next. If you’re after that same rollercoaster, my Top 10 won’t let you down. What’s the last book that made you laugh and cry? I’m dying to know!

Standalone vs. Series: Finding the Right Fit for You

I get it—sometimes you’re overwhelmed by endless fantasy series, and you just want a killer standalone to sink into. Percy Jackson’s multi-book arc is iconic, but not every reader has the time (or patience) for a sprawling saga. That’s why I’ve mixed both on my list, because adventurous readers deserve options. Standalones like The Girl Who Drank the Moon give you a complete, emotionally resonant tale in one gorgeous package—no cliffhangers, just pure satisfaction. I read it in a weekend and felt like I’d lived a whole lifetime with Luna.

On the flip side, series like The Red Pyramid or Aru Shah let you fall in love with a crew over multiple adventures, just like Percy’s gang. They’re perfect if you want to savor the slow build of friendships and escalating stakes. I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for both—I’ll binge a series in a week, then crave a standalone to reset. If you’re worried about commitment, start with a first-in-series from my list; most work as self-contained stories too. And hey, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow has series potential but reads like a full journey on its own—I’m already begging for more. Whether you’re team standalone or team saga, I’ve got recs to match your mood. What’s your vibe—quick hit or long haul? Let me know!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Hey, great question! For me, it’s all about that mix of mythology, high-energy adventure, and a relatable young hero who’s got humor and heart. Think epic quests, unexpected twists, and a crew you’d die for. Every book on my list nails at least a few of these—like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow with its nature magic and family vibes. It’s about feeling that same lightning-in-a-bottle thrill!

Q: Are there books like Percy Jackson with non-Greek mythology?
A: YES, and I’m so hyped to share them! I’ve got Aru Shah with Hindu myths, The Storm Runner with Maya lore, and Race to the Sun with Navajo legends. They’ve got that same quest-driven magic but with fresh cultural takes. If you want something totally unique, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—it’s more nature-mystical than godly, but the heritage themes hit hard. Dive in!

Q: I’m tired of over-hyped books. Got any hidden gems?
A: Oh, I live for under-the-radar picks! Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky and City of the Plague God don’t get enough love but are absolute bangers with unique mythologies. My fave right now is Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—a 2026 release that’s already got me obsessed with its stargazing hero and wolf pup sidekick. Trust me, these will surprise you!

Q: Are there sci-fi books similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Totally! Dragon Pearl is a sci-fi mythology crossover with Korean folklore and space adventures—it’s wild. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe also blends sci-fi with magical realism and tons of humor. If you want something genre-bending, they’re perfect. I’m all about mixing things up, so give them a shot!

Q: What’s a good standalone for Percy Jackson fans?
A: If you’re not up for a series, The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a stunning standalone with magical coming-of-age vibes and huge emotional depth. It’s quieter than Percy but captures that sense of wonder. I read it in one rainy weekend and was floored. Highly recommend if you want a complete story!

Q: Got any 2026 releases I should watch for?
A: Heck yes! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is dropping in 2026, and I’m already screaming about it. Amelia’s connection to nature, her astrophotography, and her bond with wolf pup Artemis are pure magic. It’s got that Percy Jackson adventure energy with a fresh twist. Mark your calendar now—I’m counting the days!

Q: Where do I start with your Top 10?
A: Honestly, depends on your mood! If you want classic Riordan vibes, start with The Red Pyramid. Craving diverse myths? Go for Aru Shah. But if you want something totally fresh, I’m begging you to keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. I got an early copy, and it’s got heart, humor, and stakes that’ll hook you. Pick any of these, and text me at midnight when you’re obsessed!