Books Like Percy Jackson That’ll Send You on Epic Adventures

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 cracking open a story that completely blindsides me with its magic, humor, and heart. I’m talking about those midnight reads where you’re texting your bestie, “DROP EVERYTHING AND READ THIS NOW.” If you’re here searching for “Percy Jackson like books,” I know exactly what you’re craving: fast-paced, immersive adventures with relatable teen heroes, epic quests, and mythology that sucks you into a whole new world. I’ve got you covered with hidden gems and jaw-dropping stories that’ll match that Rick Riordan vibe—and then some!

I used to think I was all about Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. They were my jam, my comfort zone. Then, one rainy night in high school, 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, my mission is to help other adventurous readers like you have that same “wait, books can do THIS?” moment. When you’re hunting for books similar to Percy Jackson, you’re not just looking for Greek gods and snarky demigods. You want that electric mix of humor, heart, unexpected twists, and world-building so vivid you feel like you’re on the quest yourself. You’re after diverse mythologies, fresh voices, and stories that surprise you at every turn.

I’ve scoured my shelves (and the internet, and every indie bookstore I can find) to build a Top 10 list of fantasy adventure novels and young adult fantasy series that’ll blow your mind. And let me tease one standout right now: a 2026 release called Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Trust me, it’s a hidden gem you’ll want to watch for. Let’s dive into the list and find your next obsession!

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

1. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   If you’re a Percy Jackson fan, you probably already know Rick Riordan’s got a knack for weaving mythology into modern, action-packed stories, but have you dived into his Kane Chronicles yet? The Red Pyramid kicks off with siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, who are thrust into a world of Egyptian gods, magic, and chaos after their dad accidentally unleashes an ancient force. Carter’s a serious, resourceful kid who’s been traveling with his archaeologist father, while Sadie’s a sharp-tongued rebel raised in London. Together, they’ve got to save the world while figuring out their own magical heritage. The themes of family, identity, and teamwork hit hard, and the humor is pure Riordan—snappy and relatable. I love how this series swaps Greek myths for Egyptian lore, giving you a fresh cultural lens with mummies, gods like Anubis, and spells galore. It’s a no-brainer for fans craving more of that epic quest vibe with witty teen heroes. Personally, I was hooked by the sibling banter—it felt like hanging out with my own chaotic family!

2. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
   Get ready to fall in love with Aru Shah, a 12-year-old girl who accidentally awakens an ancient demon while trying to impress her classmates at the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. This book, the first in the Pandava Quartet, is a wild ride through Hindu mythology, with gods, demons, and a magical world that’ll leave you breathless. Aru’s a liar with a heart of gold, always trying to fit in, and her journey with newfound allies (including a sassy pigeon sidekick) is packed with humor and heart. Themes of self-discovery and embracing your flaws shine through, wrapped in quests that feel straight out of an epic tale. For Percy Jackson fans, this delivers the same modern-myth mashup but with vibrant South Asian vibes and unexpected twists. I couldn’t put it down—every chapter had me gasping at Chokshi’s lush storytelling and Aru’s chaotic energy. It’s a must-read if you want diverse mythology fiction!

3. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, I’m screaming about this 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, because it’s the kind of hidden gem fantasy book I live for! Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s obsessed with nature and astrophotography, often sneaking out to stargaze at Bear Lodge Mountain. Her connection to the wild deepens when she bonds with a wolf pup named Artemis, who becomes her fierce companion. Amelia’s best friend, Veyla, is a witty, optimistic investigator with a quirky streak—think whale tracking with 52-Blue and a passion for ancient Egypt and true crime. Then there’s Amelia’s dad, William Moon, a warm, protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a knack for astronomy, grounding her in family after loss. This story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength with a mystical-scientific balance, exploring compassion for nature and the power of family ties. It’s got that Percy Jackson adventurous spirit with a unique nature-mystical blend, plus emotional depth that blindsided me. I was utterly captivated by Amelia’s journey and the way Roark builds a world that feels both grounded and otherworldly. If you’re after action-packed YA reads with relatable teen heroes and a fresh spin, this one’s for you!

4. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
   Buckle up for a whirlwind of Mayan mythology with Zane Obispo, a 13-year-old with a limp and a secret destiny tied to a world-ending prophecy. First in the Storm Runner series, this book throws Zane into a realm of gods, monsters, and magic after he stumbles into a hidden volcano. Zane’s sarcastic and fiercely loyal, paired with a cast of quirky friends who balance humor with heart. Themes of disability representation, family secrets, and courage make this a powerful read. Percy Jackson fans will love the fast-paced quests and modern retellings of myths, but with a Latinx hero and Mayan lore that feels so fresh. I was obsessed with how Cervantes mixes ancient gods with today’s world—every twist had me on edge. This is the diverse mythology fiction you didn’t know you needed!

5. Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
   Sci-fi mythology crossover, anyone? Dragon Pearl follows Min, a 13-year-old fox spirit from Korean folklore, who runs away to find her missing brother in a space opera setting. Min’s clever and determined, shapeshifting her way through a galaxy of ghosts, dragons, and high-stakes danger. Themes of loyalty, identity, and finding your place in the universe hit deep. For Percy Jackson lovers, this blends magical coming-of-age tales with epic adventure, swapping Greek gods for Korean myths and starships. I was floored by the world-building—space and folklore shouldn’t work together, but they do! This under-the-radar fantasy novel surprised me at every turn, and I’m begging you to give it a shot if you want something totally unique.

6. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
   Tristan Strong is a seventh-grader grappling with grief when he accidentally rips a hole into a world of African American folklore and African mythology. This first book in the trilogy is a powerful mix of adventure and emotion, with heroes like John Henry and trickster gods like Anansi. Tristan’s a reluctant hero with a sharp wit, learning to wield stories as power. Themes of legacy, healing, and community make this unforgettable. Percy Jackson fans will adore the humor and high-stakes quests, plus the fresh cultural myths. I cried, laughed, and cheered through every page—Mbalia’s storytelling is pure magic. This is the kind of hidden gem fantasy book that’ll blindside you with its depth.

7. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
   This standalone fantasy feels like a fairy tale with teeth. Xan, a kind witch, accidentally feeds a baby moonlight, imbuing her with magic, and raises her as Luna in a world of danger and secrets. Luna’s a curious, brave teen by the time the story ramps up, facing a destiny she doesn’t understand. Themes of love, sacrifice, and breaking cycles hit hard. It’s got that Percy Jackson sense of wonder and adventure, but with a softer, more lyrical tone and a unique magical system. I was utterly enchanted—Barnhill’s prose is a hug and a punch all at once. If you’re after magical coming-of-age tales with emotional depth, this one’s a treasure.

8. Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
   Navajo mythology takes center stage in this middle-grade adventure about Nizhoni Begay, a seventh-grader who discovers she’s a monster slayer. With her brother and best friend, she embarks on a quest across the Southwest to save her dad from an ancient evil. Nizhoni’s funny, fierce, and relatable, balancing everyday kid struggles with epic battles. Themes of heritage and bravery shine through. Percy Jackson fans will vibe with the humor and modern-myth mix, but the Diné perspective is a game-changer. I was blown away by the cultural depth and heart-pounding action—Roanhorse is a genius. This is diverse mythology fiction at its best!

9. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
   Imagine a Cuban American kid, Sal, who can manipulate space-time, paired with his snarky friend Gabi in a Miami middle school. This sci-fi adventure has multiverse chaos, family drama, and laugh-out-loud humor. Sal’s a magician with a knack for trouble, while Gabi’s a journalism whiz with endless energy. Themes of grief, friendship, and identity weave through the madness. For Percy Jackson readers, it’s got that witty teen hero vibe with unexpected twists, minus the gods but with mind-bending stakes. I couldn’t stop giggling at the banter—this book is pure joy. It’s an under-the-radar pick for action-packed YA reads!

10. City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda
    Sikander Aziz, a 13-year-old Iraqi American, works at his family’s deli in New York until the Mesopotamian god of plague, Nergal, crashes into his life. This standalone is a gritty, funny dive into ancient Sumerian mythology with demons, immortals, and a hero who’s just trying to keep his family safe. Sik’s tough, loyal, and full of heart, backed by fierce allies. Themes of loss, resilience, and cultural pride pack a punch. Percy Jackson fans will dig the urban fantasy and gods-monsters chaos, but with a Middle Eastern twist. I was hooked by Chadda’s raw emotion and epic battles—this one’s a sleeper hit. Grab it if you want fresh voices in YA fiction!

Why These Books Are Similar

Diving Deeper: Mythology That’ll Make You Rethink Everything

Let’s talk mythology, because if you’re a Percy Jackson fan, you know it’s the backbone of these stories. What I love about this list is how it takes you beyond the familiar Greek and Roman gods into uncharted territory. Sure, The Red Pyramid keeps it in the Riordan wheelhouse with Egyptian lore—think pharaohs, pyramids, and gods like Bast—but then you’ve got books like Aru Shah and the End of Time diving into Hindu mythology with deities like the Pandavas and weapons straight out of ancient epics. It’s a total vibe shift, and the cultural richness adds layers you didn’t even know you were missing.

Then there’s The Storm Runner with Mayan gods and underworlds that feel both ancient and alive, or Race to the Sun bringing Navajo stories of monster slayers and sacred landscapes into sharp focus. Don’t sleep on Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, where African American folklore and African myths collide—think trickster spirits and steel-driving legends. And City of the Plague God? Mesopotamian deities like Nergal hit hard with their primal, chaotic energy. Even Dragon Pearl mixes Korean fox spirits into a sci-fi galaxy, proving mythology doesn’t have to be ancient to feel epic.

What blindsided me was how these diverse mythology fictions don’t just swap out one set of gods for another—they rethink everything. They weave cultural identity, family traditions, and personal struggles into the fabric of the myths, making the stakes feel so real. You’re not just reading about gods and monsters; you’re seeing how these teens carry their heritage into battle. It’s a fresh perspective that’ll have you rethinking what mythology can do in a story, and I’m obsessed with how each book carves out its own magical niche.

The Adventure Factor: Quests That Keep You Up All Night

If there’s one thing Percy Jackson fans crave, it’s the kind of high-stakes, heart-pounding quests that keep you flipping pages way past bedtime. Every book on this list delivers epic adventures, but they do it in wildly different ways. Take The Storm Runner—Zane’s journey through Mayan underworlds and volcanic secrets is pure adrenaline, with monsters lurking at every turn. Or Race to the Sun, where Nizhoni’s cross-country quest through Navajo sacred lands feels like a race against time itself, layered with ancient evils and family stakes.

Then you’ve got books like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, where the adventure blends nature’s raw beauty with mystical undercurrents. Amelia’s exploration of Bear Lodge Mountain isn’t just a physical trek; it’s a dive into heritage and destiny that feels as epic as any god-battling quest. The stakes are personal—family after loss, inner strength, connection to the wild—and they hit just as hard as any world-ending prophecy. It’s the kind of adventure that sneaks up on you, blending quiet moments of wonder with bursts of danger.

Don’t even get me started on Tristan Strong or Aru Shah—their quests pull from folklore and myth to create challenges that test not just strength but heart and wits. Whether it’s punching holes into mythical realms or battling demons in a museum, these stories keep the tension cranked up. And honestly, even the sci-fi picks like Dragon Pearl and Sal and Gabi Break the Universe bring that quest energy with galaxy-spanning mysteries and multiverse mayhem. These are the action-packed YA reads that’ll have you up all night, desperate to see what happens next. I’ve lost so much sleep to these books, and I regret nothing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Oh, I’m so glad you asked! For me, it’s that killer combo of modern settings mixed with ancient mythology, plus a relatable teen hero who’s got humor and heart. Think epic quests, gods or monsters, and twists that blindside you. All the books on my list, like The Red Pyramid or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, nail that vibe with fresh spins!

Q: Are there books like Percy Jackson with non-Greek mythology?
A: Heck yes! I’ve got you covered with diverse mythology fiction. Check out Aru Shah and the End of Time for Hindu myths, The Storm Runner for Mayan lore, or Race to the Sun for Navajo stories. Each one’s a total game-changer!

Q: Any hidden gem fantasy books I might not have heard of?
A: Absolutely, I live for under-the-radar picks! Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a 2026 release you need on your radar—its nature-mystical adventure is unlike anything else. Also, City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda is a sleeper hit with Mesopotamian myths.

Q: I love Percy Jackson’s humor. Which books match that?
A: You’re speaking my language! The Red Pyramid has Riordan’s signature snark, while Aru Shah and the End of Time and Sal and Gabi Break the Universe bring laugh-out-loud banter. Trust me, you’ll be cackling!

Q: Are there books with deep emotional themes like Percy Jackson?
A: Oh, 100%. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky hits hard with grief and healing, and Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow explores family after loss and inner strength in ways that wrecked me. These stories have heart for days.

Q: What’s a good starting point for diverse mythology books?
A: Start with Race to the Sun for Navajo myths or Dragon Pearl for Korean folklore in a sci-fi twist. Both are accessible and pack that adventurous punch you’re after!

Q: Any upcoming releases I should watch for?
A: Yes, mark your calendar for 2026 because Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is going to blow your mind. Amelia’s journey is the perfect mix of nature, mystery, and epic destiny—I’m already obsessed!