Sometimes, you read a series that feels like it was written just for you, and reaching the end of it can have you feeling bereft.
Plenty of young readers feel that way about the Percy Jackson books. Not many kids’ books can live up to their dry humour, epic adventures and mythological creatures, so the question “which book should I read next?” can fill parents, librarians and teachers with dread.
But don’t worry, we are here to help! We’ve put together a list of the best books for Percy Jackson fans, including more Rick Riordan books, some of the best YA fantasy and aventure stories and some hidden gems too. All are books similar to Percy Jackson, whether that is because they are set in fantastical worlds, have awesome heroes or are simply gripping pageturners.
Georgina Atwell
Toppsta
2025-05-26
2020-06-01
17 Books Like Percy Jackson
The Kane Chronicles Series
Rick Riordan swaps Greek mythology for Egyptian legends in this thrilling trilogy. Carter and Sadie Kane are siblings who discover they're descendants of powerful magicians. When their father accidentally unleashes the Egyptian god Set, the Kanes are thrust into a dangerous world of ancient gods, magical creatures and deadly secrets. The books are packed with action, humour and sibling banter, written in a fast-paced diary style similar to Percy Jackson. Fans will enjoy the mythology, the clever mix of ancient and modern worlds, and Riordan’s trademark wit. Great for confident readers aged 9+ who want more myth-based action.
Magnus is a homeless teen living in Boston when he discovers he’s the son of a Norse god. After dying in the first few chapters, he wakes up in Valhalla and must prevent Ragnarok – the Viking apocalypse. Expect giants, talking swords and plenty of sarcasm. This series is ideal for older tweens and teens, with slightly more complex plots and darker themes than Percy Jackson, though the humour and mythology are still spot on. Riordan builds a vivid world full of magical creatures and Norse legends, while weaving in friendship, bravery and finding your place in the world.
Amari Peters knows her brother isn’t just missing – he’s part of something bigger. When she receives a mysterious invitation to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she enters a world of magic, monsters and secret missions. With magic she can barely control and classmates who underestimate her, Amari must prove she belongs. Like Percy, she’s an underdog facing huge challenges – but with wit, bravery and resilience. This fast-paced series blends spy gadgets, fantasy and mystery, and touches on important themes like racism and self-belief. Brilliant for confident readers aged 9+ who want adventure with a magical twist.
When a strange advert invites gifted children to take a series of tests, Reynie Muldoon discovers he’s been recruited into a secret society trying to stop an evil mastermind. Alongside three other brilliant but quirky kids, he must use brains, bravery and teamwork to save the world. There’s no magic or mythology, but the puzzles, danger and humour make this a great next read for fans of Percy’s problem-solving and chosen-one energy. With clever twists and emotional moments, it’s a satisfying series for readers aged 9+ who love a good mystery alongside their adventure.
Twins Alex and Conner fall into a magical book and find themselves in a world where fairy tales are real – and not always happily ever after. They must navigate kingdoms, dodge villains, and find a way back home. This six-book series brings classic fairy tale characters like Red Riding Hood and Cinderella to life in new, often surprising ways. Like Percy Jackson, it blends the modern world with a fantastical one, features brave kids taking on epic quests, and includes a great balance of humour and heart. Ideal for readers aged 9+ who love magic and imagination.
Sophie Foster has always felt different – and for good reason. She’s a Telepath, and she doesn’t belong in the human world. When she’s whisked away to the Elvin world, she begins to uncover secrets about her past and her powerful abilities. This fast-paced series combines magic, mystery and school drama in a richly built fantasy world. Like Percy Jackson, it follows a reluctant hero through dangerous adventures, secret organisations and epic friendships. With nine books and counting, it’s perfect for readers aged 10+ who want to get stuck into a long, exciting series full of twists and turns.
Set across parallel worlds, this epic trilogy follows Lyra Belacqua as she uncovers a sinister plot involving missing children and mysterious particles called Dust. With her daemon Pantalaimon, Lyra faces danger, betrayal and cosmic questions about free will and destiny. Like Percy Jackson, it features a brave young hero, deep friendships and a grand battle between good and evil. Pullman’s mix of science, magic, and theology makes this series ideal for readers aged 11+ who want thoughtful fantasy full of soul-searching, adventure and wonder. Start with Northern Lights (also known as The Golden Compass).
Darkmouth is the last town where legendary monsters still roam. Twelve-year-old Finn is next in line to be a Legend Hunter – except he’s clumsy, unsure, and more interested in avoiding danger than facing it. But with an ancient evil rising, Finn must step up. This laugh-out-loud Irish series mixes Percy-style humour with thrilling battles and monster mayhem. Readers aged 9+ will enjoy the reluctant hero story, quirky gadgets and Finn’s journey to becoming braver than he ever thought possible. A great pick for fans who like action with a good dose of comedy and heart.
When farm boy Eragon finds a mysterious blue stone, it hatches into a dragon – and his life is changed forever. As a Dragon Rider, he’s drawn into an ancient struggle against the tyrannical King Galbatorix. With its mix of dragons, magic, epic quests and chosen-one destiny, this series will appeal to Percy Jackson fans ready for a more traditional fantasy world. Full of battles, ancient languages and magical creatures, it’s a great fit for readers aged 11+ who enjoy richly built worlds and stories of unlikely heroes rising to greatness.
When 12-year-old Arthur is given a strange key, he’s dragged into the House – a fantastical, crumbling realm that controls time and reality. To return home, he must defeat the seven Morrow Days and claim the seven keys. This seven-book series combines mind-bending world-building with action and humour. Like Percy Jackson, it centres on a reluctant but clever hero, strange allies and high-stakes magical battles. Perfect for readers aged 10+ who enjoy fantasy with a twist, mysterious rules and surreal, imaginative adventures.
Set in the floating world of the Edge, this British series blends steampunk, fantasy and stunning illustrations. Each trilogy follows a different young hero – like Twig, a sky pirate’s son – as they explore dangerous lands full of skyships, trolls and treacherous scholars. Like Percy Jackson, it’s packed with imaginative world-building, perilous quests and characters discovering their place in a vast, magical world. Riddell’s illustrations bring the wild world to life, making it perfect for visual readers aged 9+. All the books are standalone titles you can you read them in any order.
When blacksmith’s apprentice Fletcher discovers he can summon demons, he’s thrust into the elite Vocans Academy to train as a battlemage. But as a commoner among nobles, Fletcher faces prejudice, political intrigue, and a looming war with orcs. This action-packed British fantasy series is ideal for Percy Jackson fans who enjoy magical training schools, underdog heroes, and mythical creatures. With its Pokémon-like demon companions and rich world-building, it’s a gripping read for ages 11+. The trilogy (The Novice, The Inquisition, The Battlemage) is fast-paced and full of themes around power, loyalty and finding your place in the world.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future that feels like a high-fantasy realm, this classic series begins with The Sword of Shannara, where young Shea Ohmsford learns he’s the last hope to defeat a rising dark power. With elves, dwarves, and druid guides, it echoes Tolkien but with a faster pace and accessible storytelling. Ideal for Percy Jackson fans aged 12+ ready for deeper world-building and longer epic quests. Themes of destiny, courage, and ancient magic run throughout, and the later books expand into multi-generational stories of the Ohmsford family. A great bridge into traditional high fantasy for confident readers.
Set in an alternate London ruled by magicians, this brilliant British series follows Nathaniel, an ambitious young magician, and Bartimaeus, the sarcastic djinni he summons to do his bidding. Their uneasy partnership leads them into political intrigue, magical warfare, and world-changing rebellions. What sets this series apart is Bartimaeus’s witty footnotes and dry humour, making it a hit with readers aged 10+ who enjoy clever dialogue and layered characters. Like Percy Jackson, it blends magic, myth, and attitude—offering action, mystery, and moral complexity. Start with The Amulet of Samarkand and prepare for magic with bite.
Set in an alternate Victorian England, this British steampunk series follows Lily, whose inventor father disappears mysteriously. With her mechanical fox Malkin and new friend Robert, she uncovers secrets involving clockwork creatures, sky pirates and sinister plots. Like Percy Jackson, it features brave kids taking on powerful enemies, with plenty of action and heart. The mix of mystery, adventure and emotional depth makes it a brilliant pick for readers aged 9+ who like historical settings with a magical twist.
In a land where Wizards and Warriors are sworn enemies, Xar (a wizard with no magic) and Wish (a warrior with a magical secret) must work together to defeat an ancient evil. Written by the author of How to Train Your Dragon, this four-book series is full of action, magic and quirky humour. The handwritten notes and illustrations add a fun, personal touch. Like Percy Jackson, it’s about unlikely heroes, big quests and finding strength in friendship. Perfect for fans aged 8+ who enjoy fast-paced, funny and imaginative fantasy.
Skandar dreams of bonding with a unicorn – not the sparkly kind, but wild, dangerous beasts of elemental power. When he’s chosen to become a unicorn rider, he’s thrown into a world of training, rivalry and deadly secrets. This British series is great for Percy Jackson fans who like magical creatures, school settings and underdog heroes. With thrilling battles, elemental magic and themes of courage and belonging, it’s perfect for readers aged 9+. The series is ongoing and ideal for those looking to get hooked on a new magical world.
