Summary: In today's article, I have compiled 20 of the books I think are similar to Percy Jackson that offer the same magical quests and unforgettable characters. Here are my top 3 picks:
- The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
- Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
- Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
If you’re a fan of Percy Jackson, you’ll love books that mix adventure, mythology, and humor. These stories usually follow young heroes on epic quests, where they face mythical creatures and tackle challenges that test their courage and cleverness. The fast-paced action and witty dialogue make them perfect for readers who enjoy a thrilling ride, a bit of magic, and characters they can really get behind. Plus, diving into different mythologies adds a fun twist, keeping the stories exciting and fresh. They’re a great pick for anyone who loves an adventurous read with a touch of magic.
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to Percy Jackson
- The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
- Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
- Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
- The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
- The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
- The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
- The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
- The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
- The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
- The Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
- Nevermoor – The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
- The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
- The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
- The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander
- Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan
- The Keeper of Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
- The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
- Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty
- The Land of Stories – The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
1. The Lost Hero
- Author: Rick Riordan
- About: A new set of heroes, including Jason, Piper, and Leo, must stop a great threat that could destroy the world.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, witty, humorous, with lots of action and mythology.
- Length: ~120,000 words
- Year written: 2010
- Emotional impact: Provides a sense of belonging and bravery, especially for readers who enjoy diverse characters.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Why read it: A continuation of the Percy Jackson universe, introducing new characters and quests.
2. Aru Shah and the End of Time
- Author: Roshani Chokshi
- About: Aru Shah, a 12-year-old girl, accidentally awakens an ancient evil and must stop it, navigating Hindu mythology.
- Style of writing: Magical, whimsical, rich with mythology, often filled with humor.
- Length: ~85,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Empowering, especially for young readers, with themes of self-discovery and courage.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A fresh take on mythology with a strong, relatable protagonist.
3. Fablehaven
- Author: Brandon Mull
- About: Siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents are caretakers of a sanctuary for magical creatures, and they must protect it from dark forces.
- Style of writing: Engaging, adventurous, with a sense of wonder and mystery.
- Length: ~105,000 words
- Year written: 2006
- Emotional impact: Heartwarming, with themes of family, responsibility, and good vs. evil.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: Magical creatures, hidden worlds, and exciting mysteries make it a captivating read.
4. The 5th Wave
- Author: Rick Yancey
- About: Earth is under attack by aliens, and Cassie Sullivan is on a mission to survive and find her brother.
- Style of writing: Intense, dramatic, suspenseful, with a focus on survival and human emotion.
- Length: ~130,000 words
- Year written: 2013
- Emotional impact: Heavy, leaving readers with a sense of uncertainty and urgency.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: Gripping and action-packed, with twists that keep readers hooked.
5. The School for Good and Evil
- Author: Soman Chainani
- About: Two girls are sent to a school where one is trained to be a hero and the other a villain, but their fates take an unexpected turn.
- Style of writing: Darkly whimsical and imaginative, with a fairy-tale flair.
- Length: ~110,000 words
- Year written: 2013
- Emotional impact: Thought-provoking, exploring good vs. evil, destiny, and friendship.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A twist on fairy tales that delves into complex themes in a magical setting.
6. The Iron Trial
- Author: Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
- About: Callum Hunt is sent to a school for magic but tries to fail in order to avoid a destiny tied to an ancient evil.
- Style of writing: Dark, suspenseful, with humor and strong mystery elements.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2014
- Emotional impact: Creates tension and intrigue, with a strong emotional connection to the characters.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For fans of magical schools and reluctant heroes.
7. The Red Pyramid
- Author: Rick Riordan
- About: Carter and Sadie Kane, siblings with Egyptian heritage, must stop a powerful god from rising and threatening the world.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, humorous, with plenty of dialogue and action.
- Length: ~105,000 words
- Year written: 2010
- Emotional impact: Engages with themes of family, responsibility, and bravery.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A thrilling adventure with Egyptian mythology and exciting quests.
8. The Darkest Minds
- Author: Alexandra Bracken
- About: After a disease kills most children, those who survive develop dangerous abilities. Ruby, a young girl with powers, must navigate a world that fears her.
- Style of writing: Dark, emotional, and suspenseful, with a focus on survival.
- Length: ~120,000 words
- Year written: 2012
- Emotional impact: Powerful, dealing with themes of loss, fear, and personal growth.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A gripping dystopian story with strong characters and emotional depth.
9. The Alchemyst
- Author: Michael Scott
- About: Nicholas Flamel, a famous historical figure, is revealed to be alive, and two teenagers must help him stop a dark force.
- Style of writing: Adventurous and fast-paced, with deep dives into mythology and alchemy.
- Length: ~105,000 words
- Year written: 2007
- Emotional impact: Exciting with moments of tension, making readers feel invested in the fate of the world.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: Packed with historical and mythological references, it's an engaging adventure for fans of fantasy.
10. The Ranger’s Apprentice
- Author: John Flanagan
- About: Will, an orphan, becomes an apprentice to a ranger and learns the skills necessary to protect his kingdom.
- Style of writing: Simple, direct, and action-oriented, with a focus on friendship and loyalty.
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year written: 2004
- Emotional impact: Leaves a lasting impression of courage, friendship, and personal growth.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Why read it: A classic coming-of-age fantasy with themes of bravery, loyalty, and adventure.
11. Nevermoor - The Trials of Morrigan Crow
- Author: Jessica Townsend
- About: Morrigan Crow, cursed to die on her 11th birthday, is whisked away to the magical land of Nevermoor, where she must compete in a series of trials.
- Style of writing: Whimsical, magical, and detailed, with a strong focus on world-building.
- Length: ~110,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: Heartwarming and inspiring, with themes of self-discovery and hope.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A beautifully crafted magical world with strong characters and a magical atmosphere.
12. The Black Prism
- Author: Brent Weeks
- About: Gavin Guile, the world’s most powerful person, must protect the world from dark forces, but personal secrets threaten his power.
- Style of writing: Complex, with deep world-building, moral dilemmas, and intense action.
- Length: ~180,000 words
- Year written: 2010
- Emotional impact: Thought-provoking and intense, with a focus on moral conflicts and power.
- Difficulty level: Advanced
- Why read it: For fans of epic fantasy with complex characters and intricate world-building.
13. The Girl Who Drank the Moon
- Author: Kelly Barnhill
- About: A young girl, Luna, is raised by a witch in a magical world where her powers are slowly discovered.
- Style of writing: Lyrical and magical, with a fairy-tale quality.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: Heartwarming and emotional, with themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of choice.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Why read it: A beautifully written magical story with a powerful emotional core.
14. The Unwanteds
- Author: Lisa McMann
- About: In a society where creativity is forbidden, a group of kids deemed “unwanted” are sent to a magical land where their talents are celebrated.
- Style of writing: Straightforward, with moments of humor and adventure.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2011
- Emotional impact: Uplifting, with themes of individuality, creativity, and resilience.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Why read it: A unique twist on the dystopian genre with a focus on creativity and self-expression.
15. The Chronicles of Prydain
- Author: Lloyd Alexander
- About: A young boy named Taran embarks on a quest to defeat evil forces in the magical land of Prydain.
- Style of writing: Classic and adventurous, with rich descriptions and engaging characters.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 1964
- Emotional impact: Nostalgic, with themes of growth and heroism.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A classic fantasy series full of adventure, rich world-building, and timeless themes of bravery.
16. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard
- Author: Rick Riordan
- About: Magnus Chase, a teenager, discovers he’s the son of a Norse god and must stop the end of the world.
- Style of writing: Humorous, fast-paced, with action-packed quests and witty dialogue.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Fun, with moments of growth and camaraderie.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A continuation of Riordan's mythology-based stories with a fresh take on Norse mythology.
17. The Keeper of Lost Cities
- Author: Shannon Messenger
- About: Sophie Foster, a young girl with special abilities, discovers a hidden world and uncovers secrets about her past.
- Style of writing: Magical and mysterious, with an engaging plot and likable characters.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2012
- Emotional impact: Thoughtful and adventurous, with themes of identity and belonging.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Why read it: A captivating series that blends mystery, adventure, and magic.
18. The Gilded Wolves
- Author: Roshani Chokshi
- About: In an alternate Paris, a group of thieves and scholars band together to find a powerful artifact that could change the world.
- Style of writing: Lush, atmospheric, with intricate world-building.
- Length: ~115,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Exciting and emotional, with themes of trust, betrayal, and belonging.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A rich fantasy filled with intrigue, heists, and a diverse cast of characters.
19. Serafina and the Black Cloak
- Author: Robert Beatty
- About: Serafina, a mysterious girl, uncovers dark secrets about the people living in the Biltmore Estate while searching for a dangerous predator.
- Style of writing: Atmospheric, suspenseful, with a sense of mystery.
- Length: ~95,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Tense, with themes of courage, friendship, and overcoming fears.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A thrilling, mysterious tale with a strong heroine and an eerie atmosphere.
20. The Land of Stories - The Wishing Spell
- Author: Chris Colfer
- About: Twins Alex and Conner fall into a magical book and must complete a dangerous quest to return home.
- Style of writing: Imaginative, fast-paced, and full of humor.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2013
- Emotional impact: Fun, with lessons about family, friendship, and bravery.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A creative adventure that combines familiar fairy tale characters with fresh adventures.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, if you're a Percy Jackson fan looking for your next adventure, I think The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan, Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi, and Fablehaven by Brandon Mull are perfect picks. Each of these books mixes mythology, magic, and exciting quests in a way that’ll pull you right in. Whether you're exploring Greek and Roman myths, diving into Hindu mythology, or discovering a hidden world of magical creatures, I’m sure these stories will capture your imagination just like Percy Jackson did.
