38 Books Like Percy Jackson You Should Read

Percy Jackson & the Olympians is the first children’s series that Rick Riordan wrote after writing several adult novels.

Rick Riordan creates one of the most gripping and enjoyable mythological series, following an ordinary boy, Percy, who struggles at school and has very few friends. 

He soon finds out that he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. This has been kept a secret from him throughout all of his childhood and early adolescence as a method of protection from the enemies of the gods.

Once he undertakes the role of a demigod, he is thrown into a new, mysterious world filled with unusual creatures, powers, and magic. He begins circulating with other demigods and makes both friends and enemies while finding out more about his father.

With the news of disruption among gods, Percy, alongside a group of other demigods, is sent on a quest to the underworld to prevent a war between gods.

The Percy Jackson series is a brilliant mythological reimagining, incorporating themes of fantasy, love, friendship, and bravery. 

Mythological fiction is a great way to introduce young adults to the basics of classic myths and legends. Although Riordan toys with the exact storylines of each myth, the figures remain the same and their roles and characterizations are largely similar to that of the originals. 

Riordan has received a plethora of awards for his series, and the Percy Jackson series has since been made into a film series, starring Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Jake Able, Sean Bean, and Pierce Brosnan. 

These films, directed by Chris Columbus and Thor Fredenthal have raked in more readers to Riordan’s originals, making his series popular worldwide, and selling millions of copies across the globe.

If you want to introduce your teenager to the world of mythology, Riordan’s books (as well as any others in this list) are a great place to start. With likable characters, brilliant relationships, and a bit of violence here and there, they’re bound to get engrossed.

If you loved Percy Jackson, then you need to check out some of Rick Riordan’s other books. If you want to try something new while also sticking close to what you enjoy, you may also like Artemis Fowl or the School for Good and Evil. We’ll be looking through amazing books that you should read if you enjoyed Percy Jackson. 

Themes In Percy Jackson

Percy Jackson is a series that covers various themes within it. Two of the most significant themes are identity and family.

Percy is loyal to his friends and family to a fault, and family plays a pivotal role in understanding the demigods and their relationships with their mortal and Godly parents.

Due to this, there are also themes of identity, where all demigods struggle with understanding their place in the world and learning the traditions and customs that come with being a demigod. 

The themes I mentioned before focused more on characterization. Other themes tie into the world. Heroism and normalcy are significant themes, as all demigods struggle with the idea of being normal in a world that was not built for them.

Including the fact all demigods have ADHD and dyslexia, it shows how these issues can affect children and their own feelings on the subject. Based on Greek myths, there is pressure for demigods to succeed as heroes.

Most importantly, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover have a strong friendship, and it helps them find a place they can call home, whether at Camp Half-Blood or in the normal world.

Books Like Percy Jackson

Heroes Of Olympus — Rick Riordan

The Lost Hero is a direct sequel to Percy Jackson & The Olympians. Told from three different characters’ perspectives: Jason, Piper, and Leo. These three demigods go to Camp Half-Blood, where they discover Percy has gone missing.

Heroes of Olympus includes the same themes that you enjoyed about Percy Jackson & The Olympians. If you want to read more stories from Camp Half-Blood and the universe, then you should enjoy this series.

Unlike the Percy Jackson series, it’s told from multiple perspectives, with Percy making an appearance later on.

Pros

• A direct sequel to the Percy Jackson series.
• Told from multiple perspectives, so you get more insight into more characters.
• More focus on Roman Gods.

Cons

• Doesn’t directly focus on Percy Jackson.

Themes: Friendship, Mythology, Identity.

The Trials Of Apollo — Rick Riordan

The Hidden Oracle is the first book in The Trials of Apollo series and another part of the Percy Jackson universe (see also “Books Like The Darkest Part Of The Forest By Holly Black“).

While most series follow demigods straight away, The Trials of Apollo focus on the Greek God Apollo, who, after angering his father Zeus, is cast down from Olympus as a teenage boy.

Naturally, he decides that the best place to get help for his redemption is by visiting Camp Half-Blood. Apollo had small roles in Percy Jackson & The Olympians and Heroes of Olympus, and it offers a fresh new perspective.

Including many of the same themes as Percy Jackson, The Trials of Apollo focuses on identity. Specifically, this focuses on his own identity as a mortal instead of an immortal.

While Percy Jackson has tangled with death in his own series, this is an interesting take on what happens when Gods have their powers taken away from them.

Pros

• A direct sequel to Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus.
• Told from Apollo’s perspective, which is a shift away from demigods.

Cons

• Less focused on quests, but more focused on character arcs.

Themes: Friendship, Redemption, Mythology.

Magnus Chase And The Gods Of Asgard — Rick Riordan

If you enjoy stories about Greek Gods, then you might be interested in experiencing life as a demigod from the perspective of Norse mythology. Magnus Chase is set in the same universe, a teenager who has been living on the streets of Boston for two years.

Living on the run for this time, he is found by his Uncle Randolph, who tells him about Asgard and Magnus’s birthright. There is no doubt that Magnus Chase has similar themes to the Percy Jackson series.

However, one key theme is that all decisions have consequences. Loyalty and friendship are also significant themes, and over the course of the book Magnus Chase finds a collection of friends who he belongs with.

Pros

• Instead of Greek Gods, we explore Norse Gods.
• Fans will enjoy the same kind of snark and comedy.

Cons

• Sometimes it feels a little too much like Percy Jackson.

Themes: Consequences, Loyalty, Friendship.

The Kane Chronicles — Rick Riordan

The Kane Chronicles is another series set in the Percy Jackson universe, and you may be surprised to find that Percy makes an appearance. Six years ago, Carter and Sadie‘s mother died, and so Carter has been traveling with his father, Dr. Julius Kane.

However, Sadie has been left with her grandparents in London. When the siblings reunite, their father summons a mysterious figure, and their father disappears.

Carter and Sadie need to work together to save their father, especially now they know that the Egyptian Gods are awakening.

The theme of family is strong in both Percy Jackson and The Kane Chronicles, and if you enjoyed the rescue missions that Percy and his friends embarked on, you would enjoy The Kane Chronicles.

Pros

• Focuses on Egyptian Gods, but with the addition of magicians thrown in.
• There are plenty of comedic one-liners for younger fans.

Cons

• Character’s voices tend to blend into one another later on.

Themes: Family, Friendship, Mythology.

Daughter Of The Deep — Rick Riordan

Harding-Pencroft Academy is a high school where graduates can expect to become marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers. At this academy, Ana and her older brother Dev, the only family she has left, attend.

When she attends her final trial of the year, Ana witnesses a terrible tragedy (If you like stories with tragic themes, check out Books Like The Great Gatsby) and discovers the cold war affecting her school and The Land Institute. In this novel, Ana must learn more about her heritage and will learn even more about her identity.

If you enjoyed the themes of identity in Percy Jackson, then you’ll be able to find that same theme here.

Pros

• Characters are well-developed.
• Not completely like Percy Jackson, so it’s a different formula for Rick.

Cons

• A lot of talk about technology and engineering, which feels like exposition.

Themes: Identity, Family, Friendship.

Aru Shah And The End Of Time — Roshani Chokshi

Aru Shah is a twelve-year-old with a penchant for stretching the truth. When three of her classmates show up to confront her about whether the Lamp of Bharata is cursed, Aru considers how to get out of the situation.

The Sleeper wakes when she lights the lamp, and they have to awaken the God of Destruction. Now, she needs to find the reincarnations of the five Pandava brothers and journey through the Kingdom of Death to stop the Sleeper.

Aru Shah is a part of the Pandava series, and although the main takeaway of this novel is not to lie, it shares many themes with Percy Jackson. Aru Shah needs to save her mother and friends, accept her identity, and show more pride in who she is.

Pros

• Offers a fun take on Hinduism.
• Fun adventures with a wide range of characters.

Cons

• Offers a lot of modern references that might not age well.

Themes: Identity, Family, Consequences.

Tristan Strong Punches A Hole In The Sky — Kwambe Mbalia

After losing his best friend in a bus accident, Tristan is left with only Eddie’s journal. When he’s sent to his grandparents’ farm to heal, a creature steals Eddie’s journal in the dead of night.

When fighting the creature for the return of the journal, he punches and breaks the Bottle Tree. He accidentally opens a chasm, where he is brought into the middle of a battle that John Henry and Brer Rabbit have been fighting.

The only way he can return home is by bartering with the trickster Anansi. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky focuses on the theme of friendship, especially the loss of a friendship.

There are also themes of heroism, as Tristan is here to save his friends and family and the entire world too.

Pros

• Explores feelings of angst and loss, which will teach kids about grief.
• A new take on West African Gods and African American folk heroes.

Cons

• The characters aren’t too developed, but otherwise, it’s a fun read.

Themes: Friendship, Loss, and Heroism.

The Storm Runner — J.C. Cervantes

The Storm Runner focuses on Zane, a boy with a limp who likes to explore the dormant volcano near his home.

However, he is unaware that he is at the center of a powerful prophecy until Brooks, a new girl, finds and removes the ancient relic that Brooks is meant to release an evil god.

When they search for it, Zane discovers his father is a God, and it’s up to him to become the Storm Runner.

If you enjoyed the discovery of Gods in Percy Jackson, then you may love this twist on Mayan mythology. Including themes of friendship, normalcy, and finding a place to belong, The Storm Runner is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson.

Pros

• Offers excellent representation of Mayan mythology.
• Representation for kids with disabilities.

Cons

• Zane’s tone may not sit right with all readers.

Themes: Friendship, Normalcy, Finding a Place to Belong.

Harry Potter — J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter is about a young orphan discovering that he and his parents are magic. Due to that, he is sent to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where they must battle Voldemort and his Death Eaters with his friends, Ron and Hermione.

The series has seven books, each covering a different year of Harry’s time at Hogwarts. The themes of Harry Potter are similar to Percy Jackson, as both series are about finding a place to belong and having long-lasting friendships.

Both Harry and Percy have challenging family lives, and while Percy has his mother, Harry has no family, only his aunt, and uncle. Thus, becoming a story of a found family.

Pros

• A best-selling book series with a successful movie series.
• A timeless classic for children to enjoy.

Cons

• Due to being written in the ‘90s, some of it may be outdated to modern audiences.

Themes: Friendship, Family, Finding a Place to Belong.

Magyk — Angie Sage

Magyk is the first of the Septimus Heap novels. Septimus is the seventh son of a seventh son, but he is stolen by a midwife who tells his parents he is dead. That night, Silas Heap finds a newborn girl who they take in as their own.

In this series, Septimus and Jenna must work together to discover the mysteries surrounding them. One of the key themes of Magyk is family, as Jenna is raised in a large family, and Septimus was the seventh son born of a seventh son.

This story is about finding a place to belong and uncovering mysteries, which is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson.

Pros

• A great introduction to a new fantasy series.
• Offers a whimsical tone that kids can enjoy.

Cons

• The spelling of ‘magyk’ throughout the book may annoy some readers.

Themes: Family, Mystery, Friendship.

The Alchemyst: The Secrets Of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel — Michael Scott

Nicholas Flamel was born in 1330 and died in 1418. In reality, his tomb is empty, and Nicholas Flamel is still alive. As the greatest Alchemyst of his generation, he found a way to live forever in the Book of Abraham the Mage.

Dr. John Dee is after this book, but a prophecy states that two children will stop him. If you enjoy prophetic stories, there’s no doubt that you will enjoy The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel.

Pros

• Introduces a new world of magic to young readers.
• Offers a combination of different mythologies.

Cons

• Characters aren’t fully developed.

Themes: Prophecies, Friendship, Family.

Amari And The Night Brothers — B.B. Alston

When Amari’s older brother Quinton disappears, it’s up to her to find him. With the police brushing his disappearance aside, Amari discovers he’s left to try out at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs.

Competing against those who have known about the supernatural world for their entire lives, Amari must pass three tryouts and defeat an evil magician.

Amari is about finding a place to belong, as she goes out of her way to bring her older brother back. With additional themes of family, friendship, and loyalty, Amari is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson.

Pros

• Offers great representation for young black girls.
• There’s a great combination of myths and legends to enjoy.

Cons

• The pacing does go from slow-to-fast and can be confusing at times.

Themes: Family, Finding a Place to Belong, Friendship.

Artemis Fowl — Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl is a millionaire criminal mastermind who has discovered that fairies are real. When he kidnaps Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon unit, Artemis’s life changes forever.

Over eight books, Artemis finds himself working with the LEPrecon unit to face other threats against the fairies and himself. Friendship is a surprising theme in Artemis Fowl, but a significant one.

There are also themes of learning about other cultures and loyalty and family. Artemis is loyal to his family, and Butler is loyal to him and the rest of the Fowls too.

Pros

• A unique twist on fairies, dwarves, and other mythological creatures.
• Features a more sci-fi twist to fantastical creatures.

Cons

• The story can feel clichéd at times.

Themes: Family, New Culture, Loyalty.

The School For Good And Evil — Soman Chainani

For two hundred years, a pair of children were kidnapped. One is beautiful, the other an outcast. When Sophie and Agatha are kidnapped, they are taken to the School for Good and Evil, but all is not as it seems.

Sophie has been sent to the School for Evil, while Agatha goes to the School for Good. However, neither appears to have been sent to the right School, and they need to find out what has happened.

If you want to read a book about finding a place to belong, then this is it. Friendship is a major theme, as both Sophie and Agatha were best friends before being sent to this school.

Pros

• Adapted into a successful film on Netflix.
• It’s a great book for any child who loves fairy tales.

Cons

• The messages can get a bit unclear throughout the story.

Themes: Friendship, Finding a Place to Belong, Good VS Evil.

Keeper Of The Lost Cities — Shannon Messenger

Sophie is a telepath who can hear everything around her, and Fitz is another telepath. When she finds out about other telepaths, she leaves her family to find where she belongs.

She needs to find out why she was sent away before someone else discovers her. Keeper of the Lost Cities tackles themes of normalcy and finding a place to belong.

While the family is a theme of this book, Sophie’s desire to be with others like her makes this similar to Percy Jackson.

Pros

• Offers a unique world that combines magic and science.
• Plenty of excitement for younger readers.

Cons

• Characters and plot are a little bit clichéd.

Themes: Finding a Place to Belong, Family, Friendship.

The Land Of Stories — Chris Colfer

Combining fairy tales with the modern day, The Land of Stories is a series that focuses on the twins Alex and Conner. Through mysterious reasons, they find themselves in a world filled with the characters they grew up reading about.

But not all is as it seems, as now they must face those villains to return home. The themes of The Land of Stories follow Percy Jackson in that it is about remaining loyal to your friends, valuing the importance of family, and triumphing over evil.

Pros

• An engaging read for younger audiences.
• Transports readers into a magical world for a few hours.

Cons

• Writing is a little bit clichéd.

Themes: Friendship, Family, Good VS. Evil

Furthermore — Tahereh Mafi

Alice’s father disappeared from Ferenwood three years ago. In the hopes of finding out what happened to him, she travels through the land of Furthermore, a magical land where everything changes.

With only her companion, Oliver, she goes on a quest to find her father and herself. Furthermore focuses on finding friendship, understanding, and learning to accept others.

These are similar themes to Percy Jackson, who also learned to accept others on his journey.

Pros

• A whimsical adventure for children.
• A great story to read to your kids at night.

Cons

• Might not be popular among older kids.

Themes: Friendship, Understanding, Acceptance.

The Underland Chronicles — Suzanne Collins

Gregor must travel through the strange world beneath New York City to find his father and fulfill his destiny. The Underland is a place where insects coexist with humans, and Gregor is the key to the Underland’s uncertain future.

There is a key theme of heroism throughout the Underland Chronicles. Gregor is an unlikely hero, but nothing stops him from becoming one.

Pros

• Introduces a vibrant and exciting new world to children.
• A great adventure with delightful characters.

Cons

• The story is a bit predictable, but works well for a debut novel.

Themes: Heroism, Family, Friendship.

Fablehaven — Brandon Mull

Fablehaven is a refuge for those who are at risk of extinction. Kendra and her brother Seth discover that their grandfather is Fablehaven’s current caretaker. When powerful forces of evil are unleashed, it’s up to the two kids to save everyone.

There is a key theme of family in Fablehaven, as both Kendra and Seth need to do everything in their power to save their family. This includes facing some of their biggest fears.

Pros

• Contains an immersive story that kids can lose themselves in.
• The characters’ relationships are believable and relatable.

Cons

• World building could use some more work.

Themes: Family, Facing Fears, Fantasy.

Zachary Ying And The Dragon Emperor — Xiran Jay Zhao

Zachary Ying doesn’t know much about his Chinese heritage, so it’s a shock when he is born as a host to the First Emperor of China. However, everything goes wrong, and the Emperor of China is inside his AR gaming headset instead.

Now, Zack must find out how to save his mother and the world while learning to use the Emperor’s powers. This novel has strong themes of separation and loss and finding a place to belong.

Zack has struggled to find a place to belong his whole life, and the only place he has felt welcome is at home with his mother, who he must save.

Pros

• Offers a fun take on Chinese history, with interesting reactions to it.
• It’s both well-written and funny with an immersive world with fun interactions.

Cons

• Younger readers might not get all of the references included in the book.

Themes: Family, Separation, Loss.

Song of Achilles – Madeleine Miller

Although originally published in 2011 and loved by many readers back then, this novel received a huge amount of new readers during the pandemic. 

Through popular social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, Song of Achilles received a massive amount of attention and received a surge of further sales, becoming one of the best-selling books in the past two years.

Song of Achilles follows the story of Patroclus and Achilles and their supposed homosexual relationship. The story is an adaptation of Homer’s Iliad told from Patroclus’ perspective. 

This tale is both heart-warming and heart-breaking, fully immersing you in Ancient Greek culture and landscape. It’s filled with mystery, violence, and love – a must-read for any mythology lover.

Miller’s other mythological retellings including Circe and Galatea are also brilliant reads.

Ariadne – Jennifer Saint

Ariadne follows the story of King Minos and his daughters Phaedra and Ariadne. This is a story rooted in feminism, telling of women’s supposed weakness, betrayal, and deceit. 

It is a story of sisterhood, both biological and not and aims to further the understanding of how women are victimized under the control of high-profile, authoritative men.

A Thousand Ships – Natalie Haynes

This brilliant story is an imaginative retelling of the Trojan War and the events that followed immediately after.

Haynes, a qualified classicist, and broadcaster, focuses on platforming the voices of the silenced women within the story. The story follows her bravery, disobedience, and power during this repressive period for women.

A Thousand Ships won the NPR book of the year and is a modern mythological classic.

Mythos – Stephen Fry

This clever book retells many famous Greek myths and legends using a comedic tone to engage with all audiences. This is a brilliant choice if you’re looking to introduce your children to mythology. 

The retellings of these ancient tales are mostly accurate and engage readers on both an emotional and comedic level. Mythos is a fantastic book, easily accessible for readers of all ages, and offering mythological accuracy through comedy.

The Silence of the Girls – Pat Barker

Narrated by Briseis, the young Trojan queen captured as a slave by Achilles, The Silence of the Girls is another retelling of The Iliad. With a strong feminist feel running throughout, this book shines new light on the different perspectives involved in and around the Trojan war.

The descriptions are gritty and realistic, immersing the readers in ancient Greece, and exploring a new side of the famous invasion.

Daughter of Sparta – Claire Andrews

This story follows 17-year-old Daphne, who has spent her whole life training as a warrior, both mentally and physically, in order to serve the people of ancient Sparta. 

However, when the goddess Artemis reveals that Daphne’s brother’s fate lies in her hands, Daphne’s life plans are thrown into question and her skills may have to be used for other purposes.

Daughter of Sparta is a retelling of the classic myth of Daphne and Apollo. 

House of Names – Colm Tóibín

House of Names was the 2018 winner of the Audie Award for Literary Fiction and Classics. It follows the twisted and complex story of Clytemnestra, her husband, and her children.

House of Names is a tale of mystery, secrecy, and tragedy. It is a gripping, dramatic tale of affairs, violence, and vengeance. A brilliant retelling, often overlooked by some of the bigger names.

The Goddess Test – Aimeé Carter

Set in the human world, this mythological reimagining is slightly different from the others on this list. After finding out that her mom is dying, Kate and her mom move to another town – a fresh start, a new school, and new friends.

But when her path collides with Henry’s, a twisted and dark soul, her world begins changing and he exposes her to ancient magic and the reality of gods and goddesses.

The Goddess Test is a brilliant modern spin on classic mythology, blending typical elements of high-school drama and romance with that of the ancient world. 

The Penelopiad – Margaret Atwood

From the classic modern author who brought you The Handmaid’s Tale, comes The Penelopiad, which is written with the same dystopian feel but instead offers a retelling of the story of Odysseus.

This novel features Atwood’s classic dark twists and psychological turns, within a funny mythological retelling. Brilliantly juxtaposed, this is a fantastic novel perfect for mythology lovers looking for a dark twist.

Lore – Alexandra Bracken 

This is the story of one girl’s survival following the brutal murder of her parents. 

Lore follows the events and personal stories of gods who are forced to walk the world as mortals. Whoever kills one, obtains their powers. 

A fantastic concept and brilliantly told.

American Gods – Neil Gaiman

This is a good option if you’re looking for a more modern book that only features elements of mythology. 

American Gods follows a convict called Shadow, released from prison slightly early after learning that his wife has died in a car crash. He accepts a job from a stranger, thinking he has nothing left to live for, and soon discovers that his past and the future of America are very closely intertwined.

King of Ithaka – Tracy Barrett

This is a revision of Homer’s Odyssey but from the perspective of a young man in Ithaka. King of Ithaka is a brilliant retelling that shines new light on the famous story, giving voices to those who are less significant in the story.

This novel is brilliantly written and should be a must-read for any mythological fan.

Gods of Manhattan – Scott Mebus

Gods of Manhattan is a brilliant book aimed at the younger audience. It is perfect as a fun, introductory novel for children interested in mythology and provides snippets of key mythological information, making it educational too.

The novel follows a 13-year-old boy, Rory, who is able to see things others can’t. His path crosses with a mysterious magician who exposes him to the magical and mythological city that resides alongside Manhattan.

The Call – Grant Michael

This book is the first in Michael’s The Magnificent 12 series and follows 12-year-old Mack whose life is boring and mediocre.

The Call is the story of Mack’s journey from an average schoolboy to a hero, fighting against evil and amongst gods. Brilliantly funny and excellently written – this book is perfect for children and young adult readers.

Gregor the Overlander – Suzanne Collins

From the same author who brought us the gripping and heart-wrenching The Hunger Games series, Gregor the Overlander is a great read for anyone but may also be directed more at the younger audience. 

The novel follows 11-year-old Gregor who discovers an ‘underworld’ underneath New York City and embarks on a long, dangerous quest to find his father and save the city.

The Colossus Rises – Peter Lerangis

This is the first book in Lerangis’ Seven Wonders series. Colossus Rises follows Jack, who discovers he will die unless he finds a certain magic that is hidden within the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 

This series is remarkably similar to the Percy Jackson series, following an ordinary boy into different ancient lands of mythology and magic.

The Legend of Greg – Chris Rylander

This book is also tailored to the younger generation and follows Greg, whose secret magical powers and identity are suddenly uncovered after drinking a mysterious tea. 

The story of The Legend of Greg begins when his father gets kidnapped and Greg must undergo a dangerous adventure to find him. But will the obstacles on the way prevent him from getting there?

The Wingfeather Saga – Andrew Peterson

This children’s/YA novel series follows one family on their journey as they uncover family secrets and learn more about their allies and enemies.
The Wingfeather Saga is filled with adventure, comedy, and secrecy. It touches on mythology and is jam-packed with magic and ancient references.

Bottom Line

These books are a must-read for Percy Jackson fans. If you’re looking for a fresh book to add to your shelf, you should consider reading these or getting them for your children.

Many books focus on the relationship between children and other worlds, and these are some of the best novels for children (If you’re into children’s novels, check out Books Like Wonder) who want to read books like Percy Jackson. Hopefully, with the help of our guide, you can find your next favorite read. 

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