From Norse tricksters to fairy tale rebels, here are 10 fantastic series and books that capture the same epic energy.
1. The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
The perfect follow-up to the original Percy Jackson series. You’ll reunite with Annabeth, Percy, and Nico—plus meet an entirely new crew of demigods who add fresh depth and chaos.
The twist? Roman mythology joins the party, complete with new gods, new dangers, and a rival camp that’s… surprisingly organized.
Why it’s like Percy Jackson: Familiar faces, epic quests, and mythological mayhem.
Why fans love it: Bigger emotions, bigger battles, and iconic new perspectives (Leo Valdez supremacy).
2. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan
Magnus dies in chapter one—yes, actually, and wakes up in Valhalla. Cue nonstop Norse mischief, magical weapons with attitude, and chaotic quests.
Why it’s like Percy Jackson: Snark, action, and an A+ crash course in Norse mythology.
Why fans love it: A diverse, heartwarming cast, killer humor, and Loki. Lots of Loki.
3. The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
Ever think Egyptian mythology didn’t get enough attention in school?
Rick Riordan fixes that with a bang—literally. When siblings Carter and Sadie Kane accidentally release ancient gods during a museum visit, their world is flipped upside down.
Ancient powers awaken, a secret magical order reveals itself, and suddenly the fate of the world lies in the hands of two teens who barely know each other.
Why it’s like Percy Jackson: It has all the hallmarks—monsters, mythology, magic—but with a sharp focus on family dynamics and Egyptian lore.
Why fans love it: Dual narration keeps it fresh, and Egyptian mythology doesn’t get enough love in middle-grade lit.
Bonus: Netflix is bringing this one to life soon!
4. The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan
What happens when a god is stripped of his powers and forced to live as a mortal teenager? Chaos, drama, and some surprisingly heartfelt moments.
In this five-book series, Apollo (yes, the actual god of the sun and poetry) is cast down to Earth as Lester Papadopoulos—an awkward, acne-prone teen trying to earn his way back to Olympus.
Why it’s like Percy Jackson: Greek gods, questing, and guest appearances from fan favorites.
Why fans love it: Apollo’s transformation from a self-absorbed deity to a compassionate, vulnerable human is one of Riordan’s best character arcs. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll root for him even when he’s being completely ridiculous.
5. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Now for something a little different. Artemis Fowl isn’t a hero in the traditional sense—he’s a 12-year-old genius and criminal mastermind who kidnaps a fairy to fund his schemes.
But the world he inhabits? Absolutely bursting with magic, mystery, and advanced technology that’ll leave your jaw on the floor.
Similar to Percy Jackson? Not directly, but the tone is fast, fun, and full of sarcasm.
Why it works: Artemis is a brilliant anti-hero whose evolution over the series is incredibly satisfying. The blend of ancient magic and futuristic gadgetry creates a universe that’s uniquely captivating.
Warning: The Disney+ movie exists… but the books are far superior.
Bonus: Yes, there’s a Disney+ movie. No, we don’t talk about it.
6. The Alchemyst: Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
Twins Sophie and Josh accidentally get caught up in a centuries-old magical feud. Also, Nicholas Flamel is real. And immortal. Who knew?
Why it’s a book similar to Percy Jackson: Ancient legends in a modern setting, magical teens, and high-stakes drama.
Why fans love it: This series doesn’t just stick to one pantheon. It weaves together mythology, historical legends, and alchemical lore into a thrilling tapestry of danger, discovery, and destiny.
7. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
When siblings Kendra and Seth visit their grandparents for the summer, they expect boring country life.
What they get instead is a hidden sanctuary filled with magical creatures—some benign, others deadly.
As the kids uncover the secrets of Fablehaven, they realize they have a much bigger role to play in protecting the preserve from dark forces.
Why it’s like Percy Jackson: Siblings, magical worlds, and a looming threat to everything good.
Why fans love it: It’s whimsical and dark in equal measure. Think Narnia with more attitude.
8. The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
Twins fall into a book of fairy tales. The villains are vengeful, the wolves are organized, and happily ever after? Not guaranteed.
Why it’s a book like Percy Jackson: Modern kids navigating magical chaos with lots of laughs along the way.
Why fans love it: Colfer spins classic tales with new life and clever twists, mixing humor, heart, and nostalgia. The series grows with its readers, getting more complex and emotional over time.
Bonus: Movie adaptation is brewing, courtesy of Colfer himself.
9. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Aru Shah just wanted to fit in at school. So when she lights a cursed lamp on a dare, she doesn’t expect to awaken a demon, freeze time, or learn she’s the reincarnation of a legendary warrior. Oops.
The first in the Pandava series, Aru Shah brings Hindu mythology to life with wit, warmth, and wild twists.
Why it’s like Percy Jackson: Indian mythology, snarky heroine, and high-stakes mischief.
Why fans love it: Gorgeous prose, a strong female lead, and adorable sidekicks (yes, talking pigeons count).
Bonus: A TV adaptation is in the works!
10. The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
Zane Obispo doesn’t exactly fit in—he walks with a cane, he lives near a volcano, and he’s constantly getting picked on. But when a mysterious girl appears and tells him he’s tied to an ancient Mayan prophecy, Zane realizes that his disability might actually be part of his strength.
Why it’s like Percy Jackson: A kid discovering he’s part of an ancient myth? Classic.
What makes it hit differently: Cervantes puts a spotlight on underrepresented mythologies and voices. Zane is a refreshingly honest narrator, and the blend of humor and heartbreak makes his story unforgettable.
Quick Comparison Table
| Title | Author | Mythology | Age Group | Adaptation Status |
| The Heroes of Olympus | Rick Riordan | Greek/Roman | Middle Grade | No (but ties to PJO) |
| Magnus Chase | Rick Riordan | Norse | Middle Grade | No |
| The Kane Chronicles | Rick Riordan | Egyptian | Middle Grade | Netflix in development |
| Trials of Apollo | Rick Riordan | Greek | Middle Grade | No |
| Artemis Fowl | Eoin Colfer | Fairy/Fantasy | Middle Grade | Disney+ Movie (yikes) |
| The Alchemyst | Michael Scott | Mixed/Myth | YA | Rights optioned |
| Fablehaven | Brandon Mull | Fantasy/Magic | Middle Grade | No |
| The Land of Stories | Chris Colfer | Fairy Tale | Middle Grade | In development |
| Aru Shah | Roshani Chokshi | Hindu | Middle Grade | In development |
| The Storm Runner | J.C. Cervantes | Mayan | Middle Grade | Not yet |
If you’re a fan of such mythical adventure stories, these other Rick Riordan novels will definitely intrigue you. You might also enjoy similar works by authors like Brandon Mull, Eoin Colfer, Jason Hamilton, and Yoon Ha Lee, Dyrk Ashton etc.
Mythical Adventures Await!
Whether you’re chasing Greek gods, Norse giants, or magical fairies with attitude, these books like Percy Jackson are guaranteed to fill that Camp Half-Blood-sized hole in your heart.
Each one is packed with adventure, humor, and characters you’ll want to grab coffee (or ambrosia) with. So go on, grab your backpack, pick a book, and get ready to save the world—again.
Which one’s going straight to your TBR pile? Did we forget your fave myth-filled series? Drop a comment—we’re always up for a good bookish chat.
For more magical mayhem, check out our post on Best Fantasy Book-to-Movie Adaptations.