12 Books like 'Percy Jackson' for Your Next Epic Journey in 2025

Be honest, have you ever imagined being in a thrilling world of mythological creatures as the chosen one who's also a demigod? That's oddly specific, but fans of chapter books like Rick Riordan's 'Percy Jackson' series know exactly what vibes we're talking about here. While it's a middle-grade fantasy book series meant for young readers, there is no age limit at Camp Half-Blood!

These 12 books, like 'Percy Jackson,' will definitely capture that same magic! You'll find many YA books in the fantasy adventure genre, as these 12 must-reads feature themes like mythology, courage, adventure, and the battle between good and evil.

And if you get hooked, try Headway. Our daily growth app contains 2000+ summaries of books designed to spark your imagination! Looking for more stories about friendships and courage? Or science, myths, and technology? 

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Quick list: Six books like 'Percy Jackson' to start reading this fall

If you're looking for more magical quests, mythical beings, and unforgettable heroes, here are six books to dive into next:

1. 'Artemis Fowl' by Eoin Colfer: A young genius criminal masterminds a dangerous heist in a world of fairies and high-tech magic.

2. 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins: In a dystopian future, a teenage girl must survive a brutal televised fight to the death.

3. 'Aru Shah and the End of Time' by Roshani Chokshi: Aru accidentally awakens an ancient evil and must save the world using her newfound powers.

4. 'The Kane Chronicles' by Rick Riordan: A brother and sister duo, Carter and Sadie Kane, are descendants of powerful Egyptian magicians and are thrown into a battle against the gods.

5. 'Fablehaven' by Brandon Mull: Two siblings uncover the magical secrets of a hidden preserve, where they encounter both magical creatures and dark forces.

6. 'Gregor the Overlander' by Suzanne Collins: A young boy falls into an underground world where he becomes the unlikely hero in a war between giant creatures.

Keep reading to explore the full list of more thrilling adventures like these!

Top 12 books like 'Percy Jackson' that will ignite your imagination

Here's a complete list of the best books that every Percy Jackson fan should add to their to-read lists. Want to make a lasting habit of your reading sessions? Get the free reading log printable from Headway.

1. 'Amari and the Night Brothers' by B.B. Alston

Amari Peters discovers her magical abilities when she is invited to join a secret society for supernatural beings. In addition to her brother's uncertain disappearance, Amari must learn how to find her place in a world full of magic, peril, and enemies as she works to find out the truth and harness her powers.

• Similarities between books: Like Percy, Amari is a young hero who needs to embrace her powers while revealing secrets in a hidden magical world.

• Why you'll love it: Are you into magical adventures that have a twist, where characters come in all kinds of forms? This book will snatch your heart away!

• Best 'Amari and the Night Brothers' quote for inspiration: 

"You're not going to change the world unless you hang with people who want to change the world too."

Find out more about personal growth and unique opportunities that can lead to extraordinary achievements with the 'Outliers' summary on Headway.

2. 'Artemis Fowl' by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl is a twelve-year-old criminal genius who captures a fairy to save his family's wealth. And soon, he unravels a whole world of magic and mythical creatures. What begins as a simple caper evolves into a thrilling battle against powerful forces. It is an adventure full of intelligence, danger, and humor.

• Similarities between books: Like Percy, Artemis is a young hero who journeys into a hidden magical world, blending mythology with contemporary adventure.

• Why you'll love it: Do you enjoy fast-paced action, clever characters, and an unexpected hero with a sharp mind? Then this is the ideal next read for you.

• Best 'Artemis Fowl' quote for inspiration: 

"If I win, I'm a prodigy. If I lose, then I'm crazy. That's the way history is written."

3. 'Aru Shah and the End of Time' by Roshani Chokshi

Aru Shah accidentally awakens an ancient evil that plunges her into a race against time to prevent the evil god of destruction from ending the world. Along with her new best friends and a magical weapon, Aru must learn to travel within the realms of Hindu mythology and embrace her new life as a Pandava hero.

• Similarities between books: Much like Percy, Aru learns about her true ancestry and must now step up to save the world while learning about ancient gods and magical realms.

• Why you'll love it: Looking for mythological adventures with characters you can easily relate to and lots of humor? Then this fantasy book series is for you.

• Best 'Aru Shah and the End of Time' quote for inspiration: 

"Sometimes light illuminates things that are better left in the dark."

If you crave one more adventurous story about following personal legends and finding purpose, try the summary of 'The Alchemist.'

4. 'The Kane Chronicles' by Rick Riordan

Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane discover that they are descendants of mighty Egyptian magicians, and soon find themselves in a battle against ancient gods. Having unique abilities, a deep immersion in Egyptian mythology, and a strong family bond, they embark on an adventure that challenges both their courage and their family ties.

• Similarities between books: Just like Percy, the Kanes must handle gods and mythical creatures, relying on their quick thinking and courage to survive.

• Why you'll love it: Fancy action-filled adventures that include humor, mythology, and family? Then this story will not let you go until the end.

• Best 'The Kane Chronicles' quote for inspiration: 

"My understanding of magic is fairly straightforward: Hit enemies with a sword until they're dead. If they rise again, hit them again."

5. 'Keeper of the Lost Cities' by Shannon Messenger

All her life, Sophie Foster has struggled to fit in, but when she discovers she's a telepath and learns about a secret society of elves, everything changes. Sophie is immediately thrust into a fantastical world of secrets and mythical creatures, where she must discover her true purpose while trying to survive powerful beings who seek to take everything away from her.

• Similarities between books: Just like Percy, Sophie is a young hero who discovers a hidden realm of magic and learns to celebrate her unique abilities.

• Why you'll love it: Desire a read for a quick, heartwarming adventure with endearing characters? Then this story will be your next obsession.

• Best 'Keeper of the Lost Cities' quote for inspiration: 

"I would rather be punished for making the right decision than live with the guilt of making the wrong one for the rest of my life."

Sophie understood the purpose of living in the present, and you should too. For these and other insights, check out 'The Power of Now' summary.

6. 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins

In a dystopian setting, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister's place in a televised fight to the death, in which only one person can survive. Throughout the deadly games, Katniss learns dark secrets about the evil regime controlling her world and instigates a revolution that will change everything.

• Similarities between books: Like Percy, Katniss finds herself caught in a life-or-death situation which ultimately involves self-sacrifice and rebellion.

• Why you'll love it: In search of a deep, compelling survival story and the fight for justice? Then, this Amazon bestseller should be added to your list.

• Best 'The Hunger Games' quote for inspiration: 

"You don't forget the face of the person who was your last hope."

7. 'Underland Chronicles' by Suzanne Collins

As Gregor falls into the underground world of the Underland, he suddenly becomes involved in a prophecy about war between creatures. Thrust into a prophecy, it's up to Gregor to navigate the perilous Undertoad world, rescue his family, and halt the fight that is about to happen.

• Similarities between books: Much like Percy, Gregor is a boy whose everyday life is turned upside down when he decides to go on an unexpected journey to rescue hidden truths and confront his enemies.

• Why you'll love it: In love with deep, captivating adventures rife with loyalty and thrill? Then you will devour this series.

• Best 'Underland Chronicles' quote for inspiration: 

"If you are not trying to hold on to time, you are not so afraid of losing it."

8. 'Heroes of Olympus' by Rick Riordan

A new group of demigods embarks on a quest to stop the earth goddess, Gaea, from awakening, causing the ancient Greek and Roman worlds to collide. As the prophecy unfolds, the young heroes must confront their own inner turmoil, sibling rivalry, and existential crises as they race against time and their own destinies to save the world.

• Similarities between books: In addition to the heroic quests, the young heroes face immense obstacles, including gods, prophesies, and a search for their own identity, just like Percy.

• Why you'll love it: Are you a fan of mythology, adventure, and epic quests? Then you'll enjoy this read to the fullest. 

• Best 'Heroes of Olympus' quote for inspiration: 

"To be perfect, you have to feel perfect about yourself — avoid trying to be something you're not."

Want to learn more about myths and the universal hero's journey? Check out the summary of 'The Hero With a Thousand Faces' on Headway.

*Note: This is a sequel to 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians.'

9. 'Gregor the Overlander' by Suzanne Collins

When Gregor enters the underground world of the Overland, he realizes he has stumbled upon a dark, hostile place full of giant creatures, a prophecy, and a fight for survival. After Gregor learns that he could possibly save the Overland, he has to face dangerous enemies and family secrets that change everything.

• Similarities between books: Like Percy, Gregor also finds himself an unwitting traveler in a magical world, where he must accept his fate and confront a powerful enemy.

• Why you'll love it: A fan of epic quests, courageous heroes, and secret worlds with weird creatures? Then you'll be hooked in the first paragraph of this book.

• Best 'Gregor the Overlander' quote for inspiration: 

"You see, I was tired of constant fear, so I made a decision. Every day when I wake, I tell myself that it will be my last."

*Note: 'Gregor the Overlander' is the first book in the 'The Underland Chronicles' series.  

10. 'Fablehaven' by Brandon Mull

After being sent to their grandparents' isolated estate, siblings Kendra and Seth learn that it serves as a haven for magical beings. The siblings must face danger and enchantment as they uncover the sanctuary's secrets and prevent it from being destroyed when evil begins to manifest and threaten it.

• Similarities between books: Like Percy, Kendra and Seth are thrown into a magical and fantastical world where they must use their cunning and bravery to keep their loved ones safe.

• Why you'll love it: Into magical creatures, secret worlds, and sibling cooperation? This adventure will transport you to a thrilling world full of wonder!

• Best 'Fablehaven' quote for inspiration: 

"Smart people learn from their mistakes. But the real sharp ones learn from the mistakes of others."

11. 'The Storm Runner' by C.J. Cervantes

When Zane Obispo unintentionally awakens a powerful storm god, he discovers that his seemingly ordinary life is inextricably linked to an ancient Mayan prophecy. To keep the world from collapsing, Zane must find the truth about his past while he battles the gods and monsters of Mayan mythology.

• Similarities between books: Like Percy, Zane is thrown into a world of monsters and gods, where he must accept his fate and defend the people he loves.

• Why you'll love it: Enjoy fast-paced adventures with intricate mythology and a hero who uncovers his hidden powers? This book will keep you on the edge of your seat.

• Best 'The Storm Runner' quote for inspiration: 

"Destiny comes knocking, and if you don't open the door, she will come in through the window."

If you're into powerful protagonists' journeys, you should definitely read or listen to the 'Call of the Wild' summary.

12. 'Lore' by Alexandra Bracken

Following her family's deaths, Lore Perseous finds herself in a deadly hunt in which Greek gods are cursed to battle to the death every seven years while walking the earth. In order to survive the blood-soaked conflict, Lore must uncover her own potent destiny and negotiate ancient betrayals after being thrown into the midst of the chaos.

• Similarities between books: Like Percy, Lore is drawn into a world full of monsters, gods, and prophecies, where she must find her true strength, and the fate of the world rests on it.

• Why you'll love it: Adore Greek mythology, high-stakes action, and strong, resilient heroines? Then this story will captivate you. 

• Best 'Lore' quote for inspiration: 

"Power does not transform you, he'd said. It only reveals you."

Join daily growth adventures with Headway's summaries!

There's a world of adventure waiting for you, regardless of your interests in magic, mythology, or exciting survival tales. Whether it's facing epic battles, finding hidden powers, or going on a self-discovery quest, every journey offers something different. 

If you are looking for more book recommendations for your favorite reads, you should check out the 'Books like Maid' and 'Books like Walden' articles.

Headway's book summaries provide a more in-depth look at these tales. Book lovers adore our app, which challenges you to improve every day while providing valuable insights from your favorite books. Begin your journey with the Headway app and use each book as a chance to develop yourself!