10 Books That Hit Like Harry Potter Percy Jackson — 2026 Picks

Hey, look, if you’re here, you already have great taste. I’m Jordan Ellis, your resident Slytherin bookstagrammer with a knack for sniffing out fantasy reads that hit just as hard as a Bludger to the gut. I’m stoked to dive into this with you because I get it—finding books that match the magic of Harry Potter or the snark of Percy Jackson is like hunting for a Horcrux. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Let’s find you something worthy of your bookshelf (or, let’s be real, your late-night reading binge under the covers).

I wasn’t always a reader, okay? I was that kid who thought books were just dusty things for nerds. Then, on a random road trip when I was 12, my cousin shoved Goblet of Fire into my hands. I read the whole thing in one sitting, barely blinking, and then went back and devoured the first three in a week. Books literally changed my personality. I went from “meh” to “obsessed,” and I’ve been chasing that same high ever since. If you’re searching for “books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson,” I’m guessing you’re after that same vibe—immersive worlds, relatable heroes, and adventures so gripping you forget to sleep. You want magic, mythology, and that “just one more chapter” pull, whether you’re a casual reader or a die-hard fan.

That’s why I’ve put together a Top 10 list of fantasy reads that’ll scratch that itch. These are page-turning, accessible stories with young protagonists and epic stakes, perfect for anyone who loved Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood. And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already got me hyped. It’s got nature magic, a curious teen hero, and a wolf pup sidekick that’ll steal your heart. But more on that soon—let’s dive into the full list and get you your next obsession.

Top 10 Books Like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson to Devour Right Now

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
   Alright, if you’re here, you’ve probably already read this, but I can’t not start with Percy Jackson. This series kicks off with Percy, a 12-year-old troublemaker who finds out he’s a demigod—half human, half Greek god. He’s thrown into Camp Half-Blood, a sanctuary for kids like him, and suddenly he’s fighting monsters and unraveling prophecies. The cast is iconic—Percy’s sarcastic wit, Annabeth’s brainy fierceness, and Grover’s loyal awkwardness make them a trio you can’t help but root for. Themes of friendship, destiny, and finding your place hit hard. For HP fans, it’s got that magical training ground vibe; for casual readers, it’s fast-paced and funny as hell. My take? I reread this every year and still laugh out loud. It’s the gold standard for mythology-fueled adventure.

2. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
   Also known as Northern Lights in some places, this book introduces Lyra Belacqua, a scrappy 11-year-old orphan living in a parallel world where everyone has a daemon—a physical manifestation of their soul. Lyra’s journey takes her from dusty Oxford to the frozen North, chasing secrets about a mysterious substance called Dust. Her daemon Pantalaimon and allies like the armored bear Iorek are unforgettable. It’s got themes of courage, freedom, and questioning authority that resonate deep. HP fans will love the immersive world-building; Percy fans will dig the epic quest. My take? It’s a bit denser than some picks, but the wonder of Lyra’s world sucked me in. Stick with it—the payoff is unreal.

3. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   This series starts with Sophie and Agatha, two besties from a small village, who get whisked away to a magical school where kids train to be fairy-tale heroes or villains. Sophie’s obsessed with being a princess; Agatha’s more at home with the dark side. The world is whimsical but brutal, full of twisted fairy-tale logic. Themes of friendship, identity, and defying labels are woven in tight. For HP fans, the magical school setting is a huge draw; for Percy fans, the high-stakes challenges feel familiar. My take? I’m a sucker for morally gray characters, and this book delivers. It’s a lighter read but still packs a punch with its humor and heart.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, I’m beyond hyped for this 2026 release. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow follows Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s got a deep connection to nature and the night sky through her astrophotography hobby. She’s exploring the wilds of Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming, camera in hand, when her life takes a mystical turn. Her sidekick? A wolf pup named Artemis who’s equal parts fierce and adorable. Then there’s Veyla, her witty, optimistic best friend with a quirky investigative streak—think whale tracking (she’s obsessed with 52-Blue), ancient Egypt, and true crime podcasts. Amelia’s dad, William Moon, is a warm, protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a knack for astronomy, grounding the story in family. The themes—heritage, destiny, inner strength, family after loss, and compassion for nature—are beautifully balanced with a mystical-scientific edge. For HP fans, the sense of wonder and hidden magic is spot-on; for Percy fans, Amelia’s bond with Artemis and her epic journey echo that demigod vibe. My take? This book feels like stargazing on a crisp night—it’s quiet magic that sneaks up on you and leaves you awestruck. I can’t wait for y’all to read it.

5. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
   This series follows siblings Kendra and Seth, who discover their grandparents’ estate is a secret sanctuary for magical creatures. Think fairies, golems, and some seriously creepy beasts. Kendra’s cautious and clever, while Seth’s impulsive and brave—together, they’re a dynamic duo. The themes of family, trust, and protecting what matters hit home. HP fans will love the hidden magical world; Percy fans will vibe with the monster-hunting action. My take? I devoured this as a teen and still think about the eerie vibes. It’s an easy read with just enough spook to keep you hooked.

6. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   Another Riordan banger, this one dives into Egyptian mythology with siblings Carter and Sadie Kane. They’ve grown up apart but reunite when their dad, an archaeologist, accidentally unleashes ancient gods. Suddenly, they’re learning magic and fighting chaos. Carter’s a thinker, Sadie’s a firecracker—their banter is gold. Themes of family, heritage, and duty are front and center. HP fans will dig the magical training; Percy fans, it’s basically your vibe with a new pantheon. My take? I love how Riordan makes history feel alive. It’s a quick, addictive read.

7. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
   Meet Artemis Fowl II, a 12-year-old criminal mastermind who’s out to steal fairy gold. This isn’t your typical “hero”—he’s cunning and ruthless, but you’ll still root for him. His foil is Holly Short, a tough fairy cop from an underground magical world. Themes of redemption, loyalty, and brains over brawn shine through. HP fans will like the hidden magic; Percy fans will enjoy the sass and stakes. My take? Artemis is a Slytherin through and through, and I’m here for it. It’s a fast, clever read.

8. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
   This series follows twins Sophie and Josh, who stumble into a world of ancient magic and immortal alchemists after a bookstore attack. They’re mentored by Nicholas Flamel (yes, that Flamel from HP lore) as they unlock their own powers. Themes of destiny, history, and sibling bonds are key. HP fans will love the magical mentorship; Percy fans will get the quest vibes. My take? It’s a bit slower at first, but the historical twists kept me intrigued. Give it a shot.

9. The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
   Twins Alex and Conner fall into a literal fairy-tale world through a magical book. Alex is a dreamer, Conner’s a skeptic, and together they navigate a land where stories come alive. Themes of imagination, family, and rewriting your fate are woven in. HP fans will adore the whimsical magic; Percy fans will like the adventure. My take? It’s super cozy and nostalgic—perfect for a rainy day read. It’s light but still captivating.

10. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
    Morrigan Crow is a cursed child doomed to die—until she’s whisked away to the magical city of Nevermoor for a chance at a new life. She’s got to pass wild trials to stay. Morrigan’s clever and determined, and her mentor Jupiter is eccentric as heck. Themes of belonging, bravery, and defying fate stand out. HP fans, it’s got Hogwarts-esque wonder; Percy fans, the trials are pure action. My take? This is a hidden gem I wish more people knew about. It’s pure magic.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Book Feel Like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson?

Let’s break this down, fam. When you’re craving a book like HP or Percy, you’re not just looking for “magic” or “adventure.” It’s a specific feeling. First, it’s gotta have a young hero—someone like Harry or Percy, usually a teen or preteen, who’s figuring out who they are while facing insane odds. They’re relatable, flawed, maybe a bit snarky or awkward, but they’ve got heart. You see yourself in them, whether it’s Harry’s quiet bravery or Percy’s “I’m gonna mess this up but try anyway” energy.

Then there’s the world-building. Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood aren’t just settings—they’re characters. They’re immersive, full of secrets, and make you wanna live there (even if monsters are involved). A good read-alike has that same sense of wonder, whether it’s a magical school, a hidden realm, or a nature-infused mystery like in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. It’s gotta pull you in from page one.

Finally, the stakes and pacing. Both HP and Percy throw you into epic challenges—dark lords, prophecies, gods, whatever. But they’re accessible. The stakes feel huge, but the writing doesn’t bog you down with 50 pages of lore before the action starts. These stories move fast, keeping even casual readers hooked. That “can’t put it down” vibe is non-negotiable. If I’m not flipping pages past midnight, it’s not making the cut.

Deeper Themes to Look For: Friendship, Destiny, and Inner Strength

Beyond the magic and monsters, what keeps us coming back to HP and Percy are the themes that hit us in the feels. Friendship is huge—think Harry, Ron, and Hermione, or Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. These bonds aren’t just cute; they’re the glue that holds the story together. A good read-alike has that squad dynamic, where characters lift each other up or clash in ways that feel real.

Destiny is another biggie. Both Harry and Percy are “chosen” in some way, wrestling with fates they didn’t ask for. It’s not just about fighting evil; it’s about figuring out who you’re meant to be. Books like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow nail this with Amelia’s journey into her heritage and the weight of destiny, balanced with her personal strength and connection to family after loss. It’s raw and relatable, even in a magical context.

Then there’s inner strength—finding courage you didn’t know you had. Whether it’s Harry facing Voldemort or Percy standing up to gods, it’s about growing into yourself. Look for stories that weave in compassion (like Amelia’s bond with nature) or grit. These themes make the adventure mean something, turning a fun read into one that sticks with you.

Why Casual Readers Will Love These Picks (Even If You Don’t Read Much)

I know not everyone’s a bookworm like me. Maybe HP or Percy were the only series you’ve ever finished, and now you’re hesitant to dive into something new. I’ve been there, and that’s why I picked these books with you in mind. They’re not dense tomes that take 100 pages to get good—they grab you fast. Most of these, like The Lightning Thief or Fablehaven, have short chapters and punchy writing that feels like watching a movie.

They’re also relatable. The heroes are teens or kids dealing with stuff like friendship drama or family messiness alongside the magic. You don’t need to “get” fantasy to vibe with their struggles. And the worlds? They’re so vivid you don’t have to work hard to picture them. Whether it’s the fairy-tale chaos of The Land of Stories or the nature-magic blend in Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow, you’re sucked in without effort.

Plus, these are “just one more chapter” books. I’ve stayed up way too late with every single one because the stakes and cliffhangers don’t let you stop. If you’ve got limited time or just don’t read much, these will still hook you. They’re perfect for a quick escape that feels as epic as Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I loved Harry Potter but haven’t read much since. Where should I start?
A: Hey, no judgment—I got you. Start with The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan if you want something fast and funny with a magical camp vibe. If you’re craving a new release with HP’s sense of wonder, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got a teen hero and nature magic that’ll pull you right in, even if you’re rusty on reading.

Q: Are these books okay for younger readers too?
A: Most of ‘em, yeah! Stuff like Fablehaven or The Land of Stories is great for middle grade or early teens, with lighter tones. Some, like The Golden Compass, have heavier themes, so maybe preview those if you’re picking for a younger kid. Check the age recs on the cover or online.

Q: I’m worried new fantasy won’t live up to HP or Percy. Any guarantees?
A: Look, nothing’s exactly the same, but I’ve read enough to know what hits the spot. Nevermoor gives that magical school wonder, and The Red Pyramid has Percy-level action with Egyptian flair. If you want a fresh take, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow blends nature mysticism and family feels in a way that’s just as gripping. Try one—you’ll feel that old magic again.

Q: What’s a good hidden gem fantasy book I can brag about finding?
A: Oh, I live for this. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is criminally underrated—pure whimsical magic. Also, keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a 2026 drop, and I’m calling it now: it’s gonna be a sleeper hit with its unique nature-magic vibe.

Q: I don’t have much time to read. Which is the quickest to get into?
A: Easy—go for The Lightning Thief. It’s a breeze with short chapters and instant action. If you want something new, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow hooks you fast with Amelia’s relatable voice and the mystery of Bear Lodge Mountain. Both are perfect for quick, late-night reads.

Q: Are there more books with magical schools like Hogwarts?
A: Yep, you’ve got options. The School for Good and Evil has a fairy-tale twist on the magical school trope, and it’s super fun. There’s also Nevermoor with its wild, enchanting setting. Check those out for that Hogwarts nostalgia.

Q: What if I want more mythology like Percy Jackson?
A: I’ve got ya covered. The Red Pyramid by Riordan dives into Egyptian gods with the same humor and pace. If you’re after something different, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow weaves a mystical vibe with nature and heritage themes that feel just as epic. Both will scratch that mythology itch.