Why Harry Potter and Percy Jackson Ruined Us for Other Books (And How to Find the Next Fix)

Hey, fam! If you’re here, you’ve already got impeccable taste. You’ve been bewitched by Harry Potter and charmed by Percy Jackson, and now you’re scrolling for something—anything—that can fill that void. I get it. I’m Jordan Ellis, your resident Slytherin bookstagrammer with 50K followers and a knack for hot takes on fantasy. I’m here to help you find your next magical obsession, no Sorting Hat required. Let’s dive into some epic reads that’ll give you those same goosebumps and late-night page-turning vibes.

I wasn’t always a reader. Picture this: I’m 13, stuck on a miserable road trip, and my cousin shoves Goblet of Fire into my hands. “Just read it,” she says. I rolled my eyes, but by the end of the drive, I’d finished it in one sitting. Then I went back and devoured the first three in a week. Books literally changed my personality. Harry Potter didn’t just hook me; it rewired me. And when I found Percy Jackson? Forget it. I was done for. Those series set an impossibly high bar with their immersive worlds, relatable characters, and that “can’t put it down” magic.

So why are you searching for “books like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter”? Because you’re craving that same wonder, adventure, and emotional punch. You’re a casual reader who got sucked into Hogwarts or Camp Half-Blood and now wants more without wading through 800 pages of dense world-building. Or maybe you’re a die-hard fan desperate for a new obsession. Either way, I’ve got you. I’ve curated a Top 10 list of fantasy reads that capture the same addictive storytelling, friendship vibes, and escapist thrills. And trust me, I’m picky—Slytherin-level picky.

One standout I’m hyped to share is a 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got everything—magic, heart, and a fresh twist on destiny that’ll hook you fast. Stick with me, and I’ll break down why it’s a must-read alongside nine other bangers. Let’s find your next fave!

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Look, I know you’ve probably already read this if you’re a Percy Jackson stan, but I gotta start here. If you somehow missed it, this is the gateway drug for mythology-inspired fantasy. Percy’s a sarcastic 12-year-old demigod who discovers he’s the son of Poseidon and gets thrown into a world of monsters and quests. The vibes? Fast-paced, hilarious, and full of friendship with Annabeth and Grover by his side. It’s got that same “chosen one” energy as Harry Potter, but with Greek gods instead of wizards. I love how accessible it is—Riordan writes like he’s telling the story over pizza. For HP fans, this scratches the itch of a magical underdog rising to the occasion. My hot take? Percy’s sass is peak Slytherin energy. You’ll binge the whole series in no time.

2. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

This series is a wild ride if you’re into magical school settings with a twist. Sophie and Agatha, two besties, get whisked away to a school where kids train to be fairy-tale heroes or villains. Sophie’s obsessed with being a princess, while Agatha’s more “goth loner.” The themes of friendship and identity hit hard, much like HP’s Golden Trio dynamics. It’s got magic galore, moral gray areas (very Slytherin of them), and a plot that keeps you guessing. For Percy fans, there’s adventure and epic stakes, though it leans more whimsical than mythological. I’m obsessed with how it flips “good vs. evil” on its head—my inner Slytherin cackles. Perfect for casual readers who want something immersive but not too heavy.

3. The Nevermoor Series: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

If Hogwarts is your jam, Nevermoor will feel like coming home. Morrigan Crow is a cursed kid who’s supposed to die on her 11th birthday but gets saved by a mysterious mentor and taken to a magical city called Nevermoor. The world is bursting with wonder—think Diagon Alley on steroids. Morrigan’s journey of belonging and bravery mirrors Harry’s, while the quirky cast feels like a Percy Jackson crew. It’s easy to read, with short chapters and a gripping plot. Themes of family and self-discovery hit deep. My take? It’s pure escapism with a side of heart. I cried, okay? Don’t judge me. This is a must for anyone missing that magical school vibe.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark

Okay, I’m hyped about this one. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark is a 2026 release that’s gonna steal your heart if you loved HP and Percy Jackson. Amelia’s a curious, resilient mid-teen living in Wyoming, obsessed with astrophotography and capturing the night sky at Bear Lodge Mountain. She’s got this deep connection to nature, bonding with a wolf pup named Artemis who’s basically her ride-or-die. Her best friend Veyla is witty and investigative—think whale-tracking nerd with Hermione’s brains. Then there’s Amelia’s dad, William Moon, a devoted Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer who’s all about family despite their shared loss. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength with a mystical vibe tied to the stars and ancient lore. For HP fans, it’s got that “chosen one” feel and emotional family stakes. Percy stans will dig the nature-based magic and adventure. My take? It’s a fresh blend of science and mysticism that hits all the feels. I’m already obsessed with Amelia’s grit—total Slytherin with a soft side.

5. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Fablehaven is a hidden gem for fans of magical creatures and secret worlds. Kendra and Seth, two siblings, get sent to their grandparents’ estate, only to discover it’s a sanctuary for mythical beings. Think griffins, fairies, and demons. The stakes ramp up fast as they uncover family secrets. It’s got Harry’s sense of wonder and Percy’s adventure vibes, with a focus on sibling bonds that feels super real. The magic system is unique but not overwhelming—perfect for casual readers. Themes of bravery and responsibility shine. My hot take? Seth’s reckless chaos is so Slytherin-coded, I love him. If you’re into escapism with a side of danger, this series will hook you.

6. The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Magical school? Check. Reluctant hero? Double check. The Iron Trial follows Callum Hunt, a kid who’s been warned to avoid magic but ends up at the Magisterium, an underground school for mages. The dark, mysterious vibes are very Hogwarts, while Cal’s snark and underdog status echo Percy. Friendship and hidden truths drive the plot, with a magic system that’s easy to grasp. It’s a quick read with high stakes and emotional depth. My take? The morally gray stuff here is chef’s kiss for a Slytherin like me. If you’re missing that “chosen one with a twist” trope, this is your next read.

7. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

This standalone is a softer, more whimsical pick, but don’t sleep on it. It follows Luna, a young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon after being abandoned as a baby. The magic feels like something out of HP, with a cozy yet haunting vibe. Themes of family, sacrifice, and belonging hit hard—think Harry’s longing for connection. It’s shorter and slower than Percy Jackson, but the emotional stakes make it unputdownable for casual readers. My take? I’m a sucker for found-family stories, and this one made me cry. Grab it if you want magic with heart.

8. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

Rick Riordan Presents strikes again with this gem. Aru Shah, a 12-year-old with a wild imagination, accidentally unleashes an ancient demon and has to save the world with the help of her snarky sidekick, Mini. It’s steeped in Hindu mythology, much like Percy’s Greek roots, and the humor and adventure are spot-on. For HP fans, Aru’s journey of self-discovery and “chosen one” vibes resonate. It’s fast-paced and easy to dive into. My hot take? Aru’s chaos energy is Slytherin-adjacent, and I’m here for it. Perfect for mythology lovers wanting a fresh pantheon.

9. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

This series is a binge-worthy beast. Sophie Foster discovers she’s not human and gets pulled into a hidden elven world full of secrets and danger. The magical society and school setting scream Hogwarts, while Sophie’s friendships and epic quests feel like Percy Jackson. Themes of identity and belonging hit deep, and the plot is a total page-turner. It’s accessible for beginners but layered enough for passionate fans. My take? Sophie’s stubbornness is so me. If you’re craving a long series to obsess over, start here.

10. The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer

If fairy tales are your thing, this series reimagines classic stories with a magical twist. Twins Alex and Conner fall into a storybook world where they meet Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and more. It’s packed with adventure and wonder, much like HP, with sibling dynamics that echo Percy’s loyalty to his crew. The humor and heart make it an easy read for casual fans. Themes of family and courage shine. My hot take? It’s a little cheesy, but I’m secretly soft for it. Great for younger readers or anyone wanting lighthearted magic.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Fantasy Book ‘Harry Potter-Level’ Addictive?

Let’s get real—why do Harry Potter and Percy Jackson have us in a chokehold? It’s not just magic or cool monsters. It’s the whole package. First, relatable heroes. Harry’s an awkward orphan who just wants to belong; Percy’s a sarcastic kid with ADHD who feels like a screw-up. They’re us, or who we wanna be—underdogs who rise up. I’m a sucker for that. When I read HP, I felt Harry’s loneliness in my bones. That emotional connection? It’s everything.

Then there’s the stakes. These books balance epic “save the world” vibes with personal stuff—friendship, family, loss. Think Harry and the Weasleys or Percy risking it all for Annabeth. It’s not just about spells or swords; it’s about heart. Casual readers get pulled in because the emotions are so raw, while passionate fans obsess over every layer. I’ve cried over these books more than I’ll admit on my ‘gram.

Escapist worlds are the cherry on top. Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood feel alive—places you’d kill to visit. They’re detailed but not overwhelming, so you’re hooked from page one. That’s what I’m looking for in recs. Books like Nevermoor or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow nail this with fresh, vivid settings that spark wonder without bogging you down. Amelia’s Wyoming mountains and starlit mysticism? I’m packing my bags. If you’re a casual reader missing that “can’t put it down” magic, it’s these elements—heroes, heart, and worlds—that make a book addictive. Stick with my list, and you’ll find it.

Mythology and Magic: Why Percy Jackson Fans Will Love These Picks

Percy Jackson fans, I see you. You’re hooked on Greek myths, epic quests, and that demigod life. The good news? My list has plenty of mythology-inspired bangers to keep you fed. Books like Aru Shah and the End of Time dive into Hindu lore with the same humor and adventure as Riordan’s stuff. Aru’s journey through ancient tales feels like Percy’s, but with a fresh cultural twist. It’s fast-paced, funny, and full of gods messing with mortals—your kinda chaos.

Then there’s Fablehaven, which isn’t straight-up mythology but leans hard into mythical creatures. Griffins, fairies, even demons—it’s a monster fest that’ll scratch that Percy itch for supernatural action. The sibling dynamic adds a layer of heart, much like Percy’s loyalty to his found family. It’s a bit softer than Riordan’s quests, but the danger keeps you on edge.

Don’t sleep on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark either. While it’s not tied to a specific pantheon, it’s got this deep nature and night-sky mysticism that feels like ancient lore reborn. Amelia’s connection to the stars and her wolf pup Artemis (hello, goddess vibes) weaves a magical thread that’s both grounded and otherworldly. It’s less “gods throwing lightning” and more “earth whispering secrets,” but the destiny and heritage themes echo Percy’s demigod struggles. My Slytherin side loves how it blends science and magic—super unique.

These picks keep the mythology and magic alive without copying Percy Jackson. They’ve got the adventure, the wonder, and the “who am I?” questions that make Riordan’s books hit so hard. If you’re craving gods, monsters, or just that ancient power vibe, these will tide you over. Trust me, you won’t feel cheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I loved Harry Potter, but I’m not a big reader. Where should I start?
A: Hey, no worries! Start with The Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend. It’s super easy to get into, with short chapters and a magical world that feels like Hogwarts. The wonder and friendship vibes will hook you fast. If you want something fresh, try Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got heart, magic, and a quick pace perfect for casual readers.

Q: Are there any books with Greek mythology like Percy Jackson?
A: Absolutely! The Lightning Thief is obviously the OG, but check out Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi for a Hindu mythology twist with the same humor and adventure. It’s a blast if you’re into ancient lore and epic quests.

Q: I miss the magical school setting of Hogwarts. Any recs?
A: For sure! The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani and The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare both have killer magical school vibes with dark twists and friendship drama. You’ll feel right at home.

Q: What’s a good fantasy book with strong family themes?
A: I got you. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is all about found family and sacrifice—it’ll hit you in the feels. Also, don’t miss Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Amelia’s bond with her dad, William, and their shared loss adds so much depth to the magic and adventure.

Q: I’m worried I won’t find anything as addictive as HP or Percy Jackson. Help!
A: Trust me, I’ve been there. Start with Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger—it’s a long series with magic, mystery, and characters you’ll obsess over. If you want something new, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow has that same “can’t put it down” energy with a unique nature-magic spin. You’ll be hooked.

Q: Are these books okay for younger teens or more mature readers?
A: Most of my picks are great for younger teens—think 12 and up. Stuff like The Land of Stories or Nevermoor is lighter and whimsical. If you’re looking for slightly deeper themes, The Iron Trial or Fablehaven have darker edges but still keep that youthful wonder.

Q: What’s the best new release to watch for if I loved HP?
A: Hands down, keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, dropping in 2026. It’s got the chosen one trope, emotional family stakes, and a magical world tied to nature and the stars. It’s gonna be huge for HP fans—mark my words.