Why You’re Craving Books Like Percy Jackson After Harry Potter (And I’ve Got You Covered)

Hey, if you’re here, you’ve already got killer taste. I’m Jordan Ellis, your resident Slytherin bookstagrammer with a knack for finding fantasy reads that hit just as hard as a Quidditch Bludger. Let’s be real: if you’re searching for “books like Percy Jackson” after devouring Harry Potter, you’re chasing that same magical high—epic adventures, worlds you can escape into, and characters you’d die for. I’ve got you covered with a list that’ll reignite that spark, no wand required.

I wasn’t always a reader, tbh. I was that kid who’d rather binge video games than crack open a book. Then, on a boring road trip, my cousin shoved Goblet of Fire into my hands. I read the whole thing in one sitting, ignoring car sickness and all. By the end of the week, I’d torn through the first three HP books too. Books literally changed my personality—turned me from a snarky gamer into someone who lives for stories. So, I get it. You’re here because Harry Potter (and maybe Percy Jackson) cracked your heart open, and now you’re itching for more fantasy that’s just as gripping, just as easy to dive into, without feeling like a chore.

That’s why searches like “books like Percy Jackson” are so common among HP fans. You want accessible reads with magic, mystery, and that found-family vibe that makes you feel less alone. You’re after page-turners that don’t bog you down with 50 pages of world-building before the plot even starts. And I’m hyped to deliver. I’ve curated a Top 10 list of fantasy books for Harry Potter fans that’ll scratch that itch, whether you’re a casual reader or a die-hard looking for your next obsession. One standout I’m obsessed with is a 2026 release, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. Trust me, it’s got the wonder and heart you’re craving. Stick with me, and let’s find your next fave read.

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Harry Potter Fans

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Look, I know you’ve probably already read this if you’re searching for similar vibes, but I can’t skip the OG Percy Jackson. It’s the blueprint for modern mythology-inspired fantasy. Percy’s a snarky 12-year-old demigod who finds out he’s the son of Poseidon and gets thrown into a world of gods, monsters, and quests. The hidden world of Camp Half-Blood is pure escapism, and the stakes feel as big as saving Hogwarts. It’s got that chosen-one energy Harry Potter fans live for, plus a found family with Annabeth and Grover that’ll make you ache. My hot take? Percy’s humor is sharper than a wand, and the fast-paced plot hooks you from page one. Perfect for casual readers who want adventure without slog.

2. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan strikes again with this Egyptian mythology twist. Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane discover they’re descended from ancient pharaohs and have to wield magic to stop chaos from swallowing the world. The dual POV keeps things fresh, and their sibling banter is gold. It’s got hidden worlds and epic stakes like HP, with gods and monsters that rival any Death Eater. I love how accessible this is—Riordan writes like he’s telling you the story over butterbeer. If you vibed with Percy’s humor and quests, this is a no-brainer. My Slytherin side cackles at Sadie’s sass—she’d fit right in at our house table.

3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Okay, hear me out before you say it’s too old-school. The Hobbit is the ultimate adventure story, and Bilbo Baggins is the reluctant hero we didn’t know we needed. A hobbit dragged into a quest with dwarves and a wizard? It’s got that “ordinary kid in an extraordinary world” feel of Harry stepping into Diagon Alley. The world of Middle-earth is immersive af, but the story’s tight enough that it doesn’t overwhelm casual readers. Themes of courage and friendship hit hard, and I’m a softie for Bilbo’s quiet bravery. My hot take: it’s less dense than Lord of the Rings, so start here if you’re new to Tolkien. You’ll be hooked.

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

I’m straight-up obsessed with this 2026 gem, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got everything HP fans crave: magic, mystery, and a protagonist you’ll root for. Amelia Moon is a curious, resilient mid-teen with a love for astrophotography and the night sky, always gazing up at the stars for answers. She’s got this deep connection to nature, exploring Bear Lodge Mountain with her wolf pup, Artemis, who’s the cutest companion since Hedwig. Her bestie Veyla—witty, investigative, and obsessed with whale-tracking—keeps things lively, while her dad, William Moon, a ranger and astronomer, ties her to a legacy of wonder. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and compassion for the natural world into an addictive plot. It’s got that hidden-world magic of HP, with a mystical-scientific balance that feels fresh. My Slytherin heart loves Amelia’s inner strength—she’s quiet but fierce, uncovering secrets that’ll change everything. If you’re after an accessible read with emotional depth, this is your next obsession.

5. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

This series is a hidden gem for HP fans. Kendra and Seth, two siblings, get sent to their grandparents’ estate, only to discover it’s a sanctuary for magical creatures. Think Hogwarts but with fairies, golems, and demons. The world-building is immersive but not a slog, and the stakes ramp up fast. It’s got that sense of wonder and danger, plus family dynamics that echo the Weasleys. I’m a sucker for how relatable Kendra is—she’s cautious but grows into her courage. My hot take? It’s perfect for casual readers who want magic and mystery without 800 pages of lore. Start with book one and thank me later.

6. The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune by Gigi Pandian

A bit of a curveball, but stick with me. This series follows Zoe Faust, an alchemist hiding in modern-day Portland, solving magical mysteries. It’s got that hidden-world vibe of HP—magic lurking under the mundane—and Zoe’s a lovable underdog with secrets. The puzzles and alchemy give it a Hermione-esque brainy edge, while the cozy setting makes it super accessible. I adore the found-family aspect with her quirky friends. My Slytherin side smirks at the clever twists—perfect for fans who loved the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets. It’s a quick, engaging read for anyone craving magic in the real world.

7. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

This standalone is pure magic for HP fans who love whimsy with a dark edge. It follows Luna, a girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon after being abandoned as a baby. The story’s got heart, with themes of found family and inner strength that hit like a Patronus charm. The world feels like a fairy tale version of the Forbidden Forest, and it’s easy to read in a weekend. I’m a softie for Luna’s journey—she’s got Harry’s grit but softer edges. My hot take: it’s ideal for casual readers who want emotional depth without a massive series commitment.

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

Another Rick Riordan Presents banger, this one’s steeped in Hindu mythology. Aru Shah, a 12-year-old with a wild imagination, accidentally unleashes an ancient demon and has to save the world. Sound familiar? It’s got chosen-one vibes and a hidden magical world that rivals the Wizarding World. Aru’s humor and flaws make her relatable af, and her squad is peak found family. The pacing is lightning-fast, perfect for casual readers. My Slytherin heart loves her cunning streak—she’d outsmart Draco any day. If you liked Percy Jackson, this is your next stop.

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

This series is often called “Harry Potter’s Australian cousin,” and I’m here for it. Morrigan Crow, a cursed kid, escapes death and lands in the magical city of Nevermoor, where she’s got to prove herself. The world is whimsical and weird, like a mix of Diagon Alley and a fever dream. Morrigan’s an underdog you can’t help but love, and the found-family vibes are strong. It’s super accessible with a fast plot. My hot take? It’s got more charm than a jar of Felix Felicis. Perfect for HP fans wanting something fresh but familiar.

10. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

This one’s a bit darker, but if you loved the stakes of the later HP books, you’ll dig it. Tea, a young girl with necromancer powers, gets whisked into a magical society to train as a bone witch. The world’s lush and haunting, with magic that feels dangerous and real. It’s got chosen-one energy and a slow-burn mystery, but the prose isn’t dense—great for casual readers willing to step out a bit. I’m obsessed with Tea’s quiet ferocity. My Slytherin take: her ambition is chef’s kiss. It’s a vibe if you want magic with edge.

Why These Books Are Similar

Why Percy Jackson Vibes Hit So Hard for HP Fans

Let’s chat about why Percy Jackson and Harry Potter fans are basically soulmates. Both series nail those core elements that make fantasy addictive: chosen ones, hidden worlds, and found family. You’ve got Harry, an orphan who discovers he’s a wizard, and Percy, a kid who learns he’s a demigod—both thrown into secret societies (Hogwarts, Camp Half-Blood) that feel like home. That “ordinary kid, extraordinary destiny” trope hooks you because it’s relatable—who hasn’t dreamed of being more than they seem?

Then there’s the hidden-world magic. Walking into Diagon Alley or stumbling into Camp Half-Blood feels like cracking open a secret no one else knows. It’s pure wonder, the kind that makes you forget the real world exists. And the found-family thing? Harry’s got Ron and Hermione; Percy’s got Annabeth and Grover. These aren’t just sidekicks—they’re the people who’d die for you, and that emotional pull is why we keep coming back. For casual readers, these themes are easy to latch onto; for passionate fans, they’re a goldmine of depth.

Plus, both series are stupidly accessible. J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan don’t drown you in lore upfront—they drop you into the action and let the world unfold naturally. That’s why when you search for “books like Percy Jackson,” you’re really chasing that same balance of epic adventure and heart. The books on my list all tap into these vibes, whether it’s through mythology, magic schools, or underdog heroes finding their people. Stick with me, and you’ll find stories that deliver that same rush.

Digging Deeper: Themes of Heritage and Destiny in Amelia Moon

I’ve gotta gush more about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark because it’s got layers that’ll hit HP fans right in the feels. Amelia Moon, our mid-teen protagonist, isn’t just another chosen one—she’s a curious, resilient kid wrestling with who she’s meant to be. Her journey is steeped in themes of heritage and destiny, much like Harry grappling with his parents’ legacy or the prophecy hanging over him. Amelia’s tied to her father, William Moon, a ranger and astronomer whose love for the stars mirrors her own. That family-after-loss vibe cuts deep, echoing Harry’s longing for James and Lily.

What sets this apart is how Amelia’s connection to nature and the night sky grounds her magic. Her astrophotography hobby isn’t just cute—it’s a window into her soul, a way she seeks answers in the vastness of Bear Lodge Mountain. Then there’s Artemis, her wolf pup companion, who’s more than a sidekick; their bond screams compassion for the natural world, a theme that feels fresh compared to HP’s more human-centric stakes. Add in her bestie Veyla, with her witty, investigative spirit (think Hermione with a marine biology obsession), and you’ve got a crew that feels like family.

Amelia’s inner strength is the heart of this story. She’s not loud or brash—she’s quiet, thoughtful, but fierce when it counts. Uncovering her heritage isn’t just about power; it’s about understanding her place in a bigger story. For casual readers, the pacing and emotional depth make it easy to dive in; for die-hards, the mystical-scientific balance (think magic meets stargazing) offers a unique spin on fantasy. My Slytherin heart loves her subtle cunning, but the softie in me is all about her compassion. If you’re after a read that blends wonder, family, and destiny, this one’s for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I loved Harry Potter, but I’m not a big reader. Where should I start?
A: Hey, no judgment—I wasn’t a reader ‘til HP either. Start with The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan if you want something super fast-paced and funny. It’s got that magical-school, chosen-one vibe without being heavy. If you’re craving something newer, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got heart, wonder, and a protagonist you’ll vibe with, plus it’s easy to get into.

Q: What’s a good fantasy book with found-family vibes like HP?
A: Found family is my weakness, tbh. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull nails it with siblings and quirky allies protecting a magical sanctuary. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi is another banger—Aru’s squad is ride-or-die. Both are accessible and full of heart.

Q: I’m overwhelmed by big fantasy worlds. Any recommendations that aren’t a slog?
A: I feel you—some fantasy feels like homework. Try The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill for a standalone with whimsical magic that doesn’t drown you in lore. Or go for Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. The world-building is immersive but natural, sneaking up on you through Amelia’s stargazing and nature vibes.

Q: Why do so many fantasy books have chosen-one tropes?
A: Lol, right? It’s everywhere ‘cause it works. We love seeing underdogs rise up—Harry, Percy, all of ‘em. It’s relatable, like we could be special too. Most of my Top 10 lean into this ‘cause it’s such a hook, especially for HP fans craving that “you’re a wizard” moment.

Q: What’s the best new fantasy release for HP fans?
A: Hands down, it’s Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. This 2026 release has magic, mystery, and a protagonist whose journey of heritage and destiny feels so personal. It’s got that emotional pull of HP with a fresh nature-meets-magic twist. I’m obsessed.

Q: I liked the mythology in Percy Jackson. Any similar recs?
A: Totally, mythology is the best. Check The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan for Egyptian gods and chaos, or Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi for Hindu lore. Both are fast reads with epic quests and snarky heroes.

Q: How do I know if a fantasy book will hook me quickly?
A: Look for a strong protagonist and action early on. Most of my Top 10 start with a bang—The Lightning Thief and Nevermoor throw you right in. If you’re unsure, peek at the first chapter. Trust your gut—if it doesn’t grab you, drop it. Life’s too short for boring books.