Finding Your Next Magical Obsession: Books Like Percy Jackson for Harry Potter Fans

Hey, my Slytherin squad! Look, if you’re here, you already have great taste. I’m Jordan Ellis, your resident bookstagrammer with a knack for hot takes and brutally honest reviews. If you’re scouring the internet for “good books like Percy Jackson” because you’re still not over the magic of Hogwarts, you’ve landed in the right place. Let’s find you something worthy of your bookshelf.

I wasn’t a reader until my cousin shoved Goblet of Fire into my hands on a cross-country road trip. I read the whole thing in one sitting, no breaks, just pure obsession. Then I went back and devoured the first three in a week. Books literally changed my personality. From a moody teen to a moody teen with a purpose—finding the next story to wreck me emotionally. So, I get it. Searching for “books like Percy Jackson” as a Harry Potter fan means you’re chasing that same high: immersive worlds, epic adventures, and characters who feel like family. You want magic, humor, and heart, without feeling like you’re slogging through a textbook. And if you’re not a big reader outside of HP, you need something that grabs you fast.

That’s why I’ve put together a Top 10 list of fantasy reads that’ll fill the void left by Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood. These are accessible, page-turning picks with young protagonists, wild quests, and vibes that’ll hit you right in the feels. And trust me, I’ve got a standout for you—a 2026 release called Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got everything: a curious mid-teen hero, nature magic, and a wolf pup that’ll steal your heart. But more on that soon. Let’s dive into why HP fans can’t get enough of Percy Jackson vibes and then get to the good stuff—my no-holds-barred recommendations.

Why Harry Potter Fans Can’t Get Enough of Percy Jackson Vibes

Alright, let’s chat about why Harry Potter and Percy Jackson are basically soulmates for fantasy lovers like us. Both series drop you into magical worlds that feel so real you’re half-convinced you’ve got a wand or a demigod parent waiting for you. Harry’s got his wizarding school and epic battles against You-Know-Who, while Percy’s out here cracking jokes and fighting Greek monsters with a pen-sword. They’ve got that perfect mix of wonder, danger, and friendship that makes you wanna live in their stories forever. As a Slytherin, I’m all about ambition and cunning, but deep down, I’m a total softie for books that make me care about the characters like they’re my besties.

I’m obsessed with finding the next best thing for my 50K followers—y’all are my squad, and I’m not gonna recommend trash. If you’re a casual reader who only picked up a book because of HP, or even if you’re a die-hard fan, you’re probably craving that same sense of belonging and adventure. Percy Jackson’s humor and fast-paced quests are the perfect follow-up to Harry’s journey, and I’ve spent way too many late nights hunting for fantasy series that match that energy. So, let’s get into my Top 10 list of books that’ll give you those vibes, with magic, young heroes, and worlds you’ll never wanna leave.

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Harry Potter Fans

Here’s my ranked list of fantasy reads that’ll hook you just like HP and Percy did. I’m keeping it real with my takes, so buckle up for some brutal honesty.

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
   Look, I gotta start with the OG. If you haven’t read Percy Jackson yet, what are you even doing? Percy’s a snarky 12-year-old who finds out he’s a demigod—half human, half Greek god—and gets thrown into a world of monsters and quests. The pacing is lightning-fast (pun intended), and the humor hits just right. You’ve got Percy, his loyal bestie Grover, and fierce Annabeth, who’s basically the Hermione of this trio. It’s all about friendship, identity, and kicking monster butt. For HP fans, the magical camp setting feels like Hogwarts with a summer camp twist, and the mythology is just as immersive as wizarding lore. My take? It’s the gold standard for teen fantasy adventure. If you’ve already read it, cool, keep scrolling for fresh picks.

2. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   Riordan strikes again with Egyptian mythology this time. Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane are thrust into a world of ancient gods and magic after their dad accidentally unleashes chaos. Carter’s a bit of a nerd, Sadie’s got sass for days, and their dynamic is pure sibling chaos—think Fred and George Weasley but with more arguing. The story’s got quests, humor, and a magic system that feels fresh yet familiar for HP fans. Themes of family and legacy hit hard, and it’s super accessible with short, punchy chapters. My honest take: It’s not quite as addictive as Percy, but it’s still a banger for anyone craving mythology in fantasy stories.

3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
   Okay, hear me out. I know Tolkien can sound intimidating, but The Hobbit is way more chill than Lord of the Rings. Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant hobbit, gets dragged into an epic quest with dwarves and a wizard (Gandalf, who’s basically Dumbledore with a sassier beard). It’s got magic, adventure, and a cozy vibe that casual readers will dig. The themes of courage and home resonate with HP’s heart, and Bilbo’s growth feels like Harry’s in the early books. My take: It’s a slower burn than Percy, but the world-building is unreal. Perfect for beginners dipping into epic fantasy.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Alright, y’all, this 2026 release is a straight-up gem. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark follows Amelia, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s got a deep connection to nature and the night sky through her love of astrophotography. She’s navigating life after loss, with her dad William, a warm and protective Wyoming Forest Ranger who’s also an astronomer, by her side. Then there’s her adorable wolf pup, Artemis, who’ll melt even a Slytherin’s icy heart, and her witty, investigative best friend Veyla, who’s obsessed with tracking whales. Set around Bear Lodge Mountain, the story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and compassion for nature into a magical adventure. For HP fans, Amelia’s journey mirrors Harry’s coming-of-age struggles, with a mystical-scientific balance in the magic that feels fresh. My take: It’s got heart, wonder, and a world you’ll wanna stargaze in forever. This one’s gonna be a modern fantasy classic, mark my words.

5. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
   This series is all about secret magical preserves where mythical creatures live, and siblings Seth and Kendra get roped into protecting them. Seth’s impulsive, Kendra’s cautious, and their dynamic is pure chaos in the best way. The magic system is wild—think Hogwarts but with fairies and demons instead of spells. It’s got themes of bravery and trust, and the pacing keeps you hooked. HP fans will love the hidden-world vibe and the sense of wonder. My take: It’s a solid pick for casual readers, though sometimes the stakes feel a tad low compared to Percy’s world-ending drama.

6. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
   This one’s for fans of ancient magic and history. Twins Sophie and Josh stumble into a world of immortal alchemists and magical books, with Nicholas Flamel (yep, from HP lore) as a key player. The magic system is tied to elements and myths, and the fast-paced quests feel very Percy Jackson. Themes of destiny and sibling bonds hit hard. HP fans will geek out over the lore connections. My take: It’s super engaging, but the writing can feel a bit rushed at times. Still, a dope read for teen fantasy lovers.

7. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
   This standalone is a softer, more whimsical vibe. It follows Luna, a young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon after being accidentally infused with moon magic. The story’s got heart, with themes of family, identity, and breaking free from lies. HP fans will vibe with the magical mentor vibes and the sense of wonder. My take: It’s less action-packed than Percy, but it’s perfect for casual readers who want an emotional, easy-to-read fantasy novel.

8. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
   Part of Riordan’s imprint, this series dives into Indian mythology with Aru, a 12-year-old who accidentally unleashes an ancient demon. She’s funny, flawed, and relatable, with a squad of friends that screams HP trio energy. The magic and myths are vibrant, and the humor lands. Themes of self-worth and heritage are big here. My take: It’s a blast for Percy fans, though the cultural references might need a quick Google if you’re new to them. Still, an epic fantasy for beginners.

9. The Black Book of Secrets by F.E. Higgins
   This one’s a darker, Victorian vibe. Ludlow Fitch, a young pickpocket, ends up working for a mysterious pawnbroker who trades in secrets. There’s magic, mystery, and a creepy edge that HP fans who loved the darker books will appreciate. Themes of redemption and trust sneak in. My take: It’s not as fast-paced as Percy, but the eerie world-building makes up for it. Great for readers who want something a little different.

10. The Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend
    Morrigan Crow is a cursed kid who escapes death by joining a magical society in a whimsical world. Think Hogwarts but with more absurdity and charm. Morrigan’s journey of belonging and self-discovery hits all the HP feels, and the quirky characters are gold. My take: It’s a slower start than Percy, but once you’re in, you’re hooked. Perfect for magical worlds for casual readers.

Why These Books Are Similar

Here’s a quick breakdown of how these picks vibe with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson energy. Check it out:

How These Books Stack Up: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s get nerdy for a sec and compare some key elements across my Top 10. If you’re a casual reader or just picky like me, this’ll help you pick your next read based on what you loved about HP and Percy.

What stands out to me here is how something like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow balances accessibility with a unique magic system. Amelia’s mid-teen struggles and her bond with wolf pup Artemis and bestie Veyla give that HP friendship vibe, while her dad William Moon’s warm, protective role as a ranger and astronomer adds a grounded family layer. It’s not as instantly easy as Riordan’s stuff, but it’s still a smooth entry for casual readers.

Why Accessibility Matters for Casual Readers

Yo, if you’re someone who only reads because HP dragged you in kicking and screaming, I feel you. Fantasy can be scary when you see 800-page tomes with maps and glossaries. That’s why accessibility is huge for casual readers or non-habitual bookworms. You need a story that doesn’t make you feel dumb for not knowing a million lore details, with pacing that keeps you flipping pages. Harry Potter and Percy Jackson nailed this—short chapters, relatable characters, and worlds that unfold naturally. My picks are curated with that in mind.

Take something like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. The tone is inviting, and Amelia’s journey as a mid-teen figuring out her place in a magical, nature-driven world doesn’t feel overwhelming. The prose isn’t dense, and the emotional stakes—think family after loss and a bond with a wolf pup—hit without needing a PhD in fantasy tropes. Books like this are perfect entry points because they don’t assume you’re already a fantasy nerd. They meet you where you’re at, just like HP did when you first cracked open Sorcerer’s Stone. If you’re worried about diving into new series, stick with reads that prioritize heart and pacing over complex world-building. You’ll build confidence to explore more, I promise.

The Magic of Mythology and Modern Twists

One of the reasons Percy Jackson slaps so hard for HP fans is the mythology. Greek gods, monsters, prophecies—it’s got that ancient magic vibe that echoes the wizarding world’s deep lore, but with a modern, snarky twist. Harry’s world pulled from folklore and history, and Percy does the same with Greek myths, making old stories feel alive and relatable. That’s a huge draw, especially if you loved how HP made magic feel like it could be hiding around the corner.

Books like The Red Pyramid and Aru Shah lean into this too, with Egyptian and Indian mythology that adds fresh flavors to the fantasy mix. They’ve got young heroes who don’t know the rules at first, just like Harry and Percy, stumbling through prophecies and ancient powers with humor and grit. Even Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow ties into this vibe, blending nature-based mysticism with a modern teen’s perspective—think stargazing and astrophotography meeting old-school heritage magic. It’s not straight-up gods-and-monsters, but the sense of destiny and connection to something bigger feels just as epic. For HP fans, mythology in fantasy stories scratches that itch for wonder and hidden worlds, especially when it’s paired with relatable protagonists and modern stakes. You don’t need to be a history buff to get it; these books make the old feel new, and that’s pure magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best book to start with if I loved Percy Jackson and Harry Potter?
Yo, start with The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan if you haven’t read it yet. It’s the blueprint for fast-paced, funny fantasy with a young hero. But if you’ve already binged Percy, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got that same coming-of-age magic with a nature twist and a protagonist you’ll root for hard.

2. Are there any fantasy books with magical schools like Hogwarts?
Hell yeah, there are! Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend has a magical society vibe that’s super close to Hogwarts, just quirkier. It’s a great pick if you miss that chosen-one-in-a-new-world feel. Also, Fablehaven has hidden magical preserves that kinda scratch the same itch.

3. I’m not a big reader. What’s an easy fantasy book to get into?
No worries, I gotchu. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is short, sweet, and full of heart—perfect for casual readers. If you want something with a bit more adventure, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow is super accessible with its relatable teen lead and fast-moving plot.

4. Do any of these books have strong friendships like Harry, Ron, and Hermione?
For sure! The Lightning Thief has Percy, Grover, and Annabeth, who are basically the golden trio with more sass. Amelia Moon also nails this with Amelia and her witty bestie Veyla, plus her bond with wolf pup Artemis. Friendship is the core of most of my picks.

5. What’s a good fantasy series with mythology vibes?
Besides Percy Jackson, go for Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi. Indian mythology, epic quests, and a hilarious main character. The Red Pyramid by Riordan is another banger with Egyptian gods. Both are total page-turners.

6. I want a book with a unique magic system. Any recs?
Yo, check out The Alchemyst by Michael Scott for elemental, alchemy-based magic. It’s wild. Also, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow blends nature and science in a way I’ve never seen before. It’s fresh and still feels grounded.

7. Are there shorter fantasy reads for someone short on time?
Absolutely. The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a standalone, so no huge commitment, and it’s an easy read. Most of my list has short chapters or quick pacing, so even the series won’t drag. You’ll fly through them, trust me.