There’s a certain magic to discovering a book that makes you feel like you’re stepping into an entirely new world—one where adventure is waiting, friendships are forged in the face of danger, and an ordinary kid realizes they are part of something far greater than themselves. Harry Potter gave readers that experience, and Percy Jackson & The Olympians delivers it in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. While it trades wizardry for mythology, Percy Jackson captures the same spirit of excitement, humor, and high-stakes adventure that made Harry Potter such a phenomenon.
One of the things that made Harry Potter such a relatable character was that he wasn’t perfect. He wasn’t the smartest like Hermione or the most naturally gifted like Voldemort—he was just a boy trying to figure things out as he went. Percy Jackson is cut from the same cloth. He’s a kid with real struggles, from his difficulties in school to feeling like an outsider in his own life. When he discovers that he is a demigod—the son of Poseidon—his journey doesn’t suddenly become easy. Instead, it becomes even more complicated as he’s thrust into a world of ancient gods, dangerous monsters, and a prophecy that could decide the fate of Olympus itself.
Percy, like Harry, isn’t immediately the strongest or the most powerful. He has to train, fail, and grow into the hero he eventually becomes. This progression makes both stories feel incredibly rewarding because readers get to watch these characters struggle, learn, and evolve.
One of the most compelling aspects of Harry Potter is the way the magical world is hidden within the ordinary one. Diagon Alley, Platform 9¾, and the Ministry of Magic exist in plain sight, yet remain unnoticed by everyday people. Percy Jackson takes this same concept and applies it to Greek mythology. The gods of Olympus are alive and well, but instead of Mount Olympus being in Greece, it now exists atop the Empire State Building. The Underworld can be found in Los Angeles, and monsters lurk in plain sight, cleverly disguised to avoid detection.
This blending of ancient myths with the modern world gives Percy Jackson the same sense of wonder as Harry Potter. It makes you question what might be hidden around you, what secret doorways or ancient legends might still hold truth. The result is a world that feels just as immersive and exciting as Hogwarts—one that is always expanding, always hiding another mystery just around the corner.
Friendship is at the heart of Harry Potter, with Harry, Ron, and Hermione forming an unbreakable bond that carries them through every challenge. Percy Jackson has its own trio of unforgettable characters: Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. Their dynamic is just as engaging, with Percy’s humor and bravery, Annabeth’s intelligence and strategy, and Grover’s loyalty and comic relief making for a well-balanced team. Their relationships grow and evolve over the course of the series, reinforcing the same themes of trust, sacrifice, and friendship that made Harry Potter so powerful.
Friendship is at the heart of Harry Potter. No matter how powerful Harry is, he wouldn’t have survived without Ron and Hermione by his side. Percy Jackson follows the same principle, creating a trio that is just as iconic. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover each bring something unique to the group—Percy with his loyalty and bravery, Annabeth with her intelligence and strategic mind, and Grover with his humor and unwavering support.
Their bond is tested repeatedly throughout the series, as they battle monsters, face prophecies, and even clash with gods, yet they always come back to one another. Just as Harry Potter emphasized that love and friendship are more powerful than any magic, Percy Jackson reminds us that the strongest heroes are the ones who don’t fight alone.
One of the reasons Harry Potter is so beloved is that it balances light and dark perfectly. There are moments of deep sorrow and loss, but there’s also laughter, pranks, and the comforting chaos of the Weasley twins. Percy Jackson excels at this balance as well.
Percy’s narration is full of sarcasm, self-deprecating humor, and quick wit, making even the most dangerous situations feel fun and engaging. However, just like Harry Potter, the series knows when to get serious. As the books progress, the stakes get higher, the battles become more intense, and the consequences of failure feel real. Percy, like Harry, doesn’t emerge from his adventures unscathed—he suffers loss, betrayal, and moments of doubt, making his victories all the more meaningful.
A key element of Harry Potter is the prophecy that ties Harry and Voldemort together, shaping their destinies in ways neither fully understands until the end. Percy Jackson introduces a similar concept with the Great Prophecy, a mysterious prediction that hints at a demigod who will either save or destroy Olympus.
Just like Harry, Percy struggles with the weight of this prophecy. He doesn’t want to be the hero, he doesn’t want to be at the center of a war between gods, but he doesn’t have a choice. The idea that fate and free will are constantly at odds gives Percy Jackson a depth that goes beyond a simple adventure story. It asks the same questions Harry Potter does—do we control our own destiny, or are we simply following a path set for us?
One of the reasons Harry Potter is so enduring is that it evolves with its audience. The early books are lighter, more focused on wonder and fun, but as the series progresses, it becomes darker, more complex, and deeply emotional. Percy Jackson follows a similar path. The first book, The Lightning Thief, is full of humor and lighthearted adventure, but by the time readers reach The Last Olympian, they’re facing a full-scale war among the gods, heartbreaking losses, and moral dilemmas that aren’t easily answered.
This natural progression makes both series perfect for young readers who want a story that will grow with them. Percy, like Harry, doesn’t remain a wide-eyed kid forever—he becomes a warrior, a leader, and someone who understands the cost of being a hero.
It’s rare to find a series that truly captures the feeling of stepping into a world that feels alive with possibility, danger, and excitement. Percy Jackson does exactly that. It gives readers a world that exists right alongside their own, filled with hidden magic, ancient prophecies, and friendships that stand the test of time.
For fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson is the perfect next adventure. It has the humor, heart, and heroism that made Hogwarts feel like home, while introducing a fresh, mythology-infused world that feels just as immersive. Whether you’re drawn to the epic quests, the powerful friendships, or the idea of an ordinary kid realizing they are destined for something extraordinary, Percy Jackson & The Olympians is a journey that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.