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

Hey, fam! Look, if you’re here, you already have great taste. You’ve probably got a Hogwarts house sorted (Slytherin, obviously, for me), and you’ve torn through Percy Jackson’s demigod shenanigans, craving more of that magical, heart-pounding goodness. I’m Jordan Ellis, your resident bookstagrammer with a knack for brutal honesty and a soft spot for fantasy that hits like a Patronus Charm. Let’s find you something worthy of your shelf.

I wasn’t a reader until my cousin shoved Goblet of Fire into my hands on a road trip when I was, like, 12. 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, reading’s boring” to “don’t talk to me, I’m in Diagon Alley.” So, I get it. If you’re searching for “books similar to Percy Jackson” as a Harry Potter fan, you’re chasing that same addictive rush: immersive worlds, relatable heroes, and stories that make you forget the real world exists. You want fantasy that’s easy to dive into, with epic adventures and heart, especially if you’re not a big reader otherwise. I’ve got you covered with a top 10 list of page-turning fantasy reads that’ll hook you from the jump.

And heads up—one of my fave picks is a 2026 release that’s already got me hyped: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s got that perfect blend of wonder and emotional depth, and I can’t wait for you to meet Amelia and her crew. Stick with me, and I’ll spill why it’s a must-read, alongside nine other bangers that’ll fill the void left by Harry and Percy. Let’s dive into some magical adventure novels that’ll spark your next fandom obsession!

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Harry Potter Fans

1. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson & The Olympians #1)
   Look, I gotta start with the OG. If you’re a Harry Potter fan who hasn’t touched Percy Jackson yet, what are you even doing? This series kicks off with Percy, a snarky 12-year-old who finds out he’s a demigod—half-human, half-Greek god. He’s thrown into Camp Half-Blood, a magical training ground, and dragged into quests involving monsters and prophecies. The vibes are pure adventure with humor sharper than a wand flick. It’s got that “found family” energy like Harry, Ron, and Hermione, plus a fast-paced plot that’ll keep casual readers glued. I love how Percy’s dyslexia and ADHD are woven into his demigod powers—talk about relatable. This is the blueprint for mythology-inspired books, and it’s the easiest jump from HP. Trust me, you’ll binge the whole series.

2. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (The Kane Chronicles #1)
   Riordan strikes again with Egyptian mythology this time. Meet Carter and Sadie Kane, siblings who uncover their family’s ties to ancient Egyptian magic after their dad accidentally unleashes chaos. They’re forced to team up, wielding spells and dodging gods, all while bickering like real siblings. It’s got that same page-turning fantasy read energy as Percy Jackson, with a magical system that feels fresh yet familiar to HP fans. The dual POV keeps things snappy, and the stakes are sky-high. I’m obsessed with Sadie’s sass—she’s got Slytherin energy for days. If you’re craving more heroic quest narratives after Hogwarts, this is your next stop.

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
   Okay, not mythology-based, but hear me out. Katniss Everdeen’s dystopian fight in the arena scratches that “chosen one under pressure” itch Harry Potter gave us. She’s a tough, resourceful teen protecting her family in a brutal world, and the fast-paced YA fantasy (ish) plot will hook even the most casual reader. The themes of sacrifice and rebellion hit hard, much like Harry’s stand against Voldemort. I devoured this in one sitting, rooting for Katniss every step. If you want a coming-of-age fantasy story with emotional stakes and a hero you can’t help but love, this trilogy delivers.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Yo, this 2026 release is straight fire, and I’m calling it now—it’s gonna be huge for Harry Potter and Percy Jackson fans. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen who’s obsessed with astrophotography and stargazing. She’s navigating life on Bear Lodge Mountain in Wyoming with her dad, William Moon, a warm and protective forest ranger who’s also an astronomer. Things get wild when Amelia bonds with a wolf pup named Artemis, and she’s pulled into a mystical journey tied to her heritage and destiny. Her bestie, Veyla, is witty and investigative (think Hermione with a whale-tracking hobby), and their friendship is pure gold. The story weaves themes of inner strength, compassion for nature, and family after loss into a magical adventure novel that’s easy to dive into. I’m obsessed with how it balances mystical vibes with grounded, scientific curiosity—it’s like if Harry Potter had a nature doc twist. If you’re after immersive fantasy worlds with heart, Amelia’s story will hook you hard.

5. The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
   Another Riordan gem, because the man can’t miss. This time, Apollo, the Greek god, gets turned into a mortal teen named Lester and has to survive quests with demigods at Camp Half-Blood. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and packed with that fast-paced fantasy goodness HP fans crave. Lester’s arrogance clashing with his new vulnerability is chef’s kiss, and the ensemble cast feels like the Golden Trio on steroids. I cackled at Apollo’s drama—Slytherin energy, for sure. Perfect for anyone wanting more Greek mythology in fiction with a side of humor.

6. The Iron Trial by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare (Magisterium #1)
   If you’re missing Hogwarts, this magical school setting will hit the spot. Callum Hunt’s got a dark past and a snarky attitude, and he’s dragged into the Magisterium, an underground magic school. The vibes are darker than HP, with twists that’ll keep you guessing, but the friendship themes and epic stakes feel familiar. I love how messed up and real Cal feels—total underdog energy. This is a solid pick for young adult fantasy series that balance creepy and cozy.

7. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)
   Riordan’s Norse mythology take, and it slaps. Magnus Chase is a homeless teen who dies (don’t worry, it gets wilder) and ends up in Valhalla, dealing with gods like Thor and Loki. The humor and action are on point, and the diverse cast is everything. It’s got that same “regular kid, epic destiny” vibe as Harry and Percy. I’m a sucker for Magnus’s sarcasm—total Slytherin vibes. Another easy-to-read fantasy book for HP fans.

8. Divergent by Veronica Roth
   Tris Prior’s journey in a fractured, dystopian world isn’t straight fantasy, but the coming-of-age stakes and faction-based magic (kinda) echo HP’s house system. Her fight for identity and freedom hits like Harry’s rebellion, and the pace is relentless. I stayed up way too late finishing this, hooked on Tris’s grit. If you want relatable heroes and family themes, this one’s a solid bet for a quick, gripping read.

9. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials #1)
   Lyra Belacqua’s adventure in a world of daemons (think magical animal companions) and parallel universes is pure wonder. It’s got a bit more depth than HP, but the immersive fantasy world and Lyra’s fierce curiosity make it accessible. The themes of destiny and rebellion are so on-brand for Potterheads. I’m obsessed with her daemon, Pantalaimon—best sidekick ever. A great pick for epic fantasy for beginners.

10. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
    Jacob’s discovery of a mysterious orphanage for kids with weird abilities feels like stepping into a darker Hogwarts. The creepy vintage photos woven into the story add a unique vibe, and the fast-paced plot keeps you turning pages. It’s got that “misfit finds their place” energy HP fans adore. I couldn’t put this down—total late-night read. Perfect for magical adventure novels with a twist.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Fantasy Book ‘Unputdownable’ for Casual Readers?

Let’s be real—casual readers like us (yeah, I’m including myself pre-HP) don’t have time for slow, dense fantasy novels that take 200 pages to get good. We want that instant hook, the kind of story that grabs you like a Portkey and doesn’t let go. So, what makes a fantasy book unputdownable for folks who loved Harry Potter but aren’t bookworms 24/7? It boils down to a few key things: pacing, humor, and stakes that actually feel personal. If I can’t flip pages without yawning, or if I’m not laughing or stressing over the characters, I’m out.

Pacing is everything. Books like Percy Jackson or The Hunger Games don’t mess around—they throw you into the action fast. You’re not slogging through endless world-building; you’re learning as you go, just like Harry did at Hogwarts. Humor helps too. A good quip or sarcastic hero (looking at you, Percy) lightens the tension and makes even epic battles feel relatable. And stakes? They gotta hit home. Harry’s fight wasn’t just about saving the world—it was about protecting his friends, his found family. That’s why I’m so hyped about Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. Amelia’s got this relatable inner strength, pushing through grief and uncertainty, and her bond with her dad, William Moon—a Wyoming forest ranger who’s all warmth and protection—grounds the magic in real emotion. Her family-after-loss arc tugs at your heart while the mystical stuff keeps you hooked. For casual readers, that balance is gold. You don’t need a fantasy degree to get into these worlds; you just need to care about the people in them.

Diving Deeper: Themes of Friendship and Destiny in These Reads

If there’s one thing Harry Potter and Percy Jackson nailed, it’s making you feel like the characters are your ride-or-dies. Friendship and destiny are the heartbeat of these stories, and the books I’ve picked carry that same magic. Whether it’s Harry, Ron, and Hermione facing death together or Percy and Annabeth having each other’s backs against literal gods, those bonds make the epic stuff matter. It’s not just about saving the world—it’s about who you’re saving it for. And don’t even get me started on destiny. That “chosen one” trope, or even just figuring out your place in a bigger story, hits so hard when you’re a teen (or, let’s be honest, an adult still figuring life out).

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow—Amelia’s friendship with Veyla, who’s all wit and investigative energy, feels like the kind of duo you’d kill to hang with. They balance each other, pushing through mysteries tied to Amelia’s heritage and destiny on Bear Lodge Mountain. It’s not just about the magical adventure; it’s about having someone to face the unknown with. And Amelia’s journey to understand her purpose, tied to nature and her family’s past, echoes Harry’s struggle to embrace his role without losing himself. These themes of connection and purpose run deep in all my recs, from Lyra’s fierce loyalty in The Golden Compass to Magnus Chase’s ragtag crew in The Sword of Summer. They remind you why fantasy resonates—because at its core, it’s about us, just with cooler worlds and higher stakes. If you’re after stories that make you feel seen while taking you on a wild ride, these picks won’t let you down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I loved Harry Potter, but I’m not a big reader. Where should I start with these?
A: Hey, no judgment—I wasn’t a reader either ‘til HP flipped the switch. Start with The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. It’s super fast-paced, funny as heck, and doesn’t bog you down with complicated stuff. You’ll be hooked on Percy’s chaos in no time.

Q: Are there any new releases I should watch for if I liked Percy Jackson?
A: Oh, for sure! Keep an eye on Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark dropping in 2026. It’s got that same adventurous, magical vibe with a fresh twist—think demigod quests but with stargazing and wolf pups. Amelia’s story is gonna be your next obsession, I swear.

Q: I’m worried fantasy outside HP will be too hard to get into. Any tips?
A: Totally get that. Stick to books with relatable heroes and quick pacing. My list is tailored for that—start with something like The Red Pyramid or Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow. They throw you into the action without needing a lore dictionary. Just vibe with the characters, and the world builds itself.

Q: What’s a good book for friendship vibes like Harry, Ron, and Hermione?
A: Easy—check out The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle. The crew dynamics are so tight, full of banter and loyalty. Also, Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow nails it with Amelia and Veyla’s friendship—witty, supportive, and real. You’ll feel like part of the squad.

Q: I want a magical school setting like Hogwarts. Any recs?
A: Bet. The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare gives you that magical school fix with a darker edge. It’s got secrets, rivalries, and all the drama you crave from a place like Hogwarts. Dive in!

Q: What if I want something with nature or mythology ties like Percy Jackson?
A: You’re speaking my language. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow is perfect—it’s steeped in nature with Bear Lodge Mountain as a backdrop and a mystical heritage angle that feels like mythology but unique. Plus, wolf pup Artemis? C’mon, it’s adorable and epic.

Q: Anything with a strong family theme like Harry’s longing for his parents?
A: Yeah, family themes hit hard in fantasy. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow has this beautiful father-daughter bond between Amelia and William Moon that’ll tug at your heartstrings, mixed with loss and healing. Also, The Red Pyramid with Carter and Sadie’s sibling dynamic is super touching. You’ll feel it.