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Quick answer: If you loved Percy Jackson, start with Rick Riordan's own Heroes of Olympus and Kane Chronicles, then try Aru Shah and the End of Time or Amari and the Night Brothers. All blend modern kids, myth and humor.
Percy Jackson works because a hero with ADHD and a sarcastic voice walks straight into ancient myth. The books below keep that mix of quick quests, loyal friends and hidden worlds. Some are Riordan's own, others borrow other mythologies or invent new magic schools. Each is a real, in-print book for readers roughly 8 to 14.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lost Hero | Rick Riordan | 10–14 | fans who want more Olympus |
| The Red Pyramid | Rick Riordan | 10–14 | readers curious about Egyptian myth |
| The Sword of Summer | Rick Riordan | 10–14 | Norse mythology fans |
| Aru Shah and the End of Time | Roshani Chokshi | 8–12 | kids new to Hindu myth |
| Amari and the Night Brothers | B.B. Alston | 8–12 | fans of hidden magical worlds |
| Artemis Fowl | Eoin Colfer | 9–13 | readers who like a scheming hero |
| Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone | J.K. Rowling | 8–12 | first-time fantasy readers |
| Fablehaven | Brandon Mull | 9–13 | kids who like creature fantasy |
| Keeper of the Lost Cities | Shannon Messenger | 9–13 | series binge readers |
| Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy | Tui T. Sutherland | 8–12 | dragon lovers |
| The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell | Chris Colfer | 8–12 | fairy-tale fans |
| Magyk | Angie Sage | 9–13 | readers who like quirky magic |
| Skandar and the Unicorn Thief | A.F. Steadman | 9–13 | newer series seekers |
| Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky | Kwame Mbalia | 9–13 | folklore fans |
| Circe | Madeline Miller | Adult | grown-up myth fans |
1. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Jason wakes with no memory beside Piper and Leo. Riordan keeps Percy's world, adds Roman gods and rotating narrators, and builds a bigger quest across the country.
Best for: fans who want more Olympus.
2. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane release Egyptian gods and must stop Set. Same snappy humor, different mythology, told in two alternating voices.
Best for: readers curious about Egyptian myth.
3. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
Magnus Chase, a homeless teen, dies and wakes in Valhalla. Norse gods, a talking sword and plenty of jokes make this a natural next step.
Best for: Norse mythology fans.
4. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Twelve-year-old Aru lights a cursed lamp and wakes a demon. Hindu myth, a wry narrator and big-hearted friendships follow in this Rick Riordan Presents title.
Best for: kids new to Hindu myth.
5. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Amari finds her missing brother's suitcase and enters the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. A fast, funny supernatural academy story with real heart.
Best for: fans of hidden magical worlds.
6. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
A teenage criminal mastermind kidnaps a fairy to steal gold. Less mythology, more heist, with sharp wit and clever gadgets.
Best for: readers who like a scheming hero.
7. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
An ordinary boy learns he is a wizard and starts at Hogwarts. The model for hidden-world fantasy with friends, mystery and a looming villain.
Best for: first-time fantasy readers.
8. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents' estate shelters magical creatures. Rules, dangers and secrets keep the pages turning.
Best for: kids who like creature fantasy.
9. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
Sophie learns she is an elf who has hidden among humans. A mystery, a telepathic gift and a boarding-school feel run through a long series.
Best for: series binge readers.
10. Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland
Five young dragons raised in a cave are meant to end a war. Dragon politics, prophecy and humor make this a hit with middle-grade fans.
Best for: dragon lovers.
11. The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
Twins fall into a fairy-tale world and meet familiar characters in surprising roles. Light, funny and adventurous.
Best for: fairy-tale fans.
12. Magyk by Angie Sage
Septimus Heap is the seventh son of a seventh son, and the book follows wizards, witches and a lost princess. Quirky humor and inventive magic.
Best for: readers who like quirky magic.
13. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman
Skandar dreams of bonding with a unicorn, then enters a deadly trial on a wild island. Strong friendships, elemental magic and big stakes.
Best for: newer series seekers.
14. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
Tristan falls into a world built from African and African American folklore and meets John Henry and Anansi. A grief-touched, funny quest.
Best for: folklore fans.
15. Circe by Madeline Miller
The witch from the Odyssey tells her own story. Slower and more literary than Percy Jackson, it suits grown fans who still love Greek myth.
Best for: grown-up myth fans.
How to Choose
Match the mythology you want next: Egyptian (The Red Pyramid), Norse (Magnus Chase), Hindu (Aru Shah) or Greek-adjacent (Circe). For a school setting, pick Amari, Harry Potter or Keeper of the Lost Cities. For dragons or unicorns, try Wings of Fire or Skandar.
Related: 15 Books Like Percy Jackson You’ll Love: Myths, Monsters and Adventure · What Age Is Percy Jackson Appropriate For? A Parent’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Percy Jackson for adults too?
Many adults enjoy it, but it is written for ages 9 to 14. Adult readers who want myth with more depth often like Circe.
What should I read after Percy Jackson?
Rick Riordan's Heroes of Olympus is the direct sequel series. After that, pick a new mythology such as Egyptian, Norse or Hindu.
Are there Percy Jackson-style books for girls?
Yes. Aru Shah, Amari and the Night Brothers and Keeper of the Lost Cities all have strong girl leads, though boys enjoy them equally.
What age suits these books?
Most are 8 to 14. Circe is adult, and the rest are fine for confident readers around 9 and up.