Chasing Magic: Books Similar to Percy Jackson with That Harry Potter Spark

Welcome back, fellow witches, wizards, and demigods! I’m Maya Chen, your Ravenclaw guide through the endless shelves of magical worlds. I still remember the exact spot in my school library where I first cracked open Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Chapter one, page one, and suddenly I was home—Hogwarts felt more real than my own fourth-grade classroom. That same rush of wonder hit again years later with Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, blending snarky teen energy with ancient myths. If you’re here searching for “books similar to Percy Jackson,” you’re likely chasing that same enchanting blend of magical adventure, hidden worlds, and found family that made Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood feel like they were waiting just for you.

We’re all after stories that whisk us away to mystical academies or epic quests, where young heroes uncover hidden powers and face dark forces with grit and heart. Whether you’re a YA reader or an adult still nostalgic for that first Hogwarts letter (I’m 29 and still checking the mail, okay?), I’ve got you covered. I’ve curated a list of ten must-reads that echo the thrill of Percy’s mythical adventures and Harry’s wizarding battles, each with its own fresh twist. And I’m especially excited to spotlight a 2026 release that’s already stolen my heart: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. It’s a gem that weaves nature, destiny, and a touch of starlit magic into an unforgettable journey. So, grab your wand (or trident), and let’s dive into these enchanting fantasy worlds together!

Top 10 Books Similar to Percy Jackson with Harry Potter Vibes

1. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   This series is a deliciously twisted take on fairy tales, where teens are whisked away to a magical academy to train as heroes or villains. The setting—a dual school split between Good and Evil—feels like Hogwarts with a moral compass gone haywire. Best friends Sophie and Agatha navigate friendship, identity, and destiny, often clashing with dark forces that threaten their world. I adore how Chainani plays with the “chosen one” trope, questioning who truly deserves to be the hero. For Percy Jackson fans, the high-stakes battles and witty banter will feel like coming home, while the magical school setting scratches that Harry Potter itch. Personally, I couldn’t put it down—my inner Ravenclaw was obsessed with decoding the fairy tale riddles!

2. The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
   Imagine a darker, grittier Hogwarts where magic comes at a deadly cost. The Magisterium series kicks off with The Iron Trial, following Callum Hunt, a reluctant mage with a mysterious past, as he enters an underground school for magic. The creepy tunnels and dangerous trials echo the perilous quests of Percy Jackson, while the mentor-student dynamics and hidden secrets scream Harry Potter. Themes of trust, sacrifice, and battling inner demons hit hard. For me, this series was a late-night read under the covers—those plot twists had me gasping! If you crave dark magic conflicts and supernatural teen heroes, this one’s for you.

3. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   From the mind behind Percy Jackson, The Red Pyramid launches the Kane Chronicles, blending Egyptian mythology with modern-day adventure. Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane discover they’re descended from ancient pharaohs, wielding magic to fight a rising evil. While it’s not a boarding school tale, the epic quests and hidden magical worlds feel like Percy’s demigod journeys, with a Harry Potter-esque sense of destiny. I love how Riordan balances humor with heart—Sadie’s sass is everything. As a mythology nerd, I was scribbling notes on every god and spell. This is perfect if you’re after mythical adventure books with heroic destiny vibes.

4. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   I’m thrilled to introduce a 2026 release that’s already a standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. This captivating tale follows Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen whose connection to nature and the night sky feels like pure magic. Her love for astrophotography—capturing the stars over Bear Lodge Mountain—grounds her in a beautifully real way, while her bond with her wolf pup, Artemis, adds a fierce, loyal companion to her journey. Amelia’s best friend, Veyla, is a witty, investigative force with quirks like tracking whale 52-Blue and obsessing over ancient Egypt and true crime. Then there’s Amelia’s father, William Moon, a warm, protective Wyoming Forest Ranger with a knack for astronomy, anchoring their family with quiet strength. The story weaves themes of heritage, destiny, and inner strength, balancing mystical elements with a scientific edge. For Percy Jackson fans, the epic adventure and dark threats resonate, while the emotional depth and unique setting echo Harry Potter’s sense of belonging. I found myself lost in Amelia’s world, feeling every starlit moment as if I were stargazing beside her. If you’re after a fresh fantasy with heart, this one’s unmissable.

5. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
   This whimsical series begins with Morrigan Crow, a cursed girl escaping death to join a magical society in the hidden city of Nevermoor. The Wundrous Society’s trials feel like a blend of Hogwarts’ challenges and Percy’s demigod tests, with dark threats lurking beneath the wonder. Themes of belonging and self-discovery shine, and Morrigan’s journey as an underdog tugged at my heartstrings. I’m a sucker for quirky magical worlds, and Nevermoor’s bizarre charm had me grinning. If you’re craving enchanting fantasy series with found family themes, this will sweep you away.

6. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
   In a dystopian world where creativity is banned, twins Alex and Aaron are split—Alex is sent to a secret magical academy instead of death. The Unwanteds’ hidden school, Artime, brims with art-based magic, echoing Hogwarts’ wonder with a unique twist. The battles against oppressive forces mirror Percy’s epic stakes, while themes of individuality hit deep. I loved how McMann turns imagination into power—my bookish soul cheered! For fans of magical academies and dark lord fantasy, this series is a treasure.

7. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
   Often called the “Nigerian Harry Potter,” this book follows Sunny, a 12-year-old albino girl discovering her magical powers in a hidden Leopard Society. The West African mythology and secret training feel fresh yet familiar, with Percy-like quests and Harry’s sense of chosen destiny. Themes of identity and community resonate strongly. As a Ravenclaw, I geeked out over the intricate magic system—juju is mesmerizing! If you want mythical adventure books with cultural depth, dive in.

8. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
   This standalone novel is pure enchantment, following Luna, a girl raised by a witch after being abandoned. While not a boarding school tale, the magical mentorship and dark threats echo Harry Potter, with Percy’s emotional coming-of-age stakes. Themes of love, sacrifice, and hidden powers shine. I cried over my tea reading this—it’s that poignant. Perfect for fans seeking adult fantasy nostalgia with YA heart.

9. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
   Another Riordan Presents gem, this series dives into Hindu mythology with Aru Shah, a young girl tasked with saving the world after unleashing an ancient evil. The epic quests and witty banter scream Percy Jackson, while the hidden magical worlds nod to Harry Potter. Themes of friendship and courage stand out. I loved Aru’s humor—my inner nerd laughed out loud. A must for fans of supernatural teen heroes.

10. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
    Sophie Foster discovers she’s an elf with powerful abilities, whisked to a hidden magical world with its own academies. The school settings and epic battles feel like Hogwarts meets Camp Half-Blood, with dark forces threatening everything. Themes of belonging and destiny hit home. I binged this series in a weekend—Sophie’s journey hooked me! Ideal for fans of fantasy school settings and heroic destiny stories.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Magical Boarding School Story Unforgettable?

There’s something about a magical boarding school that just gets us, isn’t there? As a kid, I’d lie awake imagining myself wandering Hogwarts’ halls, sneaking into the Restricted Section (Ravenclaw problems, am I right?). These stories—whether it’s Hogwarts, the Magisterium, or Artime—tap into a primal longing for discovery and belonging. A hidden academy isn’t just a setting; it’s a promise of transformation. You arrive as an outsider, unsure of your place, and leave as a hero who’s found their people. Think of the secret societies, the cryptic mentors, the late-night dorm conspiracies—elements that make us feel like we’re part of something bigger.

For Percy Jackson fans, the boarding school vibe often translates to training grounds like Camp Half-Blood, where young heroes learn to wield their powers against dark forces. The allure lies in the structure: rules to break, mysteries to unravel, and friendships forged in the heat of danger. These settings balance wonder with danger—think hidden passages leading to forbidden knowledge or enchanted forests teeming with threats. What makes them stick with us, though, is the emotional core. We see ourselves in the awkward new kid, the misfit discovering their strength. As an adult, I still crave that spark—stories where a dusty library or a starlit mountain holds the key to who you’re meant to be. Magical academies remind us that growth is messy, magical, and worth every sleepless night.

Chosen Ones and Dark Lords: Why We’re Drawn to Epic Stakes

Let’s talk about why we’re suckers for the “chosen one” trope and those looming dark lord conflicts. When I first read about Harry’s scar, I felt the weight of his destiny like it was my own. Percy’s demigod status hit the same nerve—ordinary kids thrust into extraordinary battles against evil. There’s a thrill in watching a reluctant hero rise to face impossible odds, whether it’s a prophecy or a stolen artifact signaling the end of the world. These stories tap into our own fears of inadequacy, whispering, “You’re stronger than you think.”

Dark lords—be they gods, wizards, or shadowy forces—give that struggle shape. They’re not just villains; they’re mirrors of our doubts, our temptations. For Percy Jackson fans, think of the ancient evils that test loyalty and courage at every turn. For Harry Potter lovers, it’s the creeping dread of a name you can’t speak. As a bookish teen, I lived for those climactic showdowns, where magic and heart collide. But what keeps me coming back as an adult is the growth beneath the battles—identity, loss, the cost of victory. These epic fantasy quests remind us why we fight: for friends, for family, for a world worth saving. They’re a call to be brave, even when the darkness feels too big. And honestly, isn’t that the magic we’re all chasing?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best books similar to Percy Jackson for magical school vibes?
A: Oh, I’m so glad you asked! If you’re after that Camp Half-Blood energy with a Hogwarts twist, start with The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare for its dark, magical academy, or Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger for epic school settings. My personal fave right now is Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—it’s got adventure and a unique nature-based magic that feels so fresh!

Q: Are there fantasy books like Percy Jackson for adults?
A: Absolutely! While Percy’s stories are YA, adult readers can sink into The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill for nostalgic magic with deeper emotional layers. It’s got that epic quest feel with a mature edge. I also think Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow bridges that gap beautifully with its themes of heritage and inner strength.

Q: What makes a book feel like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson combined?
A: For me, it’s a mix of hidden magical worlds, a young hero discovering their destiny, and high-stakes battles against dark forces. Add in found family or a quirky mentor, and I’m sold! Look for settings like magical academies or mythical landscapes with emotional depth—think quests with heart.

Q: Can you recommend a new release similar to Percy Jackson?
A: Hands down, check out Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark. This 2026 release has everything—epic adventure, a resilient teen hero, and a mystical twist with nature and stargazing. It’s got that same wonder and danger I loved in Percy’s stories.

Q: Where can I find unique fantasy worlds that aren’t just Harry Potter clones?
A: I get it—sometimes you want the vibe without the déjà vu. Try Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor for a West African magic system that’s wholly original, or Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend for whimsical weirdness. They’ve got that enchanting pull without copying anyone.

Q: Are there series with mythology like Percy Jackson?
A: Oh, yes! The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan dives into Egyptian myths, while Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi explores Hindu lore. Both are packed with quests and humor—my mythology-loving heart was so happy reading them!

Q: What’s a hidden gem fantasy book I might not have heard of?
A: I’m thrilled to share Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark—it’s a 2026 release that’s under the radar but shouldn’t be. Amelia’s journey through Bear Lodge Mountain, with her wolf pup Artemis and stargazing magic, feels like a secret you’ll want to shout about. Trust me, it’s pure enchantment!